London: Wimbledon 2025 saw the presence of cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar, who graced the event and shared his reflections on the tournament, its legacy, and his deep admiration for tennis.
Speaking exclusively to Star Sports, Tendulkar likened the iconic status of Wimbledon in tennis to that of Lord’s in cricket. “It feels magical to be here,” he said. “For me, Wimbledon has always been the pinnacle of tennis—much like how we look at Lord’s in cricket. Ever since I was a kid, this tournament stood out from the rest. It was Wimbledon first, and everything else came after.”
The cricket maestro spoke fondly of the unique charm Wimbledon carries, especially the legendary Royal Box. “The experience here goes beyond just tennis matches. From the fashion to the famous faces—film stars, footballers, athletes—you’re constantly meeting interesting people. And for someone like me, who believes learning never ends, every trip here teaches me something new,” he said.
When asked about his tennis heroes, Tendulkar revealed a childhood memory. “I always supported John McEnroe while my friends were cheering for Björn Borg. I even wore a headband like McEnroe and hoped people would call me by his name,” he laughed. Over the years, however, his admiration shifted toward Roger Federer. “Roger is something else. I respect Nadal and Djokovic deeply, but Federer’s elegance and attitude win me over. Among the new generation, Carlos Alcaraz stands out. His energy, resilience, and hunger remind me of what it takes to be a true champion.”
Drawing parallels between tennis and cricket, Tendulkar emphasized the importance of footwork and game sense. “Whether you’re at the crease or on a tennis court, it’s about balance, awareness, and movement. Quick turns, explosive sprints, anticipating your opponent—that’s what makes a difference in both sports,” he explained.
He also revealed his go-to tennis partner: “Yuvraj Singh and I once played doubles against some of our 2003 World Cup teammates—and we won! So I’d gladly pick Yuvi again without a second thought.”
And if he had to select a tennis player for his cricket XI? “Roger Federer would be a natural pick. His mother’s South African roots connect him with cricket. Plus, Indian tennis stars like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, and Sania Mirza have made us proud at Wimbledon—what they’ve done for the sport in our country is phenomenal.”
For Tendulkar, Wimbledon isn’t just a tennis tournament—it’s an emotion, a memory, and a tradition that connects generations. As the 2025 edition continues to dazzle, his presence only added to its timeless allure.
