'Hallmark Of A True Champion': Sachin Tendulkar Lauds Carlos Alcaraz's Tenacity At Wimbledon

Last Updated:July 12, 2025, 16:47 IST

Sachin Tendulkar praised Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2025, admiring his energy and mental toughness. Tendulkar respects Alcaraz's champion mindset.

Sachin Tendulkar and Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon (Credit: X)

It takes one to know one. Well, there’s none greater than the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, who shared his admiration and respect for yet another upcoming great in the tennis world: Carlos Alcaraz.

The Indian cricket legend was among the notable figures spotted at the All England Club on Friday, taking in the electrifying action during the Wimbledon 2025 men’s singles semifinals.

A dramatic day at Centre Court saw two contrasting matches. In the first semifinal, Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz battled fiercely in a four-set thriller, with the Spaniard prevailing 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6).

The excitement continued, but with a different tone, as World No. 1 Jannik Sinner delivered a clinical straight-sets win over Novak Djokovic to book his place in the final — a rematch with Alcaraz, just a month after their epic Roland Garros showdown.

Speaking to JioCinema during his visit to Wimbledon, Tendulkar shared insights into his admiration for tennis greats — past and present — and a bit of childhood nostalgia.

“I grew up admiring John McEnroe," he said. “I remember all my friends supported Bjorn Borg, but for some reason, I always backed McEnroe. I even wore a headband like him, hoping people would call me McEnroe while I walked around with my friends."

As the years went by, his preferences evolved. “In more recent years, it has to be Roger Federer. I’ve enjoyed watching Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic — all of them — but somehow, Roger takes the cake."

Alcaraz Stands Out Among Today’s Stars

Among today’s rising stars, Tendulkar singled out Carlos Alcaraz as someone who truly impresses him.

“Carlos Alcaraz really stands out — his energy is infectious. I love the spring in his legs, his attitude, and especially the mental toughness he showed at the French Open. That never-give-up mindset is the hallmark of a true champion," Tendulkar said. “Not all tennis players become champions, but the preparation and rigour they go through — I have huge respect for that."

(with IANS inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

Read More

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