ESPN Wimbledon Audience Spikes for QF and SF

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ESPN reports its Wimbleson quarterfinals and semifinals most viewed in six years.Amanda Anisimova

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Photo credit: Jon Buckle/ROLEX

Wimbledon quarterfinal and semifinal matches were ratings winners for ESPN.

ESPN reports the most viewed Wimbledon quarterfinals and semifinals of the past six years, the most viewed Ladies’ semifinals in a decade and the most viewed Wimbledon Day One ever on ESPN platforms.

Tennis Express

ESPN stats from Wimbledon coverage:

The Finals:

Sunday’s Gentlemen’s Championship between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz averaged 2.9 million viewers, +31% vs. 2024 The viewership peaked at the end of the match with 4.0 million viewers.

The match only (excluding trophy ceremony and post-match analysis) averaged 3.2 million viewers, +26% vs. last year’s match.

The Finals, Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s, coverage averaged 2.2 million viewers, +19% vs. 2024

The Saturday’s Ladies’ Final averaged 1.3 million viewers

The match only (excluding trophy ceremony and post-match analysis) averaged 1.9 million viewers, up +18% vs. last year’s match. This was a lopsided match, with Iga Świątek delivering a dominant performance over Amanda Anisimova.

Semifinals:

The audience across both the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Semifinals was the most viewed of the past six years Semifinals coverage averaged 1.1 million viewers, +33% vs. 2024.

The July 10 Ladies’ Semifinals

This was the most viewed Ladies’ Semifinals in a decade (the 2015 edition featured Serena Williams), with No. 13 Anisimova defeating No. 1 Sabalenka and No. 8 Swiatek’s victory over Belinda Bencic.

Viewership averaged 897,000, +31% vs. 2024.

The July 11 Gentlemen’s Semifinals This was the most-viewed Gentlemen’s Semifinals in six years, and featured No. 2 Alcaraz vs. No. 5 Fritz and No. 1 Sinner vs. No. 6 Djokovic (the 2019 edition featured Nadal and Federer). Viewership averaged 1.3 million, an increase of 34% vs. 2024.

Quarterfinals: The July 8 and 9 Quarterfinals on ESPN and ESPN2 were the most viewed in six years Viewership averaged 488,000 viewers, +25% vs. 2024.

Alcaraz Signs on as YoPro Global Ambassador

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"I’m excited to work with YoPRO high protein globally to inspire others to build their strength day after day and embrace their own journey," Carlos Alcaraz said.. Alcaraz

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty

Carlos Alcaraz has a new role.

The five-time Grand Slam champion has signed on as YoPRO global ambassador.

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YoPRO high protein products said in a statement "Carlos embodies the values that define the brand – passion, authenticity and a relentless drive to keep progressing, making him the ideal partner to lead the brand into its next chapter."

Financial terms were not disclosed. For the first year of the multi-year partnership which spans across global markets (the brand is present in 25 markets under the names YoPRO, GetPRO, HiPRO, Oikos, OikosPRO and SerPRO+), Carlos will step into the role of Chief Progress Officer, championing the belief that progress is universal: whether you’re just lacing up your sneakers for the first time or competing at the highest level, everyone is continuously looking to improve.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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YoPRO – a leading brand in the protein dairy category globally – offers a high-protein range of products developed by sport nutrition experts.

“As an athlete, I know how important it is to keep growing, no matter what you’ve already achieved," Alcaraz said. "Progress is personal – it’s about learning, improving, and pushing yourself forward, whether that means chasing a championship or just getting a little better each day. I’m excited to work with YoPRO high protein globally to inspire others to build their strength day after day and embrace their own journey. Because everyone, including myself, is a work in progress.”

Wilson Unveils UItra v5

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Wilson Ultra v5 endorsed by Alex deMinaur, Marta Kostyuk, Zheng Qinwen.Alex de Minaur

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, July 15, 2025
Photo credit: Wilson

Wilson has launched the new Ultra v5 racquet.

Brand ambassador Marta Kostyuk is celebrating stepping into electric indigo.

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Built for intermediate to advanced athletes, Wilson said in a statement: "Ultra v5 unlocks a broader range of shot potential, making it the most versatile Ultra racquet Wilson has ever released. Already turning heads on-tour, the Ultra v5 has been embraced by a growing roster of top talent, delivering the reliable, responsive performance that elite players count on."

“At Wilson, we innovate with intention, guided by direct feedback from our athletes,” says Jason Collins, Global General Manager of Wilson Racquet Sports. “The needs of today’s players are constantly evolving, and with Ultra v5, we’re delivering the next generation of explosive power and accuracy.”

In celebration of the launch, Wilson is also unveiling its first-ever, head-to-toe performance look inspired by a racquet debut. Marta Kostyuk will be the first to showcase the full Ultra v5 look— including the Headliner Dress and Intrigue Tennis Shoe, styled to mirror the iconic Electric Indigo colorway of her racket.

“This is more than a franchise release,” says Collins. “It’s a statement of our ongoing commitment to equip athletes with best-in-class gear that powers their performance from head-to-toe-to-hand.”

ambassador

Wilson has continuously reimagined the Ultra racket to meet the demands of the games aggressive pace and dynamic style. Ultra v5 introduces a series of performance-driven upgrades, including:

SI3D™ Frame Technology: Wilson’s proprietary innovation blends best-in-class stability with increased flexibility, creating a unique feel that enhances power, spin and control.

Consistent Spec Control: A tightened weight and balance improve swing consistency from racket to racket.

"Click & Go" Bumper and Grommet System: Made for easy replacement with increased durability and a superior fit. Developed with Agiplast, a plant-based material by Arkema, these components also reflect Wilson’s commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Electric Indigo Colorway: Bold and unmistakable on court, Ultra v5 makes a statement before the first serve is even hit.

A host of Wilson’s top athletes will endorse theUltra v5, including Alex de Minaur, Qinwen Zheng, Maria Sakkari and Marta Kostyuk.

“Wilson has always supported my growth as a player,” says Alex de Minaur, currently ranked No. 12 on the ATP Tour. “The new Ultra v5 gives me a whole new level of confidence on court— the power and accuracy are on another level.”

Tommy Paul Engaged!

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Tommy Paul and girlfriend Paige Lorenze announced their engagement in an instagram post.Human Interest

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 14, 2025
Photo credit: Tommy Paul Instagram

Tommy Paul has found his happily ever after.

The 28-year-old Paul and long-time girlfriend Paige Lorenze announced their engagement in a shared Instagram post.

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The happy couple, who have been dating for about three years, captioned a lovely image of them embracing with a single word "forever" accompanied by a white heart emoji.

Paige Lorenze is an influencer, who is often in the support box for Tommy Paul's matches.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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Zverev Training with Toni Nadal at Rafa Nadal Academy

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Alexander Zverev said he's considering new coaching options, could Toni Nadal fill the bill?Arthur Rinderknech

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Monday, July 14, 2025
Photo credit: Ibrahim Ezzat-Nur Photo-Getty

Alexander Zverev handed Rafa Nadal the last loss of his Roland Garros career.

Now, Zverev is training with Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in an effort to rebuild his confidence and revitalize his game.

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The 2021 Olympic gold-medal champion has been working under the watchful eye of Toni Nadal at the Rafa Nadal Academy in preparation for the North American summer hard-court season.


Two weeks ago, Frenchman Arthur Rinderknech completed a five-set win over Zverev in the Wimbledon first round. Rinderknech won 44 of 55 trips to net and denied all nine break points he faced.

Afterward, Zverev said the prestigious Centre Court lawn felt like a deep hole he couldn't escape.

Six months after his surge to the Australian Open final, Zverev suffered his second career Wimbledon first-round exit and opened up on the malaise he's feeling.

"I would say more mental, probably. It's funny, I feel very alone out there at times," Zverev said. "I struggle mentally. I've been saying that since after the Australian Open. Yeah, just don't know. I'm trying to find ways, trying to find ways to kind of get out of this hole. I keep kind of finding myself back in it in a way.

"Yeah, I don't know. I feel, generally speaking, quite alone in life at the moment, which is a feeling that is not very nice."

In his parting presser at SW19, Zverev said it's possible he could hire a new coach and conceded he's out of answers on court.

"Possibly," Zverev said when asked about a new coach. "As I said, yeah, it's a different feeling right now for me. I can't speak for the moment. But I think I'll have answers by Canada." 

While Zverev has worked with high-profile coaches in the past—including David Ferrer, who helped guide him to the US Open final and former No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero, who has been exceptionally successful coaching Carlos Alcaraz—he continues to return to the familiarity of his father, Alexander Zverev, Sr., as coach.

Toni Nadal, known as a savvy and tough taskmaster, spent some time working with Felix Auger-Aliassime after stepping down as Rafa Nadal's official coach.

Could Toni Nadal's training block with Zverev lead to a role as coach or co-coach of the German? Time will tell.

Sinner Wins Maiden Wimbledon Title

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Jannik Sinner exacted his revenge on Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday, defeating the two-time defending champion 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in the Wimbledon final to capture his fourth major and become the first Italian man to win the singles crown. The world No. 1, who fell to Alcaraz in a five-hour, 29-minute Roland Garros epic last …

Alcaraz on Rivalry: We Don't See A Level Like This

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"It's going to be better and better," Carlos Alcaraz said of his rivalry with Jannik Sinner.Alcaraz

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Sunday, July 13, 2025
Photo credit: Clive Brunskill/Getty

The world's top two players share a major mission—and their rivalry will produce more massive moments, Carlos Alcaraz said.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner dethroned two-time champion Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to make history as the first Italian to capture a Wimbledon singles crown today.

Tennis Express

Afterward, Alcaraz praised Sinner for an "unbelievable" performance.

The second-ranked Spaniard, who suffered his first major final loss after going 5-0 in his five prior Slam finals, says this Wimbledon showdown is only the beginning.

Alcaraz said the rivalry between the pair is unprecedented on the ATP Tour, they've combined to collect seven straight Grand Slam championships, and will only get stronger as they square off in more finals.

"First of all, I [am] just really, really happy about having this rivalry with him. I think it's great for us, and it is great for the tennis," Alcaraz said after seeing his 20-match Wimbledon winning streak snapped. "Every time we playing against each other, I think our level is really high.

"I think we don't watch a level like this, if I'm honest with you. I don't see any player playing against each other, you know, having the level that we are playing when we face each other.

"I think, as I said many, many times, this rivalry, it's coming better and better. We're building really great rivalry because we're playing final of a Grand Slam, final of Master mills, the best tournament in the world. It's going to be better and better."

The pair produced transcendent tennis with Alcaraz saving three championship points to prevail in record-setting five hour, 29-minute Roland Garros final last month.

The 22-year-old Spaniard said Sinner's ultra-high level of play did not surprise him.

Alcaraz said ultimately the key to the match was Sinner's superior second serve—and the fact the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion repeatedly attacked Alcaraz's second serve sometimes ripping backhand strikes down the line.

Overall, Sinner served a higher percentage—62 percent to 53 percent), won 49 percent of second-serve points played on the Spaniard's second serve and flipped the script on the superior net player. Sinner won 30 of 40 trips to net, compared to 17 of 23 net points for Alcaraz.

"The way he played today, it was really, really high. I didn't surprise at all," Alcaraz said. "I knew he was going to play like this. So it was about some details.

Yeah, I mean, overall he didn't surprise me at all because I know he's a big champion…

"I think the big key was about the second serve. He was returning really well there the second serve that I was hitting. Thanks to that, he was in the position to attack in the second ball every time. So it was really difficult when you are feeling that you just defending all the time and running from side to side all the time."

Reflecting on his first major final loss, Alcaraz said he's "grateful" to Sinner because the No. 1 will force the No. 2 to improve his game.

"Just really grateful for that because it gives me the opportunity to just give my 100% every practice, every day," said Alcaraz, who leads the rivalry 8-5 after Sinner snapped a five-match losing streak vs. the Spaniard. "Just to be better, thanks to that. The level that I have to maintain and I have to raise if I want to beat Jannik is really high.

"So I just really grateful for that."

Sinner's Wimbledon Triumph, By the Numbers

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The Italian made history for his country on Sunday at the All England Club. Agassi

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 13, 2025

Jannik Sinner made history on Sunday at Wimbledon, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 to become the first Italian to ever win a Wimbledon singles title.

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Before the grass clippings settle let’s have a look at what else Sinner achieved with his run to the title.

4 – Sinner wins his fourth major title, and is by far the most successful Italian player in that regard. Sinner ties Jim Courier, Ken Rosewell and Guillermo Vilas on the all-time men’s singles Grand Slam singles titles list.

20 – Sinner’s 20th overall title puts him in a tie with Daniil Medvedev for fifth on the active ATP title list.

100 – Sinner hit the century mark in Grand Slam matches, improving to 81-19 at the majors. Only one Italian player – Nico Pietrangeli, 94 – has won more.


6 – Sinner became the sixth player to reach four consecutive major finals in the Open Era, joining Agassi, Djokovic, Federer, Laver and Nadal.

By reaching all four major finals in his 23rd major appearance, Sinner has achieved that feat quicker than all but two players – Courier, 19, and Agassi, 22.

4 for 7 – Sinner has won four of the last seven major singles titles on offer, with Alcaraz taking the other three.

3 – With his title, Sinner becomes one of five players aged 23 or under in the Open Era to simultaneously hold three Men’s Singles titles at Grand Slams, along with Connors, Sampras, Federer Nadal.

How Sinner Became Unstoppable on Grass

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The unflappable Italian went from unsure to commanding on the sports slickest surface. By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday July 13, 2025

What made the difference for Jannik Sinner on Sunday at Wimbledon? How was he able to overcome his devastating loss to Carlos Alcaraz at Roland-Garros last month and snap a personal five-match losing streak to the Spaniard?

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So many reasons. But anybody who watched Sinner control the run of play against the two-time champion knows that his movement had a lot to do with it. Now comfortable with sliding on both sides, and able to use his speed to complement his breathtaking power game, Sinner has gone from a player who may never win Wimbledon, because Alcaraz is in his way, to a player that has what it takes to win multiple titles at the All England Club.

“I think that once he learned to feel more comfortable moving on grass, we believed that he had a game that was really good for grass,” his coach Darren Cahill said in a press conference after Sunday’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 takedown of Alcaraz on Centre Court. “His game has been improving all the time, and his results have shown that.”

Sinner agrees. And he adds that his naturally flat groundstrokes make him particularly difficult to contend with on grass.

“This year for sure I felt great on court,” he said. “I think we saw this also today how I started to move better every match I played,” he said. The beginning of my career I knew that I could potentially play well here because of my groundstrokes. They're quite flat, and the ball goes through.”

Another reason for Sinner’s rapid rise as a grass-court guru? His ability to watch and learn.

Cahill says that Sinner has been watching and learning from his rival as their rivalry has evolved. He may not surpass him in some areas, but he’s wise enough to recognize that he could implement some of the things that Alcaraz does well in his own game.

“I would say that Jannik watches more Carlos matches than he does anybody else because he's fascinated with the improvements that are coming in his game, and he's pushing us as coaches to make sure that he's improving also as a tennis player as well,” Cahill said. “So the rivalry is real. It's there. And hopefully it's going to be there and real for the next 10 or 12 years.”

Finally, we must factor in Sinner’s unflappability. How was he able to stay so on-mission after losing in the most heartbreaking fashion to Alcaraz in Paris. Triple match point in the fourth set? It would be understandable if he lost belief in himself temporarily after that harrowing experience.

“This I think is the part where I'm the proudest of because it really has not been easy,” Sinner admitted. “I always tried to be honest with myself, and I had the self-talk too – you know, what if, what if? I always tried to accept it, in a way.”

Sinner did more than accept it. He embraced it, and realized that he was so close rather than so far, from where he wanted to be. Then he did the work and pulled off a magical run on the grass.

Rivalry on…

With her Wimbledon Runner-Up Speech, Amanda Anisimova Won Wimbledon in her Own Way

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The American paid heartfelt tribute to her team and family after a difficult loss, but successful journey. All England Club

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday July 12, 2025

Amanda Anisimova was brutally swept aside by Iga Swiatek in Saturday’s women’s final at Wimbledon. She didn’t manage to capture a single game as the Polish juggernaut won her sixth major title, and first at the All England Club.

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Swiatek’s 6-0, 6-0 triumph is the first double bagel victory in Grand Slam final history, and the Pole’s incredible level is further proof or her status as a legendary talent in our sport.

But Anisimova won hearts with her emotional runner-up speech as she gave the Centre Court crowd insight into her journey to the Wimbledon final, and how her mother played a pivotal role in her development.

“My mom has put in more work than I have honestly,” a teary-eyed Anisimova told the crowd as she paid tribute to her mother, who had flown in to see Saturday’s final. “My mom is the most selfless person I know. She’s done everything to get me to this point.”

Anisimova’s family has endured its share of hardship, as Konstantin Anisimova, the coach and father of Amanda died suddenly in 2017 when Amanda was just 17.

It was phenomenal to watch Anisimova pull herself together after a brutal loss and celebrate her journey.

She apologized to the crowd for talking too long, but in truth the audience was enraptured.

“I’m so happy that I get to share this moment, and for you to be here and witness this in person, you don’t get to see me live playing that much anymore, because you do so much for me and my sister, and you always have.

It would be foolish not to focus on Anisimova’s journey and the incredible effort she has put in to overcome her grief and subsequent mental health issues to become a Wimbledon finalist and a Top 10 player.

And we likely have not heard the last from the 23-year-old talent.

“I know I didn’t have enough today, but I’m gonna keep putting in the work. I always believe in myself and I hope to be back here again one day,” she concluded.

Djokovic: Reality Hit Me—But Not My Last Wimbledon

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"I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today," Novak Djokovic said after his semifinal loss. Australian Open

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, July 11, 2025
Photo credits: Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty

A Jannik Sinner stinging strike dislodged a bit of baseline and snapped Novak Djokovic's head to attention.

The Grand Slam king's quest for a record-setting 25th major championship came to a brutal and painful end on Centre Court today.

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World No. 1 shredded Djokovic 6-3, 6-3, 6-4 in today's Wimbledon semifinal striking with the same powerful precision the former No. 1 Djokovic showed for so many years capturing seven Wimbledon championships.

Hobbled from a nasty fall he took in the final game against Flavio Cobolli in the quarterfinals, Djokovic struggled to move laterally and tried to serve-and-volley to shorten points.

Though Djokovic drilled 12 aces against no double faults, he won just 5 of 30 second-serve points and dropped serve five times as Sinner scalded returns.

Afterward, a disconsolate Djokovic conceded "reality hits me" as his body broke down against the top seed.

However, a defiant Djokovic said this was not his last dance at Wimbledon. 

"I would be sad [if it was my last match], but hopefully it's not my last match on the Centre Court," Djokovic told the media afterward. "I'm not planning to finish my Wimbledon career today. So I'm planning to come back definitely at least one more time, play on the Centre Court for sure."

It's the second straight Slam where Sinner shattered Djokovic's major dream.

At Roland Garros last month, the reigning Australian Open and US Open champion conquered Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 7-6(3) handing the owner of 100 career titles his first Slam semifinal straight sets loss in 15 years.

Today, Sinner repeated the feet as Djokovic was clearly compromised physically though he declined to discuss his injury issues.

The 38-year-old Serbian superstar said a major challenge is the wear and tear his body absorbs reaching the latter stages of Slams.

So by the time Djokovic gets to Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz, he feels like a race car running on a half-empty gas tank.

"It's just age, the wear and tear of the body. As much as I'm taking care of it, the reality hits me right now, last year and a half, like never before, to be honest," a candid Djokovic said. "It's tough for me to accept that because I feel like when I'm fresh, when I'm fit, I can still play really good tennis. I've proved that this year."

The best-of-five set Slam format has proved problematic for Djokovic, one of the greatest best-of-five-set players in Open Era history, when facing two explosive champions 15 years younger.

"I guess playing best-of-five, particularly this year, has been a real struggle for me physically," Djokovic said. "The longer the tournament goes, yeah, the worse the condition gets. I reach the final stages, I reach the semis of every slam this year, but I have to play Sinner or Alcaraz.

"These guys are fit, young, sharp. I feel like I'm going into the match with tank half empty."

Asked to assess Sunday's final (11 a.m. Eastern time, 4 p.m. London time), Djokovic, who lost to Alcaraz in the last two Wimbledon finals, gives the second-seeded Spaniard a slight edge over Sinner.

"I think I will give a slight edge to Carlos as a favorite because of the two titles he's won here and the way he's playing and the confidence he has right now," Djokovic said. "But it's just a slight advantage 'cause Jannik is hitting the ball extremely well. I think it's going to be, again, a very close matchup like we had in Paris, yeah."

Wimbledon 2025 Day Twelve Recap

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Wimbledon’s final weekend is set, and it’s the showdown everyone hoped for. Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz will meet in the 2025 men’s final after both came through their semi-finals on Day Twelve, though in very different ways. Sinner produced a near-flawless performance to dispatch a hampered Novak Djokovic in straight sets, reaching his first …

Fritz: Comparing Unbelievable Sinner to Unpredictable Alcaraz

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US Open finalist Taylor Fritz on differences between the world's top two reigning Grand Slam champions.Australian Open

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Friday, July 11, 2025
Photo credits: Jon Buckle/ROLEX

Confronting reigning Grand Slam champions Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner in a major is a devastating degree of difficulty.

US Open finalist Taylor Fritz has faced the the world's top two players in Grand Slams and offered unique insight into the similarities and differences of the two superstars.

Tennis Express

Together, reigning US Open and Australian Open champion Sinner and Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner Alcaraz have combined to capture the last six straight Grand Slam championships.

World No. 1 Sinner will square off against two-time Wimbledon winner Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final on Sunday at 4 p.m.

After bowing to Alcaraz in a fierce four-setter in today's semifinals, Fritz, who fell to Sinner in the US Open final last September, was asked to compare the challenges each man represents.

The fifth-seeded Fritz said Sinner is an "unbelievable" ball striker, while Alcaraz is the most "unpredictable" player in the sport. 

"I'd say I felt pretty comfortable from the ground with Jannik when we played in Turin. I think Jannik typically has a bigger serve, so it's tougher to get in on his return games," Fritz said after losing to Alcaraz 6-4, 5-7, 6-3, 7-6(6) in today's first semifinal. "For me, from the ground I think I had more success rallying and playing with Jannik because he plays a bit flatter, and it's a little bit more predictable. He's unbelievable at what he does playing from the baseline.

"I think Carlos is a little more unpredictable with the slicing and the coming to net and the dropshots. Carlos has a lot of different ways to play.

"I also think Carlos, one thing he does, when he whips his forehand cross, there's a lot of movement away, which is difficult. Jannik is more through the court, which for some people… Just depends who you're playing."

Rocking the red clay with fearless drives, Alcaraz fought off three championship points, battled back from a two-set deficit for the first time in his life and out-dueled Sinner 4-6, 6-7(4), 6-4, 7-6(3), 7-6(2) to successfully defend his Roland Garros title in a dazzling and epic final last month.

The longest French Open final in history was a five hour, 29-minute thrill ride that will go down as a match for the ages.

Prior to that final, Hall of Famer Andre Agassi summed up the Sinner-Alcaraz rivalry as "the best pure ball striker versus the flying saucer."

Today, Fritz said both champions generate massive "raw power" and suggested he'd probably prefer playing the world No. 1—primarily because Alcaraz's speed and versatility is so unsettling.

"For me personally, I'd rather probably deal with the flat one than the ball that's working away from me," Fritz said. "They both generate a lot of just, like, raw power. But I think for me it's a little more uncomfortable to play Carlos just because of the unpredictability of what he's going to do.

"I think I play a lot off of anticipation. You never know what Carlos might just hit like a short kicker and serve and volley on like a 15-30 or something like that, which I feel like if I'm playing Jannik, that's something that's probably not going to happen."

The greatest similarity between the world's top two?

The 27-year-old Fritz said it's a major educational experience to face either champion in a Grand Slam match.

"Every time I play these guys, I learn a lot about what I need to do to improve and get better," Fritz said. "Moving ahead, I just want to keep working on the things that are going to get me better, that are going to help me compete with these guys because at the end of the day, my ultimate goal is to win a slam. I think I'm going to have to at some point beat these guys to do it. It's obviously a tough ask.

"Like I said, if I keep putting myself in these situations and playing them, I learn more about my game and what I need to do differently and what I need to do better to get to that level."

Venus Williams Set for Tennis Return in Washington DC.

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All-time great Venus Williams is set to compete for the first time in 2025 at the upcoming Mubadala Citi DC Open.ATP Tour 500

By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Friday, July 11, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

Venus Williams is set to return to the courts this summer in Washington, D.C.

The all-time great and seven-time major singles champion received a wildcard into the upcoming Mubadala Citi DC Open, the only combined ATP/WTA 500 event.

“I'm excited to accept a wild card to the Mubadala Citi DC Open. There's something truly special about DC: the energy, the fans, the history," Willams said in a statement. "This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again!"

Williams, 45, has not competed in a professional tournament since the Miami Open last year where she lost in the first round to Diana Shnaider. Williams has been listed as inactive on the WTA tour website since then.

“We are so excited that Venus will be playing in the Mubadala Citi DC Open this year," said Mark Ein, Mubadala Citi DC Open Chairman. "She has inspired people around the world with her accomplishments on the court and her visionary impact off the court. I know how much it means to our DC fans and community to be able to watch her compete in person this summer.”

Earlier this spring, Indian Wells tournament organizers announced Williams would make her pro return there at the WTA 1000 event. However, Williams later denied that she had any plans to compete there. Williams provided commentary for TNT Sports at Roland-Garros back in May.

Williams last appeared at the DC tournament back in 2022.

Alcaraz vs Sinner, Wimbledon Final, By the Numbers

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Get primed for a blockbuster Wimbledon men's final, by the numbers. Carlos Alcaraz

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Friday July 11, 2025

The 138th Open era staging of Wimbledon has produced a blockbuster final on the men’s side. It’s all down to top-seeded Jannik Sinner and second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament’s top two seeds, on Sunday.

Tennis Express

As the pair prepare to contest their second Grand Slam final, and first at Wimbledon, we take a deep dive for a number crunch.

8-4 – Alcaraz holds the 8-4 lifetime edge against Sinner, and he has now won five in a row against Sinner, including a victory over the Italian at last month’s Roland-Garros final, where he saved three championship points and rallied from two sets down to hand Sinner his first defeat in a major final.

5-0 – Alcaraz is undefeated in major finals thus far in his career. Only Monica Seles (6) and Roger Federer (7) have won more major finals without suffering a first loss in the Open Era.

7 – Either Alcaraz or Sinner have won each of the last seven major singles titles, dating back to the 2024 Australian Open.

5 – Number of players that have won Wimbledon men’s singles titles since 2003. Sinner bids to join, Federer (8), Djokovic (7), Nadal (2), Murray (2), Alcaraz (2) on the list as No.6.

20 – Alcaraz rides a 20-match Wimbledon winning streak into the final, and he's on a 24-match winning streak overall. 

3-1 – Sinner, who is bidding to become the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title, has won three of his previous four Grand Slam finals.

2008 – Alcaraz and Sinner are the first pair of men to contest finals in Paris and Wimbledon in the same year since Federer and Nadal in 2008. They are the second duo to achieve the feat in the Open Era.

93-9 – Sinner has won all but nine of his matches since the start of 2024, but Alcaraz has defeated him five times in that span.

1 – Sinner has taken the pair’s only grass court meeting at Wimbledon. He defeated Alcaraz in four sets in the round or 16 at the Championships.

3 – Alcaraz is bidding to become the fifth player in Open Era history to successfully complete a three-peat at Wimbledon, joining Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

11 – Sinner has reached at least the final at all four majors, and he is the 11th man to achieve the feat in the Open Era. Alcaraz has yet to join the least.

6 – Alcaraz is bidding to win his sixth major title. If he is successful he will go down as the second youngest player to win six majors, older only than Bjorn Borg.

Wimbledon | Anisimova upsets Sabalenka to reach final

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Amanda Anisimova, the 13th seed, produced the biggest upset of The Championships, taking out the World No 1, Aryna Sabalenka, to reach her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon on Thursday, stunning the Belarusian, 6-4 4-6 6-4, in 31C temperatures on the Centre Court.

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Wimbledon | Swiatek breezes past Bencic into The Championship Final

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Iga Swiatek is on a roll, enjoying her recovered mojo as she breezed past Belinda Bencic, 6-2 6-0, in just 72 minutes in the second semi-final on Thursday, moving into her first Wimbledon final, while re-opening her bagel bakery and delivering a masterclass on the Centre Court in the process.

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Wimbledon | Mixed champions Verbeek & Siniakova lift first silverware of The Championships

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Dutch Sem Verbeek & Katerina Siniakova from Czechia landed the first title of this year’s Championships, when they completed their dream Wimbledon run on Thursday, lifting the Mixed Doubles trophies after holding their nerve in a tight 7-6(3) 7-6(3) win in the final against home favourite Joe Salisbury & Luisa Stefani from Brazil.

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Wimbledon | Alcaraz gets the better of Fritz to reach final

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As a starter before the main course, Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz proved an excellent taster for the second semi-final between Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic which followed on Friday afternoon, on a sun-drenched Centre Court.

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Wimbledon | Fritz scrapes into S/F to face an imprerious Alcaraz

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The last time an American won Wimbledon was 25 years ago courtesy of Pete Sampras and there is an outside chance that the trophy might go back to the US this year after the first step was taken by Fritz Taylor who defeated Karen Khachanov to reach the semi-finals for the first time. His American […]

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Alcaraz: Grass Game Most Beautiful Form of Tennis

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"The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful," Carlos Alcaraz said. Alcaraz

By Richard Pagliaro | @TennisNow | Saturday, June 28, 2025
Photo credit: Rob Newell/CameraSport

An old adage states beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Grass-court tennis is the game’s most alluring surface for Carlos Alcaraz.

Tennis Express

Two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz proclaims the lawn game is the most transcendent tennis for players and fans.

“I think the most beautiful tennis that we can watch is on grass,” Alcaraz told the media at Wimbledon today. “The style that the people bring to the court when they play on grass, I think is so beautiful.

“The sound of the ball. The movement is really tough, but when you get it, it's kind of you're flying (smiling).”

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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Grass rewards the five-time Grand Slam champion’s athleticism, aggression and all-court acumen, which are among the reasons Alcaraz loves lawns.

“It's just pretty well to me because I really want to hit slices, dropshots, going to the net all the time, playing aggressively,” Alcaraz said. “I think on grass it's the style that you have to play. So that's what I like the most.”

Riding a career-best 18-match winning streak into his Wimbledon title defense, Alcaraz opens Centre Court play against Italian veteran Fabio Fognini on Monday at 1:30 p.m.

It’s Alcaraz's first match since he beat Jiri Lehecka to win Queen’s Club—his fourth career grass-court championship equaling Rafa Nadal and Feliciano Lopez for most by a Spanish man in the Oepn Era.

 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 

 
 

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The two-time reigning Roland Garros and Wimbledon winner is aiming to join Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic in capturing three consecutive Wimbledon crowns in the Open Era.

Alcaraz said today he’s hunting the title—not necessarily that legacy list.

“I'm coming here thinking that, yeah, I really want to win the title. I really want to lift the trophy,” Alcaraz said. “Not thinking about how much players have done it, you know, winning three Wimbledons in a row.

“I'm just thinking about, okay, I just want to be ready and just want to prepare myself in the best way possible, just to start the tournament with a lot of confident. Obviously I feel a lot of confident right now (smiling).

"But just thinking about still going forward, it's still doing the good things, and start the tournament. So two weeks could be really long on a Grand Slam, but right now I'm not thinking about who I could join if I win three Wimbledons in a row.”

While media and fan speculation over Alcaraz’s relationship with US Open mixed doubles partner Emma Raducanu has run rampant since his UK return, the five-time Grand Slam champion has been busy teeing off with another British major winner.

“I play some golf. Actually, I play with Andy Murray on Monday and a few more players,” Alcaraz said of post Queen’s Club activity. “Just went to the center a little bit. Just wanted to go to the center a little bit, walk around, have a good food, and just having quality time with them doing some stuff that probably I wouldn't be able to do it while the tournament is on.”

Wimbledon | Preview – Whose year is this? Sabalenka, Gauff, Pegula or dark horse Swiatek?

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The draw for the Ladies Singles Championships was made on Friday, including direct entries, wild-cards and qualifiers, all 128 of them, who now know who they must face to advance from Monday onwards, if they are to stay in the running to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish on Saturday 12 July.   

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Djokovic's Last Wimbledon Dance?

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The Grand Slam king talks up his chances ahead of his Alexandre Muller

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday June 28, 2025

He’s 38. He’s done everything there is to do in the sport. Well, almost everything…

Tennis Express

Novak Djokovic doesn’t stand atop the all-time Wimbledon men’s singles titles list, and he isn’t the oldest man to ever win a major singles title. If he can somehow find a way to be the last man standing at the end of this Wimbledon fortnight, he could add a few select chapters to his voluminous legacy.

At Wimbledon, most agree that it is Djokovic’s best chance. The Serbian legend himself said so on Saturday during his pre-tournament media conference. Maybe it’s even his last chance?

“I would probably agree that Wimbledon could be the best chance [for a 25th Grand Slam title] because of the results I have had, because of how I feel, how I play in Wimbledon, just getting that extra push mentally and motivation to perform the best tennis at the highest level,” he said.

Djokovic, who enters these Championships with a 97-12 record on his hallowed Wimbledon grass, hopes it isn’t his last dance at Wimbledon, but he admits it is a possibility.

“Whether it could be my last dance, I'm not sure,” he said. “My wish is to play for several more years. I would love to be healthy physically and also mentally motivated to keep on playing at the highest level. That's the goal, but you never know at this stage.”

Djokovic has been defeated in the final by Carlos Alcaraz in successive years, in five sets in 2023 and in straight sets last year.

He hopes that his form at the majors means he’ll be able to find his way back to another final, and maybe even win it.

Grand Slams stay quite consistent, quarters or semi-finals except for the US Open. That's a good sign. These tournaments give me the biggest drive still. Australia and at Roland-Garros showed me that I can still play on a very high level at the later stages.”

Djokovic will face France’s Alexandre Muller in the first round at Wimbledon.

Emotional Evans Appreciating Every Moment of Resurgence

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The Brit is into the quarterfinals at Eastbourne, and taking aim at the Top 100bank

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday June 25, 2025

Dan Evans said at Roland-Garros that one of his big goals for the season was to work his way back inside the Top 100 so he can be a part of the Grand Slams.

Tennis Express

He won’t need that ranking next week at Wimbledon, where he’s been granted a wild card, but Evans took a step in that direction nevertheless on Wednesday at Eastbourne with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over American Tommy Paul.

Afterwards the 35-year-old British, a former World No.21 now ranked 170, celebrated emphatically as he took his place in the quarterfinals alongside American Jenson Brooksby.

Evans reached his first quarterfinal since 2023 with a convincing performance over the World No.13 in two hours and 13 minutes. He squandered a break advantage in the third set but quickly regained it back, then served out the match with four consecutive points from 0-15 down in the final game.

“To be honest, I felt good serving for the match,” Evans said after becoming the fifth oldest quarterfinalist in tournament history. “It was more one-love in the second where I started thinking about the finish line, which is an error.


“I just said to myself: ‘enjoy this, this is what it’s about. I played much better tennis when I stopped worrying about what he was doing.”

Evans was close to tears as he addressed the crowd after his victory. He is already up to 154 in the live rankings with today’s win, and would get close to 140 with a win over Brooksby on Thursday.

“I know I’ve done the work as well, he said. “Once I got some confidence, and I knew the work was in the bank.

“A good friend said: ‘if you are ready and the door opens, you’ll walk through it, and if you’re not, you won’t.’ There’s been no truer words for me in the past few weeks.”

Raducanu on Relationship with Alcaraz

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"“We go back a long way," Emma Raducanu said of US Open mixed doubles partner Carlos Alcaraz.2021 US Open title

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow | Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Photo credit: Nathan Stirk/Getty for LTA

Before they were Grand Slam champions, Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu were friends.

The 2022 US Open champion Alcaraz will partner 2021 US Open title holder Raducanu in a star-studded US Open Mixed Doubles event in August.

Tennis Express

That partnership—and Raducanu's appearance to watch Alcaraz play Queen's Club last week—is prompting some media and fans to speculate its destiny the two young superstars will develop a romantic relationship.

Asked about their friendship, Raducanu told BBC "we go back a long way."

“We go back a long way and I think that we both started getting to know each other a lot in 2021,” Raducanu told BBC Sport. "We were like speaking and friends before anyone won anything.”

The pair will play for a $1 Million champion's check in the newly revamped US Open Mixed Doubles event, which features the deepest draw in Flushing Meadows Mixed Doubles history.

Asked if it's destiny the pair will be together, a smiling Raducanu laughed at the question.

"I'm glad the internet is having fun and we're providing some entertainment for everyone," Raducanu replied.