Wimbledon briefing: Day 12 recap and women's final preview
Here, the PA news agency looks back at Friday's action and previews day 13 of the Championships.
Jannik Sinner ruthlessly ended Novak Djokovic's title dreams, beating the seven-time champion 6-3 6-3 6-4 in just an hour and 55 minutes.
It had seemed like Wimbledon would be Djokovic's best hope of winning a 25th grand slam title, but Sinner produced a machine-like display of brilliance against an ailing opponent.
Djokovic said: 'I want to congratulate Jannik for another great performance. He was too strong. I do feel disappointed that I just wasn't able to move as well as I thought or hoped that I would.
'I don't think it's bad fortune. 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.'
Awaiting Sinner in the final is Carlos Alcaraz, who expects another blockbuster clash in the pair's gripping rivalry.
The two dominant players in men's tennis over the past two years finally met in their first grand slam final at the French Open last month, where Alcaraz saved three championship points before winning an epic five-setter lasting five hours and 29 minutes.
'I'm still thinking about that moment sometimes,' said Alcaraz, who beat Taylor Fritz in four sets to reach his third successive Wimbledon final. 'It was the best match that I have ever played so far.
'It's just going to be a great day, a great final. I'm just excited about it. I just hope not to be on court for five hours and a half again. But if I have to, I will.'
Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool are bidding to become the first all-British winners of the men's doubles title since 1936.
They take on Australia's Rinky Hijikata and Dutchman David Pel in Saturday's final, which for the first time takes place at 1pm before the women's singles.
Glasspool said: 'I don't think at all about the two Brits winning it, it's more just Wimbledon for me. But, if I take a step back and look at the bigger picture of it then, yeah, it would be an amazing achievement.'
Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid go for another men's wheelchair doubles crown while Oliver Bonding plays in the boys' doubles final alongside American Jagger Leach, who is the son of former women's champion Lindsay Davenport.
One hand on the Ladies' Singles Trophy.
Centre Court awaits a spectacle 🌱#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/2AbRRnqaIK
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 10, 2025
Amanda Anisimova will face Iga Swiatek for the first time as a professional in the Wimbledon final – but she has known for a decade that the Pole is a formidable foe.
Their only meeting on court came nine years ago in the Junior Fed Cup, which Swiatek won.
'She was a great junior,' said Anisimova, who took an eight-month break from the sport in 2023 to prioritise her mental health.
'I remember a lot of coaches were saying that she's going to be a big deal one day. Yeah, obviously they were right.
'Iga is such an unbelievable player. She's also been an inspiration to me. Her work ethic and all of her achievements have been really inspiring. I'm sure it will be an amazing match again.
Swiatek is happy to see her former junior rival back in the big time, saying: 'Anybody who struggles and gets back at a better level deserves a lot of respect.'
Centre Court1pm: Cash/Glasspool (5) v Hijikata/Pel – (men's doubles final)4pm: Iga Swiatek (8) v Amanda Anisimova (13) – (women's singles final)
Court One – from 11amHewett/Reid (1) v De La Puente/Spaargaren (2) (men's wheelchair doubles finalBonding/Leach (8) v Paldanius/Wazny (4) (boys' doubles final)Julieta Pareja (6) v Mia Pohankova (girls' singles final)
Sunny, with highs of 31C, according to the Met Office.
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BBC News
36 minutes ago
- BBC News
Wimbledon 2025: British duo make history in the men's doubles
Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool have made history at Wimbledon, becoming the first all-British duo to win the men's doubles final for 89 years. They had already made history as they stepped on to Centre Court for the match an all-British duo hadn't been in the doubles final since 1960. It was their 14th match win in a row, taking the victory with a 6-2 7-6 (7-3) win over unseeded team Rinky Hijikata and David the match, Glasspool said: "We will never forget this day for all our lives". Brits have been successful in the men's doubles over the past few years, with seven different British players winning the title since 2012 but were paired with players from other Patten claimed the title with Finnish player Harri Heliövaara in 2024 and Neal Skupski won with Dutch player Wesley Koolhof in 2023. Speaking about the win, Julian Cash said: "We have played a crazy amount of tennis on the grass."There was a lot of pressure on our shoulders. The fact we could do what everyone said we could is surreal." Wimbledon Women's Champion Also making history on Centre Court on the final Saturday of Wimbledon 2025 was Iga claimed the title for the first time in straight sets against Amanda the first 6-0, 6-0 win in a Grand Slam final since also the first time a woman has won a Wimbledon final with a double bagel - the name given to a victory without dropping a game - since 1911. Speaking after the match, Iga Swiatek said: "Honestly, I didn't even dream of winning Wimbledon because it was way too far."I feel like I'm an experienced player, having won other Slams, but I didn't expect this."The Polish player has been known to celebrate her wins with a meal of pasta with yoghurt and spokesperson of the US embassy in Poland said they would try the dish if she won over her opponent Amanda Anisimova who is from the US. If Anisimova won, the spokesperson for the Polish embassy in the US said they would try a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Daily Mail
an hour ago
- Daily Mail
Kate Middleton delights royal fans after waving to starstruck Wimbledon spectator who called out to her on Centre Court
Footage of the Princess of Wales waving to crowds at Wimbledon yesterday has delighted royal fans. Much to the joy of spectators and competitors alike, Kate, 43, made a surprise appearance at the All England Lawn Tennis Club in London on Saturday to watch the Women's Singles Final. Taking to Instagram, mother-of-three Laura-Anna shared a clip from the moment Kate stepped out onto the pitch to present the trophy to Iga Swiatek. The crowds quickly erupted into proud cheers, before one man shouted, 'We love you Kate.' His sweet gesture caused Kate, who is the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, to smile and wave. The clip quickly did the rounds on social media, with commentators gushing over the royal. One said, 'She is just the sweetest princess.' A second added, 'He's just yelling how we all feel we all love her.' A third user wrote, 'The #PrincessofWales is just so humble and modest and beautiful.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by LAURA-ANN (@ Another said, 'I like Catherine so much! What a sweet woman, kind but with a backbone. Talented and humble.' A fifth added, 'Adored. She is so cute.' It comes after the Princess of Wales consoled a tearful Amanda Asiminova after she was thrashed in the most one-sided Wimbledon final since 1911. Kate placed her hand on the American's arm and told her to 'keep your head high' following the 23-year-old's 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek on Centre Court in just 57 minutes. The patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club presented the runners-up trophy to the 13th seed who struggled to contain her tears. Anisimova had to briefly leave the court following her humbling at the hands of an inspired Swiatek, 24, as she recorded a double bagel scoreline in the women's final - the first in 114 years and for only the second time in the tournament's history. Anisimova said meeting Kate 'was the positive of today' and told how she had been 'really kind'. Speaking after the match, she said: 'It was such an honour to meet her. I wasn't sure if she was going to come out today, if she was going to be there, so it's just really nice to see her. 'She definitely had a few things to say that were making me emotional again.' Viewers took to the comment section to praise Kate following her surprise appearance at Wimbledon yesterday A tearful Anisimova wiped away tears during her post-match interview on court as she praised Swiatek and said she had 'run out of gas a bit today'. She was playing in her first Wimbledon final and said 'she would never forget this experience'. Anisimova broke down again as she mentioned how her mother had flew in from America this morning to watch her. 'Thank you for being here and breaking the superstition of not flying in - it isn't why I lost here,' she joked. Anisimova: 'I know I didn't have enough today but I will keep putting in the work and I hope to be back here one day.' A victorious Swiatek, the first Polish woman to win Wimbledon, also offered words of encouragement to Anisimova. 'First I want to congratulate Amanda for an amazing two weeks. You should be proud of the work you are doing and I hope we will play more finals her,'' she said. 'I didn't even dream, for me it was way too far. I feel like I am already an experienced player after winning the Slams before but I never expected this one. A triumphant Iga Swiatek celebrated winning the Wimbledon final as she raised the Venus Rosewater Dish on the Centre Court balcony The patron of the All England Lawn Tennis Club presented the trophy to Swiatek after she triumphed 6-0 6-0 against American Anisimova on Centre Court The 23-year-old 13th seed broke down in tears as she thanked her mother and revealed how she had flown to the UK this morning to watch her in the final A tearful Anisimova, the 13th seed, wiped away tears as she praised Swiatek and said she had 'run out of gas a bit today' Catherine, the Princess of Wales, shook hands with Wimbledon staff - July 12, 2025 Iga Swiatek of Poland kisses the Ladies' Singles Trophy following her victory against Amanda Anisimova 'This year I really, really enjoyed it and feel I improved my form here. 'I am always going to remember the opening of champagne bottles between serves! It is a sound that will keep me away at night!' The only ever time there has been a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline in a Grand Slam final was in 1988 when Steffi Graf beat Natasha Zvereva in the French Open. Belarusian Zvereva was also coincidentally the 13th seed for that tournament. Kate had earlier arrived on court alongside chair Debbie Jevans and put on a stunning display in a cream ensemble, including a high collared belted top, flowing skirt and a £950 Anya Hindmarch tote bag. She added a 'Wimbledon bow' to her ensemble, which features the official colours of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club - purple and green. Before taking her seat, Kate met a string of tennis champions alongside Jevans, including Chinese wheelchair tennis player Wang Ziying. Elsewhere, Kate beamed as she met Bob Flin, Wimbledon's longest-serving Honorary Steward, Wimbledon foundation host Shaniah Williams, as well as Jefferson Iweh, a ticket sales operator. The Princess of Wales also met Sophie Kneen, 12, who is due to perform the coin toss at the ladies' final, and eight-year-old Lydia Lowe, who did the same at the ladies' wheelchair final. The royal, who is making a steady return to public duties following her cancer diagnosis, was joined by legendary tennis player Billie Jean King. Last year, the Princess presented the Wimbledon men's final trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, in her second public engagement since she announced her cancer diagnosis. The Princess of Wales's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, were seen in the Royal Box on Monday, with the Duchess of Edinburgh and the Duchess of Gloucester also in attendance. The Queen told tennis star Novak Djokovic that she was keeping her 'fingers crossed' as she visited Wimbledon on Wednesday. The Princess Royal's son Peter Phillips attended the championships on Wednesday, with Hugh Grant and former prime minister Sir John Major also in the Royal Box. Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, former footballer Ian Wright and Welsh singer Katherine Jenkins were among the notable names to attend a hot day at the world-renowned tournament today. Świątek previously crushed British No. 2 Emma Raducanu for the second Grand Slam in a row in May, with a 6-1, 6-2 defeat in the second round of Roland Garros. Kate, who has been the patron of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 2016, is often tasked with handing out trophies, but it renowned for her kind gestures. In 2023, Tunisian tennis player Ons Jabeur was tearful after coming runner-up in two consecutive finals, following a loss at the US Open the same year. As the royal presented her with her runners-up prize, the two stopped to talk, with Kate offering words of encouragement and embracing the visibly distressed athlete in a break from royal protocol. In an interview, Jabeur said: 'Obviously, she was very nice. She didn't know if she wanted to give me a hug or not. I told her hugs are always welcome from me.' The royal appears to be keenly interested in their conversation prior to the match The Princess of Wales takes a sneak peak behind her chic sunglasses at the Wimbledon Women's final Princess of Wales smiles as she greets tennis legend Martina Navratilova in the Royal Box on Centre Court ahead of the women's singles final Catherine, Princess of Wales, smiles in the Royal Box prior to the the Ladies' Singles Final Amanda Anisimova of the U.S and Poland's Iga Swiatek before the women's singles final Iga Swiatek of Poland poses prior the Women's Singles final match with Amanda Anisimova of the USA Amanda Anisimova during the Ladies' Singles Final on day thirteen of The Championships Wimbledon When she was asked what Kate had said to her, she added: 'Same thing after last year. To encourage me to be strong, to come back and win a Grand Slam, win a Wimbledon.' The Princess has been a fan of the sport since childhood, with the royal telling Sue Barker in a 2017 BBC documentary: 'I have watched Wimbledon, that was very much part of my growing up. 'I think it really inspires youngsters, myself, it inspired me when I was younger to get involved in the game. It hasn't changed either, I think that's what's so wonderful.' Speaking to HELLO! magaine, Jabeur added that the Royal initiated the warm embrace, noting her kind energy was a significant support: 'She was really the nicest. She has watched me twice, losing the final twice. 'She kept asking me if she could hug me, and I was like, 'Who doesn't want a hug from a Princess, you know?' 'For me, it was such an amazing moment. And not just that, I felt her kindness and energy around me.' Today, the temperatures are forecast to peak at around 30C and fall short of a record for a women's singles final day, with 31.2C having been recorded on the day of the 1976 final between Chris Evert and Evonne Goolagong Cawley. Glowing Catherine appears thrilled to see one spectator as she prepares to take her seat Kate was glowing as she prepared to watch Amanda Anisimova and Iga Świątek battle it out on the court Kate waved to spectators at day 13 of Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Her long brown locks glistened in the sun as she chatted with fellow spectators Pictured: The Princess of Wales met Bob Flint (pictured), Wimbledon's longest serving Honorary Steward Pictured: Kate smiling as she met Bob Flint, Wimbledon's longest serving Honorary Steward, today The 43-year-old royal opted for a glowing makeup look for the occasion, complete with a smoky eye Kate put on a stunning display in a cream ensemble as she entered Wimbledon alongside AELTC chair Debbie Jevans The royal added a special bow featuring the official All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to her ensemble The mother-of-three put on a chic display in a cream ensemble, including a high-collared belted top, flowing skirt and a £950 Anya Hindmarch tote bag Pictured: Kate with AELTC chair Debbie Jevans as she arrived to attend the Ladies' Singles Final Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: 'There will be blue skies at Wimbledon throughout the day, so it will feel hot, with very high UV levels and a light wind. 'There might be a little bit more cloud around tomorrow, making it a degree lower.' The men's singles semi-final on Friday between Carlos Alcaraz and Taylor Fritz was stopped twice in less than five minutes because of crowd emergencies, amid temperatures of 32C on Centre Court. Three fans also needed attention on Centre Court on Thursday in similarly hot conditions. The men's singles final on Sunday, with highs of 29C predicted, is unlikely to break the record of the warmest closing day on record of 34.1C recorded on July 3 1976. The extreme heat during the 1976 tournament prompted organisers to allow umpires to remove their jackets. Wimbledon has said the heat rule will apply for all singles events for players, which allows for a 10-minute break when the wet bulb globe temperature (WBGT) is at or above 30.1C. The Princess of Wales took to Wimbledon on Saturday to watch the women's final from the Royal Box today Kate met Lydia Lowe, eight, from the Dan Maskell Tennis Trust, before watching the final on Saturday The Princess of Wales meeting Shaniah Williams and Jefferson Iweh as she arrives to attend the Ladies' Singles Final Pictured: Kate at day thirteen of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club Pictured: Kate at the Women's Singles final match between Iga Swiatek of Poland against Amanda Anisimova of the USA The rule will apply after the second set for all best-of-three-set matches, and after the third set for all best-of-five-set matches. Players may leave the court during the break, but they may not receive coaching or medical treatment. Last year, Kate, who had stepped away from public royal duties while undergoing cancer treatment, was greeted with a standing ovation when she arrived to SW19. She presented the Wimbledon Men's trophy to Carlos Alcaraz, after he took on veteran Novak Djokovic, winning in three sets. Before passing the trophy to Alcaraz, Kate commiserated and shook the hand of runner-up Novak Djokovic. She attended the prestigious sporting competition alongside her daughter, Princess Charlotte, and her sister, Pippa Middleton. Before the mother-daughter duo took their seats in the Royal Box, they met with female tennis stars, including 21-year-old Emma Radacanu, who all presented Kate with a bouquet of flowers. Charlotte grinned from ear to ear as she met with the tennis star, who sadly saw her Wimbledon dream crushed on Centre Court by New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun last week. Kate and Charlotte were also greeted by Sonay Kartal, Lily Miyazaki, Lucy Shuker and Flora Johnson as they arrived on the players' lawn at Wimbledon before entering Centre Court. Kate joined Wimbledon for the Women's Final on Saturday alongside AELTC chair Debbie Jevans Kate, who styled her long, brunette locks in curls for the occasion, appeared cheerful as she met Ziying Wang, Ladies Singles Wheelchair Final Champion with Ralph Yin, coach and translator Kate completed her outfit with a £950 tote bag from English designer's eponymous Anya Hindmarch Charlotte gave wheelchair tennis player Shuker a 'pinky promise' that she would try the sport alongside her mother. Kate was also introduced to Raducanu, who was knocked out in the fourth round of this year's championships, telling her: 'It was so hard to see you go out.' US Open winner Raducanu said it was 'amazing' to have the support of the princess and 'see her here looking so healthy and happy'. It's no secret that ambitious blood runs through the Middleton veins, as Pippa and Kate were both known to be super competitive with sports at school events as children. They were both on the hockey team as teenagers, though the Princess of Wales was team captain during her years at Marlborough College in Wiltshire. Kate always enjoyed physical education as a student and even went on to become a star tennis player, a keen netball player and used to beat the boys at high jump.
Wales Online
2 hours ago
- Wales Online
Wimbledon winner Iga Swiatek has trophy taken away from her after banking £3million
Wimbledon winner Iga Swiatek has trophy taken away from her after banking £3million Iga Swiatek was crowned Wimbledon champion on Saturday after a 6-0, 6-0 victory over Amanda Anisimova, but the Pole was soon reminded of one of the tournament's most brutal traditions Sally Bolton will have taken the Venus Rosewater Dish off Iga Swiatek. (Image: BBC ) Polish tennis star Iga Swiatek encountered a bittersweet twist to her Wimbledon Women's singles victory on Saturday. Although she revelled in an astounding 6-0, 6-0 victory over an emotional Amanda Anisimova, wrapping the match up in less than an hour, Swiatek was soon informed she wouldn't keep the coveted Venus Rosewater Dish. Swiatek, 24, learned quickly about one of Wimbledon's more unforgiving customs following her historic win that registered as the most one-sided final in the modern tennis era. Despite pocketing £3million in prize money and speaking with Royalty, Swiatek didn't get to enjoy the trophy for long. The much-coveted dish is only briefly bestowed upon the women's champion before being reclaimed shortly after the celebration, leaving victorious players like Swiatek with merely a diminutive replica. As the BBC coverage of the final unfolded, presenter Clare Balding was discussing Swiatek's triumphant walk towards the balcony alongside analyst Tracy Austin, reports The Express. All England Club CEO Sally Bolton had to take the trophy off Iga Swiatek. (Image: BBC ) Article continues below Balding said: "It looks so lovely that side of the clubhouse and it's just great, you've got your hands on this trophy". Austin added: "She keeps looking at it! It's so beautiful to see her smiling." However, 2013 Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli was on hand to drop a bombshell. "But she can't keep it," she interjected. Bartoli continued: "You only get a replica of it. This one goes back into the trophy gallery. You will have it at the Champions Ball in your hand again, then it will go back to the trophy gallery. You don't go back home with that trophy, there is only one place and it stays in the trophy gallery at Wimbledon." Following her photo opportunity with the trophy and her team, Swiatek was reportedly approached by All England Club CEO Sally Bolton, who promptly reclaimed it. Bartoli humorously said that the Wimbledon boss will have told Swiatek that she had to give the famous trophy up. French Open champion Coco Gauff was unable to take the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen trophy home with her (Image: Getty Images ) When questioned about the size of the replica trophy winners get to keep, Bartoli replied: "Three-quarters size." She added: "But all the names are engraved, all the names of the past champions who have graced that court before you are engraved with the replica you can take home. But it's only three-quarters size. But it's still beautiful." Article continues below Coco Gauff also learned the hard truth about winning the biggest prizes back in June when she won her first French Open title. The US Star even made a TikTok video where she joked about the smaller size of her replica trophy. Meanwhile, Andy Murray, who was absent from Wimbledon this year, playfully took issue with the replica trophy situation by taking to Instagram. "Surely the tennis majors can do a better job with the replica trophies?! They are tiny," he wrote. He did add a laughing emoji in his response to Gauff's minor complaint however.
