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Wimbledon briefing: Day 13 recap and men's final preview

Wimbledon briefing: Day 13 recap and men's final preview

Independent21 hours ago
Iga Swiatek lifted her first Wimbledon title after crushing Amanda Anisimova in the most one-sided women's final in SW19 for 114 years.
and Carlos Alcaraz will face each other in the men's final on the last day of action at the All England Club.
Here, the PA news agency looks back at Saturday's events and previews day 14 of the Championships.
Swiatek records historic double bagel
Iga Swiatek crushed Amanda Anisimova in the most one-sided Wimbledon final for 114 years.
Anisimova, playing in her first grand slam showpiece, failed to win a single game, with Swiatek racing to a 6-0 6-0 victory on a stunned Centre Court in only 57 minutes.
Not since 1911, when Dorothea Lambert Chambers beat Dora Boothby, had a Wimbledon final been decided by such a scoreline, while the only other instance at a grand slam came in the French Open in 1988 when Steffi Graf beat Natasha Zvereva.
Swiatek, who claimed her sixth grand slam title but first on grass, believes her Wimbledon title is the perfect response to her critics.
'For sure, the past months, how the media sometimes describe me – and I've got to say, unfortunately, Polish media, how they treated me and my team, it wasn't really pleasant,' said the 24-year-old Pole.
'I hope they will just leave me alone and let me do my job because obviously you can see that we know what we are doing, and I have the best people around me.
A distraught Anisimova said: 'It's not how I would have wanted my first grand slam final to go. I think I was a little bit in shock after. But I told myself, I'll definitely come out stronger after this.'
Doubles delight
British pair Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool made Wimbledon history by winning the men's doubles title.
Cash, 28, and 31-year-old Glasspool beat Australian Rinky Hijikata and David Pel of the Netherlands 6-2 7-6 (3) in the final on Centre Court.
The duo are the first all-British pairing to win the title since Pat Hughes and Raymond Tuckey lifted the trophy in 1936.
Jonny Marray, Neal Skupski and Henry Patten 12 months ago have all been home winners at Wimbledon in the last 15 years, but all with foreign partners.
Match of the day
Jannik Sinner insisted his Paris heartbreak is ancient history as he prepares to face Carlos Alcaraz again in the men's singles final.
Five weeks after the Spaniard saved three match points and fought back from two sets down in an epic five-and-a-half-hour French Open final, the great rivals will meet again on Centre Court.
'I think if it would be a lot in my head, I would not be in the situation to play a final again,' said Sinner. 'I'm very happy to share once again the court with Carlos. It's going to be difficult, I know that. But I'm looking forward to it.'
Alcaraz, chasing a hat-trick of Wimbledon titles, cannot help but be buoyed by his Paris exploits.
'I still think about that moment, sometimes,' he said. 'It was the best match that I have ever played so far.
'I'm not surprised he pushed me to the limit. I expect that on Sunday. I'm just excited about it. I hope not to be five hours and a half on court again. If I have to, I will. But I think it's going to be great.'
Order of play
Centre Court 1pm: Hsieh/Ostapenko (4) v Kudermetova/Mertens (8) – (women's doubles final) 4pm: Jannik Sinner (1) v Carlos Alcaraz (2) – (men's singles final)
Court One – from 11am Alfie Hewett (2) v Tokito Oda (1) (men's wheelchair final)Ivan Ivanov (6) v Ronit Karki (boys' singles final)Hingis/Black v Cibulkova/Strycova (women's invitational doubles final)
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Nick Kyrgios makes cryptic post after Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon final
Nick Kyrgios makes cryptic post after Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon final

Daily Mail​

time29 minutes ago

  • Daily Mail​

Nick Kyrgios makes cryptic post after Jannik Sinner defeats Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon final

Australian firebrand Nick Kyrgios has posted a cryptic message on social media following Jannik Sinner 's Wimbledon victory over rival Carlos Alcaraz on Monday morning. Sinner won his first Wimbledon crown, inflicting Alcaraz's first ever defeat in a Grand Slam final and ending the Spaniard's run of five straight victories in their personal duel. Aside from a four-game flash of genius from Alcaraz to take the opening set, Sinner was a cut above, winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Kyrgios, who has been an outspoken critic of Sinner since the Italian failed a doping test in March 2024, took to social media to post a single asterisk. In competitive sports, an asterisk often indicates that a record is somehow tainted. Last week, Kyrgios made his feelings clear on Sinner playing in the Wimbledon final after serving a doping ban. * — Nicholas Kyrgios (@NickKyrgios) July 13, 2025 'At the end of the day, the decision has been made, and it's kind of in the past,' Kyrgios told The i Paper. 'Do I think it's a good look for the sport that [Iga] Swiatek [who served a one-month suspension for an inadvertent positive test last year] and Sinner are in the final at Wimbledon after serving a ban? I don't think it's a good look for the sport. 'And I think people could agree. But I'm not going to sit there and talk about that [on commentary] in the final. They've been playing some incredible tennis.' Meanwhile, Sinner has praised Alcaraz for his performance in the final. 'I'd like to start with Carlos. Again, an amazing tournament from you but thank you for the player you are. It's so difficult to play against you,' he said. 'On the court we just try to build it up. Keep going and keep pushing, you are going to hold this trophy many times - you already have two! 'It's so special for me. Seeing my parents, brother, my whole team here, it's amazing. 'Emotionally, I had a very tough loss in Paris, but at the end of the day it doesn't matter how you win or lose. Alcaraz had won the past two editions of Wimbledon but he was beaten on this occasion 'You have to understand what you did wrong, accept the loss and keep working 'I'm so grateful I'm healthy and have great people around me. 'Any moment can change the match, so I'm so happy I held my nerve. 'Me and my team said before the match we never thought I would be here when I was young. It was a dream of the dream because it was so far away.

Jannik Sinner won Wimbledon battle but war with Carlos Alcaraz is far from over
Jannik Sinner won Wimbledon battle but war with Carlos Alcaraz is far from over

Metro

time41 minutes ago

  • Metro

Jannik Sinner won Wimbledon battle but war with Carlos Alcaraz is far from over

Just like that, Carlos Alcaraz is no longer the king of Wimbledon. The Spanish tennis superstar was aiming for a three-peat at this year's Championships but fell at the final hurdle to his biggest rival in the sport. But while Jannik Sinner may've won the battle – the war between the best two players on the planet is only just beginning. 'I take away many things to improve on,' Alcaraz said after his defeat. 'You have to accept that you can't always win, that your opponent can outplay you. The good thing about tennis is you have more tournaments ahead.' 'He (Alcaraz) is going to come for us again,' Sinner added after his triumph on Centre Court. 'We have a big target on us, so we have to be prepared.' The race to complete the career Grand Slam is now on, with both men now needing to win just one specific trophy each to secure the bragging rights. The French Open is the last major tournament Italian world No.1 Sinner hasn't won. For world No.2 Alcaraz, it's the Australian Open. The Spaniard will have the first opportunity at the start of 2026 – but there's still one last Grand Slam up for grabs this year at the US Open in New York… Australian Open 2024 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner French Open 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2024 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz US Open 2024 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner Australian Open 2025 – Jannik Sinner – Jannik Sinner French Open 2025 – Carlos Alcaraz – Carlos Alcaraz Wimbledon 2025 – Jannik Sinner One of the most exciting aspects of this new sporting war is that both men are still so early into their careers. Alcaraz is only 22. Sinner is just 23. 'I don't think I'm at my best [yet] because [at the age of] 23, I don't think you can be in your best shape ever,' Sinner explained. 'Hopefully I can keep improving. But it's important to have these kind of players (Alcaraz) because you have to always think.' The duo have now played each other 13 times on the ATP Tour. Alcaraz still leads the head-to-head 8-5 – but his run of five successive wins over Sinner is over. If both players keep up their incredible level of tennis – and avoid any significant injuries – they could continue to dominate the sport for the next decade and a half. Everyone knows it too. 'Alcaraz and Sinner are going to be carrying the torch for the next 10 to 15 years,' Nick Kyrgios, who covered the final for TNT Sports, told iNews. 'I am really happy about having this rivalry with him,' Alcaraz continued. 'I think it's great for us, and it is great for tennis. '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 this rivalry, it's becoming better and better. We're building a really great rivalry because we're playing the finals of a Grand Slam, finals of Masters, the best tournaments in the world. It's going to be better and better. 'I'm just really grateful for that because it gives me the opportunity to give 100 per cent every practice, every day. '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.' Should Sinner defend his title at the US Open, he'll match Alcaraz's tally of five major trophies. If Alcaraz wins, he'll have six to Sinner's four. More Trending Ahead of what could be a third successive Grand Slam final between the pair at Flushing Meadows, Sinner has fired a little warning to his rival. 'My favourite surface is hard court.' It only seems like yesterday that we were talking about Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer – but tennis never stops – and all eyes are now on this enthralling rivalry between Alcaraz and Sinner. They're the new John McEnroe and Bjorn Borg. Fire and ice. Two players who approach the sport differently, but when the play one another, it's a truly must-watch spectacle. Long may it continue, because tennis needs it. MORE: Jannik Sinner shocked by his level of tennis since drug ban after Wimbledon win MORE: Every outfit Kate Middleton has worn at Wimbledon as she attends the 2025 finals MORE: Why are there no line judges at Wimbledon 2025 and how does electronic line calling work?

Sinner cried like a little boy who had reached for the sweets but came away with the whole jar
Sinner cried like a little boy who had reached for the sweets but came away with the whole jar

The Guardian

timean hour ago

  • The Guardian

Sinner cried like a little boy who had reached for the sweets but came away with the whole jar

As a boy, Jannik Sinner was a champion skier. As he stood on Centre Court match point up against Carlos Alcaraz, perhaps some of the old skills kicked in. Skiing teaches balance, it teaches flexibility and endurance, but most of all it teaches faith. There is a moment in every slide, before friction kicks in, when the body is basically at the mercy of powder and physics. And the greatest skiers learn that this is the moment to hold your nerve. When it feels like you're falling, keep falling. When it feels like the edge of disaster, keep going. Three match points against Alcaraz; take two. You've lost your last five matches against this guy. He's the double defending champion. The last time you played, a few short weeks ago, he came back from two sets and three match points down to win. It was one of the most dramatic comebacks ever seen in a grand slam final, and here we are again. Alcaraz saves the first match point. He saves the second. The noise level is rising to a climax. When it feels like you're falling, keep falling. Sinner's coach, Darren Cahill, tells a lovely story about that defeat at Roland Garros. Afterwards, as he's leaving the players' lounge to get in his car, Sinner stops at a big glass jar of gummy sweets placed by the exit. Most players walk straight past it out of deference to their nutritionist. Some take one or two as a treat or souvenir. Sinner takes the whole jar. Carries it out under his arm. Hands them out gleefully to his team afterwards. That was the moment Cahill knew he was going to be OK. And so perhaps we all took the wrong lesson from that epic tussle last month. The very fact that Alcaraz had required a comeback that colossal simply to claim a narrow victory, via a fifth set tie-break, should have been a sign that the hard tangibles still favoured Sinner, if he could just keep his nerve, keep giving himself a chance, keep falling. Most neutral observers backed Alcaraz ahead of this final, albeit with two caveats. One, it was going to be close. Two, Alcaraz would need to pull out every last miracle in his pocket. Because even Sinner's bogstandard, pasta-and-cheese tennis is of such a relentlessly high level that it basically requires a godlike genius like Alcaraz to unravel it. The only players to beat him in the last year are Alcaraz, Alexander Bublik, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and what they all have in common is a certain unpredictability, verging on the mercurial. Take Sinner out of his comfort zone, and you have a puncher's chance. Because what constitutes Sinner's comfort zone is perhaps the most uncomfortable place it is possible to exist in professional tennis. There's not much mystery there. Sinner is going to hit it clean, and he's going to hit it quick, and he's going to hit it hard, and he's going to do it all afternoon. Sinner takes you into a tunnel of pain, to the point where you start to despair of ever seeing the end, perhaps that there even is an end. Alcaraz's serve collapsed in sets three and four because of the sheer pressure Sinner was putting on it, forcing him to go for a little more every time. The endless drop shots were a desperate attempt to end the points quickly, because staying in them was simply too agonising. And of course Alcaraz has a higher pain threshold than most. He even took the first set in characteristically theatrical style, thrusting a backhand winner into the open court while tumbling to the ground like a cheetah slipping over in the ketchup aisle. This is the best of Alcaraz: tennis on the very edge of the world, tennis that moves people, tennis as dialogue. Part of the reason I think he likes grass so much is that it gives him something back. He treads and it responds, and in a slightly different way every time. Was what followed the worst of Alcaraz? Perhaps instead we should give Sinner his due. From high in the stands, the prevailing motif of the last couple of sets was the constant puffs of chalk dust on Alcaraz's side of the net, as Sinner's strokes kept pinging the lines like sniper's bullets. Tennis as warfare, tennis as intimidation, tennis as the end of an argument. Sign up to The Recap The best of our sports journalism from the past seven days and a heads-up on the weekend's action after newsletter promotion And before long, we were at the end. No miracles, no rocks or bumps, just a smooth slide to the bottom of the mountain. The crowd were hot and drunk and satisfied. Someone popped a champagne cork just as Sinner was about to serve. Someone shouted: 'Come on, Tim,' during the fourth set, and frankly what's Yvette Cooper going to do about this particular menace to our nation? Finally Sinner served, and for the last time the ball did not come back. Another twist, then, in this brilliant little rivalry. And this was a good result for the rivalry, good for the lore, good for the narrative as the tour swings towards the hard courts of North America and Alcaraz's bid for New York redemption. Perhaps even good for Alcaraz too in the long run, a champion who could learn a little of Sinner's ruthlessness on the off-beats, who often struggles to find his voice when the dialogue falls silent. As for Sinner, once the celebrations had died away, he did a strange thing. He patted the grass with the palm of his hand, again and again, almost as if thanking it, as if it were a faithful horse. The four-time grand slam champion climbed the steps to his box, clasped his family in his arms and cried like a little boy again, a little boy who had reached for the sweets and come away with the whole damn jar.

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