Wimbledon star Oliver Tarvet screams 'Gareth' during matches in secret ritual
The British star says he is 'not allowed' to explain exactly who he is referring to
Tarvet has repeatedly been heard screaming 'Gareth' during matches
(Image: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images )
British tennis star Oliver Tarvet faces the biggest test of his career so far as he takes on reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round of the men's singles competition at SW19.
The 21-year-old qualifier set up the glamorous tie with the Spanish ace after blowing away Switzerland's Leandro Riedi in a straight- sets victory in the opening round. Ranked 733rd in the world, he is the lowest-ranked player in the singles field at this year's tournament and will have to pull off something truly special to defeat the No.2 seed.
Tarvet will, however, have the home crowd on his side and those who have watched him in the competition so far will have noticed he has an unusual ritual to help him through matches.
The British No.33 can be heard repeatedly shouting 'Gareth' when on court, leaving spectators baffled about what the outburst is in reference to.
Tarvet - who studies at the University of San Diego - has admitted that it is an "inside joke" with his fellow students in the United States, adding that it refers to "a soccer player".
When pushed on whether it referred to Wales football legend Gareth Bale or former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, the St Albans-born star confessed it was one of them - but wouldn't reveal which of the men he was talking about.
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'I am not allowed to tell. It is a secret of ours," he said when quizzed on the ritual, before being asked if he was referring to Bale or Southgate.
'I think I gave a little bit too much information, but, yeah, it's one of those two guys. You're cracking the code soon. But you're gonna have to wonder. I'm sorry.
'My team-mates were already annoyed at me for how much information I gave out.
"It's just the inside joke to keep guys accountable of their decision-making. That's all I'm gonna say.'
Tarvet added: 'It's just who I am. It's what gives me success, being a little more energetic, a little bit more fiery than the most players. And as much as I get that some people might find that a little bit annoying, it's what brings me success.
"And I'm not gonna change who I am and what brings me success. So, as much as I will try and tone it down a bit, I find it pretty funny out there.
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"My team-mates were laughing, and they were blowing up our group chat because I was saying it in Wimbledon last round of qualifications. I tried to make it a little bit more fun, a little more energetic out there.'
The British star provided a further hint that he could be referring to Bale when he was reminded that Real Madrid fan Alcaraz would have likely also shouted 'Gareth' previously when watching the Welshman in action for the La Liga giants.
That remark led him to add: 'Gareth is going viral!'
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