Cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar has revealed his current favorite tennis player, marking a shift from his long-standing admiration for John McEnroe and Roger Federer, while also sharing who would make his ultimate Tennis XI.
From McEnroe’s Headband to Federer’s Grace
Sachin Tendulkar’s tennis journey began with a childhood idolization of John McEnroe. He fondly recalls backing McEnroe against Björn Borg, even sporting a headband to emulate his hero.
In more recent years, Tendulkar’s loyalty shifted towards Roger Federer. Despite enjoying the game of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Federer always held a special place, often described as “taking the cake.”
Carlos Alcaraz: The New Favorite
Today, the cricketing icon is captivated by young Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz. Tendulkar praises Alcaraz’s infectious energy, impressive agility, and remarkable mental toughness, especially noted during his French Open performance.
“That never-give-up mindset is the hallmark of a true champion,” Tendulkar stated, expressing immense respect for the rigorous preparation tennis players undergo.
Wimbledon: The Mecca of Tennis
For Tendulkar, Wimbledon stands above all other Grand Slams, akin to how Lord’s is considered the home of cricket. He’s been following the tournament since childhood, valuing its unique atmosphere above all else.
A frequent guest in the Royal Box, Tendulkar cherishes the opportunity to not only watch world-class tennis but also to meet diverse personalities, from Hollywood stars to fellow athletes. He sees it as a continuous learning experience, always eager to explore new aspects of life.
Shared Skills: Cricket and Tennis
Tendulkar draws interesting parallels between cricket and tennis, highlighting common crucial elements. Both sports demand exceptional hand-eye coordination, ball sense, and acute game awareness.
Footwork, in particular, is a shared cornerstone. Just as a batsman needs coordinated footwork to be in position, tennis players rely on swift, effortless movement across the court to control the game and launch attacks. He compared cricket’s quick runs between wickets to tennis players trying to catch opponents off balance, emphasizing the importance of quick turns and acceleration.
Tendulkar’s Indian Tennis XI
When asked to pick a Tennis XI, Tendulkar immediately included Roger Federer, acknowledging his mother’s South African connection and a nod to cricket. However, he stressed the importance of recognizing Indian talent.
He would proudly include Indian tennis stalwarts like Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, and Sania Mirza. Their remarkable achievements on the global stage, especially at Wimbledon, make them undeniable choices for his dream team.
His Dream Doubles Partner
For a doubles partner, Tendulkar didn’t hesitate to pick former Indian cricketer Yuvraj Singh. They have a winning history, having teamed up against their 2003 World Cup teammates and emerged as champions.
- Sachin Tendulkar’s current favorite tennis player is Carlos Alcaraz.
- He previously admired John McEnroe and then Roger Federer.
- Tendulkar compares Wimbledon to Lord’s, calling it the “Mecca of Tennis.”
- He sees strong similarities between cricket and tennis, especially in footwork and game awareness.
- His Indian Tennis XI would feature Roger Federer, Leander Paes, Mahesh Bhupathi, Rohan Bopanna, and Sania Mirza.
- He would choose Yuvraj Singh as his tennis doubles partner.
Tendulkar’s insights offer a unique perspective, bridging the gap between two beloved sports and showcasing his passion for both.
