Carlos Alcaraz and Rishabh Pant, two contemporary sports sensations, were compared by legendary Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar. Gavaskar noted that both sportsmen are exceptional in their respective sports and have a similar capacity to excite spectators by taking risks. During his presence at Wimbledon 2025, where even Rishabh Pant was spotted having fun during the tennis event, the former Indian opener made his admission.
With sports figures and celebrities from all over the world in attendance at the Royal Box, Wimbledon 2025 has been a star-studded event. Indian cricketing greats Virat Kohli, Jasprit Bumrah, Deepak Chahar, and, most famously, Rishabh Pant, who appeared at the All England Club the day after playing in the second Test match against England at Edgbaston, were among them.
Gavaskar expressed his love for Wimbledon and his respect for Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz in an interview with Star Sports. He acknowledged that Alcaraz’s skill set makes him a strong candidate, but he still stated his wish to see Djokovic win his 25th Grand Slam championship.
“I rarely visit Lord’s if India isn’t playing there, but I always go to Wimbledon when I’m in England around this time. Therefore, it’s safe to state that I visit here more frequently than I visit Lord’s. Since it would be Djokovic’s 25th Grand Slam victory, I would prefer him to win. It would be great because no one has ever won 25 majors. I suppose my logic says Alcaraz, but my heart says Djokovic.
And just because I believe Sinner is hurt, Alcaraz. We don’t know if he will be fully recovered for the rest of the competition. Alcaraz has all the shots in the book and moves around so effortlessly. Sometimes he acts like a showman, attempting drop shots when you would expect him to finish the point. People come to watch that, though; it’s similar to watching Rishabh Pant. You have to be prepared for the unexpected when you’re with Rishabh Pant. Alcaraz is similar in that you have to be prepared for the unexpected. Gavaskar remarked, “That’s what makes him so exciting.”
As a fan, you also want to have this experience: Rishabh Pant
Rishabh Pant, meanwhile, talked candidly about his passion for tennis and his Wimbledon experience. He revealed that he was inspired and excited to be at the All England Club.
“Many things. Excitement is the first thing that springs to mind. Since we play cricket all the time, you want to have an experience as a spectator as well. However, you get to see someone who can motivate you here. Tennis players are among the athletes who provide that inspiration. It’s incredible. And I get to wear nice clothes at last! Sometimes it feels nice to wear a suit because we are normally dressed in shorts and t-shirts,” Pant added.
In addition, he disclosed that his all-time fave is Roger Federer, whom he really admires for his backhand. Pant stated that he prefers to watch Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner among the current crop.
“A mindset is one item I would take. You can compete in any sport, but you won’t succeed if you have the wrong mindset. That’s what separates a decent player from a great one. It distinguishes you,” the southpaw said.
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