5 Most iconic quotes said by players at Wimbledon ft. Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz
Wimbledon is the most famous and prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Nothing can be more satisfactory for a player than to lift the trophy on the hallowed grass of All England Club in London.
Wimbledon is also the only Grand Slam played on grass. There are not too many tournaments on grass these days and hence, the grass Major offers a unique challenge to the players taking part in it. A lot of them struggle to get used to the faster surface after having gone through the grind of the European clay swing.
In this article, we will take a look at the five most iconic quotes by players at SW19. Let us get on with the list:
#5. "I just felt so much pressure. There's so much anxiety to do things or achieve things. So I feel unbelievable. Like I'm two beers deep."
_ Nick Kyrgios, after losing the Wimbledon final in 2022
Kyrgios remains one of the mavericks on the ATP Tour. Quite understandably, his reaction to losing in a Grand Slam would be a little dramatic.
The Australian lost to Novak Djokovic in the final, but his wonderful serve gave a number of his opponents a torrid time in the tournament. However, the pressure was too much for him on the big day.
#4." I feel it's stupid when someone says sport is out of politics. It's really stupid."
_ Marta Kostyuk on the ban on Russian and Belarusian players at Wimbledon 2022
The players from Russia and Belarus were banned from playing at the grass Major in 2022. All England Club's decision to impose the ban drew a lot of flak from different corners.
However, according to Marta Kostyuk, it was justified and she supported it openly. Incidentally, Kostyuk refused to shake hands with Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus after their match at the French Open in 2023.
#3 "I have played in front of you twice, and it’s twice that I’ve won. I hope that you are coming more"
_ Carlos Alcaraz to King Felipe of Spain after winning Wimbledon in 2023
Alcaraz had no stage fright whatsoever even in the presence of Spanish royalty, as the King attended the match from the Royal Box. The precocious youngster beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling five-setter to win his maiden title at SW19 in 2023.
In the presentation ceremony, the Spaniard showed that he had enough presence of mind to go with his sharp reflexes on a tennis court.
#2. "It would be a pretty one‑sided conversation."
_ Andy Murray at Wimbledon 2014, on whether he had any wine-related conversation with Amelie Mauresmo, his coach and an oenophile
Murray remains the only top male player to have appointed a female coach. Mauresmo is supposed to be a connoisseur of wines and hence, the question was asked to Murray.
However, the two-time Wimbledon champion from Great Britain made it clear that he was not an avid drinker himself. The quote also underlined his wit considerably.
#1. The holy grail, the temple of tennis".
_ Novak Djokovic, describing Wimbledon in 2023
Djokovic, a seven-time champion at Wimbledon, was referring to the importance of the tournament in tennis. The Serb was well aware of the place it holds in the annals of the sport.
Djokovic lost in the final in 2023 but had a very good tournament in general. Still, his loss to Alcaraz meant that he was not able to equal Roger Federer's record of winning eight titles there.