Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the semi-final match against his Russian counterpart Daniil Medvedev told fans he believes he can “beat Djokovic” in the men’s Wimbledon final on Sunday.
The eyes of the world were on center court as world number one Alcaraz shot to a place in the Grand Slam Final in front of a star-studded crowd, including Hips Don’t Lie hitmaker Colombian singer Shakira.
The 20-year-old tennis star did too well for the Russian as he cruised to a stunning 6-3 6-3 6-3 victory, though he continued to fight hard in the third set.
Notable sports fans were seen at the tournament this afternoon, with Princess Beatrice, 34, accompanied by her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 39.
The royal couple also joined RHe is the cousin of the late glamorous Queen Elizabeth, Lady Helen Taylor, Lady Sarah Chatto, Duchess of Gloucester and Princess Michael of Kent.
Artist Andrew Levitas and singer Katherine Jenkins also joined those at the Royal Box. Meanwhile, British director Sam Mendes, 57, has engaged to Sir Cliff Richard and actress Felicity Kendall.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz won the first three sets in his battle against Russia’s Daniil Medvedev
Russia’s Daniil Medvedev lost to Alcaraz to book his place against Novak Djokovic on Sunday in the men’s final.
Colombian singer Shakira watched the men’s semi-final match at Wimbledon today
Among the crowd was Princess Beatrice, who sat in the Royal Box on Center Court
Medvedev is among the Russian and Belarusian stars banned from last year’s tournament due to the war in Ukraine – a move that led to Wimbledon being fined by tennis’ governing bodies.
For his part, Medvedev declared that he wanted to “promote peace around the world” when the war began last year.
A reversal of the Wimbledon rules allowed him to return to the grass courts and make his way through the tournament.
Ahead of the season’s third Grand Slam tournament, Medvedev spoke of his love for Wimbledon and his disappointment at being forced to miss last year’s event.
I really missed playing Wimbledon. I’ve always loved him. The first time I came I thought it was the best tournament in the world. Every flower was in its place and I was so nervous and excited.
Every time I come back, I feel really special. I was disappointed that I couldn’t play last year. I couldn’t play, followed the rules and spent time with my family.
“But it doesn’t give me any extra motivation for this year – it comes from Wimbledon, which was my worst tournament in terms of results.”
Meanwhile, his rival, Alcaraz, is one of the hottest commodities in the sport of tennis, securing several lucrative endorsement deals from Calvin Klein, BMW, Rolex, and Nike—to name a few.
The parents of 20-year-old Viriginia Garfia and Carlos Alcaraz watched the match along with the star’s brother Jaime Alcaraz.
Medvedev is among the Russian and Belarusian stars who were banned from last year’s tournament due to the war in Ukraine.
Shakira sat in the district court today watching Alcaraz and Medvedev
Dame Helen Taylor today joined Princess Beatrice and her husband, Eduardo Mapelli Mozzi
Artist Andrew Levitas and singer Katherine Jenkins also joined those at the Royal Box
His impressive footwork has been likened to Federer, his ability to cover the court against Rafael Nadal, and his mental focus to a cold Djokovic.
Medvedev’s wife was not present to watch her husband today. Apparently single, Alcaraz previously dated stunning tennis player María González Jimenez and glamorous Spanish singer Ana Mina.
His parents, Viriginia Garfia and Carlos Alcaraz watched the match with the star’s brother Jaime Alcaraz, however, being there to support him.
Among the crowd is York resident Stuart Golden, 43, who bought his mother, Jill Ellsworthy, 66, Wimbledon tickets for her birthday.
The couple in red “emergency spare” gowns chose to swap Stadium 1 tickets to watch Carlos Alcaraz play Daniil Medvedev on the big screen at The Hill, caught in a downpour.
Mr Goulden said: ‘We thought we’d just drive around and see what happens and suck it up. It’s been on our bucket lists.’
‘I remember when there was no roof in the stadium and Cliff Richard was out and entertaining the crowd. It’s so nice to be here and just absorb the vibe.
Other fans left the safe roof of Stadium 1 to watch center court action on the mound despite the rain.
Alcaraz reacts during his fourth round match against Italy’s Matteo Berrettini at Wimbledon on July 10, 2023
This photo shows Alcaraz posing topless for Hearst Spain
Rumored ex-girlfriend Maria Gonzalez Jimenez
Janet Hutchinson, 69, and her daughter Ellen Duckett, 45, traveled from Northampton to watch the women’s doubles.
Ms Hutchinson said: ‘We were kind of watching (Novak Djokovic) at the same time on our phone. It was kind of a hooligan. We were watching the results, not the match.
The couple prepared for the weather and moved to the hill to watch Carlos Alcaraz play Daniil Medvedev and bought Wimbledon-style towels to perch on.
Ms Hutchinson said: ‘Pimms are our most important item. We use our towels. We bought them as gifts but we use them now.’
“It’s a good opportunity to come to Wimbledon and I’m not going to waste it by going home just because it’s raining,” said Mrs. Duquette.
There was absolutely no outdoor game today as everything was canceled due to inclement weather. This means that there will be a busy weekend in SW19 for those players who are looking to catch up.
Earlier today, Djokovic defeated Jannik Sinner in straight sets in the first semi-final of the day. This puts the 36-year-old Serbian one step away from clinching his eighth Wimbledon title.
It was the first Grand Slam semi-final match for Italian player Sinner, who fought back for most of the match but eventually lost 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4) to the defending champion.
Djokovic taunted the center court crowd with a “cry baby” gesture after Siner failed to capitalize on three set points.
He has won all six break points he has faced and is now in his ninth final at the All England Club. It is also his 35th all-time Grand Slam final, more than any man or woman in tennis history.
He is seeking his 24th major singles championship overall, which would make an even bigger mark in the Open Era, which began in 1968.
Roger Federer is the only man to win eight singles titles at Wimbledon. Martina Navratilova has won the women’s championship nine times.
