'I think I have to support...' - Rishabh Pant predicts winner of Wimbledon 2025

Indian vice-captain Rishabh Pant was recently spotted enjoying the electric atmosphere of Wimbledon 2025 in London, where he witnessed the Round 4 showdown between Jannik Sinner and Grigor Dimitrov. With the third Test against England at Lord’s scheduled to begin on July 10, Pant made the most of his downtime by soaking in some top-tier tennis action at the prestigious Grand Slam.

Pant, widely celebrated for his fearless and unconventional batting style, shared his admiration for tennis icon Novak Djokovic during his appearance. Speaking to Star Sports, Pant likened Djokovic’s ability to his own style of cricket, saying the Serbian legend could definitely replicate the kind of shots he plays on the cricket field. He also reflected on how the evolving nature of modern sport continues to inspire him.

In a surprising yet insightful revelation, Pant threw his support behind Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz to clinch the Wimbledon 2025 title. Alcaraz, who recently beat Cameron Norrie in the quarter-finals, is now set to face American Taylor Fritz in the semis. Pant said, “I think I have to support Alcaraz. I think he's going to win Wimbledon. That's my prediction. Rest, whoever plays the best tennis eventually is going to win. I think Djokovic definitely can pull it off (my shots) for sure.”

From Federer’s backhand to Kyrgios’ charisma

Pant also opened up about the tennis players who have influenced him over the years. He revealed that Roger Federer’s iconic backhand was a major inspiration for him during his formative years. The Indian wicketkeeper-batter noted how Federer’s elegance left a lasting impression, even as the game evolved with new champions like Djokovic taking the spotlight.

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Further drawing parallels between himself and tennis stars, Pant mentioned Nick Kyrgios as someone whose playing style and on-field personality resonate with his own. “I think Nick Kyrgios, I think he's one guy I really used to enjoy watching because the way he plays, he enjoys his game; that is something I always look forward to,” he added.

Meanwhile, Pant has been in red-hot form during the ongoing Test series against England, scoring 342 runs in four innings at an average of 85.50, including two centuries and a half-century. He will return to the field when India faces England in the third Test at Lord’s on July 10.