Tennis stars Alcaraz and reformed Rublev challenge each other, while Sabalenka targets Wimbledon triumph
Andrey Rublev, the Russian tennis star, has reached the quarter-finals of Wimbledon, but history suggests he has yet to play his best tennis in the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments. Despite his consistent performance in reaching the quarters, Rublev has never progressed beyond this stage in a major tournament.
At Wimbledon 2025, Rublev faced a formidable opponent in Carlos Alcaraz, who eventually defeated him in four sets (6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4, 6-4). Rublev demonstrated resilience, taking the first set in a tiebreak, but Alcaraz's superior skill and adaptability on grass courts proved decisive.
Rublev's game is characterised by strong baseline power and high intensity, often playing in "fifth gear." However, his tactical flexibility and ability to adjust during matches lag behind top players like Alcaraz. To progress beyond the quarter-finals, Rublev might consider improving his adaptability, mental composure, and court craft on different surfaces.
Improving adaptability could involve developing the ability to change tactics and vary shot selection. Mental composure and confidence could be bolstered by a stronger belief in his ability to outplay top opponents beyond raw power. Confidence in critical points and belief in turning matches around is crucial. Enhanced court craft on different surfaces may help Rublev gain an edge in later rounds, as Alcaraz's superior placement and control, particularly on grass courts, made a difference in their match.
Meanwhile, British tennis hopes rest on Sonay Kartal and Cameron Norrie. Kartal, who reached her first ever Grand Slam fourth round at Wimbledon, is maintaining British interest in the tournament. Kartal enjoys the spotlight and feels like she has "nothing to lose" in her upcoming match.
Elsewhere in the women's tournament, Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one and favourite for the title, will face Elise Mertens. Sabalenka, who was excluded from Wimbledon last year due to a shoulder injury and a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes, overcame a stern test of her tennis and temperament in the match against Raducanu. Sabalenka has expressed feeling like a "different person" after controlling her emotions in recent matches.
South Africa-born Norrie, a Wimbledon semi-finalist three years ago, will play Chilean qualifier Nicolas Jarry in the next round. The outcome of these matches promises to add excitement to the remaining stages of Wimbledon 2025.
In the ongoing Wimbledon 2025 tournament, Andrey Rublev, admiring the challenges posed by diverse playing styles, might want to study the adaptability demonstrated by opponents like Carlos Alcaraz, a crucial factor that often differentiates the quarter-finals from the latter stages of Grand Slam tournaments. In the women's tournament, Aryna Sabalenka, taking inspiration from her resilience displayed against tough opponents like Raducanu, could apply this newfound emotional control to her tennis game, potentially leading to progress beyond the quarter-finals.
