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Rediff.com  » Sports » PHOTOS: Cricketers on Wimbledon courts
This article was first published 12 years ago

PHOTOS: Cricketers on Wimbledon courts

Last updated on: June 28, 2011 13:23 IST

Image: Somdev Devvarman and Sachin Tendulkar
Photographs: Getty Images

Over the years cricketers have graced the Wimbledon Championships. This year too it is no different. From Sachin Tendulkar to Kevin Pietersen, they have been to the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club to witness some hardcore tennis action.

A sneak peek of the cricket stars at Wimbledon.

Sachin Tendulkar is a familiar face at Wimbledon, the Indian cricket icon frequenting the event every year.

This time Tendulkar's visit was not restricted to just being another famous spectator in the Royal Box on Centre Court. He took advantage of the opportunity to meet with tennis players whilst enjoying some quality on-court action.

It was a day of honour for India's rising tennis star Somdev Devvarman, who took the opportunity to get snapped with the legendary cricketer on Saturday.

The meet with Tendulkar was one of the bright moments of the day for Somdev, whose chances in the singles event were dashed by 18th seed Mikhail Youzhny when he lost 2-6, 4-6, 4-6.

And Somdev's doubles campaign was brought to halt after he and partner Kei Nishikori lost 3-6, 4-6, 6-7 (5) to the sixth seeded French-Serbian combine of Michael Llodra and Nenad Zimonjic in the second round on Monday.

Meeting of icons

Image: Sachin Tendulkar chats with Roger Federer

Before meeting Somdev, Tendulkar made it a point to meet World No 3 Roger Federer at Centre Court after the Swiss maestro beat David Nalbandian 6-4, 6-2, 6-4 on Saturday.

In what has come to become an iconic photograph, both sportsmen chatted animatedly.

Sachin later went on to Tweet, 'Spent an hour with Roger Federer chatting on the balcony of Wimbledon Royal box. What a humble guy! And by the way he knows a lot about cricket!!'

Tendulkar, Anjali watch Wozniacki in action

Image: Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar and wife Anjali look on from the Royal Box during the match between Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark and Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia

Before his photo-ops with Federer and Somdev, Tendulkar along with wife Anjali witnessed women's World No 1 Caroline Wozniacki whip Jarmila Gajdosova of Australia 6-3, 6-2 in their third round encounter on Saturday.

Boys day out!

Image: England cricketers Ian Bell (left), Jonathan Trott (centre), Graeme Swann (right) and Chris Tremlett (back) at Wimbledon

Players from the England cricket team also decided to get some Wimbledon action.

Fresh from their sweet victory in the Test series against Sri Lanka, cricketers Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Graeme Swann and Chris Tremlett were seen hanging around in the balcony of the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on Day 2 of the Championships.

Nothing like celebrating a series-win with a get-together at Wimbledon!

Pietersen sees Serena down Rezai

Image: Cricketer Kevin Pietersen and wife Jessica Taylor during the match between Serena Williams and Aravane Rezai

England stroke-player Kevin Pietersen enjoyed decent form during the Test series versus Sri Lanka and the star was seen relaxed in the company of his pop-star wife Jessica Taylor at Wimbledon. The couple witnessed the first round match between Serena Williams and Aravane Rezai.

It was Serena's day as the American survived a three-set thriller to advance after a 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 win.

However, defending champion Serena's stay at Wimbledon was cut short by Frenchwoman Marion Bartoli on Monday.

England cricketers have a ball

Image: England cricketers James Anderson (left), Graeme Swann (2nd from right) and Alastair Cook (right) have a laugh before the match between Serena Williams and Aravane Rezai

Pietersen also had the company of teammates James Anderson (left), Graeme Swann (2nd from right) and Alastair Cook (right) during the match between Serena and Rezai.

Swann, the English team's eternal funny man, was seen doing what he does best when not on the cricket field as he had his colleagues in splits with all the clowning around.

Meanwhile, former England captain Nasser Hussain (sitting behind Swann) seemed to be disconnected from all the fun.

Anderson soaks in the atmosphere

Image: England cricketer James Anderson (left) looks on prior to first round match between Serena Williams and Aravane Rezai

Here we have the good-looking James Anderson enjoying the match between Serena Williams and Aravane Rezai in the company of a female friend.

After recovering from side strain Anderson made a comeback in the third Test vs Sri Lanka and picked four wickets for the showing.

Well, hardwork has its rewards, and, might we say, catching some live tennis action to unwind is definitely a worthy one.