The historic grass courts of the All England Club have long drawn cross-sport royalty, and the Wimbledon 2026 championships were no exception. Taking a brief respite from the demanding cricket calendar, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson made a high-profile visit to London to soak in the electric atmosphere of Centre Court. Attending the tournament alongside former all-rounder Yuvraj Singh and fellow national teammates, Samson joined a prominent contingent of Indian cricket icons celebrating elite athletic mastery.
During his exclusive interaction at the prestigious event, the CSK opener opened up about his deep-rooted admiration for tennis. Beyond merely enjoying the high-stakes matches, Samson shared how the mental grit and physical dedication of the world’s best tennis players heavily influence his own perspective on professional cricket.
Sanju Samson opens up about the tennis legends who inspired him
For Samson, an appreciation for tennis began early in his childhood, heavily influenced by his family’s love for the sport. “Definitely, a lot of them, I think I was just telling… my parents were big fans of Andre Agassi, so they used to tell me a lot of stories about him,” Samson shared when asked about his primary sporting inspirations on Star Sports.
As he transitioned into a professional athlete, however, his focus shifted toward the era-defining modern legends. “When we grew up, I think it was Nadal, Federer, and lately it has been Novak Djokovic,” he remarked.
Samson specifically pointed to the 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic as a blueprint for holistic athletic excellence. “I think the way he carries himself on and off the field is definitely a great inspiration for all the athletes around the world.”
Samson emphasized that what audiences witness on television is merely the tip of the iceberg. He expressed great reverence for Djokovic’s notoriously meticulous approach to health and mindfulness. “Being a sportsman myself, it’s definitely not what you see on the television, It’s much, much, much more to do with what you do off the screen—how you prepare yourself, how you recover yourself, what all mental games you play inside the ground, how you take care of your body, mind,” He added.
For the Indian cricketer, Djokovic’s vocal advocacy for mental health and physical preservation serves as a vital lesson for his own career. “I’ve seen him speak a lot about how he takes care of his mind and how he’s taking care of his body as well. So, I think that definitely is a great learning, not only for me but all the athletes around the world. So, thanks to him for what he is doing for all of us.”
Here’s the video:
It’s all about the work behind the scenes!
Sanju Samson shares how watching Nadal, Federer, Djokovic and Agassi has shaped his mindset and influenced his game.#Wimbledon 2026 | LIVE NOW on Star Sports & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/H1KWCV3bKC
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) July 12, 2026
Also WATCH: Gautam Gambhir faces ‘We Want Sanju Samson’ chants after India’s loss to England in third T20I
Samson picks his favourite from the new lot of Tennis stars
While the veteran greats shaped his fundamental understanding of sportsmanship, Samson is also closely tracking the next generation currently taking over the ATP tour. When questioned about which young prodigy captures his attention the most, the elegant batter didn’t hesitate to pick Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz.
“Alcaraz, actually,” Samson stated enthusiastically. He noted that the young multi-Slam champion brings an unmatched charm and intensity to the court that resonates with his own approach to dynamic sport. “I really love the energy which he brings it in the court. I think the raw, the young, the fire which he brings in with that smile, with that right composure when it matters the most,” he concluded.
By bridging the gap between tennis royalty and cricket, Samson’s Wimbledon visit highlights a universal truth in professional sports: regardless of the equipment or the playing surface, ultimate success is dictated by unwavering mental resilience and meticulous preparation behind the scenes.
