Section: Sport:Tennis

A TENNIS star fell off stage in agony after losing to his COUSIN in a historic final.

Arthur Rinderknech faced his relative Valentin Vacherot, the world No204, in a shock Shanghai Masters final line-up.

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Vacherot was an alternate for qualifying, getting in when others withdrew, then came through the entire field, beating Novak Djokovic in the semi-final.

And the emotional showdown was set when Frenchman Rinderknech won the second semi, leading to a lovely embrace on the court between the relatives.

Vacherot, 26, had only won one ATP Tour-level match before his extraordinary week, sealing the title with a comeback 4-6 6-3 6-3 victory in the final in front of Roger Federer.

That made him the lowest-ranked Masters 1000 champion in tennis history, 52 places lower than the previous record, and the first man from Monaco to win an ATP crown in the Open Era.

The cousins hugged at the net and Vacherot wrote on the TV camera lens: “Grandpa and Grandma would be proud.”

They both then paid tearful tributes to one another during the presentation speeches.

But as Vacherot – whose ranking will soar a whopping 164 places to 40th – spoke on the microphone, crouching Rinderknech, 30, took a tumble off the back of the stage.

He had been struggling physically during the match and there was a dramatic thud.

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Commentators thought he may have cramped up – but laughing Vacherot saw the funny side of his cousin’s discomfort.

He joked: “I think we need some help please!”

Tennis stars following in parents’ footsteps

TALK about pressure…

These rising stars are all making their way in tennis.

But they have got something in common – they’ve got a famous parent who also made their name in the sport.

So who are the players hoping to follow in the footsteps of their tennis mums and dads?

And a physio quickly arrived on the scene with a seat and started massaging Rinderknech’s leg.

A stunned Vacherot – cheered on by his girlfriend Emily Snyder in the crowd – said: “I mean, just all like crying, it’s just unreal.

“What just happened? I have no idea what’s happening right now.

“I’m not in a dream, it’s just crazy.

“I’m just so happy with my performance these last two weeks i just want to thank everyone that has put a brick in my career since the beginning.

“Sharing this final was really tough, there has to be one, but I think there’s just two winners today, one family that won and I think for the sport of tennis, this story is just unreal.

“I wish there could be two winners but unfortunately there’s only one and, for myself, I’m happy it could be me.”

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EMMA RADUCANU suffered one of her heaviest defeats at the Grand Slams as she was blown away by clean-hitting Elena Rybakina.

The former US Open champion was crushed 6-1 6-2 in the third round by the 2022 Wimbledon conqueror.

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The pair may have shared the doubles court together and have a decent relationship in the locker room but it was one-way traffic for the Eastern European.

Fashion mogul Anna Wintour watched on from Raducanu’s box as the 22-year-old, wearing her lucky colour of red, was easily beaten before most New Yorkers had grabbed their lunches.

It is her misfortune that she has been dumped out of the four Slams this year by multiple champions Iga Swiatek (Australia and French Open) and Aryna Sabalenka (Wimbledon).

The first clash against the Pole represents the heaviest major loss on her CV – a 6-1 6-0 walloping in Melbourne in January.

Up to 34 in the world, her task ahead of the 2026 Australian Open is to be one of the top 32 seeds so she avoids a big name in the opening rounds.

Raducanu’s serving had been impressive this week but then she did have to play two qualifiers from Asia, Ena Shibahara and Janice Tjen, who were both eliminated in under 62 minutes.

This was a significant step-up in class, though Rybakina does not have a great record at the US Open, having never made the quarter-finals before.

Raducanu, 23, was broken for the first time in the tournament as Rybakina managed to read the return and was hitting the ball cleanly and with authority, crushing every ball from the baseline.

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The Moscow-born Kazakhstani, 26, was giving Raducanu no time to breathe on a much cooler morning at Flushing Meadows, far removed from some of the more stifling, humid days the players have had to experience in tournaments past.

Rybakina was firmly in charge when she broke for the second time in game six of the first set.

The Brit had no answer and after 27 minutes, despite coach Francisco Roig’s constant talk and instructions from the sidelines, she was a set behind.

Even when she thought she could make an inroad into the Rybakina serve, her opponent produced a powerful first serve in response.

Having cruised through her opening two appearances, this was an example of the real Grand Slam challenge, with Rybakina hitting 11 winners, six off the forehand.

Things got any worse at the start of set two as Raducanu crumbled from 40-love up and was  broken by the No9 seed.

Roig, formerly in the Rafa Nadal camp, shouted out “the ball is very heavy” and that is true but it does not help when it comes back at you at such pace and precision.

On the Louis Armstrong Stadium, named after the famous New Orleans-born trumpeter and jazz musician, Raducanu did not have all the time in the world.

In fact her time in the event was all over when 62 minutes on the match clock — her quickest Grand Slam exit.

Tennis stars following in parents’ footsteps

TALK about pressure…

These rising stars are all making their way in tennis.

But they have got something in common – they’ve got a famous parent who also made their name in the sport.

So who are the players hoping to follow in the footsteps of their tennis mums and dads?

CARLOS ALCARAZ has unveiled a radical new look for the US Open – he has shaved off all his HAIR.

The five-time Grand Slam champion rocked up at Flushing Meadows on day two.

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And fans were left shocked when they spotted him on the practice courts.

The Spaniard, 22, normally has thick, black hair and certainly did when he played in the Mixed Doubles Championship.

That was last Tuesday with Emma Raducanu on the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Yet ahead of his first-round encounter with lanky American Reilly Opelka on Tuesday evening, he turned up with a fresh skinhead.

It was a surprising look that was captured by US Open cameras and footage was posted on their Instagram channel.

The former US Open champion wore a white Nike Total 90 Dri-FIT soccer jersey, which was a sleeveless top.

It is perhaps a wise choice given the heat and humidity of playing in the Big Apple at this time of the year.

Nonetheless, the decision to chop off his locks was a recent one.

That was given that a video was posted on Monday of him attending St Patrick’s cathedral off Fifth Avenue.

The world-renowned tennis player was given a blessing from a Catholic priest – and in the footage, he has a full head of hair.

Alcaraz is one of the biggest sportsmen on the planet and will be hoping for a deep run at the last Slam of the year.

In their last four tournaments together, Alcaraz and world No.1 Jannik Sinner have met in the final.

They battled it out in Rome, Paris, Wimbledon and Cincinnati.

Assuming he has not lost his magical powers like biblical hero Samson did following a hair cut, then there is a great chance Alcaraz and Sinner could meet again in the final on Sunday September 7.

How to watch the 2025 US Open

THE tennis world has descended upon New York City for the fourth and final slam of the year.

The USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows will have the eyes of the sporting universe upon it.

The 2025 US Open takes place from Sunday 24 August to Sunday 7 September.

And there is a standalone mixed-double competition as well as qualifying taking place in the week beforehand.

ESPN is showing every moment live for fans in the United States, and you can sign up below.

*If you click on a link in this boxout we will earn affiliate revenue

• ESPN: $11.99/mo – subscribe here

Fans flocked to social media after his new look was revealed.

And they compared him to English soccer legend’s look back in the early 2000s.

“He looks like early 2000s David Beckham,” said one.

Another said: “Thats not him no way.”

A third added: “Who is this person?”

A fourth commented: “Jesus Christ, Carlos knows how to shock his fans on and off the court.”

And one said: “That’s not Carlos!”

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Asked about Carlos Alcaraz’s new haircut, Frances Tiafoe said: “Yeah, it’s horrible. It’s terrible.

“He’s my guy though. It’s funny. I looked at him and I was like: ‘I guess you’re aerodynamic.’

“Juan Carlos ‘Mosquito’ was laughing. He was like: ‘Yeah, he’s faster than he already was.’ I was like: ‘Well, that’s a problem.’

“I don’t know who told him that it’s good. I don’t know who told him to do that, but it’s terrible.

“From a guy who gets haircuts week-in, week-out, and prides myself on good haircuts, it’s horrendous.

“At the end of the day, it’s Carlos, and that’s my guy. But yeah, he needs to get with me. He needs to get with me for sure.”

THIS year’s US Open mixed doubles winners are set to be awarded a mouth-watering sum.

The 2025 US Open kick starts with a new mixed doubles championship, with eight duos battling it out for the title.

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Organisers have controversially made the event stand-alone this year in an attempt to encourage top singles players to participate in the mixed doubles.

The competition is set to be played between August 19-20 with the US Open Singles tournament getting started on August 24.

Many of the big name singles players will be competing in the competition with seven teams gaining direct entry based on their combined singles rankings.

Emma Raducanu pairs up with Carlos Alcaraz as she faces fellow Brit Jack Draper and his teammate Jessica Pegula in the Round of 16.

Wimbledon winner and last year’s men’s US Open champion Jannik Sinner teams up with experienced doubles player Katerina Siniakova.

Reigning champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori return as they will try to defend their title.

Novak Djokovic is also in the competition and pairs up with Olga Danilovic.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner has only reached the second round of a doubles competition once – at Wimbledon in 2006 – but did make a run to the semi-finals of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

US Open Mixed Doubles 2025 prize money

This year’s prize money has increased significantly from last year with the winning team now being awarded $1million (£736,880).

This is a staggering improvement on the $200,000 (£147,364) given to 2024 champions Errani and Vavassori.

Intent has clearly being shown by organisers significantly increasing the prize pool, upping the stakes and hopefully increasing the suspense and excitement of the games throughout the competition.

Here is a full breakdown of the prize money for the mixed doubles competition:

• Winner: $1,000,000 (£736,880)
• Runner-up: $400,000 (£294,729)
• Semi-Finalist: $200,000 (£147,364)
• Quarter-Finalist: $100,000 (£73,682)
• Round of 16: $20,000 (£14,736)

THE US Open mixed doubles tournament is getting a revamp this year, with some of the best singles players in the world stepping on court.

Instead of doubles happening at the same time as singles – like at the other three Grand Slams – the 2025 mixed doubles tournament at Flushing Meadows will take place a week before the singles tournament.

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The change has caused some controversy, as 2025 Wimbledon mixed doubles champ Sem Verbeek branded it “a shame“.

Who’s playing in the 2025 US Open mixed doubles?

There are eight teams confirmed for the US Open mixed doubles.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz will team up with British No. 1 Emma Raducanu – who won the singles tournament in 2021.

Earlier this year, they sparked romance rumours after being spotted at each other’s matches at Wimbledon and Queen’s.

Other confirmed teams include World No 1 Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, Brit No 1 Jack Draper and Spain’s Paula Badosa, and all-American duo Tommy Paul and Jessica Pegula.

Two more teams will receive a wildcard in the coming weeks. Among the favourites to receive the final wildcards are Naomi Osaka and Nick Kyrgios, plus British No 2 Katie Boulter and her fiance Alex de Minaur, who tweeted: “Katie and I would like to ask for a WC pretty pretty please”.

What is the draw for the US Open mixed doubles?

Top Half

• (1) Jessica Pegula & Jack Draper vs Emma Raducanu & Carlos Alcaraz
• Olga Danilovic & Novak Djokovic vs Mirra Andreeva & Daniil Medvedev
• (3) Iga Siwatek & Casper Ruud vs Madison Keys & Frances Tiafoe
• Naomi Osaka & Gael Monfils vs Caty McNally & Lorenzo Musetti

Bottom Half

• Katerina Siniakova & Jannik Sinner vs Belinda Bencic & Alexander Zverev
• Taylor Townsend & Ben Shelton vs (4) Amanda Anisimova & Holger Rune
• Venus Williams & Reilly Opelka vs Karolina Muchova & Andrey Rublev
• Sara Errani & Andrea Vavassori vs (2) Elena Rybakina & Taylor Fritz

When does the US Open mixed doubles tournament start?

The revamped US Open mixed doubles championship will take place over two days, on August 19 and 20.

The first and second rounds will start at 11am New York time (6am BST) on August 19, and the semi-final at 7pm (2pm BST) the following evening – with the final set to begin soon after.

The US Open as a whole will last three weeks, and will finish with the men’s singles final on September 7.

How much is the US Open mixed doubles prize money?

The 2025 mixed doubles champions will receive $1 million (about £740,000) in prize money.

This is five times as much as last year’s $200,000 (£148,600) prize money, won by Italy’s Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori – who have received a wildcard into this year’s tournament.

What is the controversy behind the 2025 US Open mixed doubles?

The new US Open mixed doubles format has sparked controversy for taking away opportunities from players who specialise in doubles.

Wimbledon mixed doubles champion Sem Verbeek of the Netherlands told BBC Sport that his “heart is bleeding” at not having the chance to play.

His doubles partner at Wimbledon, Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova – currently the world No 2 in doubles and an Olympic gold medallist – added: “I think it’s a marketing step, but they are taking [away the] chance of doubles players.”

Last year’s US Open mixed doubles champions, Errani and Vavassori, echoed their feelings.

“We see it as a profound injustice that disrespects an entire category of players,” the Italian duo said in a joint statement.

Where can I watch the US Open mixed doubles?

All the US Open action – singles and doubles – can be streamed in the UK and Ireland on Sky Sports.

JANNIK SINNER meets Carlos Alcaraz in the final of the Cincinnati Open final.

The pair recently clashed in the Wimbledon final, with Sinner getting the better of Alcaraz in four sets.

The Spaniard will be looking for his revenge, having won at the All England Club two years in-a-row before Sinner’s triumph.

Sinner comes into the final as defending champion, while Alcaraz lost his last appearance in the Cincinnati Open final to Novak Djokovic in 2023.

• Start-time: 3pm ET/ 8pm BST
• TV channel: Tennis Channel/ Sky Sports

Follow ALL the latest from the final below…

SONAY KARTAL bowed out of Wimbledon – amid more Centre Court line-calling controversy.

Kartal, the last British player in the women’s singles and making her Centre Court bow under a roof closed for daylight play for the first time this Championships gave her all in a topsy-turvy roller-coaster of a match against Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.

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Despite earning a set point in the opener, the 23-year-old Kartal was eventually out-hit as she lost 7-6 6-3 in a two hours and two minutes.

But the BIG talking point was the latest malfunction of the new automatic line-judging system in operation in SW19 for the first time this year.

Just two days after Emma Raducanu publicly called out the AI judging on the All England Club’s showpiece venue, the last British woman left standing was involved in another bizarre incident.

Kartal’s forehand at game point to Pavluchenkova in the ninth game of the opener was clearly out but there was no call from the electronic officials.

With both players perplexed, German umpire Nico Helwerth halted play for three minutes as TV replays showed the non-call was totally wrong.

Eventually, Helwerth announced: “The electronic system was unable to track the last point”, ordering a replay, which saw Pavlyluchenkova volley wildly and eventually lose serve again.

It was a bizarre moment in a strange match, which saw neither player able to dominate on their serve.

Getting her third break – in those circumstances – could have been the springboard to a victory which would have seen her tournament earnings reach £400,000 – compared to her previous CAREER prize money of £333,000.

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But despite a set point, Kartal was unable to serve out before being swept aside in the tie break.

And while the Brighton star bounced back from losing her opening service game in the second set she was crucially broken once more at 2-2, a missed forehand starting to put the writing on the wall.

Kartal refused to give up, asking the ultimate question of her opponent as she made the Russian serve out for the victory.

But Pavlyuchenkova, who matched her 2016 feat of reaching the last eight here in SW19, did not fold. 

Kartal, though, can be proud of her run and she deserved the standing ovation that accompanied her exit.

Pavlyuchenkova, 34, apologised to the home fans after her victory ended Kartal’s dream run.

She said: “Sorry guys. I’d like to thank you for the great energy.

“I understand that she was local and that’s it. But it’s nice to play in a full stadium.”

The Russian added: “I was so impressed with her – but also myself, too.

“I was getting out of breath at one stage but to keep up with these young guys at this age and for me to play at this level is incredible.”

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THE most iconic tennis tournament in the world is BACK for another year of scintillating action.

All eyes turn to the capital, as tennis superstars, celebrities, royalty and tens of thousands of fans descend on Wimbledon for two weeks of non-stop action.

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Back-to-back winner Carlos Alcaraz is looking to build on a thrilling Roland Garros victory over rival and world No 1 Jannik Sinner this summer.

The 22-year-old star has already gone one better in SW19 than Rafael Nadal as the only Spaniard to win the men’s singles tournament in consecutive years, with two Nadal’s two titles in 2008 and 2010 split by Roger Federer in 2009.

Furthermore, Alcaraz goes into the tournament fresh off a Queen’s Club win after beating Jiri Lehecka by straight sets.

Last year’s women’s finalist Jasmine Paolini will be among names such as Coco Cauff and Arnya Sabalenka in the list of women looking for their first singles title at Wimbledon.

Gauff and Sabalenka were Roland Garros finalists, while Paolini won the women’s doubles title alongside Sara Errani.

Barbora Krejcikova is the defending women’s champion but has endured an injury-hit season and lost in the first round at Queen’s.

When is Wimbledon 2025?

• Wimbledon 2025 takes place over the course of two weeks in the summer
• The tournament will be played between Monday, June 30 and Sunday, July 13.
• The men’s singles final will be on Sunday, July 13 while the women’s singles final will be on Saturday, July 12.

How to watch Wimbledon 2025 for FREE in the UK

Wimbledon remains FREE to watch in the UK in 2025.

The BBC will show ALL of the action from the capital this summer.

While they will remain the main domestic broadcaster of the tournament, TNT Sports will show the men’s and women’s singles finals, as well as a 90 minute highlight package each day.

This comes as part of a deal that Eurosport had held with the All England Lawn Tennis Club before they were bought out by TNT Sports.

However, full coverage will remain free, as mentioned above, on the BBC.

It will be broadcast across BBC TV channels, the BBC Sport website and can be live streamed on iPlayer.

Alternatively, SunSport will be running a blog with all the latest news and live action as it happens from the All England Club.

Are tickets still available for Wimbledon 2025?

In short, yes – tickets are still available for EVERY day of Wimbledon.

It is a much tougher ask to guarantee exactly which matches you could see on a specific day, however.

The ballot for specific matches and tickets has closed but Wimbledon remains one of the only remaining sporting events where the public can buy tickets on the day of play.

The Queue remains a very popular way to attend the event, although we’d advise early arrival (or even the night before).

Each day it is possible to purchase a limited number of Show Court tickets or Grounds tickets.

The different tickets will allow specific access to certain courts.

There is limited availability on both, but tickets do also frequently become available later in the day should those already inside choose to leave.

Wimbledon also offers a variety of hospitality packages which includes fine-dining, complimentary drinks, prime seating, a concierge service and buggy shuttles to the Gate.

Alternatively, tickets for specific matches on Centre Court, Court 1 and elsewhere are available to purchase on secondary ticket sites such as StubHub.

Hospitality packages can also be purchased via Seat Unique.

*Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.*

Wimbledon Ticket Options

There are a range of ways to get into Wimbledon…

The Queue

As one of the only major sporting events that allows guests to purchase tickets on the day of the event, demand is high.

Each day a large queue forms of people wanting either a Grounds or Show Court ticket – with many even arriving the night before and camping to guarantee a place.

Upon arrival, visitors are issued a Queue Card, which is numbered and dated and should be kept until a ticket has been purchased.

While there is a limited number of entries, it is possible to remain in the queue and wait for people already inside to leave, with those tickets then becoming available.

It is also possible to check the status of the queue on the Wimbledon website.

This year, organisers are asking potential queuers to download the Wimbledon app and create a myWimbledon account.

Show Tickets

If you get to the front of the queue, then there are a limited number of tickets available for purchase for Centre Court and Courts 1, 2 and 3.

Note that Centre Court tickets are available for the first 10 days of the tournament, the final four days were already pre-sold.

Prices vary depending on the Court, seat and day of the event and will increase the further into the tournament you visit.

For example, Centre Court rows A-T cost £105 on Day 1 and £315 on Day 14 (men’s final).

Grounds Pass

A Grounds Pass costs £30 and allows visitors to watch matches on Courts 3-18 on unreserved seats, though there will also be a queue to get into Court 3.

Ticket Resale

From 3pm each day, tickets may become available from people who have left Wimbledon and made their seat available.

A Grounds Pass is needed to join the virtual queue on the Wimbledon App.

Tickets cost £15 for Centre Court or £10 for Courts 1/2.

Hospitality

There are a range of hospitality packages still available on the Wimbledon website.

Hospitality packages offer guaranteed premium seating to major matches as well as fine dining experiences, complimentary drinks, a shuttle and concierge service.

Hospitality packages can also be purchased via Seat Unique.

Secondary Markets

Sites such as StubHub offer tickets for the main courts for specific days and times.

*Please note that StubHub and similar secondary ticket resale sites may list tickets above face value.*

When is the Wimbledon draw?

The Wimbledon draw takes place on Friday, June 27.

Seeded players and qualifiers will find out their fate and potential route to the final.

The draw will be aired on BBC Two at 10am BST for both the men’s and women’s singles.

The doubles draw takes place at 12pm.

Wimbledon schedule

The full Wimbledon tournament starts on Monday, June 30, with the men’s and women’s singles.

Doubles action kicks-off two days later on Wednesday, July 2.

The full draw will be take place and be revealed on Friday, June 27.

A full schedule is available here:

Monday, June 30

• Men’s singles first round
• Women’s singles first round

Tuesday, July 1

• Men’s singles first round
• Women’s singles first round

Wednesday, July 2

• Men’s singles second round
• Women’s singles second round
• Men’s doubles first round
• Women’s doubles first round

Thursday, July 3

• Men’s singles second round
• Women’s singles second round
• Men’s doubles first round
• Women’s doubles first round

Friday, July 4

• Men’s singles third round
• Women’s singles third round
• Men’s doubles second round
• Women’s doubles second round
• Mixed doubles first round

Saturday, July 5

• Men’s singles third round
• Women’s singles third round
• Men’s doubles second round
• Women’s doubles second round
• Mixed doubles first round
• Boys’ & Girls’ singles first round (18&U)

Sunday, July 6

• Men’s singles fourth round
• Women’s singles fourth round
• Men’s doubles third round
• Women’s doubles third round
• Mixed doubles second round
• Boys’ & Girls’ singles first round (18&U)

Monday, July 7

• Men’s singles fourth round
• Women’s singles fourth round
• Men’s doubles third round
• Women’s doubles third round
• Mixed doubles quarter-finals
• Girls’ singles second round (18&U)
• Boys’ doubles first round (18&U)

Tuesday, July 8

• Men’s singles quarter-finals
• Women’s singles quarter-finals
• Men’s doubles quarter-finals
• Women’s doubles quarter-finals
• Mixed doubles semi-finals
• Men’s & Women’s wheelchair singles first round
• Boys’ singles second round (18&U)
• Girls’ doubles first round (18&U)
• Invitational doubles

Wednesday, July 9

• Men’s singles quarter-finals
• Women’s singles quarter-finals
• Men’s doubles quarter-finals
• Women’s doubles quarter-finals
• Mixed doubles quarter-finals
• Quad wheelchair singles quarter-finals
• Men’s & Women’s wheelchair singles quarter-finals
• Boys’ & Girls’ singles third round (18&U)
• Boys’ & Girls’ doubles second round (18&U)
• Invitational doubles

Thursday, July 10

• Women’s singles semi-finals
• Men’s doubles semi-finals
• Mixed doubles final
• Men’s & Women’s wheelchair singles quarter-final
• Men’s, Women’s & Quad wheelchair doubles semi-final
• Boys’ & Girls’ singles quarter-finals (18&U)
• Boys’ & Girls’ doubles quarter-finals (18&U)
• Boys’ and Girls’ 14&U singles
• Invitational doubles

Friday, July 11

• Men’s singles semi-finals
• Women’s doubles semi-finals
• Men’s, Women’s & Quad wheelchair singles semi-final
• Boys’ & Girls’ singles semi-finals (18&U)
• Boys’ & Girls’ doubles semi-finals (18&U)
• Boys’ and Girls’ 14&U singles
• Invitational doubles

Saturday, July 12

• Men’s doubles final
• Women’s singles final
• Women’s wheelchair singles final
• Men’s & quad wheelchair doubled finals
• Girls’ singles final (18&U)
• Girls’ doubles final (18&U)
• Boys’ doubles final (18&U)
• Boys’ and girls’ 14&U singles semi-finals
• Invitational doubles

Sunday, July 13

• Men’s singles final
• Women’s doubles final
• Men’s & quad wheelchair singles finals
• Women’s wheelchair doubles final
• Boys’ singles final (18&U)
• Boys’ & girls’ 14&U singles finals
• Invitational doubles

Wimbledon 2025 prize money

The winner of Wimbledon 2025 will win a staggering £3 MILLION.

The total prize purse for the men’s and women’s singles championships is £38,828,000, while the tournament prize purse is £53,500,000!

A full breakdown of the prize money:

• Winner: £3,000,000
• Runner-up: £1,520,000
• Semi-finalis: £775,000
• Quarter-finalist: £400,000
• Fourth round: £240,000
• Third round: £152,000
• Second round: £99,000
• First round: £66,000

JANNIK SINNER had two hands on the French Open crown – or at least nine fingers…

But fans reckon he was then hit by the very same curse that struck Roger Federer in the Wimbledon final six years ago.

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Nothing less than that of “The Cursed Finger”.

Sinner was leading Carlos Alcaraz 2-1 in sets and 5-3 in the fourth, before earning three match points at love-40 on the Spaniard’s serve.

And it was then that some Sinner fans gleefully raised a finger in anticipation of the World No1 clinching his first Roland Garros title.

That’s also what happened to Federer in the SW19 seats when he had two match points on his own serve against big rival Novak Djokovic back in 2019.

Both times fingers went up. Both times fortunes went down for the man on top.

Djokovic clinched a five-set epic, then Alcaraz did just that too on Sunday – retaining his French crown via the longest-ever Roland Garros final.

Naturally, fans couldn’t resist making creepy comparisons.

One wrote: “If it’s not a cursed finger again” – cruelly adding crying-with-laughter emojis.

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Others taunted Sinner fans – as the Italian went on to lose 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6 in five hours and 29 minutes.

The 23-year-old might also have thought the spirits were against him for another reason – during the fourth set.

He sportingly gave up a point after telling the chair umpire an Alcaraz shot had wrongly been called out.

But replays showed line judges had been right to call it long.

Three-time Slam winner Sinner admitted afterwards it was tough to speak after losing from such a strong position.

The rueful runner-up said: “It’s easier to play than talk now.

“I’m still happy with this trophy – I won’t sleep very well tonight but it is OK.”

Alcaraz praised his beaten rival – perhaps knowing the pair are way ahead of the world’s rest in the men’s game.

He told Sinner: “The level you have is amazing.

“It is a privilege to share a court with you in every tournament and in making history.”

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JANNIK SINNER paid for WRONGLY awarding Carlos Alcaraz a point in their sensational French Open final.

Poland’s World No.1 sportingly but incorrectly told the umpire an Alcaraz forehand was in – only for replays to show it went LONG.

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The Spaniard had earlier saved THREE Championship points in that fourth set.

And Alcaraz went on to complete a comeback of incredible quality, winning 4-6 6-7 6-4 7-6 7-6 in five hours and 29 minutes.

Unlike the three other Grand Slam tournaments, Roland Garros does NOT use HawkEye technology to check line calls.

And midway through the final set Sinner looked frustrated when an Alcaraz shot was called in – with replays suggesting it 31mm out.

And although fans praised Sinner for his sportsmanship in the fourth, many viewers blasted the French Open for being stuck in their ways.

The tight line call came when Alacaraz served to go 6-5 up in the fourth.

Line judges called it out and the chair umpire got down from her seat to examine the mark.

But as she strode quickly across the court, Sinner signalled  he thought the ball was good.

She immediately acknowledged that with a raised hand and returned to her seat.

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However, freeze-frame replays  of the incident suggest the ball had clearly landed beyond the baseline.

And that led to observers hailing both players for the spirit in which they played such a gripping contest, but also questioning the tournament for snubbing HawkEye.

One fan said: “They are both acting like saints here.”

Another described them as “class acts all around”.

A third posted: “So nice to see some civility in the world!”

And a fourth wrote: “That is why they are 2 favourites.”

But another moaned: “So many missed called because they refuse to use technology. Joke of a tourny .”

And another viewer said: “Honestly thought it looked clearly out at full speed. A number of very questionable calls at the end of that set…”

Around 90 minutes after the line shout, Alcaraz clinched his victory from two sets down with a dominant 10-2 Championship tie-break in the fifth.

Sinner* 6-4 7-6 4-6 6-7 1-3 Alcaraz

His arms must feel so heavy after virtually four-and-a-half hours on court but Alcaraz shows superb touch with the nifty drop shot – and Sinner does not run for it.

Literally a carbon copy in the second point. Again Sinner does not chase it down – that is very, very telling.

He has been running those down for the whole match until now.

Have his legs gone?

He is really struggling to move and it is Alcaraz that is deciding which way the points go – winners, errors or forcing Sinner into mistakes.

After going down 40-30, Sinner lets out some emotion towards his team – that is the first sign of any frustration he has allowed out.

But fast forward a couple of minutes and Sinner has a break point… surely he can’t can he?

Alcaraz kicks in a second serve and brushes the winner away.

Oh my word – how has he pulled that drop shot off? That is staggering from Alcaraz as he cuts a forehand just over the net and though Sinner chases it down, it is simply too good.

But back comes the Italian to deuce before two serves clip the net and go out – not the time for a double fault!

Huge from Alcaraz to go on the offensive and save it in style.

Sinner mishits a return and has a small outburst of anger – and he will be seething inside as Alcaraz eventually holds after nearly ten minutes with a forehand winner.

JACK DRAPER is not only a huge rising star in tennis but also models for fashion magazines including Vogue.

But who is the Tennis-playing supermodel dating? Here’s everything you need to know about British No 1 – who has reached the semi-final of the US Open.

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Who is Jack Draper?

Jack was born on 22 December 2001, in Sutton, Surrey.

He is a star both on and off the court, as he has been ranked as high as No.25 in singles – although he will likely climb the rankings after his heroics at the US Open.

Although he is yet to win a Grand Slam, tennis is something that runs in his family.

His brother, Ben, is a former pro and his mum, Nicky, is a junior champion turned coach.

His father was even the chief executive of the LTA (Lawn Tennis Association), which is the national governing body of tennis in Great Britain, the Channel Islands, and the Isle of Man.

Jack is known for his unusual way of playing tennis.

He plays left-handed despite the fact that he is naturally right-handed.

This unique style allows him to play a backhand like a second forehand.

Who has Jack modelled for?

Jack is signed to IMG Models, an agency that has also signed Gisele Bündchen and Heidi Klum.

In 2024, the 6ft 4in star was featured in Vogue wearing some big labels, from Loewe to Louis Vuitton.

He has even attracted the attention of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who sat in his box to watch his decisive victory over Tomáš  Macháč.

Who has Jack Draper dated?

The tennis star and Vogue model is notoriously private about his love life and has said that he spends a lot of time on the court.

Even when Zendaya, the star of Luca Guadagnino’s 2024 tennis film Challengers, attended one of Jack’s matches he didn’t notice.

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He told Tatler:  “I’m not that great with celebrities.

“We were at the US Open last year and everyone was making a big fuss over this girl who walked in and I had no idea who she was. I think she was called Zendaya?”

When asked about whether the film’s raunchy take on tennis is accurate, he said: “I wouldn’t know much about that.

“Right now I’m giving myself the best chance to progress and beat the best players in the world.”

Jack is known to be close with British tennis superstar Emma Raducanu.

In a fashion shoot with Vogue, he described Emma as “a real special talent”.

However, there isn’t much to suggest that the close pals are anything more than friends.