By Zainab Shafiq 
When it comes to understanding pressure in sport, few know it better than Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli. Yet, even the seasoned batter admits that the atmosphere at Wimbledon’s Centre Court carries a different kind of intensity. During a visit to the iconic tennis venue with his wife Arushka, Kohli opened up about his admiration for tennis players and his unique perspective on what makes the tournament so special.
“Wimbledon has a unique intensity,” Kohli said, describing how the proximity of the crowd adds an “intimidating” edge to every point played. Unlike in cricket, where spectators are at a distance and athletes can mentally zone out, the Centre Court pressure — a compelling four-word keyphrase for sports fans — is always looming.
Kohli, who first attended Wimbledon in 2015, returned this year with Arushka, reliving what he called a “very, very special” moment. “We always planned to return, and finally, here we are again,” he said, visibly delighted by the atmosphere and tradition of the Grand Slam.
Centre Court Pressure vs Cricket’s Mental Game
Kohli drew fascinating comparisons between cricket and tennis. He emphasized that while cricket tests players’ patience and timing, tennis challenges their constant resilience. “In cricket, you wait for hours not knowing when you’ll go in. One mistake and you’re out. In tennis, you can be two sets down and still win. That resilience is amazing.”
Speaking about high-stakes cricket moments, he added, “The only time we cricketers feel that kind of pressure is during an India-Pakistan World Cup match or a final. Your legs are literally shivering.” It’s these moments that offer a glimpse into what tennis professionals face regularly.
Djokovic, Alcaraz, and the GOAT Debate
Kohli also revealed his admiration for tennis great Novak Djokovic, saying he’s been in touch with the legend. “He’s always been kind and gracious. I’d love to see him face Carlos Alcaraz in the final — and I hope Novak wins. He deserves it. In my view, he’s right up there as the greatest of all time.”
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