LONDON – Dustin Hoffman and cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar were among the high-profile spectators at Wimbledon on Friday, taking in the Centre Court showdown between defending champion Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.
The Royal Box also featured a strong British acting contingent, with Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugh Laurie and Damian Lewis in attendance, alongside fashion designer Tom Ford and Anna Wintour.
Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of cricket’s all-time greats, stepped away from the sport in 2013 after making his 200th test appearance. Wimbledon described him as “cricket royalty.” Fellow former cricket star Brian Lara of the West Indies was also seated in the Royal Box, the exclusive area reserved for guests invited by the All England Club.
Virgil van Dijk, the Netherlands defender and Liverpool captain, was another notable guest. The Dutch side was knocked out of the World Cup in the round of 32.
Hoffman, 88, was not seated in the Royal Box this time, though he had been a guest there in 2024.
Earlier on Centre Court, Alexander Zverev secured a place in Sunday’s final with a victory over British wild card Arthur Fery.
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AP tennis:
