Shubman Gill picks his Wimbledon champion and it's not Carlos Alcaraz

India Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill has backed Jannik Sinner to lift the Wimbledon 2026 title, praising the Italian's composure both on and off the court.

Speaking to JioStar ahead of the Wimbledon finals, Gill also revealed his admiration for Roger Federer, explained which tennis shot reminds him of his own batting, and named Carlos Alcaraz as his ideal doubles partner.

Shubman Gill backs Jannik Sinner for Wimbledon title

Gill believes Sinner has everything required to emerge champion at the All England Club.

"I'm backing Sinner to win Wimbledon. He is a fantastic player, and he carries himself really well both on and off the court," Gill told JioStar.

Why Roger Federer is Shubman Gill's favourite tennis player

Gill said Federer's effortless style was what initially drew him to the 20-time Grand Slam champion, but added that playing professional sport made him appreciate the work behind that elegance.

"Roger Federer is my favourite. Growing up, a lot of people said he made everything look effortless. But when you play a sport yourself, you realise how much work goes into making it look that way. People have called me effortless in cricket too, but I know the effort behind it. The elegance and grace Federer played with was special, and that is why I admire him," he said.

The Carlos Alcaraz shot that reminds Shubman Gill of his batting

Gill compared Alcaraz's trademark drop shot to one of his own signature strokes in cricket.

"The drop shot that Alcaraz plays, it reminds me of the short-arm jab in cricket. I play that shot too, it's my trademark shot. Quick, deceptive, and very effective," he said.

Carlos Alcaraz picked as dream doubles partner

Asked which tennis player he would most like to partner in doubles, Gill chose Alcaraz.

"Carlos Alcaraz is the one who I would like to play doubles with. He looks like someone who really enjoys himself on the court. It would be fun to play alongside him. I don't know the details, but I think I can hold my own in tennis, so that would be a fun match," Gill said.

Shubman Gill names dream sporting dinner guests

Gill also revealed the four sporting legends he would most like to have dinner with, selecting two tennis icons and two cricket greats.

"Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and then the cricketers would be Sir Viv Richards and Sachin sir. Those are the four legends I would love to sit with and have dinner with them. I think the conversations would be incredible. They have all dominated their eras and have so much to share about their journeys. It would be a dream dinner," Gill said.

*Source: JioStar*