Wimbledon: Euros take over Centre Court as Zverev makes Guardiola plea

Pep Guardiola enjoyed the Centre Court action at Wimbledon as Alexander Zverev sought an opportunity to entice the Manchester City manager to Bayern Munich.

Premier League title-winning coach Guardiola turned his attention away from football on Saturday, watching on as Zverev overcame Cameron Norrie in straight sets.

The Man City boss was joined by Arsenal Women and England captain Leah Williamson, as well as cricketing stars Jos Buttler and Joe Root in a star-studded lineup.

Yet Zverev was most interested in pointing out former Bayern boss Guardiola as the fourth seed urged the Spaniard back to Bavaria.

“For me and for all tennis players it’s an honour to play on this beautiful Centre Court and in front of the Royal Box, we had so many sporting legends today,” Zverev said.

“For me, Pep Guardiola, when I saw Pep I got so nervous for a few games. Thanks a lot for coming, it’s a privilege to play.

“Last thing – Bayern Munich needs a coach. If you’re tired of football you can coach me on a tennis court any time.”

“Congrats to @England“@DjokerNole comments on the moment Centre Court reacted to England’s penalties win at #EURO2024 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/0MaxHr9EYG

— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 6, 2024

Zverev was not the only one to notice the football, though, as Novak Djokovic acknowledged the Centre Court crowd were following England’s Euro 2024 penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland.

Having lost the first set 6-4, seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic was leading 4-1 in the second when fans burst into applause, leaving both players briefly puzzled.

Yet the pair soon realised the crowd were celebrating England’s quarter-final win over Switzerland, before Djokovic mimicked a penalty effort towards Alexei Popyrin.

“I assumed it was a penalty shoot-out between England and Switzerland,” Djokovic explained after his 4-6 6-3 6-4 7-6 (7-3) win.

“It felt like for a set and a half the crowd really wanted to understand what the score was in the football match. Did England win in the end? That’s why you guys stayed. Congrats to England.

“I tried to shoot a penalty, I’m left-footed, but Alexei defended it well!”