The prestigious Wimbledon 2024 tournament saw not only tennis legends and up-and-coming stars but also icons from the Bollywood film industry who attended to witness the high-octane action live. Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan was among the notable attendees and took this opportunity to reminisce about a lesser-known chapter in his life — his childhood connection with tennis.
Aamir Khan, during his visit to London for Wimbledon, opened up about his past as a budding tennis player. The superstar shared a significant revelation: he used to be an accomplished tennis player during his junior years and held the prestigious title of Maharashtra State Champion.
In a candid chat with Star Sports, Aamir Khan expressed his deep love for tennis and delved into why he eventually decided to hang up his tennis shoes. In the video, Khan could be seen animatedly discussing his passion for the sport and reflecting on his glory days on the tennis court. The actor admitted, “I don’t think I could have ever made it to any significant level, but I really enjoyed the game. I had a lot of fun while playing it. And then one fine day, my dad decided that I should stop playing, so I stopped.” He added a touch of humor to his revelation by saying, “Well, I think I am very happy where I am now, so yeah, and good for tennis that I didn’t continue.”
The revelation was a surprising insight for many fans who primarily know Aamir Khan for his cinematic achievements. The actor, known for his versatility and dedication to his craft, offered a rare glimpse into a potential alternate career path that was never realized.
Aamir Khan’s attendance at Wimbledon 2024 marked his second appearance at the famed tournament. He had previously attended the Men’s Final in 2023 with his children Junaid Khan, Ira Khan, and Azad. Recounting his previous visit, Khan described it as “a wonderful experience, really wonderful.” He elaborated, “Up until now, I’ve watched it on television through Star Sports. But when you watch it live, you realize just how fast the game is and how amazing the players are. The whole atmosphere, the excitement of watching it live is something else.
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Aamir Khan didn’t just delve into his past; he also took time to appreciate contemporary tennis talent. He spoke highly of Spanish tennis sensation Carlos Alcaraz, complimenting the young player’s game and achievements. “It looks like he’s playing really well. When I watch him play, it almost seems like he reaches the impossible shot. So, how do you close the point with him? I often wonder,” Khan said thoughtfully. “The point should have been over in the last couple of shots, but he’s reached them and hit it back. And then he wins the point.”
Khan didn’t stop there; he predicted a bright future for the young tennis star, asserting, “So, he’s someone, I think, who’s showing a lot of potential. Of course, he’s just started out, but I think he has the potential to be one of the all-time greats if he continues in this way. I think I would bet on Alcaraz.” He also acknowledged the presence of Novak Djokovic in the game but emphasized the unique challenge posed by Alcaraz, saying, “It’s really difficult to close the point with Alcaraz. You know, he just doesn’t let you close the point. He really makes you work hard to get the point.”
The blend of nostalgia and contemporary admiration was a special moment for fans of both tennis and cinema. Aamir Khan’s reflections offered a heartwarming narrative about how past passions can shape one’s present and future, even if they are left behind. Such candid revelations from celebrities provide a humanizing element, showing that even stars like Aamir Khan have personal histories and struggles just like everyone else.
Wimbledon 2024, already a stage for tennis excellence, thus served as a unique platform for an unexpected yet delightful revelation from one of Bollywood’s most revered actors. Aamir Khan’s journey from a state tennis champion to a celebrated global actor exemplifies the unpredictable and often surprising paths that one’s life can take.
