Pep Guardiola offered shock coaching change during Wimbledon visit

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola was jokingly offered the opportunity to become the tennis coach of Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon.

The 53-year-old, who guided Manchester City to a record-breaking fourth consecutive Premier League title in May, was invited to the Wimbledon Royal Box by the All England Club for Sporting Saturday at the Championships last weekend.

Guardiola clinched his 17th major title with Manchester City during the recent 2023/24 season, winning a sixth Premier League title in seven years, alongside success in the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.

The Manchester City manager was alongside a series of sporting legends in the Royal Box at SW19 on Saturday, with the 88-person guest list including former Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson and England Women’s captain Leah Williamson.

Also in Royal Box were England cricket trio Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler, as well as Olympic stars Jason and Laura Kenny, Chris Hoy, Adam Peaty, Jess Ennis-Hill, Denise Lewis, Kadeena Cox, Hannah Cockroft and Bethany Shriever.

Guardiola watched a number of matches including fourth seed Alexander Zverev, who overcame an injury scare and third set tie-break to beat Britain’s Cameron Norrie to reach the fourth round of the Championships.

Speaking after beating Norrie in straight sets on Centre Court on Saturday, the German tennis star said: “When I saw Pep (Guardiola) I got so nervous for a few games. Thanks a lot for coming, it’s a privilege to play.

“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.

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

The Royal Box has hosted the Royal Family and illustrious guests for the past 102 years, with the Chairman of the All England Club inviting British sporting talent to Centre Court for Super Saturday every year.