Wimbledon Star Skupski Faces Grandmother, Jota Deaths

Liverpool tennis star Neal Skupski experienced a profound personal and communal tragedy when he learned of his grandmother Mary's death moments after winning his first-round doubles match at Wimbledon, on the same day that Liverpool FC forward Diogo Jota died in a car crash in Spain. Skupski, a three-time Wimbledon champion and lifelong Liverpool fan, described the day as very tough, expressing how both losses deeply affected him, with Jota remembered not only as a talented footballer but also as an incredible, down-to-earth person who was integral to the Liverpool dressing room. Despite the emotional weight, Skupski chose to continue competing, reflecting on how his grandmother would have been proud of his resilience. Wimbledon plans to relax its dress code to allow black armbands in Jota's honor, and Skupski had considered wearing one in the coming days. The news of Jota's tragic death was initially received through social media, highlighting how even admired figures are vulnerable to sudden loss, a reality Skupski found difficult to accept. His doubles partner Joe Salisbury and others praised Skupski's strength and focus in the midst of such heartbreak, noting how tennis provided a coping outlet during this difficult time.