**Wimbledon Underdog Oliver Tarvet Raises Eyebrows With Shouts of ‘Gareth’ in Match Ritual**
Rising British tennis star Oliver Tarvet is making headlines at Wimbledon for more than just his remarkable journey through the tournament’s early rounds; his on-court outbursts invoking the mysterious ‘Gareth’ have captivated both fans and commentators alike. As the 21-year-old from St Albans prepares for the daunting challenge of facing defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the second round, his unique matchday behaviour has become one of the talking points of the competition.
Having entered the main draw as a lowly qualifier—currently ranked 733rd in the world—Tarvet has already surpassed expectations. His comprehensive straight-sets victory over Switzerland’s Leandro Riedi set up the glamour tie against Alcaraz and marked him out as a player full of potential and personality. Despite being the lowest-ranked singles competitor at this year’s tournament, Tarvet’s spirited displays have made him an unexpected darling of the SW19 crowd.
Yet, for many spectators, it isn’t just Tarvet’s tennis that has caught their attention. Throughout his matches, the youngster can be heard energetically shouting “Gareth” at key moments, prompting a wave of speculation about the origins and meaning of this unconventional ritual. Reporters have repeatedly quizzed the British No.33 about the cries, but Tarvet remains tight-lipped, insisting it’s an “inside joke” that he shares with his University of San Diego peers.
“All I can say is it refers to a football player,” Tarvet explained during a recent post-match press conference, offering a glimpse into the ritual’s meaning. The press tried in vain to pin down whether he drew inspiration from Welsh icon Gareth Bale or England’s celebrated manager Sir Gareth Southgate. Smiling at the persistent questioning, Tarvet admitted, “It’s one of those two. You’re getting closer, but I can’t tell you outright. My team-mates think I’ve already revealed too much!”
For Tarvet and his friends, the reference seems to serve as a private motivational tool—a quirky way of remaining focused and holding each other accountable. He elaborated, “The shout is something that helps keep decision-making in check. We use it to remind ourselves not to lose discipline or composure. Beyond that, I can’t say more. It’s just part of our group dynamic.”
This glimpse into Tarvet’s mindset highlights the role of camaraderie, routine and humour in professional sport, where pressure and expectation are ever-present. While some may find his exuberance unusual or even off-putting, Tarvet is adamant that his energy and unpredictability are central to his approach. “I know not everyone’s going to love it,” he said. “But that extra energy gives me an edge, and I’m not about to stop being myself on court.” He added that while he might try to curb it for the sake of decorum, he enjoys the light-heartedness it brings to fierce competition.
The Wimbledon sensation revealed that his group chat with fellow athletes has been buzzing with banter about his new-found notoriety at the All England Club. “All the guys back in the States have been winding me up about it, especially after the qualification rounds. It keeps things light and keeps me connected to my roots, no matter what court I’m playing on,” Tarvet remarked.
Speculation over which ‘Gareth’ is being immortalised continues to swirl, particularly after a reporter quipped that Alcaraz, a noted Real Madrid supporter, would himself have chanted Gareth Bale’s name while watching matches at the Bernabéu. Tarvet laughed off the suggestion but did concede, “Who knows, maybe ‘Gareth’ will go viral before the tournament’s done.”
As Tarvet readies himself for his most formidable Wimbledon challenge yet, the story of the mysterious ‘Gareth’ shout adds an extra layer of intrigue to his compelling underdog tale. Whether this secret ritual will help him topple the reigning champion remains to be seen, but it has certainly contributed to making this year’s Championships that little bit more memorable.