IMAGES from the soccer matches played across leagues on Friday
Liverpool draw Sparta Prague in Europa League last 16
Tsitsipas made short work of Norwegian eighth seed Casper Ruud as he seized a third Monte Carlo Masters title in four years with a 6-1, 6-4 victory on Sunday.
The crises of the 21st century, 9/11, the economic meltdown, COVID-19, Russia-Iran war and the Hamas-Israel war seem to be never ending. In this situation, Iran might be contemplating a nuclear deterrent to defend itself, observes Ambassador T P Sreenivasan, the distinguished long-time Rediff contributor who turns 80 on June 17..
Images from Day 2 of the 2024 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris on Monday.
'He's so important for our game, one of the greatest legends of tennis in the history of the game.'
Novak Djokovic said his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz was becoming like the one he shared with the Spaniard's compatriot, Rafa Nadal, after needing nearly four hours to outlast the 20-year-old world number one in an epic Cincinnati Open final on Sunday.
Fears that Rafael Nadak may miss the French Open grew after he pulled out of this week's Italian Open.
'Heading to dinner with some friends,' Roger captioned a selfie clicked with fellow legends Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic, with the London Bridge in the background.
The Tuskers now have 16 points from seven matches, three clear of FC Goa who have played two matches less.
Although Nadal has revealed that he has seen improvements in his hip injury after trying a new treatment, the question still remains: Will Rafa defend his title at the French Open?
Alcaraz will hope to bury memories of an injury-plagued start to last year when he missed the Australian Open
Daniil Medvedev was philosophical about his loss to Jannik Sinner in Sunday's Australian Open final, rationalising that at least he had made it to the title-decider and not crashed out in an earlier round.
Rafael Nadal has not played since sustaining a hip injury at the Australian Open in January.
Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna went down to the Brazilian duo of Rafael Matos and Luisa Stefani in the mixed doubles final at the Australian Open on Friday.
Jannik Sinner bounced back from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev and win his maiden Grand Slam title.
Novak Djokovic will prepare for a tilt at an 11th Australian Open title by representing Serbia at the United Cup mixed team tournament while old rival Rafael Nadal and former women's world number one Naomi Osaka return at Brisbane after time away.
'It'll also be difficult for him, tennis requires that competitive rhythm, but Rafa is Rafa, even if he arrives without many matches, he'll surely show a spectacular level.'
'To be honest, the whole tournament I haven't really played close to my best. I didn't feel really myself on the court during this tournament. One can say semi-finals is a great result, of course, but I always expect the highest of myself.'
Nadal said he needs to stop playing for the foreseeable future to make a full recovery and return for what he anticipates will be his farewell season.
Naomi Osaka felt the nerves but looked solid on her return to elite tennis after 15 months out as she got past Germany's Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 7-6(9) in the first round of the Brisbane International.
'I believe I'm in a different moment, in a separate situation and in an unexplored terrain.'
An early penalty by Alexis Mac Allister and a Darwin Nunez brace helped Liverpool to thrash Sparta Prague 5-1.
It was a case of more pain than gain for Nadal since he hoisted the Musketeers' Cup for a record 14th time in June.
'That's the motto: the future is bright. This year hopefully I can play better in Australian Open and go further and show some good tennis.'
With the Australian Open currently on, defending champion Novak Djokovic has once again been dubbed as a favourite to retain the title, and former world No. 17 Bernard Tomic of Australia firmly believes there will be no one to challenge the great Serbian.
Lopez was cheered on by 22-time Grand Slam champion Nadal during his final event as a professional.
'With all the foot issues, just turned 36, he adds his 22nd Major'
Novak Djokovic's latest triumph at the US Open saw him equal Margaret Court's record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
With a jam-packed schedule brimming with both legendary athletes and captivating storylines, Paris 2024 promises unforgettable moments.
'A guy asked "Can I have a picture with you, Mr Nadal?"'
Rafael Nadal will miss the Monte Carlo Masters as his return from injury has been delayed further.
Led by Saharan, who is leading the batting charts with 389 runs, the team's performance got better with each match and the only time it has been pushed to a corner in the tournament is the semifinal where it pipped hosts South Africa by a solitary wicket.
Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric came off the bench to net a stunning strike from the edge of the box late in the second half to secure a 1-0 home win over Sevilla on Sunday and stretch their lead at the top of La Liga to eight points.
Summary of the Europa League semi-final matches played on Thursday.
IMAGRS from the soccer matches played across European leagues on Friday
'Rafael Nadal withdrew for personal reasons'
The Australian's determination to once again display his talent on the Wimbledon lawns is an illustration of the huge importance the grasscourt Grand Slam has played in his career.
Certainly the prospect of another showdown at the US Open in a few weeks is exciting, but whether or not 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic can stretch his career long enough to battle Carlos Alcaraz on a regular basis is questionable.
World number one Carlos Alcaraz faces a tough path to a maiden French Open title after being placed in the same half of the draw as 22-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
