“I would like to have my own group.” It has been a long-time desire of the Hall-of-Famer to own an NBA team. Although Shaquille O’Neal has got few stakes in the Sacramento Kings, he wants to step up as the primary owner of an NBA team. Well, the legend’s dream could take flight as there have been talks about NBA expansion and Shaq is on his toes.

“I know Vegas hasn’t been awarded an NBA team yet, but if they ever get to a point where they are awarded a team, I would like to be a part of that,” said O’Neal earlier in an interview. However, he hasn’t been the only one in this ownership race; enter LeBron James and Jeff Bezos.

Jeff Bezos in the race for Boston Celtic’s ownership

According to a discussion in The Bill Simmons Podcast, the buzz about Jeff Bezos making an investment in the NBA is real. “And in the last few days, there’s been some, I think, legitimate buzz about Jeff Bezos buying the Celtics. And I think it’s real. I think he’s going to be one of the suitors,” said Bill Simmons on his podcast. The NBA franchise that clinched the championship last season is estimated to be worth around $6 billion. With his substantial resources, Jeff Bezos would easily have the capital needed to make such a purchase.

Talking about the reason behind potential investment from Bezos, Simmons said, “…Jeff Bezos, when he’s looking at the Celtics, what is he seeing? What does he want? I think the only way it makes sense, I mean, granted, he has a gazillion dollars – but it’s one of the crown-jewel franchises, right?” 

Simmons opines that the league would be eager for Celtic’s sale as it will facilitate them in their mission of expanding the league with new teams. With the Amazon founder’s over $200 billion net worth and a reportedly failed attempt at securing the NFL team, Washington Commanders, it is likely for Bezos to enter the race here and for the owners to not turn him down.

The defending NBA champions are currently owned by the Grousbeck family, but the owners recently announced their intention to sell the team. “The expectation is to sell the time in two parts with 51 percent going fairly soon, 49 percent then closing in second closing. That’s the expectation in 2028,” Grousbeck told CNBC last month.

Earlier there was another group that also considered making a bid for the Boston Celtics, but after Bezos’ entering the scene, they might shift their focus; a possible hindrance in Shaq’s owner ship deal.

Why Jeff Bezos’ entry might become obstacle in Shaquille O’Neal’s dream?

When the Grousbeck announced about Celtic’s sale, it was reported that Fenway Sports Group was also interested in bidding for the Boston Celtics. If they had gone through with the purchase, LeBron James would have ended up as a part-owner of the Celtics, thanks to his ownership stakes in Fenway Sports Group. Well, now there is a very little possibility of that because there is already someone in the race who can pay a big amount to Celtic owners.

This might turn LeBron James’ head to his earlier target. “It’s wonderful. It’s the best fanbase in the world and I would love to bring a team here (Las Vegas) at some point. That’ll be amazing,” said the Los Angeles Lakers star back in 2022. After withdrawing from Celtic’s race, James might once again prefer going for the Aces, a target which is also chased by the Hall-of-Famer.

While Las Vegas has long been seen as the top contender for landing an NBA franchise, securing a team in Vegas isn’t going to be easy as there were reports indicating that the sale could turn out to be the most expensive and fiercely contested sports acquisition in U.S. history. Nevertheless, James and O’Neal both have been active business investors. And it would be interesting to see which way the Aces ownership will fall.

Stay tuned for more such updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show.” Our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.

The Boston Celtics must pay outlandish amounts to maintain their roster for next season. Yet, as soon as they went on sale, the suitors didn’t hesitate to commit to the project. It began with Fenway Sports Group, which has LeBron James as their partner, showing interest in the bid. If they close the deal, the King would eventually become a part owner of the city he hates playing in the most. Now the 18-time champions’ magnetism has attracted one of the biggest fishes – Jeff Bezos.

According to Bill Simmons, Bezos’ name has reverberated along the NBA walls when mentioning the Celtics’ ownership. There is a belief he is truly interested in acquiring the reigning champions. With Amazon having a new media rights deal with the NBA, Bezos owning the Celtics would multiply his already heavy league portfolio.

USA Today via Reuters

Previously during the early days of Wyc Grousbeck relaying his intentions to sell the team, Bezos coincidentally sold $5 billion worth of Amazon stock. Many believed it was an early sign of his interest in owning the Celtics, valued at close to $6 billion. While Jeff Bezos hasn’t personally spoken about ever wanting to own the side, Simmons believes he has made forward strides to transform the Celtics.

Viewing them as “one of the crown jewel franchises,” Bezos plans to not only build a new stadium for the franchise but also clean his image using the ownership status. Additionally, with the help of his net worth (surplus of $200 billion), the Celtics can manage to retain their championship core for years to come.

Celtics fans rejoice with latest Jeff Bezos update

It’s not that only LeBron James despises the Celtics fanbase. The supporters of the Shamrock aren’t very fond of the King either. Hence, they were on board with having Bezos as their new owner. However, one passionate fan of the Celtics has put forward some strict demands. Barstools’ Celtics reporter Dan Greenberg went to X to speak about the latest ownership buzz around the franchise.

I don’t give a shit who it is as long as they abide by these rules:

1. Accept Brad Stevens as your lord and savior
2. Spend hundreds of millions on luxury tax penalties
3. Believe in Mazzulla Ball
4. Not be John Henry and FSG https://t.co/WNmD2NK67s

— Dan Greenberg (@StoolGreenie) August 19, 2024

While he didn’t care who eventually took the helm, Greenberg did have some instructions the new owners must follow. It included trusting in both Joe Mazzulla and Brad Stevens’ methods and paying the exorbitant luxury tax required to keep the roster intact. Lastly, and some good news for Bezos, is he didn’t want FSG to take ownership.

Apart from his plea, other Celtics fans were busy celebrating the arrival of Bezos. The Amazon CEO’s deep pockets ensure the Boston Celtics can accommodate lucrative contracts like those of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. In that reference, one fan wrote, “We signing everyone to a max deal now” 

We signing everyone to a max deal now 😭

— Adam☘️ (@CelticsAdam34) August 19, 2024

The Celtics currently have the second-highest payroll in the NBA. Come next season, their situation will be such that their luxury payments will surpass their salary bill. To maintain such luxurious standards without breaking a sweat, the financial power of Jeff Bezos seems to be a must.

Among the wildest of suggestions is the fact that Jeff Bezos might be looking to relocate the Celtics to Seattle. According to one fan, “Seattle Sonics are coming back one way or another!“.

While it’s unlikely for a prestigious organization like the Celtics to ever relocate, some reasons make it seem like a possibility. Firstly, Amazon’s headquarters reside in Seattle. Furthermore, Bezos is also looking into buying the Seattle Seahawks after the death of the franchise’s previous owner, Paul Allen.

There was also some opposition regarding Bezos’ potential takeover of the Shamrocks. Some NBA fans were evidently upset about the cashflow advantage the franchise would receive. But the more pressing matter was his already locked media rights deal with the NBA. “This should be rejected. Bezos would own a portion of the NBA with Amazon Prime and own a team” a fan wrote.

As part of the new media rights deal, Amazon Prime got the smallest package of NBA games for the coming season. Hence, while not directly attached, Bezos’ position with the league might pose challenges. Time will tell whether Adam Silver sees any issues. But till then, it seems the Celtics fanbase has opened the doors for Jeff Bezos.

After snagging another Olympic gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics with Team USA, A’ja Wilson is now a two-time Olympic gold medalist, in addition to being the Las Vegas Aces’ all-time leading scorer. Just the other day, Wilson dropped a bunch of pics on Instagram with the caption “Some favs from my camera roll,” and a lot of them show her time at the Paris Olympics. In one of the clips, she’s dapping up Deuce Tatum, Jayson Tatum’s little man.

Jayson Tatum posted this clip on Instagram with the caption “Auntie Aja,” showing off the sweet moment between the WNBA star and his son. Looks like A’ja Wilson is getting that ‘Auntie’ love from Jayson Tatum’s biggest fan in the new Insta story.

Deuce, born in 2017, has been a big part of his father’s life and NBA journey. He’s stolen the spotlight numerous times with his on-court appearances.”I’m around him every day. I think being able to go through this journey together, because I was 19 when I got drafted, it’s kind of like we’re growing up together. As he’s gotten older, I’m going through my career, sharing these moments, experiencing this together as we grow up,” Jayson said in a post-game conference.

By sticking with Deuce most of the time, Jayson Tatum’s always there for him. Even if Deuce isn’t right by his side, JT makes sure he’s never too far away.

In addition to this, Tatum Jr. has also joined his father at various events, including the St. Louis Cardinals baseball game, where he was invited to throw the first pitch. Now that Jayson Tatum has reposted A’ja Wilson’s post with the ‘auntie’ caption, it highlights their close relationship. However, it seems like ‘Auntie’ A’ja has been caught up in some dating rumors for a while.

Are Bam Adebayo and A’ja Wilson More Than Just Friends?

When A’ja Wilson dropped her Instagram pics the other day, many expected to see Bam Adebayo in them. And there’s a reason for that—rumors have been swirling about them dating. With that special handshake at the Olympics and seeing them together outside, people are pretty much convinced it’s a thing.

Well, these two have been spotted together a bunch of times even before the Paris events, including at a finals rematch between the Aces and the New York Liberty. And when Adebayo’s Heat teammate Jamie Jaquez Jr. was asked about it during a gaming session, he just said, “I plead the 5th.”

Jaime Jaquez Jr. on if Bam Adebayo is dating A’ja Wilson:

“I plead the 5th”

HUGE SHOUTOUT TO @Disobey_y for ALL these clips pic.twitter.com/zMfmrjew7u

— JJJ Muse (@JaimeJaquezMuse) June 22, 2024

So, with something brewing between those Wilson and Adebayo, even though they haven’t officially confirmed anything, could Adebayo end up being the “Uncle” for Deuce?

Will the rumors turn out to be true soon? What are your thoughts on this?

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.

The 22-year-old rookie broke the record against the Seattle Storm on Sunday night

Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark continued to make WNBA history on Sunday nightLAPRESSE
Caitlin Clark continues to make waves in her debut WNBA season, setting a new benchmark for rookies across the league.

The Indiana Fever guard broke the WNBA’s single-season assist record for a rookie during Sunday’s game against the Seattle Storm, surpassing a milestone that had stood for over two decades.

Caitlin Clark steals the show with sass

Caitlin Clark proves she’s a game-changer

Clark’s 225th assist, which broke the previous record held by WNBA legend Ticha Penicheiro, came early in the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.

The record, originally set in 1998 during the league’s second season, was eclipsed by Clark in just her 28th game, with 12 more contests left in the season.

This accomplishment further cements Clark’s already impressive legacy, even as her rookie year unfolds.

The Iowa standout, who was the first overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, has quickly established herself as a force on the court.

Clark’s ability to see the game unfold and find her teammates has made her the league’s leading passer, averaging 8.3 assists per game.

Her record-breaking performance against Seattle adds to an already impressive list of achievements this season.

Caitlin Clark’s historic rookie season continues

Earlier this year, Clark became the first rookie in WNBA history to record a triple-double, showcasing her all-around talent with 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds against the New York Liberty on July 6.

Just a few weeks later, she set the WNBA’s single-game assist record with 19 assists in a thrilling match against the Dallas Wings.

With her latest record in hand, Clark has firmly placed herself among the league’s elite playmakers.

Ticha Penicheiro, the previous record-holder, was a seven-time league leader in assists and a four-time WNBA All-Star, eventually winning a championship with the Sacramento Monarchs in 2005.

Clark’s achievement is a testament to her potential to reach similar heights in her career.

As the season progresses, Clark remains on track to potentially break even more records.

She is within reach of surpassing Connecticut’s Alyssa Thomas, who set the league’s overall single-season assist record in 2023 with 316 assists.

At her current pace, Clark could rewrite that record by season’s end.

Clark’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she, along with her Fever teammates Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston, earned spots on the WNBA All-Star team that recently triumphed over Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

With a month left in the regular season, Caitlin Clark’s record-breaking performance is a harbinger of what’s to come, both for her and the Indiana Fever.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how many more milestones Clark can reach as she continues her stellar rookie campaign.

No one would have expected Russell Westbrook to break Oscar Robertson’s triple-double record way back in 2017. Years after, though, the Milwaukee Bucks legend has stepped up to defend the Denver Nuggets guard after all the hate directed at him.

February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Oscar Robertson is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Robertson has strongly criticized the Los Angeles Clippers and other franchises over their treatment of Westbrook. Also known as The Big O, the Bucks icon expressed his frustration with the way Westbrook has been handled by teams throughout his illustrious career.

Feb 17, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Former basketball players Julius Erving (left) and Oscar Robertson (right) attend NBA All Star Saturday Night at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The NBA legend who was a pioneering force for player empowerment and one of the greatest all-around players in NBA history, believes Westbrook has been unfairly maligned and scapegoated by various organizations. He argued that Westbrook’s impact goes far beyond just numbers and statistics, as he brings an unparalleled energy, leadership, and a winning mentality to any team he plays for.

The Clippers’ recent decision to part ways with Westbrook after acquiring him in a trade has further fueled Robertson’s outrage. He believes Los Angeles did Westbrook a disservice by not giving him a proper opportunity to contribute and showcase his unique skillset to the team and its fans.

He emphasized that Westbrook’s relentless work ethic and unwavering commitment to the game of basketball should be respected and celebrated by the league and its franchises. He believes teams should strive to build around players like Westbrook rather than quickly discarding them when things don’t go as planned or when they face a bout of adversity.

Milwaukee Bucks Legend Oscar Robertson Defends Russell Westbrook From Haters

Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; NBA legend Oscar Robertson waves to the crowd during the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The past few years have certainly been tough for Westbrook. In an article by Joey Linn for Sports Illustrated, Robertson had a few words of support for the former MVP.

“For some strange reason, I don’t know why they want to keep blaming everything that happens on him,” Robertson said of Westbrook. “When he plays he is dynamic, he gives the team a spark. Then all of a sudden they don’t care for him, they don’t want him.”

The Hall of Famer’s strong words highlight the need for more player-centric decision-making in the NBA and a greater appreciation for the intangible qualities that players like Westbrook bring to the table. Robertson argued that teams should focus on maximizing the talents of their players rather than constantly criticizing and undermining them.

Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Western Conference forward LeBron James (23) of the Los Angeles Lakers greets former professional basketball player Oscar Robertson before the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Robertson’s passionate defense of Westbrook serves as a reminder that the NBA should value the contributions of all players, not just the statistical superstars. By fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding, the league can unlock the full potential of its athletes and create a more fulfilling and rewarding experience for everyone involved.
February 20, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; NBA great Oscar Robertson is honored for being selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team during halftime in the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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Michael Jordan’s Highland Park, Chicago mansion remains unsold after 12 years, despite price cuts and luxury features tied to his NBA legacy.

Michael Jordan’s mansion remains for sale after 12 years (Image: Getty)

A basketball Hall of Fame bid, six NBA titles, and five league MVPs still aren’t enough for anyone to buy Michael Jordan’s old Chicago mansion, which has been on the market since 2012.

Despite being one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, Jordan’s former mansion in Highland Park, Illinois, remains unsold after more than a decade on the market.

The property, located at 2700 Point Ln, was originally listed for sale in March 2012 at $29 million but has since seen its asking price drop to $14.8 million, according to Baird & Warner Real Estate. Even with the significant price reduction, the mansion has struggled to attract buyers.

The large estate, built in 1995, sits on 7.39 acres and has a massive 32,683 square feet of living space. The mansion’s 60035 zip code in Highland Park is a wealthy area with an average household income of $242,190.

But less than 40.5 percent of households in the surrounding cities of Highland Park, Highwood, and Lake Forest earn over $200,000 a year, making purchasing such a luxurious property challenging from a residential standpoint. According to Property Club, the home is positioned in Illinois 11th most richest area.

Jordan’s mansion includes tennis courts, pools, golfing and more (Image: Google maps)

The property has been listed on Zillow for 1,010 days and continues to sit unsold, raising questions about why a home with such storied past and luxurious features has yet to find a buyer.  The surrounding neighborhood continues to be filled with more modest millionaire homes as it sits.

Jordan’s mansion is equipped with a range of over-the-top amenities tailored to the lifestyle of an NBA legend. It includes nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a regulation-sized basketball gymnasium, a circular infinity pool, a putting green, a tennis court, and a cigar room, all featuring nods to Jordan’s illustrious NBA career.

One of Jordan’s living areas inside the mansion (Image: Tiktok/decayingmidwest)

The gate to the property features Jordan’s iconic number 23, making it clear who the home belonged to. Inside, the mansion offers a wide array of features, including a laundry room, a library, a 1,056-square-foot living room, an office, a study, a den, a dining room, and multiple family rooms.

The property also includes parking for 14 cars and a heated driveway to combat Chicago’s notoriously cold winters. Outdoor amenities include a private in-ground pool, waterfront ponds for fishing, and an outdoor grilling area with a fire pit.

Despite its lavish offerings and connection to one of the greatest basketball players, the mansion has been difficult to sell. Jordan reportedly even offered a pair of every edition of his signature Air Jordans as an incentive to potential buyers, according to Sole Retriever. Still, even a personalized MJ offer has not been enough to seal the deal.

A basketball court and kitchen in Jordan’s abandoned mansion (Image: TikTok/decayingmidwest)

A $1.6 million home just a one-minute drive away features similar amenities, including four bedrooms and five bathrooms. It was listed for 17 days and sold on Aug. 1.

According to Zillow, another home just an eight-minute ride away sold for $1.3 billion at a $10k increase from its listed value. Within the past four months, at least six mansions valued at over $1 million were sold and purchased in Jordan’s same neighborhood.

Caitlin Clark, the Indiana Fever’s blazing comet, is lighting up the WNBA with jaw-dropping plays and record-smashing feats, but her fiery intensity has her coach, Christie Sides, reaching for the proverbial fire extinguisher. With two wins fresh out of the Olympic break, the Fever might be feeling the heat—but it’s Clark who’s generating most of it, and not always in the way her coach prefers.

After returning from a much-needed vacation, Clark wasted no time reminding everyone why she’s the WNBA’s hottest rookie. She casually dropped 29 points and 10 assists on the Phoenix Mercury, marking her tenth double-double. Then, like a magician pulling a rabbit out of a hat, she conjured 22 points and 9 assists against the Seattle Storm, obliterating the rookie assist record. You know, just another day at the office.

But while Clark was busy putting up numbers like she was playing a video game on cheat mode, Coach Sides was eyeing the foul count like a hawk. Why? Because Clark is now just two fouls away from earning herself a courtside seat—a one-game suspension—thanks to her fifth technical foul. And with the Fever neck-deep in a playoff push, that’s the kind of timeout no one wants.

“We’re definitely going to have a conversation,” Sides said with the kind of stern resolve that usually makes rookies quake in their sneakers. “Caitlin’s too valuable to this team to be sitting out a game. We’ll address this head-on.” Translation: Clark might be walking on water, but she’s not above getting benched if she doesn’t cool it with the techs.

New Updates:  Caitlin Clark’s Ticket Tussle: “WNBA Salary or Season Pass? Pick One!”

Of course, Clark’s passion is part of what makes her such a phenom. She plays like her life depends on it—like every three-pointer is a personal vendetta and every assist is a middle finger to anyone who doubted her. But as much as Sides admires that fiery spirit, she’s not about to let it turn into a full-blown inferno that burns the team’s playoff hopes to the ground.

“Caitlin’s a fierce competitor, and that’s what sets her apart,” Sides acknowledged, likely imagining Clark as a wildfire—beautiful, awe-inspiring, but oh-so-dangerous if not controlled. “But there’s a balance. We can’t afford to have her sitting out because of avoidable fouls.” And by “avoidable fouls,” she means the kind of techs you get for something as harmless as punching the padded back of the basket after a missed three. Yeah, that happened.

Clark, of course, didn’t agree with the call—who would? But instead of sulking, she channeled her inner Kobe Bryant and let the frustration fuel her play, helping the Fever crush the Storm even more thoroughly. After the game, she even managed to find some humor in the situation. “I thought we got better after that, so I guess I should thank the ref,” she joked, proving that she’s got the wit to match her talent.

But humor aside, Sides isn’t laughing. As the Fever march toward the postseason, she’s walking a tightrope of her own—trying to keep Clark’s competitive fire from turning into a raging wildfire. The message to Clark is clear: Keep bringing the heat, but for the love of all that’s holy, leave the techs on the bench.

Yoshihito Nishioka imploded during his Cincinnati Open match against Hubert Hurkacz.

Yoshihito Nishioka smashed three balls out of the court during an angry outburst (Image: Tennis TV)

Yoshihito Nishioka was hit with two penalties after having a meltdown during his second-round match at the Canadian Open.

The Japanese star led No. 5 seed Hubert Hurkacz by a set but got dragged into a decider where he imploded and started smashing balls into the crowd in frustration, with commentators saying he had “lost his mind”.

Hurkacz rolled through the rest of the match, winning 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1.

Nishioka looked on course to cause an upset when he took the opening set against Hurkacz. But the Pole stormed back to force a third and final set when he won the second in a tiebreak.

The world No. 52 quickly grew frustrated as the match started to slip away. Serving at 1-2 in the decider, he faced a break point and Hurkacz fired down a return winner to convert it, securing an advantage.

Nishioka responded by smashing one ball into the stands, asking the ballgirl for another, and sending that one flying too. Before the umpire could penalise him, commentator Barry Cowan knew what was coming. “[Hurkacz] is going to start 15-0 up as well. He’s snapped,” he said of Nishioka.

The umpire slapped Yoshihito Nishioka with two penalties in quick succession (Image: Tennis TV)

Cincinnati Open star ‘loses his mind’ as he smashes balls out of court in huge meltdown

Yoshihito Nishioka imploded during his Cincinnati Open match against Hubert Hurkacz.

Yoshihito Nishioka smashed three balls out of the court during an angry outburst (Image: Tennis TV)

Yoshihito Nishioka was hit with two penalties after having a meltdown during his second-round match at the Canadian Open.

The Japanese star led No. 5 seed Hubert Hurkacz by a set but got dragged into a decider where he imploded and started smashing balls into the crowd in frustration, with commentators saying he had “lost his mind”.

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Hurkacz rolled through the rest of the match, winning 3-6 7-6(4) 6-1.

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Nishioka looked on course to cause an upset when he took the opening set against Hurkacz. But the Pole stormed back to force a third and final set when he won the second in a tiebreak.

Andy Murray to retire after Paris Olympics

The world No. 52 quickly grew frustrated as the match started to slip away. Serving at 1-2 in the decider, he faced a break point and Hurkacz fired down a return winner to convert it, securing an advantage.

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Nishioka responded by smashing one ball into the stands, asking the ballgirl for another, and sending that one flying too. Before the umpire could penalise him, commentator Barry Cowan knew what was coming. “[Hurkacz] is going to start 15-0 up as well. He’s snapped,” he said of Nishioka.

Just in Andy Murray future hint dropped by Draper after Brits share ‘special’ moment

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The umpire slapped Yoshihito Nishioka with two penalties in quick succession (Image: Tennis TV)

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Almost on cue, chair umpire Aurelie Tourte announced: “Code violation, unsportsmanlike conduct. Point penalty, Mr Nishioka.” Hurkacz then stepped up to serve at 3-1 15-0, having already received a point thanks to Nishioka’s penalty.

When he won the next one to lead 30-0, Nishioka erupted again and smashed a third ball out of the court. “Off he goes,” co-commentator Lee Goodall added.

“Yep, that’s again. He’s gone!” Cowan exclaimed as the 28-year-old sent the third one into the air. Nishioka quickly started working his way up the tier of punishments as he lost the game as a result of his continued outburst.

Yoshihito Nishioka sat down behind the baseline and muttered to himself (Image: Tennis TV)

“Code violation, ball abuse. Game penalty, Nishioka,” Tourte announced. With Hurkacz now leading 4-1, both men retreated to their benches for the changeover as Goodall was left baffled.

The commentator added: “What is he doing? He’s completely lost his mind. Self-destruction if you like. I mean, he knows the rules, he knows exactly what’s going to happen.”

After sitting at his bench, Nishioka got up and skulked to the back of the baseline, finding a rogue chair behind the advertising boards and sitting down as he continued to mutter to himself. The Japanese tennis player failed to win another game for the rest of the match as Hurkacz safely reached the round of 16.

Stefanos Tsitsipas recently announced that his dad had stopped coaching him.

Stefanos Tsitsipas was asked whether he went to Paula Badosa for advice when axing his dad (Image: Getty)

Stefanos Tsitsipas has answered whether his girlfriend Paula Badosa played a part in his coaching split with his dad.

The world No. 11 has been coached by his father Apostolos on and off throughout his career. But last week he announced that they were parting ways professionally.

Tsitsipas often uses Badosa, a former world No. 2, as a sounding board. And he was asked whether he went to her for “advice” when making the big decision.

“Paula is a great source of support. I’ve always spoken greatly of her because she’s been there in my toughest moments and she always was compassionate,” he replied. “She was always a shoulder to lean on when moments like this occur.”

However, the Greek tennis star revealed that Badosa had no bearing on his coaching split with his dad. Tsitsipas continued: “This was entirely my decision, not influenced by anyone else.

“It was a difficult one to make, and I didn’t actually advise with her, which I guess would have been a normal thing to do when you’re in a relationship. I felt like it was something I had to maybe think throughout myself, and get it processed in my own mind and on my own terms.”

Stefanos Tsitsipas ended his coaching partnership with his dad Apostolos last week (Image: Getty)

Tsitsipas split with his dad suddenly after throwing him under the bus in a frustrated rant at last week’s Canadian Open. The world No. 11 lost to Kei Nishikori in his opening match and said: “For me an ATP Master 1000 match is an important match.

“I need and I deserve a coach that listens to me and hears my feedback as a player. My father hasn’t been very smart or very good at handling those situations, it’s not the first time he has done that. I’m really disappointed at him.”

A day later, the 26-year-old released a lengthy, emotional statement announcing that Apostolos would not coach him anymore. “It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that my collaboration with my father as a coach has come to an end. I prefer to keep my father in his role as a father, and only as a father,” he wrote.

Stefanos Tsitsipas is back in action in Cincinnati this week (Image: Getty)

Tsitsipas also expressed his remorse for his post-match outburst. He added: “Philosophy teaches us that wisdom comes through understanding our limits and acknowledging our mistakes. In my case, I realised that I was wrong to talk to my father the way I did. Tennis is not just a match, a hit or a performance of a few seconds. It is a long journey full of emotions, pressure and expectations.

“In that moment of frustration, there were many mistakes and errors on the part of my coach and father. As an introvert, I tend to hold in my emotions and build them up until I reach a bursting point. I consider myself patient, so the fact that I reacted this way left me shocked.”

Paula Badosa hit back after being caught on camera at the Cincinnati Open.

Paula Badosa hit back when she was questioned for holding hands with Stefanos Tsitsipas in the gym (Image: Getty)

Paula Badosa hit back at a fan who questioned her for failing to keep her relationship private.

The Spaniard has been dating Stefanos Tsitsipas since last May, barring a brief split earlier this year.

After they were caught on camera holding hands during a cool-down in the Cincinnati Open gym, Badosa slammed one viewer for failing to inform themselves and urged them to “chill”.

‘Tsitsidosa’ are among several power couples in the tennis world, joining the likes of Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, and Katie Boulter and Alex De Minaur. They first confirmed their relationship via Spotify last year.

They briefly broke up this spring and, when they reconciled, Badosa admitted that their relationship had previously been too public and said they would keep things more private. But, after cameras filmed the couple stretching together in the gym, one fan tried to call her out.

The video, shared by the ATP’s Tennis TV account and retweeted by Tsitsipas, showed the ATP No. 11 and the recent Washington champion lying on separate mats with their legs in the air as they reached out to hold hands.

One follower commented: “When they got back together they said, ‘I mean, it’s our private life. I think one of the things that we didn’t like is that it was very public, so now we want to keep it to ourselves.’ So why don’t they.”

And Badosa quickly clapped back. “Unfortunately we didn’t know there were cameras there. I just finished my match, nobody was in the gym, we were just stretching and chatting after my win. So please, before all this judgement and talking inform yourselfs and chill a bit. Thanks,” she replied.

The Spaniard is letting her tennis do the talking in Cincinnati this week. She is through to the semi-final to face No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula. It’s her first semi-final at WTA 1000 level since Indian Wells 2022.

Paula Badosa is into the semi-finals in Cincinnati (Image: Getty)

Badosa has also ensured that she will be seeded at the US Open after thanks to her run so far. The 26-year-old was ranked outside of the top 100 less than two months ago after struggling with a back injury but is set to return to the top 30.

However, Tsitsipas didn’t fare as well in Cincinnati. Britain’s Jack Draper ousted the ninth seed in the second round.