Author: lehang

Jannik Sinner defeated Alexander Zverev to reach the Cincinnati Masters final.

Nick Kyrgios picked up on Jannik Sinner’s celebration against Alexander Zverev (Image: Getty)

Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios suspects there may have been ‘something deeper’ behind Jannik Sinner’s uncharacteristic celebration after beating Alexander Zverev in the Cincinnati Masters semi-finals.

Top seed Sinner – usually understated in his reactions – let out a huge roar after edging out the German 7-6 5-7 7-6 to set up a high-stakes meeting with Frances Tiafoe tonight (Monday).

And Kyrgios was quick to pick up on it, responding to a clip of Sinner’s converted match point by writing on X: “Something a lil deeper in that celebration (eyes emoji).”

Sinner hinted after his victory why he found it so satisfying. The 23-year-old has had to grind his way through the various stages in Cincinnati while nursing a hip injury, and he was seen grabbing the area several times during the battle with Zverev.

“It means a lot to me,” the Italian explained. “It’s a very different moment, what I’m going through, so I’m very happy about this result.

“The physical aspect, of course, I have to improve, because if I want to win Grand Slams or a bigger title, I have to be, for sure, more in shape. But I just tried to stay there mentally, which I’m very proud [of], and let’s see what’s coming [Monday].

Jannik Sinner roared after converting match point against Alexander Zverev (Image: Getty)

“Sometimes you have to play a bit with the gut feeling. And I think this today was my strength. It was a good match, I think for both of us. He served very, very well so I can be very proud.”

Sinner may also have taken extra satisfaction from Sunday night’s win due to the fact he had lost his last four meetings with Zverev. The German sent him crashing out of the US Open both last year and in 2021, before Sinner opened his Grand Slam account in Australia back in January.

Tiafoe has earned the right to play Sinner courtesy of an impressive run in which three seeded players – Holger Rune, Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musetti – have been cast aside. The American is now gearing up for his first ATP Masters 1000 final.

“For sure (Sinner) is (the favourite), right?” said Tiafoe. “He’s lost like [five] matches all year? He’s the favourite in every match he plays, no question about it. You’ve got to tip your hat to a guy like him.”

There’s history between Cincinnati Open finalists Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe, who haven’t always seen eye-to-eye.

Frances Tiafoe and Jannik Sinner will meet again in the Cincinnati Open final (Image: Getty)

Jannik Sinner will be hoping for more respect from Frances Tiafoe in the Cincinnati Open final than their clash from three years ago. The Italian was left frustrated with the American after he lost to him at the 2021 Vienna Open.

Sinner looked to be cruising to a straight-sets victory, going 3-0 up in the second before serving for the match at 5-3. In a last-ditch attempt to get back into the semi-final, Tiafoe began taking his time to get in position, high-fiving members of the crowd when he won a point and even talking during his opponent’s serve.

His dark arts tactics did the job, going on to win 3-6, 7-5, 6-2. Sinner called him out for his antics post-match, arguing: “In my opinion, today Tiafoe went too far, has done too much. It is one thing when the player tries to put on a show to put on a bit of a show, but it is quite another when you start to disrespect.”

He did also give props to Tiafoe, who showed no remorse for doing what he could to get under his skin. “I don’t really feel bad for that,” he responded. “Look I mean the crowd is there for a reason. I’m able to interact with them, I’m able to do whatever.

“I don’t feel bad for that. I think he definitely had a chance to win the match regardless. I used them to get on my side and I started playing great tennis, but ultimately I was just having fun out there and it went my way.”

Tiafoe went on to clarify that the pair are pals away from the court, and tipped the reigning Australian Open champion for the greatness he’s gone on to achieve. “I mean when I played Jannik in the Next Gen Finals and Antwerp back in 2019 I looked to my guys and I was like this guy is going to be a Grand Slam champion,” he continued.

Sinner holds a 3-1 winning record over Tiafoe (Image: Getty)

“He’s going to be on top of the game for a long time. We get along really well. I have nothing but respect for that guy, how he goes about his process each and every day. Well-coached with [Riccardo] Piatti, super humble guy for how young he is and everything he’s accomplished so far.

“Tonight the result was the result but he’s got a great team behind him, he has a great work ethic, he does everything right, he’s gonna win Grand Slams for sure. How many I don’t know, but he’s going to have a hell of a career and probably be a Hall of Famer at the end of it.”

The pair met again in Vienna last year with world No. 1 Sinner winning 6-3, 6-4 and taking his winning record over Tiafoe to 3-1. He again complimented the 27th seed post-match, showing it’s very much water under the bridge between them.

Tiafoe was accused of being disrespectful at the 2021 Vienna Open (Image: Getty)

He told reporters: “For sure it was a tough match. I tried to serve well, especially in the important moments. He’s a very good player and I had to stay on my level—he had a couple of break points first set and a couple of break points second set, but I tried to serve in the right spots in the right moments, and I felt quite good today on court.”

Tiafoe admitted he’s got his work cut out for him in today’s final, which he reached after beating Holger Rune 4-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7-4). He was asked on court if Sinner, who beat Alexander Zverev 7-6 (11-9), 5-7, 7-6 (7-4) in his semi-final, was the favourite.

Tiafoe replied: “Absolutely, for sure he is, right? He’s lost like [five] matches all year? He’s the favourite in every match he plays, no question about it. You’ve got to tip your hat to a guy like him.”

Jannik Sinner defeated Frances Tiafoe in the final of the Cincinnati Masters on Monday, with the American then quickly speaking out.

Tiafoe congratulated Sinner after his title game defeat (Image: Getty Images)

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner took sweet revenge against American opponent Francis Tiafoe at the Cincinnati Masters on Monday, gliding to a straight-sets triumph as he continues his reign as world No. 1 in Ohio.

Although their rivalry had previously spilled into the public eye following a clash a few years back, Tiafoe graciously offered congratulations to Sinner post-match, hinting at a buried hatchet between the two athletes. “I guess I got to congratulate Jannik man. Congrats for everything you’ve been doing…” expressed a respectful Tiafoe after his recent defeat, adding, “Getting to No. 1 in the world. And pretty much never losing ever. Keep going.. all the best in New York. If we play, don’t beat me in New York.”

Their last notable encounter was at the Vienna Open semifinals in 2021, where Sinner seemed all set for a smooth victory at one stage. As Sinner was poised to serve at 6-3, 5-3, Tiafoe’s sudden outburst rattled him, leading to an astonishing comeback win for the American.

Tiafoe completed a stunning comeback against Sinner in 2021 (Image: Getty Images)

Post-match, Sinner had harsh words about Tiafoe’s actions, categorically labelling them as “disrespect”.

“In my opinion, today Tiafoe went too far, has done too much,” Sinner declared. “It is one thing when the player tries to put on a show to put on a bit of a show, but it is quite another when you start to disrespect.”

The Italian ace has ascended to world No. 1, a prestigious position he secured going into Cincinnati, reinforced by two impressive semi-final performances at Grand Slam tournaments this year.

Despite an eventual smooth victory in the final, Sinner’s journey to triumph was marked by intense matches, having to overcome both world No. 6 Andrey Rublev and No.4 Alexander Zverev in gripping three-set encounters during the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively.

“It was a very difficult week, tough week. I’m very happy about today’s match,” shared Sinner during his post-match discussion. “It was very tough mentally.

“I had such an amazing run here, and I tried to do my best today. We both were quite tired from yesterday. We both felt a lot of tension, but I’m very glad about [the] level I played today, especially in the important moments.”

Tiafoe, on the other hand, came to the Queen City without a rank, following a dip from his peak at No. 10 just the previous yeara reflection of his below-par run of late.

However, in his first quarterfinals since last year’s Indian Wells Open, Tiafoe notched a commendable win over No. 5 Hubert Hurkacz and No.15 Holger Rune before being narrowly outplayed by Sinner.

“It’s been a tough year man, it’s been a tough year,” expressed Tiafoe. “Yeah, pretty much since the end of my US Open (2023) run, what I haven’t won 4 matches in a row since then so… yeah, it’s been tough but I’m in a different place right now in my life. Happy to have everything that comes my way good, bad, different, kinda gets rolled with the punches.”

The fallout from Jack Draper’s third round win at the Cincinnati Open has taken another twist.

Roger Federer’s gesture in 2018 might have shown up Jack Draper. (Image: Tennis TV/Getty)

A video of the great Roger Federer choosing to replay a point he’d won unfairly is probably not what Jack Draper needs right now, but that’s exactly what has resurfaced on social media. The British No.1 is under fire after his controversial match point against Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Cincinnati Open, with footage indicating he shanked the ball into the ground before it bounced up and crept over the net.

It sparked a row at the net between the two players and officials that lasted more than four minutes, with the Canadian eventually accepting defeat after the umpire refused to reverse his decision to award Draper the point.

The controversy didn’t end there though, with Novak Djokovic one of a host of high-profile stars to slam the decision making process.

“It’s embarrassing that we don’t have a video replay of these kind of situations on the court,” he posted on X. “What’s even more ridiculous is that we don’t have the rule in place that would allow chair umpires to change the original call based on the video review that happens off the court!

“Everyone who watches TV sees what happened on the replay, yet the players on the court are kept in the dark not knowing what’s the outcome. We have Hawkeye for line calls, we live in the technologically advanced 21st century!”

Nick Kyrgios also weighed in on the ‘horrible call’ from the umpire, and accused of Draper of feigning ignorance. Throughout the on-court arguments, the 22-year-old maintained he was unsure if he’d hit the ball cleanly or not.

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper argued at the net for more than four minutes. (Image: Getty)

That behaviour was in stark contrast to the action Federer took in his match with Robin Haas at the ABN Amro Open in Rotterdam in 2018. The Swiss icon was 1-0 up in the deciding set, and serving at 40-15 when he appeared to send down an ace to consolidate his break.

But immediately, he returned to his mark and prepared a second serve, despite no call from the umpire or line judge. It left a confused Haas asking what was going on, with Federer confirming the ball was ‘definitely out’ and prompting the umpire to issue a fault.

Footage of the incident was posted online by tennis fan @elishasuriila, who wrote: “The match point between Jack Draper and Felix Auger-Aliassime was a disaster, but the players can change the point on their own. Roger Federer called his own serve when the umpire didn’t:”

Draper was beaten in his quarter-final by Holger Rune, but only after doubling down on his role in the drama. However, the Federer footage is unlikely to prove helpful to his claims he was powerless once the call had been made.

“I was shocked at the pass and too busy looking at him (Auger-Aliassime),” he said. “I looked at the umpire to see if he called a double bounce, but he didn’t say it. I couldn’t make that call myself.”

Draper was beaten in his quarter-final by Holger Rune, but only after doubling down on his role in the drama. However, the Federer footage is unlikely to prove helpful to his claims he was powerless once the call had been made.

“I was shocked at the pass and too busy looking at him (Auger-Aliassime),” he said. “I looked at the umpire to see if he called a double bounce, but he didn’t say it. I couldn’t make that call myself.”

Carlos Alcaraz destroyed his racket in a rare outburst before losing at the Cincinnati Open.

Carlos Alcaraz claimed that he played the worst match of his career (Image: Tennis TV)

Carlos Alcaraz had a damning verdict of his performance at the Cincinnati Open after crashing out in the opening round.

The world No. 3 imploded in a rare meltdown, destroying his racket early in the third set before going on to lose to Gael Monfils 4-6 7-6(5) 6-4.

He later complained about the “insane” surface and said he didn’t want to be on the court anymore, declaring: “It was the worst match that I have ever played in my career.”

Last year’s runner-up was brutally honest after losing his opening match in Cincinnati. Explaining the defeat, he said: “Well honestly, [it] was really, really tough for me. I felt like it was the worst match that I have ever played in my career. [I] couldn’t play, honestly.”

Alcaraz had a quick turnaround between winning a silver medal at the Paris Olympics and heading State-side for the Cincinnati Open but he said he had been feeling good in pre-tournament practice sessions, though the conditions on Centre Court completely threw him. He continued: “Probably I felt like it was another sport playing on the Centre Court than the other courts.

“The balls were faster on the Centre Court, bounce much, much more than other courts. I warmed up before the match and as I said, it was a totally different feeling, I don’t know why. Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t know what happened, I don’t know how I felt like this way. But honestly, I couldn’t control myself, I couldn’t be better so this match, it was impossible to win and that’s all.”

Carlos Alcaraz destroyed his racket during a rare meltdown at the Cincinnati Open (Image: Tennis TV)

When they started the match on Thursday, the 21-year-old took the first set but Monfils was a mini-break up in the tiebreak as the rain came, halting the match and forcing the players to return on Friday. The Frenchman forced a decider and broke Alcaraz early on. When Alcaraz blew a break point to get back on serve, tempers flared.

Alcaraz’s outburst in the final set was completely out of character, as the Spaniard has never been known to smash a racket, much less hurl it into the ground multiple times until it was destroyed. Explaining his actions, the four-time Grand Slam champion added: “Well, I [have] felt sometimes that I wanted to break the racket. It never happened before because Icould control myself in those situations, in those feelings.

“And most of the time I could control myself and I could get better in the matches or in the situations that I’ve been feeling before. Today I couldn’t control myself because, as I said, I was feeling that I was not playing any kind of tennis so it was really frustrating for me. There was at some point that I wanted to leave the court, I don’t want to be on the court anymore. It was [a] really hurtful moment for me and that’s it. I think some players a lot of players during their careers and during some certain moments, they can’t control themselves and it was one of those moments for me.”

Carlos Alcaraz struggled to cope with the speed of the surface on Centre Court (Image: Getty)

The court speed has been a talking point this week in Cincinnati, with several players commenting on how quickly they have been playing. But Alcaraz couldn’t get over the difference between the outside courts and the main stage on which he faced Monfils. “As I said, I’ve been practising pretty well, feeling great [here] this year,” he explained.

“And as I said, I warmed up before this match in Court 5 and it was a totally different sport for me, that’s my feeling. And yeah, I remember for example yesterday I stepped on the court to warm up, you know the five minutes warming up, and we couldn’t put two balls in. It was incredibly different. It was insane. So I don’t know why that’s different courts, different kind of speed, the surfaces. So that’s what I felt.”

Alcaraz now has a 0-1 record in the North American hard-court summer swing going into the US Open. But he’s ready to turn his attention to the final Grand Slam of the season. “I want to forget it and try to move on to New York. I’ll move to New York and I’ll try to practice well to get used to those courts and I will forget this match because I think it’s impossible to get any good things about this match,” he said.

Even with the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Milwaukee Bucks still didn’t make it far in the playoffs earlier this year. The latter, though, has recognized how everyone has overlooked their team ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season.

Russell Wilson’s Final NFL Season & Broncos Rebuild Strategy

After a disappointing first-round playoff exit last season, the Bucks will look to bounce back in 2024-25 behind the tandem of Antetokounmpo and Lillard. However, the road ahead will not be easy.

Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) puts up a shot against Toronto Raptors guard Ochai Agbaji (30) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
The Bucks face a challenging schedule, including marquee matchups against the defending champion Boston Celtics and the retooled Philadelphia 76ers with All-Star wing Paul George playing for them. These battles could serve as a preview of the Eastern Conference Finals, as the Bucks attempt to dethrone the Celtics and secure a top-two seed.

While the Bucks boast an impressive core, including Khris Middleton and the veteran presence of Brook Lopez, questions remain about the fit between Antetokounmpo and Lillard, as well as the consistency of their supporting cast. Head coach Doc Rivers will also need to quickly establish his system and find the right rotations.

The Bucks’ season forecast is difficult to predict, as their potential upside is high, but they also face injury concerns and chemistry issues. A 52-30 record is a reasonable projection, but their true championship aspirations will depend on how well the team is able to navigate the regular season and find their rhythm heading into the playoffs.

All-Star Guard Damian Lillard Shares Thoughts on Milwaukee Bucks Being Overlook Ahead of the Upcoming Season

Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
Along Lillard addressing concerns of breaking down, he also revealed his thoughts about the Bucks being overlooked for the upcoming season. In an article posted by Real GM, the All-Star point guard bared the advantage being enjoyed by Milwaukee.

Lillard also said that he’s OK that the focus is on the Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks this season. “The fact that we’re there and we’re under the radar is perfect because they’re gonna think nothing of us and then they’re gonna be like…You gotta face the truth, eventually. That’s how that usually works,” Lillard said.

This productive summer sets the Bucks up for a promising 2024-25 season by making strategic offseason moves, such adding talent like Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince. Antetokounmpo is primed after leading Greece in the Olympics. Head coach Doc Rivers has time to implement his system. All-Star wing Khris Middleton’s recovery from ankle surgery is progressing well.
Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) brings the ball up the court against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
If these factors prove to be advantageous to Milwaukee, there’s a strong chance they can prove their doubters wrong. In any case, fans will be eager to see how the Bucks will do in a more competitive Eastern Conference.
Apr 5, 2024; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) drives to the basket against Toronto Raptors forward Kelly Olynyk (41) in the second half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports

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President Joe Biden is preparing to pass the Democratic Party baton to Kamala Harris in a farewell speech to the convention in Chicago on Monday night.

The 81-year-old left the White House with First Lady Jill for the trip to the Midwest where he will speak to supporters as the former nominee, before jetting off on a vacation to California.

As he took the stage for a mic check, reporters asked if the moment was ‘bittersweet’ and responded when asked what he thought of Donald Trump saying he was the victim of a Democratic Party ‘coup’.

Kamala Harris meanwhile was getting ready for her coronation, and added to her policy platform by releasing a plan to increase the corporate tax rate from 21 percent to 28 percent.

First Lady Jill Biden, followed by President Joe Biden, took the Democratic National Convention stage for a walk-through of Chicago’s United Center ahead of their Monday night speeches.

The first lady wore a light purple blazer and white slacks and sauntered to the podium, surrounded by a flurry of aides and grandchildren Natalie and Hunter, the children of the late Beau Biden.

‘Testing 1, 2, 3,’ Dr. Biden said into the mic.

Moments later, the president headed to the same spot.

The mic wasn’t on for Biden but he mouthed ‘I am’ when reporters yelled up at him from the convention floor, asking if he was ready to pass the torch to Vice President Kamala Harris.

‘You’ll hear tonight,’ the president added.

Asked if it was a bittersweet moment, he replied: ‘It’s a memorable moment.’

Asked about Donald Trump’s claim that he was ousted from the Democratic ticket in what amounts to a coup, Biden said: “His stability is still in question.”

Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Biden would spend the hours ahead of the president’s scheduled 10 p.m. CDT speech preparing for the moment.

‘He’s going to spend time continuing to prep for a big night,’ she told reporters on board Air Force One.

Chicago’s mayor says Democrats will ‘celebrate’ Joe Biden tonight

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson acknowledged the complex mission the convention has of sending off Joe Biden and raising up Vice President Kamala Harris.

‘Democrats will celebrate President Joe Biden and nominate Kamala Harris for president of the United States of America,’ he said of the convention, while delegates still trickled into their seats amid holdups at security.

He called Harris ‘The daughter of a mom who worked hard every single day. And he invoked Harris race and pointed to her as a role model. ‘My daughter will see not only a reflection of herself in the White House, but she will experience the deepest part of American values,’ he said

Police clear out pro-Palestine protestors ahead of the DNC night programming after arrests made

Minyon Moore is the first to praise Biden for passing the torch as the convention comes to order

The convention speaking program got underway Monday when Chicago native and permanent convention chair Minyon Moore making the first ‘pass the torch’ reference of the night.

‘Last month, in a true act of patriotism he passed the torch to the next generation and the next president of the United States Kamala Harris,’ she said.

DNC chair Jaime Harrison then called the ‘in-person’ portion of the convention to order.

Gen Z voter mobilization group hands out ‘F*ck Project 2025’ condoms at DNC

By Katelyn Caralle, Senior U.S. Political Reporter in Chicago, Illinois

Voters of Tomorrow are bringing their push for Gen Z Americans to cast their ballots this fall to the Democratic National Convention.

The progressive-leaning group plans to hand out 5,000 of their ‘F*ck Project 2025’ condoms from their booth in the Dempalooza expo hall a few miles from the United Center.

Visitors of the stand are also invited to make Taylor Swift-inspired friendship bracelets and exchange them with friends in a show of Democrat ‘community.’

US intelligence officials say Iran to blame for hack of Trump’s campaign

U.S. intelligence officials said Monday that Iran is responsible for the hack of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign.

It was the first U.S. government attribution of responsibility for a cyber intrusion that the Republican nominee had previously linked to Tehran.

The FBI and other federal agencies said Iran perceived this year’s presidential election to be particularly consequential and was determined through the hacking operation and other activities to interfere in American politics and ‘to stoke discord and undermine confidence in our democratic institutions.’

‘We have observed increasingly aggressive Iranian activity during this election cycle, specifically involving influence operations targeting the American public and cyber operations targeting Presidential campaigns,’ said a joint statement from the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

The statement said the Iranian hackers have ‘sought access to individuals with direct access to the Presidential campaigns of both political parties.’

The FBI has been investigating attempts to gain access to Democrat Kamala Harris’ campaign.

Inside the mobile clinic where DNC attendees can get abortions and vasectomies

The organizers behind a mobile health clinic offering free abortions and vasectomies near where thousands of people are gathering for the Democratic National Convention in Chicago are pushing back amid outrage from conservatives.

Planned Parenthood Great Rivers announced it was bringing its mobile health clinic to Chicago and offering free services to those who signed up on August 19 and 20, which are the first two days of the convention.

Before the clinic even arrived, they announced that all of the appointments had been filled and that they would follow up if they had cancelations but the move sparked an avalanche of criticism online.

‘The goal was we knew there were tens of thousands of people coming in around this time, and we really wanted to show and highlight what is possible when you have a state that supports reproductive access,’ Dr. Colleen Nicholas, chief medical officer for Planned Parenthood Great Rivers, told DailyMail.com.

Inside the mobile abortion and vasectomy clinic near the DNC
Inside the mobile abortion clinic set up near the Democratic National Convention offering free abortions and vasectomies that has sparked outrage.

Rafael Nadal may have some words of advice for Carlos Alcaraz after the Wimbledon champion lost his cool in Cincinnati.

Rafael Nadal explained that his family would have never allowed him to smash a racket on court (Image: GETTY)

Rafael Nadal explained during an interview nearly five years ago that his family would never have allowed him to break a racket on court. Reigning French Open and Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz was forced to apologise after destroying his racket during his shock second round defeat to Gael Monfils at the Cincinnati Masters on Friday.

Nadal has featured in 30 Grand Slam finals throughout his illustrious career and has tasted victory in 22 of them.

But the Spaniard has always managed to keep his composure on court and has refused to let his emotions boil over, even in the moments of highest stress.

Nadal was asked during an interview with CBS’ 60 Minutes in 2019 how many rackets he had broken. And he signalled the answer by forming a zero with his finger and thumb as a beaming smile appeared on his face.

He then explained: “My family, they wouldn’t have allowed me to break a racket. For me, breaking a racket means I’m not in control of my emotions.”

Nadal’s reluctance to show his anger means he may have some words of advice for Paris Olympics doubles partner Alcaraz.

The four-time Grand Slam winner annihilated his racket in a rare outburst after failing to convert a break point in the third set against Monfils. He smashed his racket onto the ground several times during the outburst and was then handed a code violation by the umpire.

Alcaraz, who had won the first set, was ultimately unable to battle to victory, with his opponent winning the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-4.

And after the match, he explained: “I felt sometimes that I wanted to break the racket. It never happened before because I could control myself in those situations, in those feelings.

Carlos Alcaraz smashed his racket in a moment of anger during his match against Gael Monfils (Image: TENNIS TV)

“Most of the time I could control myself and it could go better in the matches or in the situation that I’ve been feeling before.

“Today I couldn’t control myself because, as I said, I was feeling that I was not playing any kind of tennis. I think some players, a lot of players, during their careers and during certain moments, they can’t control themselves and it was one of the moments for me.”

He then took to Instagram on Saturday and penned: “I want to apologise for my attitude yesterday, it was not good and that should not happen on court. I’m human, the nerves had accumulated and sometimes it is very tough to control when there is that tension. I will work so that it doesn’t happen again.”

“I just love that text because it shows Kobe’s competitive nature,” said Jordan.

Michael Jordan is still struggling with the death of Kobe Bryant.

The NBA star recently told ESPN’s Jackie MacMullen that he spoke with Bryant by text just weeks before his passing. The two were simply catching up over the holidays, as reported by TMZ.

“This tequila is awesome,” said Bryant to Jordan during the Dec. 8, 2019 exchange. The Charlotte Hornets Chairman had sent him a bottle from his liquor brand.

“Thank you, my brother,” Jordan responded.

“Yes, sir. Family good?” Bryant asked.

(Credit: Getty Images)
“All good. Yours?”

“All good.”

Jordan added, “Happy holidays, and hope to catch up soon. Coach Kobe??!”

“Ah, back at you, man,” Bryant wrote back. “Hey, coach, I’m sitting on the bench right now, and we’re blowing this team out. 45-8.”

Jordan added that the text was in reference to his daughter Gianna Bryant‘s team.

“I just love that text because it shows Kobe’s competitive nature,” said Jordan to ESPN. He added: “I don’t know why, but I just can’t delete it.”

Bryant, 41, and his daughter Gianna ,13, passed away from a helicopter crash on January 26, 2020. Nine people in total died on the plane that crashed into a hillside near Calabasas, California.

(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
MJ referred to Bryant as his “little brother,” so it was only right that he deliver a speech at the late player’s memorial last February at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. He recalled being nervous that his emotions would get the better of him.

“I was thinking, at first, I might be a little somewhat nervous about it, but then I realized I’m not going to be nervous about showing emotions for someone I absolutely loved,” Jordan said “That’s the humanistic side of me — people tend to forget I do have one.”

Jordan opened his remarks by expressing his gratitude to Vanessa Bryant and the family.

“I’m grateful to be here to honor Gigi and celebrate the gifts that Kobe gave us all – what he accomplished as a basketball player, as a businessman, and a storyteller and as a father. In the game of basketball, in life, as a parent – Kobe left nothing in the tank. He left it all on the floor,” Jordan said during the memorial.

“Maybe it surprised people that Kobe and I were very close friends. But we were very close friends. Kobe was my dear friend. He was like a little brother. Everyone always wanted to talk about the comparisons between he and I. I just wanted to talk about Kobe…”

(Credit: Getty Images)
He concluded the speech with: “I promise you from this day forward, I will live with the memories of knowing that I had a little brother and I tried to help in every way I could. Please, rest in peace little brother.”

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According to NBC News, the firefighters of the Los Angeles County Fire Department who responded to the crash are being terminated for allegedly taking photos at the scene.

Two of the first responders were sent “intention to discharge” letters back in December. An investigation concluded the images they took “served no business necessity” and “only served to appeal to baser instincts and desires for what amounted to visual gossip.” The individuals apparently showed the images to their wives and girlfriends.

A third responder was suspended because he was apparently a media relations officer and instructed to interact with the press.

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The post Michael Jordan says he can’t bring himself to delete Kobe texts appeared first on TheGrio.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) takes a moment after she falls during the second half of a game against the Seattle Storm on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Fever defeated the Storm 92-75. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark had a productive afternoon Sunday against the Seattle Storm, scoring 23 points to go with five rebounds and nine assists in a 92–75 win.

However, Clark incurred a technical foul in the third quarter when she punched the base of a basket in frustration. She disputed the technical—her fifth such foul of the season—with the game’s officials, and detailed her conversation with them after the game.

“I got a technical for basically being mad at myself,” Clark explained to reporters. “I missed a three and went and hit the (basket), and (the referee) told me it was ‘disrespectful to the game of basketball.’”

The way Clark is officiated has been a longstanding source of discussion among fans, dating back to her days at Iowa.

“It had nothing to do with my team. It had nothing to do with reffing. It had nothing to do with the other team,” Clark said. “It was just because I was a competitor… I think he fired me up to play a lot harder, though.”