The Serbian legend did not impress in the first two rounds of the 2024 US Open
Novak Djokovic did not impress in the first two rounds of the 2024 US Open. The former world number 1 has not lost any sets up to this point in the tournament, but he didn’t seem 100% fit and he himself admitted that he needed more time to express his best tennis.
The Serbian champion did not play a tournament on the hard court since the Indian Wells Masters 1000 in spring, having decided to skip the Montreal and Cincinnati Masters 1000 after his triumph at the Paris Olympics. The 24-time Grand Slam champion knew he needed a break after the hard work of the last two months, when he also had to undergo knee surgery.
After defeating Radu Albot and Laslo Djere, Nole will face Alexei Popryin for a place in the round of 16. The 37-year-old from Belgrade will have to pay close attention to the Australian ace, who possesses dangerous weapons on this surface and is much more fearsome than the first two opponents faced by Novak in New York.
Popryin is playing the best tennis of his career and recently won the first Masters 1000 of his career in Montreal. The Australian will play with nothing to lose and has already shown that he can dominate the world number 2 this year at the Australian Open and the Wimbledon Championships.
Nole could risk today
Djokovic will have to serve and play better if he wants to avoid trouble in the third round of the US Open. The Serbian legend is aware that his current level is not enough to get far in this tournament and he intends to practice hard to reach 100% of his condition. Nole has set another impressive record in NY after winning the second round against compatriot Laslo Djere.
The Serbian champion is the first player in history to win 90 matches in all Grand Slam tournaments: a threshold reached also in New York, which was the missing competition. In fact, Nole already boasts 94 wins at the Australian Open (with 10 triumphs), 96 at Roland Garros in Paris (3 titles won) and even 97 at Wimbledon (the main cup has raised it 7 times).
Djokovic will face the Australian Alexei Popyrin in the third round, who has already faced him at Wimbledon on grass: “He’s improved a lot, is a great tennis player and has just won his first Master 1000. He always had a good service and an excellent right, now he has improved also on the backhand and in the defensive phase. I know I have a great match to look forward to, I will review our previous challenges and try to better understand what I need to do,” he said in the press conference about the next opponent.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion had a stomach issue during his last match against Djere on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium: “I had stomach issues for most of the first two sets, and that was reflected in how I recovered after points. I was sweating a lot, finding it hard to breathe.”
I think he played particularly well at Wimbledon. I didn’t have many break chances and Novak mixed his serves very well. So, I didn’t feel as comfortable as in Australia. I think that was probably the closest and that’s the one that hurt me the most. Then I felt disappointed because I felt like I was in the match and could have had my chances to win there.
What I’ve learned from those two matches is simply that I can compete with him. He’s the best of all time and one of the best players in the world right now, but I can go toe to toe with him, and only in the important points does he step up a bit, I just have to wait for that if I play with him.”
There’s no doubt that Caitlin Clark has many haters, both from fellow players and others in the media. Sheryl Swoopes has emerged as someone who is not afraid to ignore Clark or just trash her.
Sheryl Swoopes and Caitlin Clark (Photos via Getty Images)
During a Las Vegas Aces and Dallas Wings game that Swoopes was in the booth for, she went completely silent for 50 seconds while the other analysts discussed Clark’s being one of the players to win Player of the Week.
Sheryl Swoopes goes completely silent for 50 seconds as her co-caster talks about Caitlin Clark winning player of the week pic.twitter.com/CEeoSduczG
— Clark Report (@CClarkReport) August 28, 2024
Of course, this infuriated many WNBA fans who have had enough of the disrespect from Swoopes.
“Swoopes is classless. I don’t get the hate she spews for CC. She’s has really tarnished her legacy by being such a jealous bigot. Grow up Sheryl,” one comment said.
“She’s gonna have a miserable decade or so Caitlin is just getting started. Imagine hating on a rookie for literally no reason,” said another.
Also Read: Four-Time WNBA Champion Sheryl Swoopes Calls Out “Coward” Stephen A. Smith Over Caitlin Clark Controversy
“All she had to say was well deserved by both players and would’ve been a non story But she is so Jealous of Clark its embarrassing at this point, she’s the one that’s been making up lies about CC WNBA needs to fire her, how can an employee hate the Face of the WNBA so petty,” a third added.
“Obviously she doesn’t need to be calling a game if she can’t even respect a player and acknowledge and accomplishment of a player they need to pull her from calling any type of games or being a part of any network she can’t be professional,” a fourth continued.
It’s become very evident that Swoopes is becoming very disliked by a large amount of WNBA fans.
Sheryl Swoopes Caught More Backlash From Stephen A Smith
Smith has not been afraid to unload on Swoopes for not giving Clark any credit. He exposed Swoopes for not mentioning Clark when talking about how well the Indiana Fever played on her “Queens of the Court” Podcast.
“No Caitlin Clark?” Smith said. “Respectfully, Sheryl Swoopes, do you have any idea how that makes you look?
“You have any idea how that serves to stain any kind of critique of Caitlin Clark, because that gives fodder to those who believe she’s being hated on and ostracized to some degree?” he continued.
Folks expecting a political endorsement by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes better not get their hopes up.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes and Donald Trump (Photos via Getty Images)
Patrick Mahomes’ wife, Brittany, made headlines last week when fans noticed she “liked” a post from Donald Trump’s Instagram account. Trump is running against Democratic nominee and Vice President Kamala Harris in the Nov. 5 United States presidential election:
Two of Mahomes’ teammates, tight end Travis Kelce and kicker Harrison Butker, have dropped strong hints that they’ll be voting for the Democratic and Republican parties, respectively.
But during an interview with TIME that was published in April, Patrick Mahomes made it clear that he won’t be publicly endorsing either nominee in this year’s election:
“I don’t want to pressure anyone to vote for a certain President. I want people to use their voice, whoever they believe in. I want them to do the research”
Trump has received political endorsements from other notable athletes (past and present), including Brett Favre, Mike Ditka, Antonio Brown, John Elway, Mike Tyson, Mike Piazza, Mariano Rivera, Johnny Damon, Curt Schilling, Bob Cousy, Jack Nicklaus and Greg Norman.
But like most other high-profile professional athletes, Patrick Mahomes has understandably decided to avoid controversy by keeping his political opinions to himself. Regardless of his voting intentions, offering any endorsement would just upset a large number of Mahomes’ fanbase.
Mahomes and the Chiefs will kick off the 2024 NFL season on Sept. 5 when they welcome reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens to Arrowhead Stadium.
Patrick Mahomes & Chiefs Eye A Three-Peat
No team in NFL history has won three straight Lombardi Trophies, and only the 1971-73 Miami Dolphins, 1990-93 Buffalo Bills and 2016-18 New England Patriots have played in three straight Super Bowls.
Kansas City is two-thirds of the way there, having defeated the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl 58 to complete the first repeat in 19 years. If the Chiefs can make it three straight, they’ll have completed the first three-peat in the “big four” professional sports leagues since the 2000-02 Los Angeles Lakers.
Brittany Mahomes has hit back at her critics after the wife of the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterback was slammed for being caught liking a post related to the campaign of Donald Trump.
Brittany Mahomes (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
Brittany Mahomes, wife of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, posted a strong but intriguing message on her Instagram story amid the significant backlash she has received.
The 28-year-old mother of two, soon to be three, “liked” one of the posts from the Republican nominee as many called for Tayor Swift to stop being around her.
Brittany Mahomes shared a quote from Shane Pruitt on Instagram: “Contrary to the tone of the world today… You can disagree with someone and still love them. You can have differing views and still be kind.”
Brittany herself appeared to send a message to her critics on social media by adding her own personal caption of, “Read that again!”
Brittany herself appeared to send a message to her critics on social media by adding her own personal caption of, “Read that again!”
That is a clear shot at anybody who has had something to say about her and her friendship with Taylor Swift amid this controversy.
Patrick Mahomes Remains Quiet While Brittany Mahomes Goes Back-And-Forth With
Brittany Mahomes, the wife of Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes, dropped another strong but rather intriguing message late last week, amid social media coming for her due to her support for Donald Trump.
“I mean honestly, to be a hater as an adult you have to have some deep rooted issues you refuse to heal from childhood,” she told her audience on Instagram. “There’s no reason your brain is fully developed and you hate to see others doing well.”
In the middle of this drama has been Patrick Mahomes, who has not said a word as he has chosen to stay out of this.
Patrick has not made his political stance clear and likely will not to avoid what his wife s going through.
LeBron James and Derrick White were teammates on Team USA at the Paris Olympics, where they won gold together. LeBron played in every game and earned MVP honors for his performance. In contrast, Derrick White’s role was more limited; he was added to the roster after Kawhi Leonard withdrew due to injury.
Derrick White, LeBron James and Michael Jordan (Images Credit: Getty Images)
Throughout the tournament, from the group stage to the gold medal game, White had the opportunity to witness LeBron’s extraordinary athleticism up close. This experience left a lasting impression on White, who did not hesitate to declare LeBron as his GOAT, even over Michael Jordan.
When asked about who he considers the GOAT, White provided a straightforward answer, showing no doubt.
“He is the GOAT,” White said.
He reiterated his stance, adding, “LeBron is the GOAT. Not MJ. LeBron, LeGOAT, my king.”
LeBron wrapped up his impressive Olympics run by averaging 14.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and a team-best 10.2 assists per game.
Fans React to Derrick White’s Bold Claim on LeBron James
The GOAT debate between Michael Jordan and the Lakers’ LeBron James never seems to end. While Jordan has won more championships and MVP awards than James, LeBron has surpassed Jordan in points, rebounds, and assists. As a result, the criteria you use to determine the GOAT is crucial in this debate.
After Derrick White recently expressed his opinion by choosing James as his GOAT, NBA fans quickly joined the conversation. They took to social media to voice their thoughts, reigniting the longstanding debate.
LeBron has also surpassed Jordan in terms of Olympic gold medals, with three to Jordan’s two. Following LeBron’s performance at the Paris Olympics, many fans, like White, are convinced that James is the true GOAT.
They were quick to share their admiration for James, praising his achievements and claiming his legacy over Jordan’s. What’s more, some fans appreciated White’s honesty in expressing his opinion.
The GOAT debate continues to be a hot topic among current and former NBA stars, and it will be interesting to see who weighs in next with their perspective on this ongoing discussion.
Alcaraz will play in the night session on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium once again
Carlos Alcaraz will play in the night session on the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium once again, as he did in his first round match at the 2024 US Open against Australian ace Li Tu. The former world number 1 – champion in New York in 2022 – is still not expressing his best tennis and needs to regain energy after the hard work of the last two months.
The 21-year-old from Murcia has won the French Open, the Wimbledon Championships and the silver medal at the Paris Olympics, proving to be a predestined player. Carlitos missed the Montreal Masters 1000 and played rather badly in Cincinnati, where he was eliminated by French veteran Gael Monfils in the second round.
The four-time Grand Slam champion wants to win his third consecutive Major, so he will become the youngest ever to win five Grand Slam titles. Alcaraz is aware that he has to play better if he wants to get far in this tournament, which has often offered surprising results over the last 10-15 years.
The young Spaniard had many ups and downs during his first-round match, giving up the second set to Tu and committing several unforced unusual errors. Besides Alcaraz, Italian Jannik Sinner and Serbian legend Novak Djokovic also struggled more than expected in the first days of the tournament.
Alcaraz will play in the night session
Carlos Alcaraz will face Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round of the 2024 US Open. The Spaniard – who won both matches against the Dutch – will have to be careful of an opponent who can play without pressure.
“It will be a great match because he is one of the best players in the world. He can do anything with a tennis ball. You don’t know what to expect, in a positive sense; I just have to play. It’s fun to play against him because he varies a lot, and that’s what I like. I’m definitely looking forward to it” – Botic van de Zandschulp said before the match. The former world number 1 will have to perform more regularly if he wants to avoid danger and get to the third round without wasting too much energy.
Tennis legend John McEnroe also warned Carlitos: “Alcaraz is my favourite player to watch right now. He can do everything and he does it all so well. It seems almost impossible that he would be that positive every week, that he can win as often as he does at that age. The smile, everything about him, it’s hard to believe he doesn’t get frustrated in a sport that is as frustrating as tennis is.
Trust me, I know what it’s like to get frustrated in tennis! I think that defeat in Cincinnati was a combination of a lot of factors. Doing what he did in Paris, playing as amazing as he did at Wimbledon, getting to the gold medal match Olympics and playing an amazing match against Novak. I’m sure he felt he needed a little bit more of a break after that. Novak didn’t play, he pulled out of Montreal and Cincinnati, but he is 37 and felt like he needed a break.
Then for Carlos, there is a bit of pressure from the powers that be to play and I think, in retrospect, it would have been better if he hadn’t played at all. So I think that was a bit of a blip in Cincinnati, but I do think it’s going to be a big ask for him to win the US Open emotionally after everything that’s happened over the last few months. How much is in the tank? So that’s why I think it opens the door for someone other than the three guys that we think could win it.”
During the last press conference, the Spaniard also reflected on his relationship with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic: “We have a good rivalry. Every time that we step on the court, we played really high tennis. Every time that we faced against each other, it has been a really good and intense match. But we have a really good friendship off the court. We talk a lot in the lockers every time that we see each other around. With his team as well. Once we step on the court, there are no friends here on tour, but after that, after the court, I have a really good relationship with a lot of players, and one of them is Novak.”
The Spanish tennis player jokingly provoked his young rival
The 21-year-old Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, in a training session, made fun of his friend and rival Jannik Sinner, also to try to defuse the heated atmosphere that surrounded the young Italian after the news about the doping issue came out last August 20th.
Alcaraz, engaged in some exchanges with his 24-year-old brother Alvaro, turned to Sinner, who was training at the same time on the next court, exclaiming: “Watch out Jannik, this one serves better than you!”
The Italian responded with a smile, exchanging a few words and resuming his training session.
But, anyway – as I said above – it is a rather difficult moment in Sinner’s career, certainly the most difficult since he joined the ATP Tour. The case of his positive Clostebol and the failure of the Itia to disqualify him has received mixed comments from commentators, insiders and colleagues on the Tour.
Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have also expressed some doubts about the ATP’s handling of the case, but without going too far. The Italian tennis player, in a recent interview, given the storm that has broken out on the issue, had declared:
“Clearly this news can change something but anyone who knows me well knows that I would never do something against the rules. It remains a very difficult time for me and my team. Here I also understand who my friends are and who is not,” taking a swipe at those who had questioned his integrity regarding the case.
Many tennis players, like Nole, have not cast too many doubts on Jnanik’s innocence, but have rather underlined the evident disparity of treatment that has emerged compared to other similar cases, also due to the fact that many lower-ranked tennis players cannot afford the law firms used by Jannik for the issue.
Michael J. Fox says Taylor Swift ‘moves economies’ and ‘changes the way the world works’ as he predicts decades more of success for songstress
Michael J. Fox predicts decades of future success, and lasting legacies, for Taylor Swift and Ryan Reynolds.
The 62-year-old actor spoke with People Tuesday for the publication’s 50th anniversary issue, and was asked about who he thought would continue to remain relevant over the next 50 years.
The Back To The Future star cited the massive influence and huge platform Swift, 34, already has with her sizeable fanbase.
‘I think she’s going to be a really important person,’ Fox said of Swift, just days after 90s rocker Courtney Love called the Grammy-winning songstress ‘not important.’
Fox, who also played the role of Alex P. Keaton on the hit 80s TV sitcom Family Ties, said of Swift: ‘I think she moves economies, she changes the way the world works, and that’s amazing.’
Michael J. Fox, 62, predicts decades of future success for Taylor Swift, 34, and Ryan Reynolds, 47. Pictured earlier this month in Nashville
Fox, who headlined films such as Doc Hollywood, The Secret of My Success and Casualties of War, noted what Swift has ‘said publicly about issues.’
Swift has lent her opinion toward political issues on occasion, such as in 2018 when she publicly opposed RepublicanSenator Marsha Blackburn’s campaign in Tennessee.Fox said that he’s come ‘full circle’ in his thoughts on Swift, as he ‘didn’t have an opinion’ about the musical artist in the first place.
‘Now I have a wife and four kids who worship her,’ Fox said in reference to his wife Tracy Pollan, 63, and children Sam, 34, Aquinnah, 29, Schuyler, 29, and Esmé, 22.
Fox said Reynolds, 47, also stood out to him as a celebrity whocould have a long-lasting impact in the world.
‘I think Ryan Reynolds could be a really important person,’ Fox said. ‘He’s so smart, he’s so talented … he knows how to leverage things and make them succeed in other areas.’
The Deadpool leading man –who was among the celebrities who accompanied Swift to an NFL game last fall– is ‘a very philanthropic person,’ Fox said of his fellow Canadian actor.
Fox added of Reynolds: ‘I think he’s positioned to really do amazing things … God forbid I should put more weight on him, but I think he’s positioned to really do amazing things.’
Federer has been the icon of Swiss sport for more than 20 years
Roger Federer has been the icon of Swiss sport for more than 20 years, succeeding in his feat of transcending tennis to become a world star. The former world number 1 retired in 2022 due to a serious knee injury, which did not allow him to play as much as he would have wished for in the final years of his legendary career.
The former Swiss champion greeted the crowd at the 2022 Laver Cup, which took place in a magical setting at the O2 Arena in London. The 20-time Grand Slam champion played his last match alongside his former rival and friend Rafael Nadal, who did everything he could to be present at the celebration of King Roger.
The Swiss Maestro recently recounted his last days in a documentary released on Amazon Prime, in which he revealed all of his feelings and thoughts about retirement. Federer accepted the retirement with serenity, knowing that he could not be more competitive at the top level due to injuries. The King’s troubles began after the 2020 Australian Open, in which he reached the semi-finals losing to Novak Djokovic. Roger had several knee surgeries to try and get back on the tour, but after several attempts he had to accept the reality. Despite losing most of his records, Federer is still the idol of many young tennis players and a source of inspiration for others in other sports.
In a recent interview, Heinz Gunthardt opened up on the current state of Swiss tennis: ”Patience is needed for both men and women. I am also confident that Bencic will return to his former form after his planned return. And we must realize that the image we have of Swiss tennis is distorted. Federer and company made us believe that it was easy to reach the Top 100. It’s not even close!”
Federer and Wawrinka have long masked the difficulties of Swiss tennis. The two Swiss champions achieved outstanding results, which have kept their country’s name high up in the world. King Roger won 20 Grand Slam titles and was number 1 in the world, while ‘Stanimal’ won 3 Majors and the gold medal in doubles at the 2008 Beijing Olympics right along with Federer. Roger and Stan also led Switzerland to the 2014 Davis Cup triumph.
I was always striving to get better and get even closer to the best players in the world. I consider myself lucky to be in that timeline with the Big Three and all the other great players. I came up into the top 100 way later than most. They came up when they were, like, 18, whereas I was 20 and a half. I didn’t think it would be possible that I’d be a Grand Slam champion and No 3 in the world. I already felt before the match (the 2020 US Open final against Zverev) that something was not right. I wasn’t getting into the zone or the flow. And that’s how the first two sets went — they were way too tense, too nervous. Sascha Zverev was playing really well.
The pressure was so high. I was thinking back to my previous finals. Maybe it’s less pressure to face the greatest players of all time. Because the US Open, I had to win [in those circumstances], and that was really tough. Every Grand Slam final felt like it could be the last one, because the journey is really tough. You have to beat great players, you have to stay healthy. Many, many little things have to come together. When I played Sascha, it was like now or never.” The Big 3 have prevented many great players from winning as they should.
Botic Van de Zandschulp shocks Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open
Carlos Alcaraz experienced his earliest Major loss since Wimbledon 2021
Carlos Alcaraz will not seek his third consecutive Major title at the US Open. World no. 3 suffered a shocking 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 loss to Botic Van de Zandschulp in the second round at Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending his run of 15 consecutive Major wins.
Carlos experienced his earliest Major loss since Wimbledon three years ago, unable to challenge an inspired rival and despite raising his level after the opener. Botic played better behind the first serve and struggled on the second, still sealing the deal in straight sets.
The Dutchman played well at the net and grabbed 43% of the return points, turning them into six breaks from nine opportunities. The Spaniard generated five break points and seized two, insufficiently to keep him in contention.
Van de Zandschulp took charge in the opening set, outplaying Alcaraz on serve and return and gathering an initial boost. Carlos sprayed a backhand error in the second game of the encounter, experiencing a break and sending Botic in front.
Botic Van de Zandschulp stunned Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.
The Dutchman served well in games three and five, forging a 4-1 advantage after 23 minutes. Alcaraz played another poor service game, losing serve at 15 following Van de Zandschulp’s smash winner and falling 5-1 behind.
Botic served for the opener in game seven and held at love with a service winner, wrapping up the set in half an hour and gaining a boost. The Dutchman saved a break point in the second game of the second set and clinched a break in the next one after a loose forehand from the Spaniard.
Carlos made a push on the return in the next one, pulling the break back and locking the result at 2-2. They served well in the next six games, locking the result at 5-5 and increasing the drama. Alcaraz lost his focus at the worst moment, spraying forehand errors in game 11 and offering Van de Zandschulp break chances.
The Dutchman seized the first after, you guessed, the Spaniard’s wayward forehand, opening two sets to love advantage after an hour and 28 minutes and moving closer to a stunner.
They kicked off the third set with four fine holds before Botic grabbed a break at 15 at 2-2, welcoming another forehand error from his opponent and forging the advantage. Carlos stepped in on the return in the next one, converting the second break point after the opponent’s double fault and locking the result at 3-3.
Van de Zandschulp held after a deuce in the eighth game and made a push on the return at 4-4. Botic created three break chances after an extended rally and converted the second after a wild forehand from Carlos, opening a 5-4 gap and serving for the win.
The Dutchman passed the Spaniard at the net for three match points and fired a service winner on the first, sealing the deal in style and sending the 2022 champion packing.
US Open: Naomi Osaka out in 2R after collapse, Elena Rybakina’s bad luck continues
Osaka loses to Karolina Muchova while Rybakina wasn’t even able to play her second-round match.
Naomi Osaka crashed out of the US Open in the second round to Karolina Muchova although she had an outstanding chance to take the match to distance, while Elena Rybakina’s rough season continued as the No. 4 seed had to withdraw from her match versus Jessika Ponchet due to “injuries.”
After demolishing 10th-seeded Jelena Ostapenko in her opening match at Flushing Meadows, Osaka was hoping to make a deep run but it all ended on Thursday evening after Muchova handed her a 6-3 7-6 (5) loss.
For Osaka, it definitely wasn’t the best day at the office as Muchova was better in the key areas and stepped up when it mattered the most – the Czech won 77 percent of her first serve points and fired 24 winners and had 13 unforced errors, while the Japanese made 15 winners but also blasted 21 unforced errors.
On the other side, 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina – who has battled injuries and illnesses throughout the year – wasn’t even able to get to the court for her second-round match.
“Unfortunately, I have to withdraw from my match today due to my injuries. I did not want to finish the last Grand Slam of the year this way but I have to listen to my body, and I hope I can close out the remainder of the year strong. Thank you to all the fans who have and continue to support me, and I wish the remaining players good luck,” Rybakina said in a statement.
Osaka missed out on three consecutive set points on her serve in the second set
Early in the match, Muchova saved a break point in the fourth game before claiming back-to-back breaks in the seventh and ninth games to take the opener.
Down by a set, Osaka finally earned her first break of the match in the ninth game of the second set for a 5-4 lead and a chance to serve out for a decider.
In the following game, the four-time Grand Slam champion had 40/0 on her serve but stunningly lost the next five games as Muchova saved three consecutive set points to ultimately force a tie-break.
In the tie-break, Osaka also had a solid lead since she was 4-2 up before Muchova won the next four points to go 6-4 up before realizing her second match point to complete her win.