Zelenskyy accuses Putin of stalling peace efforts ahead of Saudi talks
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated on Friday that more pressure must be put on Russia to achieve a sustainable ceasefire.
Russia Sport News
Djokovic makes winning Miami return, Swiatek into third round
Six-times champion Novak Djokovic made his long-awaited Miami Open return on Friday and defeated Australian Rinky Hijikata 6-0 7-6(1) to reach the third round while Polish second seed Iga Swiatek also advanced.
Struggling Medvedev suffers early exit in Miami
MIAMI, United States: Daniil Medvedev crashed out of the Miami Open in the second round on Friday after suffering a 6-2, 6-3 upset defeat to Spain’s 56th-ranked Jaume Munar. Medvedev, the 2023 winner in Miami, showed his frustration, hurling his racket on several occasions as the Mallorca-born 27-year-old picked up his third career win against a top 10 opponent. The Russian made 32 unforced errors and although he gave himself a chance of a comeback in the final game, he couldn’t convert on two break points. Karen Khachanov ensured the Nick Kyrgios comeback trail was cut short with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-0 win. Australian Kyrgios, who has struggled since wrist surgery, defeated Mackenzie McDonald in the first round to earn his first tour-level win since October 2022 but was unable to overcome Khachanov, who reached the semis in Miami in 2023. In the women’s draw, world number two Iga Swiatek advanced into the third round after surviving a second set dip to beat France’s Caroline Garcia 6-2, 7-5. Swiatek had beaten Garcia with ease at the same stage at Indian Wells earlier this month but she faced a little more resistance at Hard Rock Stadium. Swiatek was 3-1 down in the second set and had to save a set point, when serving at 5-4 down before rallying to win the last three games. “My energy level got down really fast.
You can't choose who congratulates you, IOC says after Putin's best wishes
PYLOS, Greece : The International Olympic Committee on Friday declined to comment on Russian President Vladimir Putin's congratulatory note to newly-elected IOC president Kirsty Coventry, saying it was his prerogative.
Gauff and Sabalenka advance in Miami but Rybakina falls
MIAMI GARDENS: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and third-seeded Coco Gauff eased through their second round matches at the Miami Open on Thursday but seventh seed Elena Rybakina crashed out to American Ashlyn Krueger.
Belgium Outclassed By Ukraine In UEFA Nations League As Thibaut Courtois Loses On Return
Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tasted defeat on his Belgium return on Thursday as the Red Devils lost 3-1 to Ukraine in the first leg of the Nations League play-off. Real Madrid's Courtois last played for his country in 2023 before a public falling out with then coach Domenico Tedesco and looked set to finish on 102 caps. Courtois, 32, has come back into the fold under new boss in Frenchman Rudi Garcia, but was unable to stop Ukraine claiming the upper hand before next Sunday's second leg in Genk. Romelu Lukaku scored for Belgium before efforts from Oleksiy Gutsulyak, Vladyslav Vanat and Ilya Zabarnyi in a 12-minute spell after the break secured the win for Sergiy Rebrov's side.
NBA’s Celtics to be sold for record $6.1 billion to group led by private equity mogul Bill Chisholm
BOSTON: Private equity mogul William Chisholm agreed to buy the Boston Celtics on Thursday in a deal that values the NBA’s reigning champions and the most-decorated franchise in league history at a minimum of $6.1 billion — the largest price ever for American professional sports team.
Spain salvage streak with last-ditch Netherlands draw in Nations League
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands: European champions Spain salvaged their two-year unbeaten streak in the dying minutes of Thursday’s Nations League quarter-final first leg, denying 10-man Netherlands a famous victory with a 2-2 draw.