Saudi Arabia’s great football experiment is paying off
MANCHESTER, England: The great Saudi Arabian football experiment is on full show at the Club World Cup.
FIFA Club World Cup Sport News
Barbora Krejcikova gets title defense off to stuttering start
LONDON: Defending champion Barbora Krejcikova survived a stiff examination from promising 20-year-old Filipino Alexandra Eala before finding her groove to triumph 3-6 6-2 6-1 on her return to Wimbledon’s Center Court on Tuesday. Czech Krejcikova, a shock winner as 31st seed last year and seeded 17th this time, came into the tournament short on form after a succession of injuries and initially had no answer to the confident, free-swinging Eala, who is the first woman from the Philippines to play at Wimbledon. Eala turned 20 in May and was making her first Wimbledon appearance but she immediately looked at home in the daunting surroundings of the sport’s most iconic court. Krejcikova forced the first break in the third game, however, Eala hit straight back, swinging her lefty forehand freely and throwing in a beautifully disguised drop shot. She then upped the ante, holding confidently and breaking again as her two-fisted backhand came to the fore and, from 2-1 down with a break against, Eala reeled off four games in a row. Krejcikova struggled to find any consistency and was not helped by five first-set double faults and very cautious shot choices. The champion just about held serve after six deuces but Eala was not to be denied and served out to take the first set. Krejcikova looked as if she had had a physical and mental reboot for the second set where she showed much more energy and found her serving range.
Saudi club Neom sign former France striker Lacazette
PARIS: Former France forward Alexandre Lacazette has signed for Saudi club Neom after the end of his contract at Lyon, the Pro League side announced on Tuesday.
Andreeva youngest woman left in Wimbledon women’s draw after nervy win over Sherif
LONDON: Wimbledon seventh seed Mirra Andreeva booked her place in the second round with a 6-3 6-3 win over Mayar Sherif following a nervy start on Tuesday, with the 18-year-old now the youngest woman standing at this year’s tournament.
Tearful former champion Kvitova loses on Wimbledon farewell
The 35-year-old Czech announced last week that she will bring the curtain down on her career after the US Open in AugustKvitova could not hold back the tears when she was given a standing ovation by the crowdLONDON: Petra Kvitova’s Wimbledon farewell ended in an emotional defeat as the two-time champion was beaten 6-3, 6-1 by Emma Navarro in the first round on Tuesday.Kvitova returned from maternity leave in February following the birth of her son Petr in 2024, but found it difficult to handle the demands of being a mother on the gruelling tennis circuit.The 35-year-old Czech announced last week that she will bring the curtain down on her career after the US Open in August.Kvitova’s decision gave the former world number two, who has won 31 titles in her career, one last opportunity to return to the scene of her Wimbledon triumphs.But American 10th seed Navarro ruined her hopes of a long Wimbledon goodbye with a clinical 60-minute victory on Court One.Kvitova could not hold back the tears when she was given a standing ovation by the crowd, responding with a wave before drying her eyes.“It’s very special to play on this beautiful court one more time. I wish I could play a little bit longer but it’s OK, whatever” she said as more tears flowed.“This place holds the best memories I could wish for.
Botafogo sack manager Paiva after Club World Cup exit
SAO POALO: Botafogo have sacked manager Renato Paiva following their Club World Cup exit, the Brazilian club said, despite his side beating Champions League winners Paris St. Germain earlier in the competition.
Monaco sign former teen prodigy Fati on season’s loan from Barcelona
MONACO: Monaco signed Ansu Fati on a season-long loan from Barcelona on Tuesday, offering the former teen prodigy another chance to resurrect his career.
NBA free agency opens with Spurs, Rockets, Hawks, Magic and Mavs among those making early moves
NBA NEW YORK: Victor Wembanyama has another big man to help him out in San Antonio. The Houston Rockets continued their offseason overhaul. And Orlando and Atlanta made moves with eyes on contending this coming season as the NBA’s free agency period got underway Monday.