Brazil need to get the best out of Vinicius Jr., says Ancelotti
GUAYAQUIL, Ecuador: Brazil must help striker Vinicius Jr. rediscover the form he has displayed at Real Madrid, new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday.
French Open Sport News
Thunders vs. Pacers 2025 NBA Finals highlight NBA’s competitive parity
DUBAI: As the 2025 NBA Finals tip off in Oklahoma City this week, the league is celebrating this year’s matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers as a landmark moment. These are finals defined by competitive parity, the rise of international stars, and a clear message: In today’s NBA, success is no longer dictated by market size.
Novak Djokovic beats Alexander Zverev to set up a semifinal showdown with Jannik Sinner
PARIS: A crucial moment arrived more than 2 1/2 hours into Novak Djokovic’s 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 French Open quarterfinal victory over Alexander Zverev. It was the fourth set, and Djokovic led, but Zverev was in possession of a break point and a chance to get back into Wednesday’s match. They engaged in a 41-stroke exchange, the longest of a buggy and breezy night, and Djokovic came out on top, smacking a forehand winner. He stayed in place afterward, breathing heavily, with hands on hips, scanning the standing ovation from thousands of Court Philippe-Chatrier spectators. Djokovic might be 38 now.
Al-Hilal name former Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi as new coach
RIYADH: Al-Hilal announced Simone Inzaghi as their new head coach on Thursday.
Chelsea win race to sign Ipswich striker Delap
LONDON: Chelsea beat off competition from Premier League rivals to sign English striker Liam Delap from Ipswich on Wednesday for a reported fee of £30 million ($41 million) Delap, 22, scored 12 Premier League goals during his sole season at Portman Road but could not prevent Ipswich making an immediate return to the Championship. Manchester United and Everton were also reportedly willing to meet the buyout clause in the England under-21 international’s contract. But Chelsea have won the race for the former Manchester City forward, bolstering their attacking options ahead of the Club World Cup in the United States, starting later this month. “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach,” said Delap, who has signed a six-year contract, in a Chelsea statement. “It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.” The Blues finished fourth in the Premier League and will return to the Champions League next season after a two-year absence. And Enzo Maresca’s men last week beat Real Betis 4-1 in the Conference League final to secure a trophy in the Italian manager’s first season in charge. In mid-December Chelsea were within touching distance of eventual Premier League champions Liverpool before hitting a rocky patch. They finished the season strongly, securing a top-five spot on the final day of the season but were hamstrung by their lack of a clinical number nine. Senegal international Nicolas Jackson scored just 10 times in 30 Premier League appearances, while Christopher Nkunku looks set to leave the club after an underwhelming two-year spell. Delap, the son of former Stoke
Emmy-winning director R. J. Cutler’s docuseries ‘Esports World Cup: Level Up’ starts June 6
RIYADH: “Esports World Cup: Level Up,” a new, five-part documentary series from Emmy-winning director R. J. Cutler begins on Jun. 6 on Prime Video, with new episodes released weekly.
Bahrain game ‘crucial’ for Saudi World Cup qualification hopes, says coach Herve Renard
MANAMA: Saudi Arabia’s match against Bahrain on Thursday is “crucial” to their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, coach Herve Renard said on Wednesday.
Boisson ‘going for the dream’ at French Open after injury nightmare
PARIS: Lois Boisson has “resilience” tattooed above her right elbow and the 361st-ranked Frenchwoman demonstrated she had plenty as she stormed into semifinals of the French Open on Wednesday.