eurosport.com - The Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic near-two decade monopoly at the Italian Open is over

The Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic near-two decade monopoly at the Italian Open is over - what now?

Could it be that the fresh, new era of young superstars taking over the spotlight in men’s tennis is finally upon us, right here, right now as the 2023 European clay-court swing enters its grand finale? It feels tantalisingly close after the near-two decade Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic monopoly of the Italian Open came to an end on Campo Centrale on Wednesday — but the true test of such a statement remains at the Grand Slams. Ad Over the past 10 years, many a starlet has been tipped to bring forward a changing of the guard and we’ve had a few false starts along the way, with the almost ageless trio of Roger Federer, Nadal and Djokovic continually defying both them and Father Time by hogging the major trophies, and embarrassing know-all pundits in their very own GOAT race.

Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid: Pep Guardiola masterminds comfortable win for Citizens at Etihad

Manchester City demolished Real Madrid 4-0 to set up a Champions League final with Inter Milan. Thibaut Courtois pulled off his first world-class save after 13 minutes to deny Erling Haaland's header following a great Jack Grealish cross. Ad Courtois was on hand yet again to deny Haaland in the 22nd minute.

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior the 'most destructive player' in world football, says Michael Owen

Michael Owen has described Vinicius Junior as the “most destructive” player in world football. The Real Madrid forward scored the winner in the Champions League final in 2022 against Liverpool and has followed that success with another impressive season. Ad Vinicius has scored 23 times in all competitions, frightening opposing defenders with his pace and trickery.

Rafael Nadal calls press conference on Thursday to announce whether he will play at French Open

Rafael Nadal has called a press conference to announce whether he will play the French Open. Nadal, 36, hasn’t played since losing in the second round of the Australian Open in January. Ad He has been seen practising on clay in a bid to be fit to defend his title in Paris, where he is a 14-time champion.

Tao Geoghegan Hart says he is 'devastated' after crashing out of the Giro d'Italia on Stage 11

Tao Geoghegan Hart has admitted to being “devastated” after crashing out of the Giro d’Italia. He left Stage 11 in an ambulance following a collision which saw numerous riders fall, including his Ineos Grenadiers team-mate Geraint Thomas in the leader’s pink jersey, and Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma). Ad With 68km remaining, the front three racers in the general classification slid off the road on a corner.

James Anderson may miss Ireland test to be fit for Ashes against Australia, England star recovering from injury

James Anderson knows he might need to sit out of England’s first Test of the summer if he is to be fit for the Ashes opener against Australia at Edgbaston. The country’s record wicket-taker has been included in the squad for next month’s one-off Test match against Ireland, despite pulling up with a groin injury during Lancashire’s County Championship clash with Somerset last week. Ad Scans have shown the problem to be mild and the England and Wales Cricket Board say Anderson will be “assessed nearer the time” of the Ireland fixture.

Giro d’Italia: Geraint Thomas 'on cloud nine' and unlikely to tactically relinquish pink jersey - Luke Rowe

Geraint Thomas is unlikely to tactically give up the pink jersey, his Ineos Grenadiers team-mate Luke Rowe has said, adding that the Welshman is in a «great position” in the race. Rowe, who is not riding the Giro, joined the latest episode of The Breakaway to discuss Stage 11 of the Giro d’Italia. Ad The stage was won by Germany’s Pascal Ackermann (UAE Team Emirates) on a day that general classification contender Tao Geoghegan Hart (Ineos Grenadiers) left the race in an ambulance after a freak crash that also saw team-mate Geraint Thomas and Primoz Roglic (Jumbo-Visma) go down.

Giro d'Italia 2023 Stage 12: Preview, how to watch, TV and live stream details, route map and profile for route

After two relatively simple stages – albeit the first in freezing rain – things step up a little on Stage 12 of the Giro d’Italia as we flirt with the mountains again. The profile is not particularly challenging, however, so we can expect plenty of early action as our non-GC stars attempt to get in the day’s breakaway in the knowledge they may not be caught. Ad The main test is the Cat.

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Eurosport.com Sport News

The Rafael Nadal-Novak Djokovic near-two decade monopoly at the Italian Open is over - what now?

Manchester City 4-0 Real Madrid: Pep Guardiola masterminds comfortable win for Citizens at Etihad

Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior the 'most destructive player' in world football, says Michael Owen

Rafael Nadal calls press conference on Thursday to announce whether he will play at French Open

Tao Geoghegan Hart says he is 'devastated' after crashing out of the Giro d'Italia on Stage 11

James Anderson may miss Ireland test to be fit for Ashes against Australia, England star recovering from injury

Giro d’Italia: Geraint Thomas 'on cloud nine' and unlikely to tactically relinquish pink jersey - Luke Rowe

Giro d'Italia 2023 Stage 12: Preview, how to watch, TV and live stream details, route map and profile for route