Admin

Novak Djokovic implored long-time rival Rafael Nadal to put off his planned retirement after defeating the Spaniard on Saturday in what was likely to be the final chapter of their storied rivalry.

“Don’t leave tennis, man,” Djokovic said in an on-court interview after beating Nadal in straight sets 6-2, 7-6 (7/5) at the “Six Kings Slam” exhibition in Saudi Arabia.

He added that their battles over the years had been “very intense” and told Nadal he hoped they could one day “sit on a beach somewhere” and have a drink.

Nadal, 38, announced on 10 October that he would retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

Organisers of the Saudi event billed Saturday’s match as perhaps Nadal’s last singles contest as a professional.

Nadal said on Thursday he was unsure whether he would be fit enough to play singles in Malaga.

Djokovic and Nadal –- two of the sport’s famed “Big Three” along with Roger Federer –- had faced each other 60 times on the main tour prior to Saturday’s exhibition match, with Djokovic holding a narrow 31-29 edge.

Their last encounter came during the Paris Olympics on the same Roland Garros courts where Nadal won 14 French Open titles, though Djokovic triumphed easily 6-1, 6-4.

Saturday’s match was also mostly one-sided, with Nadal spraying errors and Djokovic wrapping up the first set in just 31 minutes.

Feeding off the support of the partisan crowd who openly cheered Djokovic’s double-faults, Nadal rallied to push the second set to a tie-break, reeling off winners and even treating fans to one last iconic fist pump before succumbing to Djokovic’s relentless serving.

“It’s great to see him still fighting even though he’s had injuries and struggles,” Djokovic, 37, told a post-match press conference.

It was “a very emotional day, a special day” because it was the “last time I played my biggest rival, Nadal,” he added.

“I’ve witnessed Andy Murray retiring this year at Wimbledon, Roger (Federer) a few years ago as well. And now Rafa, you know. It’s tough in some ways to see them go, because all of my career, basically, I’ve played with them.”

After being presented with a golden tennis racket, Nadal in turn thanked Djokovic for the “amazing rivalry” and “for all the moments that we shared on court”.

TENNIS

Rafael Nadal predicts when Novak Djokovic will end up retiring from tennis

Rafael Nadal made an entertaining appearance at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia but lost out to Novak Djokovic in their final ever match.

Battling valiantly against his compatriot and protégé Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal produced glimpses of his true game at the inaugural Six Kings Slam event in Saudi Arabia.

Despite playing his part in a tie that was not as one-sided as some expected, Nadal still failed to get past his younger countryman.

In the third place playoff, a final instalment of one of sports greatest rivalries took place as Novak Djokovic took on the Spaniard.

Coincidentally, Nadal’s most recent singles match also came against his great rival at the Paris Olympics, with that match – their 60th ATP encounter – falling Djokovic’s way.

With Nadal announcing his upcoming retirement this month, he has speculated over when Djokovic might join him.

Rafael Nadal predicts Novak Djokovic career and retirement plans

The pair faced off in all four major finals, with Djokovic ultimately stealing their overall head-to-head by 31 to 29.

In an era defined by the ‘Big Four’, Djokovic is the last man standing with Roger Federer and Andy Murray already having hung up the racquet.

Having won the Olympics this year – an achievement that eluded him for so long – but no Grand Slam titles, many have wondered how long the suburb still has on the professional circuit.

Speculating over his great friend’s potential career plans, Nadal told AS: “As for Djokovic, I don’t know. I think it’s human that Novak, even if he’s still healthy, is at an age and it’s logical that the clock takes its toll on all of us and that, once Federer has gone, once I’m gone, since in the end we’ve been his two great rivals, at some point he also has a small mental breakdown and will find a reason to step aside.

“That’s what happens to everyone. And Novak is good enough to, if he’s healthy, continue to be competitive at the highest level and aspire to win the most important tournaments. And if he continues to be happy doing what he does, he’ll keep it up.

“If at some point, everything he has to do to have a chance of continuing to be at the top level is no longer worth it, then he will step aside, that’s what I think.”

TENNIS

Angel Reese reps Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier in WNBA Finals outfit

Angel Reese sat courtside for Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals, with attire repping the star players of the Minnesota Lynx and New York Liberty.

The Chicago Sky rookie wore a jersey that included Liberty’s Breanna Stewart on one side and Lynx’s Napheesa Collier on the other.

Reese posted on X two days ago asking if someone could make the jersey for her by Sunday’s decisive Game 5. Earlier today, she shouted out the artist, Jocelyn Hu, who put together the outfit.

Reese averaged 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game this season. She finished second to Caitlin Clark in Rookie of the Year voting and made the WNBA All-Rookie team.

GOLF

‘Last Time I Ever Spoke to Tiger Woods’: Resentful Ex-Employee Reveals Startling Details About Golfer’s True Nature

Making his debut in August 1996, Tiger Woods already had quite an accomplished career as a junior/amateur. He was about to break into the pro scene and no one would have imagined what kind of a player he would eventually become. Just three months in, we saw Tiger Woods capture his first trophy at the TPC Summerlin. The Las Vegas Invitational was only the first of 6 trophies he would win over the next two years.

Along with the support of his coaches, agent, and fans, Tiger Woods had already become an icon of the sport. And during this period, everyone might have thought everything was great in the Woods camp as they looked forward to achieving more success. But that was not the case in the former world no.1’s head. Woods eventually ended up firing his former agent unexpectedly.

26 years after the incident, we hear from Hughes Norton himself explaining what actually happened. So let’s take a deep dive into the story from Hughes’ perspective.

What happened 26 years ago with Tiger Woods?

In an interview for The Golfer’s Journal, former IMG agent Hughes Norton shared his experience with the golf legend and how things ended between the two. He mentions that it had been 2 years and a month since he started representing Tiger Woods.

In September 1998, Hughes received a call from Woods. Soon after he greets Woods, the first response he gets is “Hughes, it’s over.” Perplexed by the statement, Hughes questioned Woods’ statement. The next few words by the 15-time Majors winner shook the retired IMG employee. “I don’t want you to represent me anymore,” said Woods.

Unable to grasp what he just learned, Hughes asked his boss if he was joking. To which Tiger Woods replied, “No. I’ve just made a decision. I’m just letting you know.” In an attempt to get some perspective and try to convince him against it, Hughes suggested that he would go meet Woods in Florida. But Woods refused him to do any such thing as he had already said everything that needed to be said and there was nothing further to add.

Still looking for an explanation, Hughes asked why he had decided to take this step. Tiger Woods simply replied that he ‘wanted to make a change’. Against the pro golfer’s will, Hughes continued to ‘persuade’ him saying that he was not going to accept the decision Woods had taken.

Hughes went on to visit him at his estate and Woods was still hostile when they met. Their last conversation was at Tiger Woods’ doorstep as he said, “I told you not to come down here.” Hughes described how cold Woods was during the confrontation specifying that his eyes were ‘zombie-like’. Tiger Woods’ last words to him were, “I told you this was a waste of time. I don’t want to discuss it. My mind is made up.” Hughes Norton confirmed that was the last time he ever spoke to the golfer.

We all know how much Tiger Woods went on to achieve and became a legend in golf. But this just gives us a glimpse at the kind of person he was outside of golf at the beginning of his pro career. Do you think he still has the same personality? Or has a long career and a lot more life experience changed him over the years? Share your views in the comments section.

GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles Asks If She Should ‘Add’ Husband Jonathan Owens to Gymnastics Tour Cast After He Warms Up with Her

By Admin October 20, 2024

Simone Biles isn’t leaving husband Jonathan Owens behind on tour!

The 27-year-old gymnast revealed on her Instagram Stories that the Chicago Bears football safety, 29, joined her for the latest stop in Austin, Texas, on her Gold Over America Tour, which also features other Team USA gymnasts Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey and Hezly Rivera.

She shared sweet photos of the pair sharing some PDA and smooching while at a brunch during the daytime on Friday, Oct. 18, before stepping out for drinks with some friends at night. The athlete also showed herself and her husband holding hands while walking together down the street.

“When hubby comes on tour,” she captioned the photo of them holding hands on stroll, alongside four white hearts.

At Austin’s Moody Center, where the tour was taking place, the couple even stopped to take some snaps at a photobooth. They could be seen once again smooching in one shot, while in others, they threw up a peace sign and smiled at the camera.

Ahead of the show, she showed gymnasts Paul Juda and Yul Moldauer “warming up” as they chased each other around the gymnastics arena while Owens watched.

Owens also tried to get in on the action, as he could be seen lifting himself up on a pair of gymnastics bars and pulling his legs up.

Biles jokingly wrote over the video, “Should we add him to the cast?”

She then reshared pictures and videos taken of the show, including her greeting the audience at the beginning. “Back @ Moody Center for Gold Over America Tour,” she wrote over the photo. She also showed her introduction as she flipped while making her way toward the center of the stage.

On Saturday, Oct. 19 she also shared a photo backstage at The Athleta, showing a sign board with the show’s name. “Show at home hits different,” she wrote. “My heart. All the feels.”

She also posted another shot of them posing alongside teammates Joscelyn Roberson and French gymnast Melanie De Jesus Dos Santos with aviator sunglasses. She captioned the post, “love having my girls with me on tour!! – @goldoveramericatour.”

Biles and Owens have shown their support for each other at their respective sports. The gymnast has made several appearances at Chicago Bears games this year, most recently in their Sept. 29 game against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field.

For that outing, she wore a white cropped sweater with “Bears” printed on the front, a white denim mini skirt, tall white boots and a white Balenciaga Duty-Free tote to match. She was also snapped sharing a kiss with Owens on the field ahead of the game.

GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles & Jonathan Owens Become Champions While Showcasing Perfection in New Skill: ‘Send ‘Em Home Mad’

By Admin October 20, 2024

For someone like Simone Biles, it can be difficult to take anything casually. The 7x Olympic gold medalist’s iron will was laid bare once again in Paris this year when she battled through all odds to reclaim her GOAT status on the grand stage. And now, as she waits to lead her Gold Over America Tour posse to her hometown, it looks like Biles’ skills are also oozing to other sports.

Keeping your eyes on the goal is crucial for long-term success, and Simone isn’t alien to the discipline. But expecting her to hit the bull’s eye at everything she does might be a stretch too far. And yet, it seems like the 27-year-old can barely keep herself from hitting the target every single time. Luckily, Simone Biles has also got the perfect partner-in-crime to share her exploits.

In her recent Instagram story, Biles shared a social media update from her husband Jonathan Owens that shows off the latest achievement of the couple. In the brief video snippet, a dart can be seen firmly placed at the center of the board. “When you and ya lady the dart champs,” read the original caption of Owens’ post, noting how both the athletes are formidable foes when it comes to a game of darts.

“Send em home mad,” wrote Simone in her IG update, noting her delight at adding another achievement to her illustrious resume. After touring the entire country, the Gold Over America Tour finally reaches the Olympic legend’s hometown of Houston on October 19. Naturally, both the gymnast and her fans are excited to see what the WCC star has in store for her townfolks. Just days ago, Biles was seen encouraging the Houston Rockets mascot Clutch to try his hands at gymnastics, offering words of wisdom to the amateur. And now, both she and Owens can have some fun as they add a new skill to their repertoire.

It’s evident that Simone also isn’t afraid of exploring new horizons as she continues her golden run, high from her emphatic Parisian campaign. In the City of Love. Biles crushed all criticism and once again showed why she’s the undisputed GOAT when it comes to artistic gymnastics. Putting her Tokyo ordeal from three years ago in the rearview mirror, the football safety’s wife walked away from the Paris Games with three gold and one silver, and she might have another option for a late career change. But she’s not the only one who enjoys stepping out of their comfort zone.

Simone Biles broadens her horizon, with others following suit

Just yesterday, the gymnastics icon made a special request to Athleta, the main brain behind the Gold Over America Tour. Showcasing how her NFL star hubby is up for a challenge on the parallel bars, Biles pondered whether it’s too late to give the Chicago Bears a rank among the GOAT stars who have been sensational with their skill over these past three weeks. “Should we add him to the cast?” questioned Simone and it looked like she and Owens might have approval from her Team USA colleague Brody Malone already.

On the other hand, Biles isn’t the only gymnast who has been mesmerizing the fans with skills beyond the mat. Penn State alum Stephen Nedoroscik opted to sit out on the action from the second edition of the pop-styled show to instead woo fans with his dancing skills at the 33rd season of the Dancing With The Stars. Accompanied by Rylee Arnold, the 25-year-old star has been groovy, to say the least, albeit a few hiccups on the road.

On the other hand, Owens is never too far away when it comes to cheering for his bae as she extends her glorious run as the most decorated gymnast of all time. From showing up at the Xfinity US Gymnastics Championships to convincing his new team to allow him a break to support Simone Biles in Paris, Owens loves to be a part of his wife’s journey. And it shouldn’t be surprising that he was the one in Biles’ corner when she bagged her maiden darts victory. What new thing would you like to see the couple try out next? Tell us in the comments.

BOXING

Anthony Joshua’s proposed rematch date with Daniel Dubois confirmed by Saudi boxing chief

Turki Alalshikh has revealed the proposed date for AJ’s rematch with Dubois
Dubois, 27, made a statement at Wembley Stadium, knocking Joshua out
Dubois will be looking to do the same again when they face off for a second time

Turki Alalshikh has revealed the proposed date for the highly anticipated rematch between British heavyweights Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois.

The two fighters are expected to face off again on February 22, 2025, in what promises to be a blockbuster event.

The announcement comes after weeks of speculation surrounding when and where the rematch would take place, following their explosive first encounter earlier this year.

While the venue has yet to be confirmed, it is widely expected that Saudi Arabia will once again play host, given the country’s recent push to establish itself as a major hub for boxing’s biggest fights.

Alalshikh, who has been instrumental in orchestrating high-profile bouts in the region, broke the news during an interview with The Stomping Ground following Beterbiev’s victory over Bivol.

He confirmed that negotiations have progressed to the point where February 22nd has been tentatively set for the rematch.

The rematch comes on the heels of their thrilling first fight, where Dubois knocked AJ out in the fifth round at Wembley Stadium.

Dubois went against tradition and emerged out into Wembley Stadium first despite being the reigning champion, and it was fitting that from the opening bell he showcased his immense power and scored a huge knockdown in the opening round.

A stunned ‘AJ’ returned to his corner to seek the guidance of trainer Ben Davison and, in the second round, he did manage to hang on as ‘Dynamite’ Dubois pushed forward.

However, Joshua never looked as though he’d fully recovered from the early blow and was on the canvas once again in the third round, seconds before the bell rang.

It didn’t take long for ‘AJ’ to be sent down to the canvas again as, in the fourth round, Dubois connected with another huge hook that had Joshua’s corner concerned.

Somehow, the 34-year-old managed to get to his feet once more and marched forward, despite the heavy blows he’d taken in the opening rounds.

However, it was all in the fifth after Joshua caught Dubois and charged forward before the IBF heavyweight champion delivered a brilliant counter right-hook that sent his rival to the canvas.

Joshua attempted to get back to his feet for the fourth time in the fight but stumbled over and gave the referee a simple decision to call off the bout.

The February 22nd rematch is expected to draw massive global attention, with fans eager to see if Dubois can replicate his impressive display.

Given the magnitude of their first fight and the stakes surrounding this second meeting, the event could have significant implications for the heavyweight division.

BOXING

Turki Alalshikh confirms Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch date

We now know when Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois will fight again.

Last night, the eyes of the boxing world were on Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Artur Beterbiev became undisputed light heavyweight champion when he beat Dmitry Bivol by unanimous decision.

It hasn’t been a result without controversy.

Many observers had the match in Bivol’s favour.

The fight was so close that others felt a draw would have been the right call.

In the aftermath, Bivol has stated that he wants a rematch with Beterbiev.

The man who will likely make it happen is Turki Alalshikh.

Since getting involved in the world of boxing, Alalshikh has helped broker plenty of high profile fights that previously were taking too long to happen – if at all.

The Saudi Arabian adviser at the Royal Court under the rank of Minister already stated last night that he plans to put the wheels in motion on a rematch for the light heavyweight title.

So that appears to be part of his plans.

He also revealed his plans for the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch.

According to The Mirror, Turki Alalshikh has revealed the date for Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois 2.

Last night, Alalshikh initially revealed that he believed that Dmitry Bivol won the fight last night by at least two rounds and that he is now focused to make a rematch between the pair.

Moving on, he is believed to have discussed the plans for future events.

Once we get to February 22nd 2025, Turki Alalshikh has stated that there are plans for two fights for that date.

That’s the date currently being looked at for the Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois rematch.

As part of the undercard for that fight, it’s planned to be the Queensbury vs Matchroom 5v5 rematch also.

If that would come off, that would be one stacked boxing card.

Anthony Joshua will be looking to gain a semblance of revenge for the mauling he suffered in his first fight against Daniel Dubois.

Dubois shocked the world when he produced a stunning knockout victory against AJ and it seems that February 22nd is when Joshua will be able to make things right from his perspective.

From what we’ve seen in the past year or so, once Turki Alalshikh makes a plan for a fight, it tends to happen.

BOXING

Joshua vs. Dubois’s rematch date confirmed

The rematch between IBF world heavyweight boxing champion Daniel Dubois and former two-time heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua appears closer, with Turki Alalshikh, chairman of the General Entertainment Authority, revealing February as a tentative date, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Alalshikh confirmed this while speaking after the Artur Beterbiev vs. Dmitry Bivol press conference on Saturday night.

The chairman of the General Entertainment Authority that stages the Riyadh Season events revealed that a major fight card was being put together that will pit rival promoters Queensberry and Matchroom against each other.

“See in February again Queensberry against Matchroom, 5 vs. 5, we will finish it maybe this week with a big surprise, and then let’s see the result about this fight, the result of the big fight December 21, [Oleksandr] Usyk-Tyson [Fury],” Alalshikh told Sky Sports.

“Joshua, Dubois, Tyson, Usyk, everyone, everyone on the line.

“This is what we want. We want the big fights and to see who’s really the best fighter in each division.”

Last month, Joshua’s bid to become a three-time world champion and return to the division’s top table ended dramatically and unexpectedly, with Dubois dropping him several times at Wembley Stadium in front of 98,000 fans before he landed the final blow, a crunching right-hand, in Round 5 that left Joshua sprawling on the canvas for a fourth career loss.

The defeat sent shockwaves through the boxing world, with some pundits questioning Joshua’s future in the sport.

Reacting to talks about his future, Joshua vowed to continue boxing, with his promoter confirming that the Middle Eastern kingdom will stage the rematch as part of the Riyadh Season, a festival of entertainment and sports events that runs from October to early March.

Queen’s Frank Warren, Dubois’ promoter, welcomed the prospect of a rematch.

“It’s all about styles, but also with AJ, you’ve got to put him on the back foot, and that’s what he did,” Warren told Sky Sports.

“He put him on the back foot. That first jab he threw snapped his head back, and that set the pattern of the fight. I think it was the fourth round; he caught Daniel with an uppercut; that was his most significant punch.

“But you want AJ to trade with you, because if he trades, he’s vulnerable. Once he throws that punch, you can catch him on the counter, and that’s what he did.”

Matchroom’s Eddie Hearn, who promotes Joshua, when previously discussing the rematch between the two heavyweights said, “I think it would be part of Riyadh Season in Riyadh. Riyadh Season runs from October to the end of February and early March.

“So anything within that period takes place in Riyadh. So yeah, it would be part of the Riyadh Season if it were to happen.”

BOXING

Joshua Yet To Recover From Dubois Defeat – Hearn

Anthony Joshua’s agent, Eddie Hearn has admitted that he is yet to recover from his poor performance in the defeat to Daniel Dubois in September.

Joshua struggled to handle Dubois as he was dropped four times in the bout before the latter earned a fifth round knockout win.

Dubois retained his IBF heavyweight title as Joshua is left to rue his poor performances and to contemplate on his future plans.

Joshua defeated Francis Ngannou earlier in the year to spark talks of returning form after he suffered back to back losses. But the defeat to Dubois has raised question marks over his future.

Joshua’s producer, Eddie Hearn has opened up on how he is dealing with the aftermath of the defeat and his future plans.

He said, “It’s still quite fresh, only three weeks ago. He’s devastated by the defeat.

“Daniel’s had a great time in Brazil as the new champion, and it’s well deserved. There’s a period of time within AJ’s contract where he has to make a decision, and it’s not up yet, but he’s thinking hard. He’s resting his body and figuring out what he wants to do.

“When you start thinking about it, there’s no bad decision.

“He wants to win the world heavyweight title, and that could mean fighting Dubois again rather than facing Deontay Wilder or waiting for Tyson Fury. If it’s solely up to AJ, which it will be at the end of the day, I think it’s going to be hard to talk him out of taking the rematch.”

Dubois has held the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight title since June 2024.