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Charles Leclerc Ferrari
Formula 1

“We are just really slow at the moment” : Charles Leclerc on another disappointing qualifying performance

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“We are just really slow at the moment” : Charles Leclerc on another disappointing qualifying performance Charles Leclerc had another disappointing start to the weekend, as he was eliminated in the Q2 session at the Silverstone GP. The Ferrari driver was not happy with the car, as he stated that they were really slow compared to the rest of the grid. Mercedes have been growing from strength to strength, as they secured a front low lockout with George Russell claiming the pole position. Meanwhile, McLaren driver Lando Norris rounded off an all-British top three, as Ferrari were well off the pace once again. Charles Leclerc’s teammate Carlos Sainz had a decent qualifying session, finishing P7 in the tricky conditions. The Monaco based driver will start from P11 in Sunday’s race, as he looks to claim his podium finish in four races. “We are just slow. We are just really slow at the moment and we have a lot of inconsistencies with the car. I don’t think it quite helps that we are trying to also… we are trying to just assess the situation we are in at the moment and try to understand which are the directions in which we need to push into,” said Leclerc to the press after the qualifying session. “I felt like yesterday, by splitting the cars [with pre and post-Barcelona configurations], we understood a good amount to use for the future,” he added. “I hope we can bounce back as soon as possible” : Charles Leclerc Things started to look positive for Ferrari, after Charles Leclerc won the Monaco GP in May. They secured a double podium finish, as they cut Red Bull’s lead in the constructors championship to 20-odd points. However, they have dropped ever since, as Charles Leclerc hopes to bounce back as soon as possible. “However, that means that maybe you don’t optimise your whole weekend as you are focused on just trying to learn, and when you are speaking about a tenth to go to Q3, it’s all about small details. So at the moment we are just struggling with the situation we are in, and I hope we can bounce back as soon as possible,” added Leclerc. Charles Leclerc also stressed that there was no need to panic at the moment. He encourages the team to come up with a positive response, as they did it in the early part of the season. The 2024 Silverstone GP promises to be an exciting race, with Max Verstappen starting in P4, behind the three Brits. Mercedes have looked the fastest car on the grid this weekend, and are favorites to claim the race victory. However, with Lando Norris just lurking behind the Silver Arrows, they will certainly not be breathing a sigh of relief just yet. Also Read: “You don’t want to think about karma” : Toto Wolff delighted after Silverstone front row lockout

Toto Wolff
Formula 1

“You don’t want to think about karma” : Toto Wolff delighted after Silverstone front row lockout

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“You don’t want to think about karma” : Toto Wolff delighted after Silverstone front row lockout Mercedes continue to grow from strength to strength as they secured a front row lockout at the Silverstone GP. George Russell secured a pole position, finishing ahead of teammate Lewis Hamilton. This comes after a positive weekend in Austria, where George Russell claimed the race win. Toto Wolff has stated that he does not want to think about karma at the moment, but believes that Mercedes are certainly headed in the right direction. The Silver Arrows have had a rough couple of seasons, as they had secured just one win in the last two seasons. “You don’t want to think about karma, but we are making our first steps,” said Wolff. Mercedes claimed their first podium finish of the season with George Russell in Canada, and they have just kept building on that performance. “It’s exciting is that for the last two years we’ve been struggling with direction” : Toto Wolff Toto Wolff commented on the new found consistency at Mercedes. The Austrian boss believes that the Silver Arrows have really picked up from the Imola GP, and have consistently improved in terms of their race performance. “It’s exciting is that for the last two years we’ve been struggling with direction. We had one and off weekends. And since Imola we had direction put parts on the car and it went in the right direction,” he added. Toto Wolff has also confirmed that they will be bringing in upgrades in Hungary and Belgium, just before the summer break. George Russell was delighted after claiming the pole position, and stated that it would be a tough contest with Lando Norris in the main race. He also revealed that the car was feeling good at the moment, as was echoed by his teammate Lewis Hamilton. “The car at the moment is feeling good. It really came alive in qualifying. It’s going to be tight with Lando,” said Russell. “I think the car felt great. It was just about getting the tyre temperatures in the right place. I feel really confident about the car tomorrow. If we can work together we can keep Lando behind,” Lewis added. Also Read: “We still haven’t found a solution to improve things”: Charles Leclerc gives honest opinion after Austrian GP

Andy Murray vs Roger Federer
Tennis

“I actually flew out early on Tuesday to be there” : Roger Federer on missing Andy Murray’s farewell

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“I actually flew out early on Tuesday to be there” : Roger Federer on missing Andy Murray’s farewell Andy Murray bid adieu to Wimbledon, as he was knocked out in the first round of the Men’s Doubles event alongside his brother, Jamie Murray. The Briton who underwent a surgery a couple of weeks ago already withdrew himself from the Singles event earlier this week. There was a short ceremony organized for the two-time Wimbledon champion, with several legends being in attendance. Even Novak Djokovic attended the farewell ceremony, as many expected a surprise visit from the eight-time Wimbledon champion Roger Federer. The Swiss legend stated that he flew out early this week to make sure he was in attendance during the farewell event. However, due to disruptions in schedule, and personal commitments, he was unable to make it to the Centre Court for the event. “I would have loved to be there, but I had commitments and I didn’t know how it was going to work out. I actually flew out early on Tuesday to be there in case he was playing his singles. When I was boarding, I found out Andy wasn’t playing his singles. I thought, ‘Oh my God.’ I was on standby,” said Federer. “Unfortunately, last night I couldn’t be there. I rushed over to see him before the match. I could see Andy was extremely nervous and he was really concerned about that moment. Obviously Wimbledon means a lot to him, his family and his team. I watched all the highlights and thought, ‘This is great for him,” he added. “I loved playing against him, even though he beat me probably 20 times” : Roger Federer on Andy Murray Roger Federer stated that he loved playing against Andy Murray, despite losing to him on numerous occasions. The Briton was scheduled to play the Mixed Doubles event alongside Emma Raducanu. However, the pair decided to withdraw from the tournament on Sunday, owing to Emma’s commitment in the singles event. Roger Federer also added that he would have loved to be at Andy Muray’s farewell event, as he was present during his last professional match at the Laver Cup. “This is great for him. He’s still got a bit of a journey to go in the mixed tournament and the Olympics. Then I think it’s over for him. He was there for my retirement at the Laver Cup. I was so happy he was there. I hope I get to see Andy again. What an incredible career. I loved playing against him, even though he beat me probably 20 times. He was great. Of course, I was also very emotional yesterday,” said Federer, as quoted by We Love Tennis. Andy Murray will now compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as he is expected to announce his retirement post the Summer Games. The Briton has struggled with injuries in the last half of his career, as he has been unable to compete for Grand Slam titles. However, the three-time Grand Slam champion has marked his name in the history book, as he remains the only male player to win two Singles gold medal at the Summer Olympic Games. Also Read: Who is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard? Know more about the French tennis prodigy 

Botic van de Zandschulp vs Jack Draper Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction
Tennis

Wimbledon 2024: Jack Draper vs Cameron Norrie Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

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Wimbledon 2024: Jack Draper vs Cameron Norrie Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie will lock horns in the second round of Wimbledon on Thursday. The former is ranked 28th in the world, whereas the latter is ranked at the 42th position. Wimbledon 2024: Jack Draper vs Cameron Norrie Preview Jack Draper overcame a huge scare in the first round, as he defeated Elias Ymer in five sets. Jack Draper competed last at the Queen’s Club championships held in 2024 where he reached the quarterfinals defeating Mariano Navone, and top seed and defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, in straight sets before being defeated by Tommy Paul. As a result, he broke into the top 30 rankings. The 22-year-old’s best run was seen at the 2024 BOSS open held in Stuttgart where he defeated most notably the defending champion and the 32th seeded player Frances Tiafoe. He defeated Matteo Berrettini in Stuttgart’s final to lift his maiden title, making him the eighth first-time ATP Tour champion for 2024. As a result, Draper became the British men’s No. 1 and moved to a career-high No. 31 in the ATP rankings. As far as Cameron Norrie is concerned, he is coming fresh from his win over Facundo Diaz Acosta. He defeated Acosta in a close-fought three-set matchup. Cameron Norrie previously featured in 2024 Eastbourne International where he was knocked out in the round of 32. However, the 28-year-old has had a great past with him reaching the Wimbledon 2022 semifinals where he lost to the top seed and eventual champion Novak Djokovic in four sets. He also had a couple of decent showings in 2024 as well including reaching the quarter-finals of the Barcelona Open in 2024. Wimbledon 2024: Jack Draper vs Cameron Norrie Head to Head Cameron Norrie has had a pretty dominant showing against Jack Draper till now. He is leading with 2 wins against Jack Draper, while Jack Draper has yet to secure a victory against Norrie. Their most recent encounters include Norrie winning in straight sets at the Miami Open. Wimbledon 2024: Jack Draper vs Cameron Norrie Prediction In this All-British duel coming to fruition in Wimbledon, the ‘winning ball’ may end in anyone’s court. Based on experience and head-to-head record, it is Cameron Norrie who comes out on the top. However, Jack Draper is no underdog as the youngster has earlier seen eye-to-eye with top-seeded players. With his aggressive forehand play, he may be able to put more than enough for a challenge against Cameron Norrie. Also, though Norrie is a former Wimbledon semifinalist, he isn’t in the greatest of form with him losing against players outside the top 100 in his previous ATP tours, Thus Cameron Norrie will be eyeing a third win over his British counterpart, but Jack Draper may tip the scales in his favor for his first win over Cameron Norrie. Also Read: Wimbledon 2024: Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Wimbledon
Tennis

Wimbledon 2024: Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction

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Wimbledon 2024: Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction Francisco Comesana and Adam Walton are set to play against each other in the second round at Wimbledon on Thursday. The former is ranked 122nd in the world, whereas the latter is at the 101th position. Wimbledon 2024: Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Preview Francisco Comesana is coming off an upset win over No. 6 seed Andrey Rublev in the previous round. He defeated Rublev in a four-set matchup where he displayed incredible nerves to counter the Russian’s plays. The Argentine player last competed at the Mauthausen Challenger in Austria, held in early May 2024, where he reached the semifinals before retiring in the second set in his game against Lucas Pouille. The 23-year-old has previously won titles at Corrientes Challenger (2022), Challenger Tenis Club Argentino(2022) and Internazionali di Tennis Città di Vicenza (2023). As far as Walton is concerned, the Australian defeated No. 72 Federico Coria in straight sets to advance further. The American featured in the Taipei Challenger tournament in May 2024 where he managed to beat James Duckworth to win the title which pushed his ranking into the ATP top 100 for the first time. The 25-year-old has had a couple of decent showings in other tournaments in 2023 and 2024 as well where he managed to reach deep in various Challenger tournaments, demonstrating his ability to compete effectively.  Also, he won his maiden ATP Challenger doubles title at the 2023 San Luis Open Challenger with Colin Sinclair. Wimbledon 2024: Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Head-to-Head The two players have not faced each other yet, and this will be their first meeting on any surface. Wimbledon 2024: Francisco Comesana vs Adam Walton Prediction The match could easily go anyway as both of these players are high-quality tennis players given their recent performances. The Argentinian loses on the experience side of the battle against Adam Walton but seems to be riding on a wave of confidence given his upset over Andrey Rublev in the 1st round of Wimbledon. The Australian on the other hand has been showing off consistency in his previous records and displayed incredible composure against his opponents making him to be a potential winner too. Also Read: “Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament” : Novak Djokovic

Tennis

Who is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard? Know more about the French tennis prodigy 

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Who is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard? Know more about the French tennis prodigy  Standing tall at 6’8’’ and boasting a powerful serve, Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is a budding French tennis player. The twenty-year-old has just recently managed to break into the Top 100 in the Men’s Tennis ATP Rankings 2024 by winning his maiden ATP Tour trophy at the clay-court ATP 250. He rose 51 places to a career-high 66th place in May 2024 with this trophy and this quick rise to the top 100 ranks is evidence of his talent and diligence.  However, his victory was not just a matter of chance. He was making strides in the tennis world from a very young age. At twelve, he moved out of his parents’ house to practice with the French Tennis Federation in Poitiers. Thereon, he spent his teenage years developing his skills and building a strong foundation.  His first major appearance came in 2021, when he made headlines by excelling in the junior circuit. He made it to the semifinals of the French Open boys’ singles that year. Despite falling to Arthur Fils in the singles tournament, Mpetshi Perricard joined forces with this very same rival to claim the doubles title later that year.  After turning professional, Giovanni maintained the same zeal and drive from his earlier days. He took part in numerous ATP Challengers events, and as a result, he won his first championship in 2023 at the Lean Open, triumphing over Juan Pablo Ficovich. He consequently made it into the top 200 at that point. His title-winning streak continued as he secured three more Challengers titles in 2024—one in Nottingham (February), one in Morelos (April), and one in Seguros (April).  However, these victories were far from the pinnacle of his career, as he went forward and clinched his first ATP Tour title at the Lyon Open. The Frenchman fired 21 aces in the Leon Challenger final and held his nerve to escape against the Argentine Juan Pablo Ficovich. This victory was particularly special as it took place in his hometown, adding a personal and emotional layer to his triumph. Bringing home this championship at only 20 years of age is a critical achievement and certainly stamps him as one of the most promising tennis players. Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard personal background As seen in his games, Perricard’s playstyle is characterized by powerful serves, strong baseline games, and aggression. Perricard’s height of 6 feet 8 inches is another one of his significant advantages on the court. However, Perricard is known for his calm and composed demeanor on the court, despite having an intimidating physical presence.  Moreover, the Frenchman was no stranger to the world of sports. His father, Ghislain Mpetshi, was a semi-professional football player while his sister, Daphnée Perricard, played basketball. His mother motivated and supported him a lot too. Besides his mother acting as a hero, he likes to credit his coaches Cyril Genevois, Jean Baptiste Dupuy and Emmanuel Planque as the people who helped him improve his game. Also Read: “Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament” : Novak Djokovic

Jude Bellingham
Football

“I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia

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“I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!” : Jude Bellingham on his bicycle kick against Slovakia Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant bicycle kick against Slovakia deep into stoppage time, as England were bound to make a shocking exit from the 2024 Euros. The Real Madrid midfielder’s equalizer helped the Three Lions push the match into extra time, where Harry Kane’s goal ensured their passage into the quartefinals. Jude Bellingham spoke about his incredible goal which kept England in the competition. He stated that he felt like Cristiano Ronaldo, as he was reminded of the goal the Portuguese scored in the Champions League against Juventus in 2018. Speaking to the FA after England’s win over Slovakia, Jude Bellingham stated that it was a instinctive finish, and one of the most memorable moments of his career till date. Moreover, he mentioned that one of his hands still touched the ground, hence it was not the most acrobatic finish. “It was really instinct more than anything. It kind of fell in the perfect spot and it was a little bit behind me. When I was in the air I thought, ‘I’m six feet off the ground and it’s like Ronaldo!’ But I’ve watched it back and I still had one hand on the ground, so it wasn’t the most acrobatic,” said Bellingham. “One of the most important moments of my career” : Jude Bellingham Jude Bellingham has already scored two goals for England so far at the Euros. The England midfielder scored the only goal in the victory against Serbia in the first group stage fixture, followed by an equalizer against Slovakia. “But it was a nice contact. Definitely one of the most important and memorable moments of my career so far,” said Bellingham. The 21-year-old acknowledged the fact that winning a game in this manner was certainly not ideal. However, he applauds the team as they kept applying the pressure on Slovakia right until the last kick of the game. “Not the most enjoyable way to win a game. Obviously you always want to feel like you are in control and comfortable,” said Bellingham. “But you have to find ways to win, even if it means overhead kicks in 90+5. But the difference in emotion is so huge. It’s one minute (from) being dead and buried. I saw the Slovakian bench and they were all ready to run on. In one moment everything changes. But we never stopped believing we would get one more chance and luckily we got it in,” he added. Things will only get tougher from now on, as we move into the quarterfinals. England will face Switzerland for a place in the last four on Saturday. Switzerland are unbeaten in the tournament so far, having upstaged the reigning champions Italy in the last 16 clash. They almost defeated hosts Germany in their last group stage encounter, before conceding a late equalizer. Also Read: “Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go” : Gareth Southgate

Tennis

“Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament” : Novak Djokovic

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“Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament” : Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic believes that Andy Murray’s withdrawal from the singles event at Wimbledon is a great blow to the tournament. The two-time Wimbledon champion went through a back surgery a couple of weeks ago, and was hopeful of recovering in time for Wimbledon. However, in a late announcement, Andy Murray stated that he would not participate in the Singles event. This year could have probably marked the Briton’s last appearance at Wimbledon, given that he intends to retire after the 2024 Paris Olympics. Novak Djokovic claimed a straight sets victory over Vit Kopriva in the first round clash, and eased any concerns over his knee injury. The Serbian spoke about Andy Murray’s withdrawal from the tournament in his post match speech, and how detrimental it could be for the Grand Slam event. Novak Djokovic also revealed that he sent his best wishes to the veteran, as he hopes that Andy Murray can retire on his own terms. “It’s tough, you feel helpless that something is not allowing you to do what you love the most,” Djokovic said in his on-court interview. “Andy Murray withdrawing is a great blow to the tournament, it’s unfortunate. Great respect to him for what he has done in this tournament and this sport. I just hope he will be able to finish his career on his terms. I send him my best and to anybody out there really struggling with injuries, I think it is worth acknowledging all these athletes who are struggling,” said Djokovic. Novak Djokovic storms into the second round of Wimbledon There were concerns over Novak Djokovic’s participation at Wimbledon as well, given that he went through a surgery just last month. However, the Serbian cruised into the second round at Wimbledon, dropping just five games in the first round. Novak Djokovic revealed that there were certainly question marks as to how he would feel physically after his first round clash on Tuesday. He applauded the efforts of his team, who have worked tirelessly over the last three weeks to make sure he is ready to compete at Wimbledon. “Obviously, coming into Wimbledon for me this year was very different because of the knee,” he said. “I’m just really glad with how I played and how I felt on the court. I didn’t know how everything was going to unfold on the court. I’m extremely glad with the way I felt and the way I played today. Thank you all for coming out and supporting,” said Djokovic. “I tried to really focus on the game and not think about the knee too much. Everything that I could do, I have done over the last three weeks along with my team to be able to play here for you today,” he added. Novak Djokovic has a big summer ahead of him, as he chases an elusive Olympic singles gold medal in Paris later this month. The world number two has struggled on the tour this season, given that he is yet to win a title so far. Moreover, injuries seemed to have plagued his season so far. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is confident of achieving success in the second half of the season. Also Read: “I want to play at Wimbledon one more time” : Andy Murray gives update on his ‘complicated’ situation

Ivan Toney
Football

“Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go” : Gareth Southgate

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“Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go” : Gareth Southgate England survived a huge scare in the last 16 of the 2024 Euros, as they defeated Slovakia 2-1 with the help of extra time. The Three Lions left it too late to score an equalizer, as Jude Bellingham pulled off an absolute screamer in the final minute of the added time. Jude Bellingham scored a brilliant bicycle kick to level the scores in the 96th minute. England captain Harry Kane scored the winner just moments after the restart in the extra time, as the Three Lions march on to the quarterfinals. As a final throw of the dice, Gareth Southgate brought on Ivan Toney deep into the added time, whilst England were still trailing. The England manager revealed that the striker was not pleased with this decision given that there was only a minute or two yet to play. “Ivan Toney was a bit disgusted when I put him on with a minute to go and I think we’ve made up now. He’s had a big impact and in the second goal as well. You put a sub on at that time and it is a last throw of the dice and he maybe doesn’t even touch the ball,” said Southgate ,as quoted by Sky Sports. Gareth Southgate applauds Ivan Toney’s impact Gareth Southgate applauded Ivan Toney’s impact, which also led to the second goal. The striker assisted Harry Kane’s goal, and showed huge spirit fighting for the second ball in the extra time. He also came close to scoring his first ever major tournament goal in the final minute of the extra time. “I completely understand it, I don’t like putting players in that position, but I had a feeling he might be able to cause the bit of chaos that happened,” Southgate on Toney. England will now face Switzerland in the quarterfinals on Friday, as the latter knocked out reigning champions Italy. Switzerland have been unbeaten in the tournament so far, much like their opponents in the quarterfinals. They also held Germany to a 1-1 draw in their last league stage game. England will have to step up their game against a quality opposition in Switzerland. The Three Lions were much more positive and better going forward in the second half. Phil Foden’s goal was disallowed early in the second half, as England kept piling the pressure on Slovakia. Also Read: “He’s looked very frustrated” : Wayne Rooney gives his assessment on Jude Bellingham’s performance at the 2024 Euros

Formula 1

“I see what Max did as more within the limits than what Lando did” : Helmut Marko

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“I see what Max did as more within the limits than what Lando did” : Helmut Marko The 2024 Austrian GP had an exciting conclusion, as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen’s late collision completely changed the dynamics of the race. As a result of their clash, the Red Bull driver who was leading the race with six laps remaining, could only finish P5. On the other hand, Lando Norris had to retire his car which ended his race. There were different point of views on the late collision between the two drivers. Red Bull Director Helmut Marko weighed in on the incident, and believes that it was reckless driving in the end by both the drivers. However, he believes that Lando Norris was more to blame here than Max Verstappen. Helmut Marko acknowledged that the two drivers were putting up a great show before their unnecessary incident. At the end, Max Verstappen was awarded a 10-second penalty which did not impact his final position on the grid, as he was well clear of Nico Hulkenberg, who was running in P6. “It was a very tough duel, where I believe it sometimes went beyond what was necessary. We knew that Lando had already crossed the white line three times. That was a procedure. That action brought both of them back. Lando was completely out of the race, and Max was deprived of the victory, which I saw as completely unnecessary,” said Marko. Helmut Marko defends Max Verstappen after widespread criticism Max Verstappen has been criticized by several fans and pundits for his reckless and aggressive driving. The Dutchman was blamed for moving too often in the braking zone, which led to Lando Norris exceeding track limits. However, Helmut Marko believes that the McLaren driver exceeded track limits in other parts of the circuit as well. He claimed that it was a big shame for the crash to happen, as it could have been resolved in a much better manner. Helmut Marko added that the temperatures during the race were below their expectations, as they had to alter their race strategy. He stated that Red Bull had to move to a medium-tyre race strategy which was not initially in their plans as they expected higher temperatures. “It was a shame because it was a great fight. It started with us not having any new medium tyres and that the pit stop went wrong for us the first time. It was unnecessary hard driving from both drivers, and it could have been resolved differently. “I see what Max did as more within the limits than what Lando did,” said Marko. “The temperatures were significantly lower than we had anticipated. It was overcast. The asphalt temperature was also much lower. As a result, the hard tyre didn’t work as we had expected. We were actually forced to go on the used medium, which was not initially planned.” “It shows that you can’t afford the slightest mistake, like our pit stop going wrong, being surprised by the tyre strategy and temperature. And then it becomes difficult,” he added. Also Read: “We still haven’t found a solution to improve things”: Charles Leclerc gives honest opinion after Austrian GP

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