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Carlos Sainz
Formula 1

“I don’t think they’ll dominate” : Carlos Sainz claims Red Bull starting to feel pressure

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“I don’t think they’ll dominate” : Carlos Sainz claims Red Bull starting to feel pressure Red Bull have not been able to maintain their dominance on the grid this season so far. The reigning Constructors champions completely decimated the rest of the field last season, however, things have started to become a lot more competitive this season. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz remains optimistic, and believes that the Red Bull will not be able to dominate this season. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc managed to claim his first win of the season in Monaco. After years of bad luck in his home race, the Monaco based driver finally managed to turn things around this time around. Carlos Sainz also secured a P3 finish, as Max Verstappen could only finish P6. Meanwhile, Sergio Perez’s race ended on the first lap itself after a heavy collision. This meant that Ferrari are now 24 points behind Red Bull in the Constructors Championship. Even McLaren have been quite consistent this season, as Lando Norris claimed the first win of his career in Miami last month. “I think my common sense tells me that on normal tracks Red Bull should still be favorites. Domination, like we were seeing, hopefully not. But favorites, yes. And then it will be a very tight fight with both McLaren and us. I think we are all three at a very similar level,” Sainz said. “Our last reference of a normal track is Imola and Miami. And those two tracks, we seem to be half a tenth behind McLaren and maybe a tenth or two behind Red Bull. It still means that that any small progress, any small upgrade, any small thing that we bring to the car might switch it to a potential race victory or a winning car,” he added. Carlos Sainz believes the rise of Ferrari and McLaren is good for the championship Carlos Sainz believes that Red Bull have already started to feel the pressure this season. He pointed out to a rare error from Max Verstappen at the Monaco GP, which he believes could be due to the rise of Ferrari and McLaren. The Spaniard also stated that the upcoming European leg of races could be very different from the start of the season. He expects Ferrari to be competitive with Red Bull, and hopes that they can win a couple of races. Carlos Sainz believes that the current scenario is good for the championship fight in general. For the last two seasons, we have witnessed Red Bull and Max Verstappen running away with both the championships. “I think as Ferrari we will have our opportunities in these sort of tracks. McLaren will have their opportunities, but when I talk about a normal track we can talk about maybe a Barcelona. Canada, I think is quite specific but a Barcelona or any European track, where I consider it to be a normal track, I still think Red Bull will be favorites, but I don’t think they’ll dominate like they used to do,” said Sainz. “I think that’s good news for the championship. It’s just worth being within a tenth or two in qualifying, that even if they’re favorites, they cannot afford to do any mistakes. That’s where both Ferrari and McLaren, we can capitalize, which is a position that in Bahrain — race one — no one was,” he added. Also Read: “I have already had to deal with Lewis Hamilton” : George Russell says he will not stop Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes

Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic
Tennis

“Predictions are a little bit disrespectful” : Daniil Medvedev picks Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner over Novak Djokovic to win the 2024 French Open

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“Predictions are a little bit disrespectful” : Daniil Medvedev picks Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner over Novak Djokovic to win the 2024 French Open Daniil Medvedev was defeated in the fourth round of the 2024 French Open, as he lost to Alex de Minaur in four sets on Monday. The Russian started the match on a bright note, winning the first set. However, Alex de Minaur stepped up his game from there on, outplaying the fifth seed in all areas to win the next three sets. After his exit, Daniil Medvedev was asked about his prediction for the 2024 French Open winner. The Russian stated that on current form, he would pick either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner to win the title. Moreover, he believes that both of them have won at least a Grand Slam title, hence the experience is also there. Daniil Medvedev also pointed out to Novak Djokovic’s probable knee injury which he picked up during his five-set marathon win against Francisco Cerundolo. “Very, very tough to say,” he began. “Well, you know, I always think predictions are a little bit disrespectful, because when you say someone, it’s like you’re a bit underestimating the other guys,” said My best was not enough today, Medvedev. “But I would say that statistically — well, I saw Novak struggling with his leg or something, so this, I don’t know. At the moment seeing Novak struggling with his leg, I would say Carlos or Jannik because they are both playing good. Jannik had a tough one yesterday, managed to come back. So it’s just, statistically, they both have a Slam, they have experience. They are top two, three in the world, so my opinion, Carlos or Jannik. But let’s see,” he added. “My best was not enough today” : Daniil Medvedev credits Alex de Minaur for magnificent performance Daniil Medvedev acknowledged Alex de Minaur’s performance, stating that even his best was not enough to get him past he finishing line. The Russian stated that he has no regrets, and is already looking forward to his next matches. The world number five will next be seen in action during the grass court season later this month. He has often blown hot and cold on this surface over the past couple of years, and will look to maximize his potential on grass courts. “Alex played better. To be honest, I’m disappointed to lose, but I don’t have anything to tell myself in a tough way like I was not [showing] a good attitude today or I was not fighting until the end. I did all of this. He played better. My best was not enough today, so looking forward to the next ones,” he added. Alex de Minaur will now face the winner of the match between Holger Rune and Alexander Zverev which takes place later in the evening. The Australian has played some top quality tennis at the French Open, as he will have to produce plenty more of the same in the quarterfinals. Also Read: “He was a bit unlucky with the draw” : Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal will be back for the 2025 French Open

George Russell, Max Verstappen
Formula 1

“I have already had to deal with Lewis Hamilton” : George Russell says he will not stop Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes

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“I have already had to deal with Lewis Hamilton” : George Russell says he will not stop Max Verstappen’s move to Mercedes Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari next season has sparked several rumors about George Russell’s partner at Mercedes for the coming year. Red Bull driver and three-time World Champion Max Verstappen is among the several drivers rumored to be candidates for the Mercedes seat next season. Toto Wolff and Mercedes have already expressed their desire to have the Dutchman on board, however, it depends on Max Verstappen’s current contract situation at Red Bull. George Russell has cleared the air regarding his stance, stating that he will not stop Max Verstappen from joining the Silver Arrows. The British driver stated that he has had to compete with one of the greatest drivers of all time, Lewis Hamilton during his tenure at Mercedes. Hence, he already has enough experience of being alongside a multi-time world champion. “I have already had to deal with the driver who has the most pole positions and the most victories in F1 I would not shy away from a comparison with Verstappen nor would I veto his arrival. The only thing I can do is compete,” said Russell. “I want to remain faithful to Mercedes” : George Russell George Russell has made it clear that he wants to be at Mercedes despite their struggles during the past couple of seasons. The young British driver joined Mercedes in 2022, as they have managed to win just one race since then, which was George Russell’s victory in Brazil in 2022. George Russell backed his stance by saying that the Silver Arrows backed him, and gave him an opportunity to race alongside Lewis Hamilton. He also stated that McLaren have turned around their fortunes this season, and have made some real progress in catching up to Red Bull and Ferrari. George Russell believes that a turnaround for Mercedes is also possible, given that the new regulations kick in from 2026. “Lately F1 has had the Verstappen era, but for six years it had to wait for. I want to remain faithful to Mercedes who gave me the opportunity to race in F1, but I want to become world champion. At the moment we are not the best team, but McLaren a year ago were at the back of the group and now they are the fastest .” Also Read: “I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role” : Toto Wolff makes huge decision on his future at Mercedes

Longest match in US Open history
Tennis

Novak Djokovic shatters another record as he overtakes Roger Federer for most wins at a Grand Slam

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Novak Djokovic shatters another record as he overtakes Roger Federer for most wins at a Grand Slam Novak Djokovic did the unthinkable once again, as he came back from 2-1 sets down to defeat Francisco Cerundolo in the last 16 of the French Open. The top seed defeated the Argentine 6-1, 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3 in a match which saw him struggle with his right knee. Novak Djokovic suffered a minor injury to his right knee halfway through the second set which impacted his mobility on the court. However, just like his victory over Lorenzo Musetti in the third round, the Serbian managed to grind out another five-set victory on Monday. By doing so, he broke the record for most wins at a Grand Slam, passing Roger Federer’s record of 369 wins. Novak Djokovic registered his 370th victory at a Grand Slam, and reached his 59th career quarterfinals at a major event. The Serbian will now face the winner of the other last 16 clash between Casper Ruud and Taylor Frirz. Novak Djokovic escapes another scare to keep French Open dreams alive Novak Djokovic found himself staring at the exit door, with a set and a break down in the fourth set. However, just like he always does, the Serbian managed to turn around things and book a place in the quarterfinals of the French Open once again. The defending champion has a lot of work to do over the course of the next two days, as his right knee looks in a poor condition. The top seed has already played two tight five-set matches over the course of the last 48 hours, which has also put a lot of strain on his physical well-being. Novak Djokovic could face Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, which could be a rematch of the finals last year. The Serbian started off his last 16 battle in a bright manner, dismantling Francisco Cerundolo in the first set. However, the Argentine came right back into the match, taking the next two sets before Novak Djokovic managed to turn things around. Also Read: “He was a bit unlucky with the draw” : Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal will be back for the 2025 French Open

2022 World Cup
Cricket, T20 Cricket

ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Three potential upsets in the first round

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ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Three potential upsets in the first round The T20I World Cup is just around the corner, as West Indies and the United States get ready to host the ninth edition of the event. For the first time in the history of the T20 World Cup, we will see as many as 20 teams participating in the event. The tournament has been divided into three phases- with the first phase being the Group stage, followed by a Super Eight stage, and concluded by the knockouts. This means that there could be more than a couple of upsets in the tournament this year. We are no strangers to witnessing upsets in the T20I World Cups, and this year promises to bring plenty of more drama and entertainment for the fans. Moreover, this is a really great opportunity for some of the minnow nations to prove themselves on the big stage, and gain recognition from the fans and the cricketing community in general. In this article, we look at three potential upsets in the first round of the T20I World Cup. South Africa vs Netherlands : Group D This fixture surely makes the top of our list. Is Netherlands defeating South Africa even considered an upset now, given how their last two World Cup encounters have fared? I guess not. Netherlands shocked the Proteas in the Group Stages of the 2022 T20I World Cup, which ended their aspirations of qualifying for the semifinals of the event. The Dutchmen compounded the misery on the Proteas, after they defeated them once again in the 50-over World Cup held in India last year. This makes it two in two for Netherlands, who come to life when they are up against South Africa. Cashing a score of 159, the Proteas fell 13 runs short of the target against the Dutch in the 2022 T20I World Cup. As discussed earlier, South Africa losing to the the European side should no longer be a surprise, however, given the strength of their squad, it still qualifies as a big upset. South Africa boast of some big players on the T20 circuit currently, which includes the likes of Heinrich Klassen, David Miller, Aiden Markram among many others. On paper, they are way superior to the Netherlands, who have been the party spoilers for South Africa off-late. Pakistan vs Ireland : Group A This fixture has plenty of history, dating way back to 2007. Pakistan suffered one of their most surprising defeats in their World Cup history, when they lost to Ireland at the 2007 ODI World Cup. From then on, Ireland have developed a reputation of being the giant killers. In the previous edition of the T20I World Cup, Ireland defeated the eventual champions England on DLS method. This proved to be England’s only defeat of the tournament, as they went on to win every single match after that setback. Ireland have already secured a victory over Pakistan a couple of weeks ago in the first of the three-match T20I series they played against each other. Pakistan won the series 2-1, however, this could be a huge boost for Ireland heading into the World Cup. Moreover, given Pakistan’s tendency to underperform consistently at World Cups, this leaves a huge door open for the European side. Pakistan were defeated by Zimbabwe in the 2022 T20I World Cup, which left them hanging by a thread in the tournament. However, they did manage to reach the finals, where they eventually lost to England. Ireland have plenty of quality and experience in their ranks, led by their skipper Paul Stirling. The likes of Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tector and Mark Adair could really make an impact against the 2009 T20I World Cup champions. Hence, we believe Ireland really have a shot at upsetting Pakistan. England vs Scotland : Group B England open their T20I World Cup campaign against Scotland on June 4th. The defending champions have been prone to being at the receiving end of upsets in World Cup events. From losing to Ireland in the 2011 World Cup to losing to Ireland again in the 2022 T20I World Cup, England can be a really unpredictable team in such events. England’s most surprising defeat in the T20 World Cup till date has to be their 45-run defeat at the hands of Netherlands in 2014. The two-time champions were bundled out for just 88 runs, while chasing a score of 144 runs. Scotland have some seasoned campaigners in their squad, which includes the likes of Richie Berrington, George Munsey and Matthew Cross who also played the 2021 T20I World Cup. They also defeated West Indies in the qualifying stages of the 2022 edition of the event, but lost to Zimbabwe and Ireland as they failed to make it to the round-robin stage. An upset looks highly unlikely, but we believe Scotland have the personnel to deliver in the first match of their campaign against England. Also Read: “We played like invincibles throughout the season,” Shreyas Iyer delighted as KKR thrash Hyderabad to lift their third IPL title

Toto Wolff
Formula 1

“I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role” : Toto Wolff makes huge decision on his future at Mercedes

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“I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role” : Toto Wolff makes huge decision on his future at Mercedes Toto Wolff has made a huge decision in regards to his future at Mercedes. The Austrian has stated that he will be staying at the Silver Arrows beyond 2026, as there were uncertainties regarding his future. Toto Wolff remains fully committed to the German giants, and bringing them at the top once again. Toto Wolff admitted that there were thoughts about calling it a day as the Team Principal of Mercedes. However, the Austrian has decided to continue in his seat as long as he loves doing his job. Mercedes have faced a couple of tough seasons after dominating for majority of the previous decade. “I have always been very self-critical and introspective. For 30 years I have been wondering whether I am suitable for the role I hold: the decision I have made is that I am co-owner of this company and that I will remain so, whether I am team principal or CEO or president. I have happened in the past to think that someone could have done better, because they have more energy, or more intelligence or more knowledge,” said Toto Wolff in an interview. Toto Wolff to continue at Mercedes beyond 2026 2026 will be a huge year for all F1 teams, as the new regulations kick in once again. Red Bull have mastered the current regulations, as teams like Ferrari and McLaren have just been catching up. Mercedes have not claimed a win since George Russell won in Brazil in 2022, as they continue to lag behind the top three title rivals. “That day will come, but we have not yet identified who the next person will be. A stone could fall on my head and I would no longer be the team principal. But this is the destiny that I have chosen together with my shareholders. I still like this job. Maybe one day I’ll wake up and I won’t love him anymore,” said Wolff on his Mercedes future. Lewis Hamilton will leave Mercedes at the end of the season, having won six titles with the Silver Arrows during his 11-year stint. The Brit driver will join Ferrari in 2025, as he will team up with Charles Leclerc. As things stand, Red Bull and Mercedes have yet to finalize on their second seat for the next season. Also Read : “This year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari” : Fred Vasseur optimistic about Ferrari’s title chances this season

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic
Tennis

“He was a bit unlucky with the draw” : Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal will be back for the 2025 French Open

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“He was a bit unlucky with the draw” : Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal will be back for the 2025 French Open Novak Djokovic believes that Rafael Nadal was unlucky with the 2024 French Open draw. The 14-time Grand Slam champion was pitted against Alexander Zverev in the first round of the tournament. Rafael Nadal suffered a straight sets defeat, which could potentially be his last appearance at the French Open. However, Novak Djokovic thinks otherwise. The Serbian believes that Rafael Nadal will be back at the 2025 French Open. The Spaniard has already stated that he would come back to Paris in a couple of months to compete at the Summer Olympics. Novak Djokovic started his title defence at the French Open without much trouble, as he got the better of Pierre-Hughes Herbert in straight sets in the first round. Speaking to the press after his win, the world number one opined on Nadal’s future at the French Open. “It was great. Iga (Swiatek) was there, (Carlos) Alcaraz was there, and we all wanted to get a glimpse of the atmosphere of that possibly unique moment that could be his last. But it doesn’t appear like that,” said Djokovic. “Yeah, it looks like,” Djokovic when asked if Nadal would compete at Roland Garros next year. Novak Djokovic believes Rafael Nadal played a good match against Alexander Zverev Novak Djokovic opined that Rafael Nadal played a good match against Alexander Zverev despite his straight sets defeat. The Serbian believes that the second and the third set was fiercely competitive, as it could have gone either way. However, the world number one concluded that Alexander Zverev has been in great form off late. The German claimed the Italian Open title a couple of weeks ago, and climbed to number four in the world rankings. Alexander Zverev dominated the match from the first set, dictating rallies from the baseline. “I think he played very well. Even though he lost in straight sets, the second and third were really close. He could have easily won one of those two sets, and maybe the match was going in a different direction,” said Djokovic. “He was a bit unlucky with the draw, because Zverev is in a great form, winning Rome, and he was serving extremely well. It’s tough to play Sascha when he’s feeling the ball so well. But it was great to watch. I don’t recall last time I actually watched a set of any match live on that level, other than Davis Cup matches,” he added. Alexander Zverev became only the third player to defeat Rafael Nadal at the French Open. Robin Soderling was the first player to do so in 2009, as Novak Djokovic is the only player to defeat him twice in Paris, in 2015 and 2021. Also Read: “I don’t think he’ll play the French Open again in 2025” : Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal
Tennis

“I don’t think he’ll play the French Open again in 2025” : Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal

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“I don’t think he’ll play the French Open again in 2025” : Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal Former six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker has suggested that Rafael Nadal will not compete at the French Open in 2025. This is following the Spaniard’s straight sets loss at the hands of Alexander Zverev in the first round of the 2024 French Open. Rafael Nadal stated that he is yet to take a decision on his future, as he hinted at coming back to Paris to compete at Summer Olympics in a couple of months time. Boris Becker believes that the Spaniard could decide to end his career this season, as injuries continue to take a toll on his physical well-being. Rafael Nadal gave a good account of himself in the first round defeat to Alexander Zverev. The German wa always the heavy favorite heading into this encounter, given that Rafael Nadal had not played a Grand Slam match since the 2023 Australian Open. “I believe that Rafa will still play the Olympics at Roland-Garros. But I don’t think he’ll play the French Open again in 2025. Of course, he has emotions and probably had a sleepless night because he didn’t know whether it would be the last time,” Becker said. “He wanted to say goodbye well. Then his opponent was Zverev, against whom he can lose even on a good day. That’s why it was emotionally very difficult for Nadal,” he added. Boris Becker reveals how Alexander Zverev got the better of Rafael Nadal in the first round Boris Becker opined that Alexander Zverev got his tactics spot on in his first round victory against Rafael Nadal. The German stated that he worked his way into the rallies, by pushing Rafael Nadal further away from the baseline. Alexander Zverev grew comfortable as the match progressed, as he dominated their rallies. “Sascha started with a deep return and then worked his way into the rallies. The longer the rallies became over the course of the match, the better Zverev got. That’s unusual against Nadal – and he’s the king of Paris,” Becker opined. “He dominates the baseline and the centre of the court because he can then send his opponent running. It was the other way round today due to Zverev’s positioning,” Becker added. Alexander Zverev has been in pretty good form, winning the Italian Open a couple of weeks ago. With Novak Djokovic struggling for consistency this season, and with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner struggling with injuries, this could be a great opportunity for the German. As for Rafael Nadal, he is expected to skip Wimbledon next month, and focus on the Paris Olympics. The event will be played on the clay courts once again. The Spaniard claimed a gold medal in the Singles Event at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, which was also his first appearance at the event. Also Read: “I don’t know any other record in any other sport that equals that” : Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal’s incredible French Open record

Charles Leclerc
Formula 1

“This year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari” : Fred Vasseur optimistic about Ferrari’s title chances this season

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“This year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari” : Fred Vasseur optimistic about Ferrari’s title chances this season Ferrari claimed their second win of the season on Sunday, as Charles Leclerc won the Monaco GP. The Ferrari driver won the first home race of his career, after starting from pole position. This brings the Italian giants within striking distance of Red Bull in the championship battle, after they claimed two podium places in Monaco. Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has stated that this year looks different, as they are well-positioned to battle with Red Bull. Red Bull have run away with the championship in the last two seasons, as both Ferrari and McLaren have been giving the reigning champions a run for their money this season. Carlos Sainz rounded off a near perfect day for Ferrari at the Monaco GP on Sunday, as he finished P3. The Spaniard kept Lando Norris at bay, as none of the Red Bull drivers even managed to make it to the top five. “Last year we lost a lot of points, but this year is different. I see a more opportunistic Ferrari that takes advantage of opportunities,” Vasseur said. Fred Vasseur says performance gap at the top has reduced over the past couple of races Fred Vasseur stated that performance gap among the top three teams- Red Bull, McLaren and Ferrari has reduced in the last couple of weeks. All three teams have claimed one win each in the last three races, with Lando Norris winning the first race of his career in Miami. Fred Vasseur believes that different circuits will favor different teams, however, the performance gap will be minimal. For instance in Monaco, Ferrari were the superior team, however, both McLarens remained within touching distance of the Italian team. “There will be circuits that favor one team over another, but the difference will be a tenth, a tenth and a half,” he added. The next race of the season will take place in Canada a couple of weeks from now. Red Bull and Max Verstappen are expected to come out all gains blazing in the first of the three races in June. The circuit is expected to favor the reigning champions, who could make use of their superior speed on the straights. Also Read: “I am not interested” : Fred Vasseur still not thinking about championship as deficit to Red Bull reduces after strong Monaco GP show

Sheyas Iyer
Cricket, IPL

“We played like invincibles throughout the season,” Shreyas Iyer delighted as KKR thrash Hyderabad to lift their third IPL title

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“We played like invincibles throughout the season,” Shreyas Iyer delighted as KKR thrash Hyderabad to lift their third IPL title Kolkata Knight Riders completely outplayed Sunrisers Hyderabad in the finals to lift their third IPL title. The Shreyas Iyer led side claimed an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Hyderabad, as they brought a fitting end to their campaign. KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer heaped praise on his side, stating that they played like invincibles throughout the course of the tournament. He stated that each individual has stood up for the team when it mattered. Kolkata Knight Riders restricted the Sunrisers Hyderabad to a total of just 113 runs in the first innings, as they chased down the total in just 10.3 overs, with eight wickets to spare. Venkatesh Iyer impressed with the bat once again, scoring a quickfire 50 which helped his side release the early pressure. “Absolutely comprehensive. This is what we demanded from the team and every individual. They stood up to the right occasion and the feeling is hard to express. It (wait) was so long, longer than the match. We played like invincibles throughout the season,” said Shreyas Iyer in his post match speech. “There’s so much to cherish right now. It is pleasing, the performance has been flawless throughout. I am running out of words right now. We have been tremendous from game one, we stepped up today. All we demanded from ourselves was to back each other whatever the situation is,” he added. “He stepped up to the right occasion” : Shreyas Iyer on Mitchell Starc Mitchell Starc got off to an absolute horrific start this season, as he was taken to the cleaners. However, he stepped up for his team in the second half of the season, making vital contributions in both the playoff matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad. After being awarded the Player of the Match in Qualifier 1, the Australian pacer picked up two wickets in the final, conceding just 14 runs in his three over spell. He removed the in-form Rahul Tripathi and Abhishek Sharma, as he ended the season on a terrific note. “That’s when all the big players stand up, right! It was a high-pressure game and he’s been so good off the field. He’s never shown any complacency in his work ethics. He stepped up to the right occasion,” Iyer said on Starc. Andre Russell also had a terrific tournament with the ball, picking up as many as 19 wickets. The West Indian all-rounder delivered with the ball once again in the finals, picking up three wickets in the final stages of the innings. In fact, five KKR bowlers took at least 17 wickets or more, which speaks volumes about their domination this season. Also Read: Former English cricketer makes Virat Kohli retirement claim: “I think that may take Virat away from cricket”

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