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Charles Leclerc
Formula 1

“I am not interested” : Fred Vasseur still not thinking about championship as deficit to Red Bull reduces after strong Monaco GP show

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“I am not interested” : Fred Vasseur still not thinking about championship as deficit to Red Bull reduces after strong Monaco GP show Ferrari had a stellar outing at the Monaco GP on Sunday, as they secured two podium finishes on Sunday. Charles Leclerc ended his Monaco curse, as he claimed a victory in his home race for the first time in his career. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz held off Lando Norris to secure a P3 finish, on a day when none of the Red Bull drivers could even manage a P5 finish. Red Bull’s lead in the constructor’s championship was reduced to just 24 points, as Max Verstappen finished P6, whereas, Sergio Perez’s race ended early due to an early collision. However, Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur has stated that he is not thinking about the championship yet, given that there are still 16 races remaining in the season. It seems that Ferrari and McLaren will give a tough fight to Red Bull this season, as is evident by their recent performances. “I am not interested. There are still 16 races to go, I don’t want to know. The most important thing is to keep pushing without thinking too much about the Championship,” said Vasseur. Charles Leclerc claims maiden win in Monaco as Ferrari grab two podium finishes Charles Leclerc had a fairly stable race after starting on pole position. The Monaco based driver was backed by his teammate Carlos Sainz who brought home his car for another podium finish. Carlos Sainz suffered a puncture early on in the race, after his collision with Oscar Piastri. However, a red flag saved the day for the Spaniard, as he could start again from his P3 spot in the restart. This would surely be a positive sign for Ferrari, given that they have reduced the deficit in the Constructors championship. Max Verstappen struggled throughout the weekend in Monaco, as he ended the race from where he started, which is P6. The next race of the season will take place in Canada, before we have five back to back races in Europe before the summer break. Also Read: WATCH: Sergio Perez’s completely wrecked after suffering massive crash; Carlos Sainz suffers early puncture at Monaco GP

Rafael Nadal (Source: X)
Tennis

“I don’t know any other record in any other sport that equals that” : Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal’s incredible French Open record

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“I don’t know any other record in any other sport that equals that” : Boris Becker on Rafael Nadal’s incredible French Open record Rafael Nadal is all set to compete in what could be his last appearance at the French Open. The Spaniard has been handed a very difficult first round opponent, as he faces Alexander Zverev on Monday. Former six-time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker has heaped praise on Rafael Nadal, and stated that his record at the French Open is the greatest in the history of the sport. Rafael Nadal has won the French Open on a staggering 14 occasions, as he has rightfully earned the title of the ‘King of the Clay.’ Boris Becker was in awe of the Spaniard’s incredible record in Paris, and stated that winning the French Open on 14 occasions is something which could never be matched in the sport. “You win it five times, that’s a lot, you win it 10 times, it’s impossible. Nadal’s won it 14 times. I don’t know any other record in any other sport that equals that,” Becker said to CNN. French Open is often regarded as the toughest Grand Slam of the year, given the nature of the clay courts. Rafael Nadal’s first triumph at the French Open came in 2005, and he has been dominating the tournament ever since. Boris Becker admits being surprised at discovering Rafael Nadal’s first round opponent Boris Becker admitted he was surprised at finding out Rafael Nadal’s first round opponent. The German stated that fans are used to seeing the Spaniard seeded first or second at his beloved slam, and being unseeded has left him with a tough draw this time around. “In the beginning, I didn’t believe it and thought that someone had made a mistake. Only then did I realize that Nadal wasn’t seeded this year. So it was logical. But at first I actually thought that they were both seeded – because you’re just used to Rafa being seeded first or second in Paris,” said Becker. Rafael Nadal has not played much tennis this year, as he has struggled to get going in the clay court season. The Spaniard face a second round exit at the hands of Hubert Hurkacz in the second round of the Italian Open, losing in straight sets. He did well at the Madrid Masters, reaching the fourth round, after getting through a couple of tricky battles. Also Read: “Of course I am worried” : Novak Djokovic on his chances at the 2024 French Open

Sergio Perez
Formula 1

WATCH: Sergio Perez’s completely wrecked after suffering massive crash; Carlos Sainz suffers early puncture at Monaco GP

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WATCH: Sergio Perez’s completely wrecked after suffering massive crash; Carlos Sainz suffers early puncture at Monaco GP The Monaco GP got off to a frenzy start, with incidents at the top of the grid, as well as at the back of the grid. Red Bull driver Sergio Perez suffered a massive crash, after receiving some contact from Kevin Magnussen. As a result, both Haas drivers and Sergio Perez’s race ended early, as a red flag was waved just a couple of corners into the first lap. Sergio Perez started the race from the second last row, as Kevin Magnussen’s aggressive intent cause both the drivers, and Nico Hulkenberg’s race to end early. Sergio Perez suffered terrible damage, as his car was completely written off. He lost three of the four wheels on his car, as there was plenty of debris left on the tracks. A wave flag was instantly waved due to the crash, as Sergio Perez went spinning through the barriers. Carlos Sainz suffers early tyre puncture in Monaco Carlos Sainz suffered an early puncture at the Monaco GP, as he had a minor collision with Oscar Piastri, who started the race in P2. The Spanish driver parked his car after the first corner, as Ferrari seemed to have suffered a massive loss in the first lap of the race. However, the red flag has prompted Carlos Sainz back to his original place on the grid. The Ferrari driver managed to get his car back into the garage, as the grid order will be reverted to the original for the restart. This would be a huge relief for Carlos Sainz and Ferrari who will be hoping to have two cars on the podium by the end of the race. Charles Leclerc, who grabbed his third pole position in Monaco in four years got off to a clean start. The Monaco based driver will be eager to claim his first win in his home race in Monaco. Also Read: “Ferrari are miles ahead” : Max Verstappen admits to not even thinking about beating Charles Leclerc at Monaco GP

Virat Kohli
Cricket

Former English cricketer makes Virat Kohli retirement claim: “I think that may take Virat away from cricket”

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Former English cricketer makes Virat Kohli retirement claim: “I think that may take Virat away from cricket” Former English cricketer and captain Michael Vaughan has made an interesting statement in regards to Virat Kohli’s retirement from cricket. The Indian batter has been in magnificent form in the past 12 months, finishing as the top run getter in the 50-over World Cup last year. The 35-year-old has also claimed the Orange Cap in IPL 2024, scoring over 700 runs. Michael Vaughan believes that there is no reason for Virat Kohli to retire in the next couple of years, given his current form. However, the Englishman opined about the personal life of Virat Kohli, as he believes that could be one of the reasons behind his retirement in the next two or three years. Virat Kohli recently had a second child, after having his first child in 2021. Hence, personal priorities and requirements could bring an early halt to the batter’s career. “A brilliant season. You talk about retirement with Virat Kohli, I look at this in a way that he can play for long. He is that fit. Unless his mind goes and he’s obviously got a young family now. In two-three years’ time, everything changes, and he just wants to spend quiet time; I completely get that,” Vaughan said on Cricbuzz. Michael Vaughan reveals why he thinks Virat Kohli could retire early Virat Kohli skipped the five-match Test series between India and England in lead up to the IPL. The Indian batter spent some quality time with his family in the United Kingdom, as his wife Anushka Sharma and himself awaited the birth of their second child. Virat Kohli was quoted saying in a couple of interviews that he absolutely loved his time during the short break. Hence, Michael Vaughan thinks that this could influence the Indian batter’s decision on his retirement. “During his time away from the India vs England Test series, I believe he went to London and led a normal life. I’ve read a few of his comments and quotes and he just absolutely adored that normal life. I think that may take Virat away from cricket, like he just wants to go and have a quiet time for a while,” said Vaughan. Virat Kohli scored 741 runs in IPL 2024, as Royal Challengers Bengaluru were knocked out in the Eliminator by Rajasthan Royals. The 35-year-old will be back in the regular blue jersey, as he is all set to represent India in the upcoming T20I World Cup which is scheduled to start from June 2nd in the West Indies and USA. Also Read: “Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR here” : Ravi Shastri and cricket experts slam poor umpiring

Novak Djokovic
Tennis

“Of course I am worried” : Novak Djokovic on his chances at the 2024 French Open

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“Of course I am worried” : Novak Djokovic on his chances at the 2024 French Open Novak Djokovic’s title drought continues in 2024, as he is yet to win a title this season. The Serbian has not played much tennis this season, owing to his injury concerns. The world number one has admitted that he is worried about his title drought and lack of good form heading into the French Open. Novak Djokovic could manage to reach the semifinals of the Monte Carlo Masters, before losing in the third round at the Italian Open. Having not played much tennis in lead up to the second Grand Slam of the year, the veteran decided to play the Geneva Open which could help him regain his form. “Of course I am worried… I haven’t been playing good at all this year. [I’ve had] some [good] matches here and there but it is what it is. You have to accept it. I don’t consider myself a favourite there. I’m going to take it match by match and see how far I can go,” Djokovic said in his post match press conference. Novak Djokovic reveals he felt unwell before the semifinal clash Novak Djokovic revealed that he was not physically at his best during the semifinal clash. The Serbian stated that he was suffering from a stomach bug, which had troubled him all throughout the previous night. However, he credited his opponent for the victory, and the quality of tennis the Czech played in the semifinals. “It was a terrible feeling with stomach and health today… it was not a great night and today as well. But I don’t want to take anything away from his win, he deserved it. I don’t know what to think about this match to be honest. I want to forget about it and move on to Paris,” he added. Novak Djokovic enters the 2024 French Open as the top seed, and the defending champion. The Serb claimed the title last year, after he defeated Casper Ruud in the finals. The draw is wide open this time around, given that even the likes of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have been dealing with injuries for the past couple of months. Moreover, the usual favorite Rafael Nadal has been nowhere close to his best, and he could well be knocked out in the first round, as he is scheduled to face Alexander Zverev. Also Read: “Rafa doesn’t need to prove anything,” Alex Corretja believes Spaniard’s presence will be cherished at the French Open

Charles Leclerc Imola GP
Formula 1

“Ferrari are miles ahead” : Max Verstappen admits to not even thinking about beating Charles Leclerc at Monaco GP

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“Ferrari are miles ahead” : Max Verstappen admits to not even thinking about beating Charles Leclerc at Monaco GP Charles Leclerc set the fastest time in both the practice sessions at the Monaco GP on Friday. The Ferrari driver finished +0.188 seconds ahead of Lewis Hamilton in the second session of the day to wrap up a strong start to the weekend. However, both the Red Bull drivers struggled to keep up with their competitors on Friday. After finishing outside the top 10 in the first practice session, Max Verstappen managed to finish P4 in second session. However, he was still +0.535 seconds off the pace to Charles Leclerc, who looks on course to claim his third pole position in four years in Monaco. Max Verstappen admitted that Ferrari and Charles Leclerc are miles ahead of Red Bull this weekend. The Dutchman also admitted that as things stand, they are not even considering to defeat Charles Leclerc given the pace Ferrari have shown on the opening day. “We will try to make it a little better but I don’t expect any miracles. (Ferrari) are miles ahead so I’m not even thinking about that, just want to solve the issues we have,” said Verstappen, as quoted by BBC. Max Verstappen wary of issues troubling Red Bull on opening day of Monaco GP Max Verstappen believes that the issues which Red Bull have faced on the opening day might not have an easy fix, something which could be done a week earlier in Imola. However, he remains optimistic that the team could pull together something which can at least limit the damage. Max Verstappen stated that there have been some changes in the track, which has cost him time during his laps. “Very difficult. It is not something I didn’t expect but it’s definitely at the higher end of the worst possible outcome of the weekend so far,” said the Dutchman. “It’s just very difficult. There are a lot of bumps and kerbs and camber changes in the track and for us that is basically impossible to take. Every time we go over it, we lose a lot of lap time just because the car doesn’t ride well. There is also no really clear direction or solution to try and solve something like that,” he added. On the other hand, Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes had a fine day, as the Briton finished second in the final practice session of the day. Toto Wolff hinted at making some progress last week in Imola, as he stated that the true potential would come to life in the next couple of races. The first day of the Monaco GP has set us up for an interesting qualifying day. Max Verstappen has often struggled in the practice sessions this season, however, he has come up with the goods when it matters the most. Also Read: “A race that is unfinished business for him” : Fred Vasseur determined to help Charles Leclerc win home race in Monaco

Dinesh Karthik
Cricket, IPL

“Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR” : Ravi Shastri and cricket experts slam poor umpiring

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“Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR here” : Ravi Shastri and cricket experts slam poor umpiring There was no shortage of controversy in the IPL Eliminator between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals. Dinesh Karthik was given out LBW by the on-field umpire, as RCB seemed to have lost their sixth wicket in the first inning. However, Dinesh Karthik had no option but to review the decision, since his team could have been reduced to a score of 120 odd runs for the loss of six wickets. The third umpire overturned the on-field call, when the ball clearly seemed to be hitting the pad first. The third umpire seemed to have quickly made his decision, as there was a spike seen when the ball was near to the bat. The call was made in less than 30 seconds, as cricket experts fumed at the umpire’s decision. As different angles confirm, the spike was heard because of the bat touching the pad. “Dinesh Karthik was clearly out. Completely unfair to RR here. Umpires should have checked the decision 4-5 times before giving the decision,” said Ravi Shastri on air. Cricket experts lash out at hasty umpiring in IPL Eliminator Dinesh Karthik was given a lifeline, as he had plenty of overs to do the damage he usually does in the business end of the innings. However, the RCB veteran failed to do much damage, being dismissed for 11 runs out of 13 balls. Dinest Karthik struggled out in the middle, as did most of the RCB batters through the middle phase of the innings. “The bat has hit the pad, the bat has not hit the ball,” said Sunil Gavaskar. “There was no bat. If there was, Dinesh would have taken DRS straight away,” wrote Irfan Pathan on X. Royal Challengers Bengaluru managed to put up 172 runs on the board, courtesy of a brilliant late cameo from Mahipal Lomror. Swpanil Singh did some damage in the final over as well to help RCB finish with a respectable total. Also Read: “People in India just always try to find a reason not to pick Virat Kohli” : Ricky Ponting says star Indian batter is irreplaceable

Charles Leclerc Imola GP
Formula 1

“A race that is unfinished business for him” : Fred Vasseur determined to help Charles Leclerc win home race in Monaco

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“A race that is unfinished business for him” : Fred Vasseur determined to help Charles Leclerc win home race in Monaco Charles Leclerc claimed his second consecutive podium finish last weekend, as he finished P3 in Imola. The Ferrari driver now returns to his home circuit in Monaco, where he had his share of bad luck. Ferrari chief Fred Vasseur believes that Charles Leclerc has some unfinished business in Monaco, and is determined to help him win the race. Charles Leclerc grabbed the pole position in Monaco in 2021 and 2022, however, he could not convert this advantage into a race win. In 2021, he had to retire his car which ended his race early, whereas, he finished P4 in 2022 due to a strategic error from his team. Hence, Fred Vasseur realizes the importance of this race from Charles Leclerc’s perspective. “A few days ago, it was our home race in Imola and this weekend, Charles will be on home turf in Monaco, a race that is unfinished business for him and we’d like to help him put it to bed,” said Vasseur. Charles Leclerc remains optimistic about his team’s progress this year. He believes that if Ferrari can work on their straight line speed, they can compete with the likes of Red Bull and McLaren. Fred Vasseur acknowledges the challenges posed by the Monaco circuit Fred Vasseur acknowledged the fact that overtaking is very difficult on the narrow Monaco tracks. Hence, qualifying will play a crucial role in deciding the fate of the race. He stated that the race is important for Carlos Sainz, as he claimed his maiden podium finish for Ferrari here in 2021. “Carlos also loves racing in the Principality, where he took his first podium at the wheel of a Ferrari, so they are both very motivated. It’s generally accepted that, with the current generation of cars, overtaking is harder here than at any other track,” said Vasseur. Fred Vasseur also spoke about the importance of Saturday’s qualifying, and how they have been preparing for the same. Ferrari currently sit second on the Constructors table, with 212 points with Red Bull leading the pack with 268 points. Charles Leclerc sits on the second place in the Drivers Championship, with 113 points as compared to Max Verstappen’s 161 points. Also Read: “I think we’ve got a real shot of going back on the top step of the podium” : Charles Leclerc optimistic after P3 finish in Imola

Rafael Nadal (Source: X)
Tennis

“Rafa doesn’t need to prove anything,” Alex Corretja believes Spaniard’s presence will be cherished at the French Open

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“Rafa doesn’t need to prove anything,” Alex Corretja believes Spaniard’s presence will be cherished at the French Open Rafael Nadal is all set to feature in what could be his last French Open appearance. Having won 14 titles on the Parisian clay, the Spaniard has rightfully earned the title of ‘King of Clay.’ Former Spanish tennis player Alex Corretja believes that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has nothing left to prove. Speaking to Eurosport, Alex Corretja mentioned that Rafael Nadal should not feel the burden of being a 14-time champion in Paris. He believes that fans will be more than happy to just come and watch him play, which would also be a great thing for the tournament. After bowing out in the second round of the Italian Open, Rafael Nadal reached Paris a week before the tournament commences. He has also trained quite a bit on the main court to get used to the conditions. “We are waiting Rafa. Yes. Open arms for him. Everybody is hoping that he’s going to be healthy and that we know that he’s getting ready. He’s been practicing on Chatrier to test himself and I think he needs to let it go, just go for everything he has. I think it’s difficult to talk from the outside, but I hope that he can just go there and just do whatever he can,” said Corretja to Eurosport. “It’s going to be something unbelievable” : Corretja on Nadal’s participation at the French Open Alex Corretja believes that the atmosphere inside the stadium is going to unbelievable when Rafael Nadal steps on to the court. The Spaniard has already announced that he could well retire at the end of the season due to his recurrent injury issues. “I’m not expecting anything, it’s just go play and whatever comes is going to be a gift. He doesn’t need to prove anything else. Not even to himself, not even to the whole world,” Corretja said. “So if he is able to be there and play one match, two matches, three matches, every match, every time he jumps on court he will be given the recognition he deserves. It’s going to be a party. It’s going to be something unbelievable and the crowd is going to be crazy with him. That’s why we need Rafa in the tournament. I think it’s going to be a major thing to have him in Roland-Garros this year,” he added. Rafael Nadal was defeated in the second round of the Italian Open by Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets. The Spaniard did have a couple of chances in the opening set, but failed to convert any of his break points. The veteran’s best run of form came at the Madrid Masters, where he reached the last 16, losing to Jiri Lehecka in straight sets. The 37-year-old has been practicing at a very high intensity over the past week, as he gears up for the French Open.

Virat Kohli
Cricket, IPL

“People in India just always try to find a reason not to pick Virat Kohli” : Ricky Ponting says star Indian batter is irreplaceable

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“People in India just always try to find a reason not to pick Virat Kohli” : Ricky Ponting says star Indian batter is irreplaceable Former Australian skipper Ricky Ponting has been left surprised by Indian fans’ attitude towards Virat Kohli. The Indian batter is all set to represent his national side in his sixth T20I World Cup campaign in June. However, there some question marks around his selection, with his strike rate being brought into question. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma laughed off such claims, stating that this was not even among the points discussed at the selection meeting. Ricky Ponting has stated that Virat Kohli would be the first name on his team sheet, and his experience and class makes him irreplaceable. Virat Kohli has been the top run getter in three of the last four ICC T20I World Cup campaigns. “He (Kohli) is the first pick for me for India. So, class and experience like that, you can’t replace. It’s funny with Virat. I think people in India just always try to find a reason not to pick him or a reason why he’s maybe not as good as some of these other guys in the T20 game,” Ponting said in a conversation with ICC. Ricky Ponting opines on India’s batting order at the T20I World Cup Ricky Ponting has opined on Team India’s batting order at the World Cup. He believes that the management has a couple of decisions to make, which involves deciding Virat Kohli’s batting position. Yashasvi Jaiswal has been opening the batting with skipper Rohit Sharma in leadup to the marquee event, however, Ponting believes that Virat Kohli will be promoted to the top of the order. “So they’ve got a decision to make with Jaiswal (batting position), but I’m pretty sure that they’ll go with Kohli and Rohit Sharma (as openers). He can play his role at the top. And if you’ve got the right guys around him scoring (like) Suryakumar (Yadav)… Rohit Sharma’s going to have a high strike rate. These other guys can go in there and play their way,” he added. Ricky Ponting also backed Virat Kohli’s ability to deliver in big games, just as he has been doing over the years. He delivered a stunning unbeaten knock of 82 runs against Pakistan at the 2022 T20I World Cup in Australia. The Indian batter is in middle of a terrific IPL campaign, as he is the current owner of the Orange Cap. He has amassed over 700 runs, and looks in solid touch ahead of the T20I World Cup. India have been drawn in Group A, alongside arch rivals Pakistan. They will open their campaign against Ireland, before facing Pakistan in New York on 9th June.

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