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Jannik Sinner
Tennis

“I don’t know that we can over complement this guy on how he played this week” : Andy Roddick praises Jannik Sinner after impressive ATP Finals victory

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“I don’t know that we can over complement this guy on how he played this week” : Andy Roddick praises Jannik Sinner after impressive ATP Finals victory Jannik Sinner’s breakout year has been one for the history books, as he became one of the best young prospects at the start of the year to the undisputed best in the world by the end. The Italian won eight tournament titles this year, which includes two Grand Slam victories in the Australian and US Open, and three Masters 1000 titles at the Miami Open, Cincinnati Open and the Shanghai Masters. The world no.1 recently won the ATP Finals, being the first ever Italian to do so, beating world no.4 Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4, while also putting out tough competition like Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud and Alex de Minaur almost effortlessly. Out of all the praises and acknowledgements the Italian received, former US Open winner Andy Roddick shared some special words for him. The American believes that there is not much Fritz could have done more, as the Italian had the answer to just about all of his moves. “This looks like the route to victory of, like a 16-and-under statewide tournament if you’re a really good junior. Honestly, like, I’m not sure where you go, what you do, and we haven’t even approached all the pressure set of never having won in Italy, well he didn’t care about that.” “You’re World No. 1, how are you going to perform every year? Forget about that. There is a virus out of Paris, forget about, the drugs scenario, let’s just forget about that.’ And then, the beatings on the best players in the world for an entire week,” Roddick said on the Tennis Channel. “There were just no errors” : Andy Roddick on Jannik Sinner’s near perfect ATP Finals performance Continuing on the Italian’s praise, Roddick talked about how he basically had no weakness throughout the tournament, as he also vastly improved his service. The American implied that the amount of progress he has shown in such short time in applaudable, as a few years back the Italian’s service was a few tiers below his current level. “I mean, I don’t know that we can over complement this guy on how he played this week. There were just no errors, like he will miss a shot, maybe one or two a set, but it’s the right shot, it’s an aggressive miss and then he is right back to work.” “With his serve going the way its going down, if you run back what the book was on Sinner three years ago, it was like, ‘Okay well, his serve is good, not great, maybe he is not as strong as he could be, maybe when he gets stronger, he is going to get out of the corners, in big matches, maybe he gets a little bit tight,’ none of those exist anymore. Talk about progress,” the 42-year-old explained. Jannik Sinner will most definitely never forget about this year, as he ends up as the world no.1 ranking with 11830 points. The gap between him and the others is literally visible, as the world no.2 is Alexander Zverev with 7915 points. This is an absolutely mind-boggling stat as fans have started to believe that not even the Big 3 were as good as the Italian at this age. Overall, Sinner completes 2024 with 70 out of 76 wins, but he is not done yet, as he is already scheduled to be a part of the Davis Cup representing his country, who are the defending champions. They will be facing Argentina in the quarter-finals on November 21, with the winner facing either the United States or Australia in the semi-finals. Also Read: “He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments” : Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion regarding Jannik Sinner’s popularity in Italy

Featured

“A lot of people don’t understand why I say thank you LeBron” : Shaquille O’ Neal reveals the reason he thanks LeBron James for his custom supercars collection

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“A lot of people don’t understand why I say thank you LeBron” : Shaquille O’ Neal reveals the reason he thanks LeBron James for his custom supercars collection Shaq is obviously a big dude, one of the biggest the NBA has ever seen. This makes the LA Lakers legend the victim of fitting into a few normal circumstances, like being unable to sit into supercars like Ferrari or Lamborghini due to their low roof (well, normal for their standards). Shaquille O’ Neal had that issue, but is now past it, thanks to LeBron James, even if it was unintentional. “Only time I wanted to be small is when I walk by and see these guys in little sports cars… like the Ferraris and Lamborghinis. So, I was this idiot that would buy the sports car knowing I can’t fit and then having to pay extra… to make it fit.” Shaq once explained his struggles fitting into luxury cars. The Lakers legend now purchases custom supercars which are perfectly made just for him, through a company called Effortless Motors. Shaq now possesses four cars from them, which includes three of Tesla’s Cybertruck, and a Mercedes Benz Sprinter. But how he got to know about the company is a funny story, which involves the King. Shaq revealed that the dealership’s owner is a massive Lakers fan, who thought it would be a good business move to let people know that LeBron James purchases his cars from them, without his consent. But the 39-year-old caught on to this quickly, and outed them on social media saying that they are ‘clout chasers’. “A lot of people don’t understand why I say thank you LeBron. One I love the brother, greatest friend ever, Ahmad here had a little young kid secretary that they built the car and the kid thought it would be a great idea to say ‘Hey let’s say LeBron bought the car. You know they are in LA.” But Shaquille O’ Neal did not mind this, as he quickly got in touch with the owner and has been buying his favourite cars from them since June. “‘I love the Lakers, I love LeBron, I don’t want to have any problems.’ I was like, ‘I understand.’”  “Can’t buy another car, can’t buy another boat, can’t buy no more jewelry, can’t buy no more cars, even though I just bought a new Tesla. I can’t. I’m done.” This statement did not age well, as he bought three more cars from the dealership. The 52-year-old also likes to flex on social media about his luxurious cars, which now seems more like a second hobby to him after his podcast. The Lakers legend seems to enjoy his all-black Cybertruck the most, and more cars might be added soon to his collection. Also Read: “That’s your parents over there, right” : LeBron James’s crazy ‘vision’ left Jared McCain in shock

Rafael Nadal (Source: X)
Tennis

“That’s one hell of a record in DC” : Boris Becker acknowledges Rafael Nadal’s record in Davis Cup while comparing it to his own

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“That’s one hell of a record in DC” : Boris Becker acknowledges Rafael Nadal’s record in Davis Cup while comparing it to his own The feared day finally came as the great Rafael Nadal played the final match of his career in the Davis Cup. Although he lost to the Netherlands’ Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4, one could care less about that, as the whole world united to pay a heartfelt tribute to the Spanish legend. German tennis legend Boris Becker also paid his tribute to the Spainard on social media, saying he has a ‘deep sense of gratitude’ towards him, just like the millions of tennis fans worldwide. In addition, Boris Becker also uploaded a story, acknowledging the Spaniard’s incredible record in the Davis Cup, while also comparing it to his own record to show how other-worldly he has performed over the years. Rafa Nadal’s insane record at the Davis Cup ends in his final match As part of the Spanish national team, Nadal made his debut in tournament in 2004, and since then has made great strides in the competition. It will not be far fetched to say that the Spainard is the greatest player the tournament has ever seen.  The 38-year-old boasts 37 wins with just 6 losses in the competition, and went unbeaten for two whole decades until now where he got beaten by the world no. 80. Nadal also won five Davis Cup titles with Spain in 2004, 2008, 2009, 2011, and 2019. It is also commendable to note that 2019, the Spainard went unbeaten the whole tournament, winning 5 singles and 3 doubles victories securing both titles for Spain. The German, who himself has a 22-match winning streak in this tournament, lauded the Spainard’s achievement on his Instagram story. “That’s one hell of a record in DC (Davis Cup) and I thought mine was good.” the 56-year-old wrote. Following Nadal’s loss, Spain were unable to qualify for the semi-finals as they lost their doubles fixture as well.  The Spainard has now retired from the sport, winning 92 ATP titles which includes 22 Grand Slams. He was also on top of the rankings for 209 weeks and finished the year as no.1 five times. There will always be the debate of who is the greatest among the Big 3, but one thing is for sure; we will never see someone like Rafael Nadal ever again. Also Read: “He’s a good-looking No. 1 in the world, wins a lot of tournaments” : Daniil Medvedev gives his opinion regarding Jannik Sinner’s popularity in Italy

Formula 1

“I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races” : Lewis Hamilton wants to leave Mercedes on a positive note

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“I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races” : Lewis Hamilton wants to leave Mercedes on a positive note To say things have not worked out well for the Briton this season would be an understatement. On what was looking like a solid last season as a 39-year-old with the Silver Arrows, it has been anything but that since the summer break ended, and the Brazil GP clearly summarized everything that has gotten wrong with Lewis Hamilton this season. Lewis Hamilton finished tenth place in Sao Paulo as he described it as a ‘disaster of a weekend’ on the team radio. “If this is the last time I get to perform it was a shame it wasn’t great but [I am] grateful for you.” “In the moment, that’s how I felt. I didn’t really want to come back after that weekend but that’s only natural.” Hamilton said when asked about his comments on the team radio. From poor qualification rounds to car troubles, it seems like something or the other has always bothered the Briton to fully unleash his known potential of finishing races well while climbing up the rankings as he goes. Currently seventh in the driver’s rankings, it is certainly not what the Briton hoped his final season with Mercedes would be, where he won six of his seven world championships while transcending the whole sport on his way to become the greatest F1 driver of all time.  Ferrari and 2025 cannot come sooner for the Briton, but before that he has some unfinished business left with the German team. “I want to give them the best that I can in these next races” : Lewis Hamilton is not backing down without a fight The 39-year-old seems hell bent on completing his Mercedes chapter in the best way he can, as after the disappointment in Sao Paulo, he revealed how he still loves the whole team regardless of him leaving, and that he wants to give it his all in the final races. “In the heat of the moment, for sure I’d much rather be on the beach and chilling and ‘I don’t need to do this’.” the Briton said after the Brazil GP. “It wasn’t a great feeling in that moment but I’m here, I’m standing strong and I’m going to give it absolutely everything for these last few races. Nothing can take me down. I’ve got a team that I genuinely still love and even though I’m leaving, I want to give them the best that I can in these next races. If they provide a car that wants to stay on track, then hopefully we’ll have a better result.” the seven-time world champion added. Winning or losing in these last few races would not really affect Hamilton’s legacy, as he is without a doubt the greatest driver of at least his generation. But the Briton’s hunger even at 39 years of age is what differentiates him with the rest. It is also worthy to note that he won the British and Belgian GP this year which showcases how he still has what it takes to be on top. Regardless of how this season has turned out to be for Lewis Hamilton; Las Vegas, Qatar and Abu Dhabi await him as the final stretch of his Mercedes chapter has arrived. Also Read: “I heard the bells ringing two weeks before” : Toto Wolff reveals the moment he came to know Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari

Mikel Arteta
Football

“Arteta loves to play games with the opposition” : Oleksandr Zinchenko sheds light on Mikel Arteta’s pre-match mind games

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“Arteta loves to play games with the opposition” : Oleksandr Zinchenko sheds light on Mikel Arteta’s pre-match mind games Mikel Arteta has transformed the Gunners into a championship-winning team, as Arsenal are finally one of the top clubs in Europe who consistently perform in the Champions League as well. But apart from the Spaniard’s in-game tactics, it has been revealed that he is quite the genius off the pitch as well.  Previously, the Spainard’s unique pickpocketing technique to keep the players alert all the time went viral, in addition to the infamous lightbulb analogy he used to inspire players as we saw in the All or Nothing documentary on Amazon Prime. Recently, Arsenal left back Oleksandr Zinchenko revealed another ‘tactic’ of the Spaniard, which is not for his players this time around, but is used to throw off rival managers. Mikel Arteta likes to keep the other team guessing Speaking to the Athletic, the Ukrainian revealed how the Spainard likes to keep things uncertain and not reveal his tactics to the opposition, even if it takes to go to great lengths like making injured players travel and do a little act in front of the cameras. “I’ve seen Mikel Arteta tell injured players to come on the team bus and walk into the dressing room with their wash bag, to put the other manager off the scent. Arteta loves to play games with the opposition.” Zinchenko revealed. Of course this is not a new strategy, but the Ukrainian believes that Arteta does not owe the opposition to see right through their management. In football, even the slightest of details could very well be the difference maker, and the Spainard understands this thoroughly, as he likes his opposition second-guessing everything. An example of this strategy was already seen, when the Spainard stated that Bukayo Saka was ‘uncertain’ to play in their clash against Liverpool, but the winger started regardless and also scored nine minutes in during a 2-2 draw at the Emirates. “I don’t want to make it easy for anyone, the opponent has to do their homework – like I do. If I know something for sure, I won’t lie, but if I’m uncertain, I’ll keep them guessing.” the Spainard explained post-match. While these tactics are all well and good, the Gunners are still nine points behind Liverpool, and no other sly mind games will help the Spaniard and co. reduce the lead. Arsenal will look to close the gap against Nottingham Forest this weekend, who are breathing down their necks at fifth place, as they cannot afford to drop down even more at this point of the season. Also Read: “I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations” : Was Mikel Arteta ‘furious’ over the draw at Stamford Bridge?

Mikel Arteta Arsenal
Football

Former Arsenal player reveals the reason Mikel Arteta excluded Matteo Guendouzi from his plans

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Former Arsenal player reveals the reason Mikel Arteta excluded Matteo Guendouzi from his plans Good managers always do their best to unlock their players’ potential, but it does not help when the players’ attitude is one of reluctance. Matteo Guendouzi suffered a similar kind of fate with his then manager Mikel Arteta, as he was dropped out of the pecking order and his overall plans completely. The midfielder was one of the best young prospects by the time he joined the Gunners in 2018, and under coach Unai Emery, he deservedly got plenty of starts and playing time, as he played 33 league games and 15 cup competitions in his debut season only. But the Frenchman’s luck changed when Mikel Arteta arrived as head coach in late 2019, as the likes of Granit Xhaka and Lucas Torreira were chosen ahead of him in the Spainard’s game plans. Guendouzi was the victim of loan transfers, as he moved to Hertha Berlin and Marseille, the latter is where he started playing permanently starting 2022.  According to former Arsenal player Jeremie Aliadiere (spent six years with the club starting age 16), who played with Guendouzi back in his Lorient days, Guendouzi suffered this mainly because of attitude issues. “Frankly, from the point of view of talent and purely football, if I’m just talking about that, there is no surprise. After, during my last season in Lorient, when he started to train with us and to play, I had a little question about his attitude. I said to myself: He’ll have to change a bit.” said Aliadiere (via Le Telegramme). “He’s in Lorient, so it’s understandable, it’s a small family club, that’s it. But if he wants to climb the ladder and go play in a big club, his attitude will have to change. I think he understood that right away when he arrived [at Arsenal].” Guendouzi admits that his relationship with Mikel Arteta was ‘not the best’ The Frenchman has shown some signs of aggressiveness to validate this theory, as in 2020, he saw himself excluded from the Spainard’s training and match day plans following a post-match altercation with Brighton’s Neal Maupay. This ultimately led to his loan move to Hertha Berlin. But, Guendouzi revealed two years later that this moment was not the reason for his exit from the North London club, and that journalists and media outlets have falsely pinpointed this moment as an excuse. “Journalists used this excuse to say that we had a bad relationship and that’s why I stopped playing and left Arsenal.” said Matteo Guenduozi “Not at all. It’s a gesture like many on the pitch. There’s a lot of tension sometimes, a lot of problems on the pitch. In any case, it has nothing to do with all that.” the Frenchman added. Although, the Lazio midfielder did admit that his relationship with Mikel Arteta in general was not good, regardless of this spat. “It’s true that I didn’t have the best relationship with him. Beyond that, I always tried to work, always gave the maximum of myself in training and in matches. I still play a few matches with him, I still did great performances. He preferred other players and I respect that decision. That’s why, afterwards, I also decided to leave because I was still young, I needed playing time to continue to progress. The most important when you’re young is to play.” the 25-year-old explained. Matteo Guendouzi now plays his football in Italy under Lazio, where he has started all 12 games for the Serie A side, contributing a goal and an assist. He is also currently with the France national team as part of the Nations League squad, but was an unused substitute in their recent draw against Israel. Also Read: “I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations” : Was Mikel Arteta ‘furious’ over the draw at Stamford Bridge?

Virat Kohli
Cricket

“When he’s up, he’s up” : Australian legend Glenn McGrath believes they are the favorites, but have to keep an eye out on Virat Kohli

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“When he’s up, he’s up” : Australian legend Glenn McGrath believes they are the favorites, but have to keep an eye out on Virat Kohli Coming out from an embarrassing 3-0 whitewash against South Africa, India will face another fierce challenge as they head to Australia for a five-match Test series. Even before the start of the series, there is worry inside the Indian dressing room as a few key players are injured, which includes Shubman Gill while skipper Rohit Sharma is also on the exit ramp. The Indians have not had the best of luck playing in Australia historically, as the home side has won 14 out of the 27 matches, while 7 of them have ended in a draw. Although, India has won the previous two test series held in Australia, and are eying for a hat-trick. Legendary Australian fast bowler Glenn McGrath views high chances of his side’s victory in this series, even though Australia has underperformed in the Border-Gavaskar trophy since the past few years. “Without a doubt, especially after coming off a 3-0 loss against New Zealand, you’ve got plenty of ammunition to back yourself up, so put the pressure on them and see if they’re up for it,” said McGrath on CODE Sports. “I think he’s quite an emotional player” : Glenn McGrath’s assessment on Virat Kohli form It has not been Kohli’s best year when it comes to producing unreal numbers with his bat like he used to, showing a few glimpses of it here and there, and that has been a major thorn and concern for the team’s plans. But McGrath believes this series could be the turning point in his year and Australia should not take him for granted. “If they go hard at him, if he gets in the fight with emotions, there’s a bit of chat out there, who knows he might sort of lift,” said McGrath. “But I think he’s probably under pressure a little bit, and if he has a couple of low scores to start with, he could feel it. I think he’s quite an emotional player. When he’s up, he’s up, and when he’s down, he sort of struggles a little bit,” the 54-year-old added. The Australian is not wrong, as in the past we have seen how sheer emotions have outplayed even the worst kinds of situations Virat Kohli was put in. While Kohli’s form may have become unpredictable in his last years, one thing everyone knows is that they can back him up at any given scenario. His antics against Pakistan at the 2022 T20 World Cup come to mind. If we look past his recent scoring records, the Indian batsman has performed relatively well against Australia, that too across all formats of the game. As for the four Australian tours he has been a part of, he has averaged 54.08, which is well, more than ideal. India will certainly look to rely on the skills of the 36-year-old veteran whenever the going gets tough, as Virat Kohli will never not be a key player, regardless of his form.

Toto Wolff
Formula 1

“I heard the bells ringing two weeks before” : Toto Wolff reveals the moment he came to know Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari

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“I heard the bells ringing two weeks before” : Toto Wolff reveals the moment he came to know Lewis Hamilton is leaving Mercedes for Ferrari While the rumors surrounding Lewis Hamilton’s move to Ferrari were already present back in previous seasons, in the end they were just rumors, as nobody thought that the Briton would switch teams, that too at his age. We all know how the announcement of Hamilton joining the Prancing Horses broke the internet, but it was recently revealed that not even Mercedes Team Principal Toto Wolff had much of an idea about this movie, as he came to know just a few weeks before the public as well, and not in the best of ways. On the ‘High Performance Podcast’, Toto Wolff explained that he did not get to know about the news from Lewis Hamilton himself, but outgoing Ferrari man’s father, Carlos Sainz Sr., two weeks before the Briton attempted to break the news. “I heard the bells ringing two weeks before [Lewis told me the news]. The old man Sainz called me and said, ‘This is what’s happening’.” Wolff said. “And then there were a few drivers that rang me up that didn’t before, so I thought, ‘Okay, there’s something going on there’. I sent a text to [Ferrari boss] Fred Vasseur saying, ‘You’re taking our driver?’ – didn’t get any response, very unusual for Fred, he’s a good friend. So, I saw it coming.” the Mercedes boss added. Toto Wolff speaks about contacting Lewis Hamilton to change his mind and important advice from Pep Guardiola Wolff was obviously as surprised as any hearing about this move, but explained that he did not even bother initiating any contact with the Briton in those two weeks, as he wanted Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur and Hamilton himself to let him know what exactly was going on. When quizzed about if he took this decision of Hamilton’s to heart, the Austrian revealed that he had much bigger issues that he needed to handle during that point of time. “I think that was a situation that I just wanted to see how it was happening, and leave it to him and to Fred to tell me that they were doing this.” said Wolff. “I had much worse in my life happening, like real drama and trauma, this is not even moving the needle. Lewis is a friend and will forever be a friend – we’ve had 12 years in the team together, so that was just an unusual thought of ‘this is ending’, but not challenging in whichever way. “So no, that wasn’t a problem. It’s just a new situation, it has risks and opportunities – risks in the sense [of] how do I inform the sponsors as quickly as possible – because it was leaking – and on the other side, what are we doing about next year?” the 52-year-old added. The Austrian also addressed on the fact of why he did not even try to persuade Hamilton into staying, and brought in key parallels from a conversation he had with his friend a while back, football icon and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola. “I think if someone decides to go then you need to let them go, I had a chat with Pep Guardiola a long time ago – he’s a friend – and I said, ‘What do you do if this and that player leaves?’, and he said, ‘What do you mean [what do] I do?’. “I said, ‘Well, do you try to convince them to stay?’. [He said], ‘No. If somebody thinks he can play elsewhere better or earn more, you’ve just got to let them go’. “And it is something I embrace in the same way here – somebody wants to go then let’s make it as good as possible for each of the parties.” Wolff revealed. In the end, it all did work out for Wolff and co., as they have always been quite transparent with the Briton. Mercedes and Wolff now embark onto a new era in the team’s history, with the young gun duo of Kimi Antonelli and George Russell to take charge in 2025. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

Max Verstappen
Formula 1

“It was already unexpected to have someone bring the fight to Red Bull and to Max” : Former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve believes there is only one clear winner this season

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“It was already unexpected to have someone bring the fight to Red Bull and to Max” : Former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve believes there is only one clear winner this season After showing character and winning one of the best races of his career in Brazil, where he started on grid 17th, there is little to no surprise left on who will become the world champion this season. Max Verstappen is about to win his fourth world championship in a row, and only Lando Norris is close enough to stop the Dutchman, but that too is a stretch.  The Dutchman only needs to finish ahead of Norris in the upcoming Las Vegas GP, and that will seal the deal for him and Red Bull yet again. And after the antics he pulled off in Brazil, this seems like an easier job now.  Although this year’s F1 races have been much closer than previous years’, in the end it was always somewhat clear that Verstappen will be the one crowned as the world champion. Former F1 driver Jacques Villeneuve saw this, as he addressed that Verstappen would be a deserving champion, but acknowledges the fact that regardless of the winner, the fight for the championship has been very positive. “[Max has] just got to go get around and finish. If he does win it in Vegas, he’ll be a very deserving champion. No issues there. It will still have been a great championship.” said Villeneuve. “It was already unexpected to have someone bring the fight to Red Bull and to Max. Whatever happens till the end of the season, it will still have been a great championship and a good battle. And whichever of the two wins, they’ll be a deserving champion.” the 53-year-old added. “That is the next step for him to become the biggest driver ever” : Jacques Villeneuve believes Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari career will be the key for him to be recognized as the greatest ever Many are not expecting Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari run to be anything extravagant, but the Canadian thinks otherwise. Villeneuve believes that Ferrari is the biggest car company, while the Briton’s name is enough for everyone to know that he is the best F1 has ever produced. Both seem like a match made in heaven, and the 53-year-old wants them to fully capitalize this opportunity, professionally and financially. “That is the next step for him to become the biggest driver ever, when he did sign for Ferrari, nothing was in place like it is now. It wasn’t the Ferrari we see today. That’s what you have to understand. It’s the biggest name in the car or motorsport industry and Lewis has been the biggest name. So, link the two. Look how the shares went up in Ferrari.” Villeneuve said via Grosvenor Sport. The Canadian also believes that if the Briton is able to win his eighth F1 title with Ferrari, breaking the record of the iconic Ferrari man Michael Schumacher, it will be the biggest thing ever in the history of the sport, in addition to unanimously making him the greatest F1 driver of all time. “If he can win with Ferrari, he will be forever unbeatable. That’s it. And he will cement his name. It’s very simple.” “If he doesn’t win with Ferrari, he still has got all the records. That would just be the ultimate step. So, it’s worth taking the gamble.” Jacques Villeneuve explained. While having quite some experience in winning world titles, the Briton last won one in 2019, and came super close to what some say should have been his championship the next year. Age might be a factor to his drop in performances in recent years, but we have still seen glimpses of his greatness here and there. Maybe a fresh start with the Prancing Horses will be key for the then 40-year-old to embark on his journey for greatness. Also Read: “It’s going to be one hell of a second half of the season” : Lewis Hamilton has high hopes for the remainder of the year

Harry Kane England
Football

“I’m performing at the highest level I’ve ever performed” : Harry Kane indicates that the 2026 World Cup might not be his last tournament

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“I’m performing at the highest level I’ve ever performed” : Harry Kane indicates that the 2026 World Cup might not be his last tournament Harry Kane has been on an insane scoring run since the past few years, and some might even say that the England skipper is performing better than he did in his peak 20s. Be it playing for the Three Lions or Bayern Munich, it comes as no surprise when we see the 31-year-old’s name on the scoring sheet every time. The forward was yet again part of the scoring against the Republic of Ireland, as England beat them 5-0 and secured their promotion to the top tier of Nations League. This marks his 20th goal of the season already overall, in addition to 9 assists, all in just three months. Kane now has 69 goals to his name in 103 appearances for his nation, which begs the question – will he keep up with this form till the 2026 World Cup, or perhaps even beyond that? When quizzed about whether or not the next World Cup will be it for him, he explained how footballers after the age of 30 are perceived, and that he is feeling better than he ever has. “I don’t think so. I think there’s a perception when you get to your 30s that you’re coming to an end but for me I’m performing at the highest level I’ve ever performed and feel as good as I’ve ever felt, so it’s about taking in the moment.” said Kane (via Reuben Rosso-Powell from the PA News Agency). “I don’t like to look too far ahead and in my career I never have, the World Cup is going to be exciting.” “In America it will be an incredible occasion and ultimately it’s about trying to win that, looking at where you are, where to improve and it will be no different in a couple of years.” the 31-year-old added. Kane is spot on, as it is not the first time we have seen a player over the age of 30 reach world class levels. Even if we exclude Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from this list, the likes of Luis Suarez, Luka Modric, Robert Lewandowski, Karim Benzema, Kevin de Bruyne have reached unprecedented levels in their respective positions. “We’ve come close on a couple of occasions and the next step is for me and the other boys to win” : Harry Kane Kane was also asked about if he would like to have a statue in Wembley stadium just like the great Bobby Moore, to which his simple answer was that they needed to win the World Cup first for such an honour. He also mentioned that the arrival of new head coach Thomas Tuchel will certainly help matters going forward. “I think we need to win a major tournament, we’ve come close on a couple of occasions and the next step is for me and the other boys to win.” “We have a new coach coming in March. He’ll be great for us, he has vast experience in the big competitions, he’ll bring a great energy to the team and he’ll put his own stamp and identity on the way we play tactically.” Talking about statues, the England captain’s statue was unveiled today at the Peter May Centre in London, to which he had some special words for. “It’s pretty special to be honest, these are things I didn’t think of when I was young.” “These little moments are special and this is where I first started playing, it all began here and it was the building blocks of my career. This is a great inspiration for the boys and girls who play,” Kane said. Also Read: “I think we dominated them, we were the better team in many phases and situations” : Was Mikel Arteta ‘furious’ over the draw at Stamford Bridge?

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