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Rafael Nadal (Source: X)
Tennis

“The decision will not happen before the end of Olympics” : Rafael Nadal on his participation at the 2024 US Open

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“The decision will not happen before the end of Olympics” : Rafael Nadal on his participation at the 2024 US Open Rafael Nadal has entered himself in the draw for the 2024 US Open, which could possibly be the last Grand Slam event of his career. The Spaniard has stated that he will decide on his participation at the US Open only after the Summer Olympics which takes place at the end of this month. Rafael Nadal is scheduled to compete at the 2024 Paris Olympics in both Singles and Doubles event. In the Doubles event, he will team up alongside Carlos Alcaraz. The veteran stated last year that he could retire at the end of this current season, however, he has kept tabs open on his involvement on the tour next year. “I needed to book to have the chance to decide after that, that’s as simple as that. Nothing changed for me. I’m going to decide what’s going on after Olympics,” said Nadal, while competing at the Bastad Open. This will be Rafael Nadal’s third Summer Olympic Games, having won the gold medal in Singles in 2008, and a gold medal in the Doubles event at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Rafael Nadal confirms involvement at 2024 Laver Cup Rafael Nadal has confirmed his participation at the 2024 Laver Cup. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear that he will make a decision on the rest of the season only after the 2024 Summer Olympics. “By the way, I will be playing in the Laver Cup but I am, to be clear, and to not create false expectations, I am not sure at all to be in New York or not. No decision today and the decision will not happen before the end of Olympics,” the Spaniard added. Rafael Nadal is currently competing at the 2024 Swedish Open, where he reached the semifinals on Friday. The Spaniard defeated Mariano Navone in an epic three-set battle which lasted for almost over four hours. The veteran also defeated Cameron Norrie in straight sets in the last 16 clash earlier this week. Also Read: “It is absurd that Novak was able to make the finals of this event” : Andy Roddick on the Serbian’s incredible Wimbledon run

Is Novak Djokovic playing Laver Cup?
Tennis

“It is absurd that Novak was able to make the finals of this event” : Andy Roddick on the Serbian’s incredible Wimbledon run

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“It is absurd that Novak was able to make the finals of this event” : Andy Roddick on the Serbian’s incredible Wimbledon run Novak Djokovic reached the finals of the 2024 Wimbledon, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. Despite his defeat in the finals, the Serbian deserves huge praise for making it so far in the tournament given that he had a surgery just two weeks earlier American tennis legend Andy Roddick stated that it was quite incredible that Novak Djokovic could reach the finals of Wimbledon. The three-time Wimbledon runner-up opined that the Serbian entered the event without much preparation, and his fitness levels were severely impacted due to his surgery. Novak Djokovic looked quite comfortable on his way to the finals, defeating players like Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets. “It is absurd that Novak was able to make the finals of this event. Surgery, no fitness, not a lot of tennis, no matches. Finals at Wimbledon,” Roddick said on the ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast. “Gave yourself a look at the basket. Props to him. Novak had no reps, no fitness, all he was trying to do was get healthy enough to play his first round and then after that, healthy enough to play second round, so on and so forth.” “Carlos Alcaraz exposed him in the finals” : Andy Roddick on Novak Djokovic Andy Roddick stated that Carlos Alcaraz exposed Novak Djokovic’s flaws in the final. The American believes that the Serbian played his cards a bit too early, and his best chance of having any shot of winning the final was to slow down the match. Andy Roddick stated that Carlos Alcaraz gave no chance to the former world number one to settle down in the match. The seven-time Wimbledon champion saw a slight ray of hope in the final set, as Carlos Alcaraz lost his serve from 0-40, having three championship points. However, the Spaniard eventually managed to win the set, and the match in the tiebreaker. “For people to say ‘Oh he wasn’t moving great’, well no kidding. You have to practice to be great at something. Through no fault of his own he didn’t have those quick reps and when you get to the top level of the game, those margins get exposed quickly and I think that’s what happened,” said Roddick. “My gut, based on his strategy coming forward, going line early was that he didn’t have confidence making those quick adjustments and Carlos exposed him. He went big when he had to, hit those dropshots when he had to, took second serves early, [he] did not want Novak to get settled and when Novak had a shot because he was unsettled, [he] maybe pulled the trigger a little bit too early,” he added. Also Read: “Only Jannik Sinner can play Carlos Alcaraz on equal terms” : Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic made suicidal mistake in Wimbledon final defeat

Lewis Hamilton
Formula 1, Tennis

“I was surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s congratulations because he had never written to me” : Carlos Alcaraz on receiving text from seven-time F1 champion

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“I was surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s congratulations because he had never written to me” : Carlos Alcaraz on receiving text from seven-time F1 champion Carlos Alcaraz was recently crowned the 2024 Wimbledon champion after defeating Novak Djokovic in the finals. The Spaniard outplayed the seven-time Wimbledon champion in straight sets, claiming his second consecutive title here, and fourth Grand Slam title. Carlos Alcaraz revealed that he received a lot of text messages congratulating him for his success. Among some big names were the likes of Rafael Nadal, Brazilian footballer Neymar, and F1 driver Fernando Alonso. However, he also stated that he received a surprise text message from seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton after his victory. “The congratulations I have received have been similar and very special. From athletes and well-known personalities. Will Smith has congratulated me again, Neymar, who is always there following me and I am very grateful. Rafa [Nadal], Pau Gasol, Ilia Topuria, Fernando Alonso,” said Alcaraz. Carlos Alcaraz on receiving congratulatory message from Lewis Hamilton Carlos Alcaraz revealed that he had never interacted with Lewis Hamilton in the past, hence it was a surprise to receive his message. “I was surprised by Lewis Hamilton’s congratulations because he had never written to me before and we had never had any interaction. I’m sure there are others that I’ve missed, but I’m very happy to receive them all,” said Alcaraz. Carlos Alcaraz has had a brilliant year on the tour so far, winning the French Open and Wimbledon in a span of just over a month. Next up for him is the Paris Olympics, where he will certainly target a gold medal. As for Lewis Hamilton, he claimed his first F1 race win in almost three years, with a victory in his home race in Silverstone two weeks ago. Mercedes have now claimed two back to back wins, with George Russell winning the race in Austria. The next race of the season will take place in Hungary over this weekend. Also Read: “Only Jannik Sinner can play Carlos Alcaraz on equal terms” : Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic made suicidal mistake in Wimbledon final defeat

Jannik Sinner- Carlos Alcaraz
Tennis

“Only Jannik Sinner can play Carlos Alcaraz on equal terms” : Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic made suicidal mistake in Wimbledon final defeat

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“Only Jannik Sinner can play Carlos Alcaraz on equal terms” : Toni Nadal says Novak Djokovic made suicidal mistake in Wimbledon final defeat Novak Djokovic was completely outclassed in the finals of Wimbledon 2024, as he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. The Serbian had no answers to the Spaniard’s onslaught, as he was beaten for a second consecutive year by the same opponent in the Wimbledon finals. Rafael Nadal’s former coach and uncle Toni Nadal believes that Novak Djokovic made a huge error in the finals. Novak Djokovic has certainly not been at his best this season, as he is yet to even a single title in 2024. His participation at the Championships was also in serious doubt, given that he had a surgery just a couple of weeks heading into the tournament. On the other hand, Carlos Alcaraz has been enjoying a great season so far, as he has claimed the French Open and Wimbledon titles in just over a month’s time. Toni Nadal believes that Novak Djokovic’s strategy to shorten the points, and be in a hurry during rallies cost him the finals against Carlos Alcaraz. “He wanted to impose a high tempo, play aggressively, shorten the exchanges from the back of the court and at the slightest opportunity, close out the points at the net. In my opinion, the only option the Serbian had was to try to slow down the game,” said Djokovic. Toni Nadal says only Jannik Sinner can currently match Carlos Alcaraz’s level of play Toni Nadal believes that only Jannik Sinner can currently match Carlos Alcaraz’s level and intensity of play at the moment. The Italian won the Australian Open earlier this year, and has been having a sensational year on the tour as well. Jannik Sinner was defeated in the semifinals of the French Open by Carlos Alcaraz in a close five-set battle. Toni Nadal expects several such battles between the two youngsters, who he believes will be the face of tennis. “Perhaps only Jannik Sinner can play the Spaniard on equal terms. And, in fact, this Sunday’s final confirms that the real rivalry in the next tournaments and, probably, in the next few years will be between these two: the Italian and our great Spanish champion,” he added. Carlos Alcaraz became only the fourth player to win the French Open and the Wimbledon in the same calendar year. Next up for him is the Paris Olympics, which commences in about a week’s time. The event will be played on clay courts, a surface which the Spaniard usually prefers. As things stand, he is the favorite to claim the gold medal in the Singles event. Also Read: “Does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?” Nick Kyrgios shares his opinion after Wimbledon final

Roberto Carballes Baena
Tennis

ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction for 2024 Swedish Open

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ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Preview, Head-to-Head and Prediction for 2024 Swedish Open Roberto Carballes Baena and Roman Safiullin will lock horns against each other in the first round of the ATP Bastad Open. The former is ranked 64th in the world, whereas, the Russian is ranked 44th in the world. ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Preview Roberto Carballes Baena comes into the tournament on the back of a spectacular week. The Spaniard claimed a Challenger Event title on the clay surface, defeating Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets in the finals. He did not enjoy a great season on grass courts, as he was defeated in the first round of Wimbledon by Alexander Zverev. Nevertheless, the Spaniard loves to play on clay courts, which is also his strongest surface. He did well at the Barcelona Open earlier this year, where he reached the last 16, eventually losing to Stefanos Tsitsipas. On the other hand, Roman Safiullin had a pretty decent campaign at Wimbledon, which saw him reach the third round. The Russian knocked out the 26th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the first round in five sets. Roman Safiullin is not among the best players on clay courts, given that his strengths lie on the faster courts. The Russian was defeated in the first round of the French Open, losing to Dusan Lajovic in five sets. ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Head-to-Head Both players have never played against each other. This will be their first ever meeting on an surface. ATP Bastad Open: Roberto Carballes Baena vs Roman Safiullin Prediction Both players are more than capable of winning this encounter. Hence, this is expected to be a very close encounter. Roberto Carballes Baena has the slight edge here given his performance over the last week, and his prowess on clay courts. The Spaniard prefers playing on this surface, as he is likely to prevail in longer rallies. However, Roman Safiullin could very much take the game to the Spaniard, given his ability to make less unforced errors. Prediction: Roberto Carballes Baena to win in three sets

Tennis

“Does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?” Nick Kyrgios shares his opinion after Wimbledon final

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“Does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?” Nick Kyrgios shares his opinion after Wimbledon final Novak Djokovic was defeated in the finals of the 2024 Wimbledon, as Carlos Alcaraz prevailed once again. The Spaniard defeated the seven-time Wimbledon champion in straight sets to claim his fourth Grand Slam title. For the second consecutive year, Carlos Alcaraz has defeated the Serbian in the finals, however this time it was quite a comfortable victory. Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios shared his opinion on Novak Djokovic’s future after his Wimbledon final loss. The former world number one has had quite a torrid year on the tour, as he is yet to win a single title so far. Novak Djokovic had a surgery just two weeks before Wimbledon, and there were several question marks over his participation at Wimbledon this year. Nick Kyrgios reiterated that the Serbian was not quite at his physical best during the tournament due to his recent surgery. “Let’s not forget, Djokovic playing this event, he did not have to play it. Physically he is not 100% but he decided to play it and he has said time and time again how important this event is to him,” said Kyrgios, as quoted by Eurosport. “He threw everything at Carlos in the third set” : Nick Kyrgios on Novak Djokovic Nick Kyrgios believes that Novak Djokovic threw everything at Carlos Alcaraz in the third set, however, it was not enough to stop the Spaniard. Nick Kyrgios stated that only time will tell if Novak Djokovic has at least one more Grand Slam title left in him. Nick Kyrgios stated that Carlos Alcaraz has been clearly dominating the circuit, claiming the French Open and the Wimbledon in a span of just over a month. In such a case, it would be very difficult to upstage the 21-year-old Spaniard on any surface. “He threw everything at Carlos in the third set and he just kept coming up with answers time and time again. Me and Tim (Henman) have had this conversation, it is a conversation all tennis fans need to have, is there one more Slam left for Djokovic on the calendar?,” said Kyrgios. “With the come up of Alcaraz, and obviously two times in a row beating him in the final, does Djokovic have enough left in the tank to get one more Slam?,” he added. Novak Djokovic will take a week’s break, and return to action at the Paris Olympics later this month. The Serbian is chasing an elusive Singles gold medal in what could be his final opportunity to do so. Also Read: “History is on the line” : Novak Djokovic on levelling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles

Longest match in US Open history
Tennis

“History is on the line” : Novak Djokovic on levelling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles

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“History is on the line” : Novak Djokovic on levelling Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles Novak Djokovic is all set to face Carlos Alcaraz in the finals of Wimbledon on Sunday. This will be a rematch of the finals from las year, where the Spaniard prevailed in an epic five set battles. Both players have been in tremendous touch through the two weeks, with Novak Djokovic just dropping one set. Novak Djokovic could level Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles with his victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday. The Serbian currently holds seven Grand Slam titles on this surface, and stated that he is well aware of the significance this match holds. Moreover, Novak Djokovic added that he could also claim his 25th Grand Slam title, as he has an opportunity to steer clear of Rafael Nadal who sits at 22 Major titles. “Obviously I’m aware that Roger holds eight Wimbledon (titles). I hold seven. History is on the line. Also, the 25th potential Grand Slam,” Djokovic said, as quoted by Eurosport. “Of course, it serves as a great motivation, but at the same time, it’s also a lot of pressure and expectation.” “Every time I step out on the court now, even though I’m 37 and competing with 21-year-olds, I still expect myself to win most of the matches, and people expect me to win, whatever, 99% of the matches that I play,” he added. “Wimbledon just extracts the best of me” : Novak Djokovic Novak Djokovic admitted that he has had one of the worst starts to his season. The Serbian has failed to win a single tournament so far, and has also lost his world number on ranking to Jannik Sinner. However, he remains optimistic, and stated that Wimbledon often brings out the best in him. He gave an example of his poor start to the season in 2018, where he lost in the early rounds at the Australian Open and the French Open. However, he came back to win Wimbledon, and also went to win US Open that year, and reclaimed his world number one ranking in 2019. “At Wimbledon, historically, there have been seasons where I wasn’t maybe playing at a desired level, but then I would win a Wimbledon title and then things would change,” said Djokovic. “For example, that was the case in 2018 when I had elbow surgery earlier in the year, dropped my rankings out of the top 20, losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open, I think it was the quarters of Roland-Garros, and just not playing the tennis that I want to play.“ “Then I won Wimbledon and then the US Open and then later on became No. 1 very soon. Wimbledon just extracts the best of me and motivates me to really always show up and perform the best I can,” added the Serb. Novak Djokovic ended Lorenzo Musetti’s campaign at Wimbledon in the semifinals, defeating him in straight sets. The Serbian is also well-rested given that he received a walkover in the quarterfinals, and made light work of Holger Rune in the last 16. Also Read: “For all the people who tried to disrespect me” : Novak Djokovic hits out at fans, and says they cannot touch him with their hostility

Is Novak Djokovic playing Laver Cup?
Tennis

“For all the people who tried to disrespect me” : Novak Djokovic hits out at fans, and says they cannot touch him with their hostility

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“For all the people who tried to disrespect me” : Novak Djokovic hits out at fans, and says they cannot touch him with their hostility Novak Djokovic advanced into the quarterfinals of Wimbledon once again, as he defeated Holger Rune in straight straights in the last 16. The Serbian had an explosive on court interview, as he hit out at fans after his victory. Fans on Centre Court were cheering on for Holger Rune throughout the match, whilst booing Novak Djokovic. This did not sit well with the former world number one, as he stated had a message for people who disrespected him. It was quite a hostile on court interview from the Serb, as he was very displeased with the crowd’s behavior throughout the match. He believes that cheering for a player is fine, but disrespecting the other is not. “For all the people that were respectful, a good night. For all the people who tried to disrespect me… a GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD ngiht”. “I know they are cheering from Rune, but that’s just an excuse for also boo me,” said Djokovic. Novak Djokovic lashes out at fans after being booed in last 16 victory Novak Djokovic had another message for the fans, as he stated that he has played in more hostile environments than this. The Serbian added that he does not accept such behavior, having been on the tour for over 20 years now. “I dont’ accept it. I’ve been on the tour for more than 20 years. I know all the tricks. It’s fine, I focus on the people that have respect and paid the tickets to come and watch (…) I’ve played in much more hostile environments, trust me. You can’t touch me”. Novak Djokovic will now face Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. The Australian has been having a brilliant season, as he outclassed Arthur Fils in four sets in the last 16 clash. Novak Djokovic has grown in confidence as the tournament has progressed, and continues to remain the favorite to claim the title here. Novak Djokovic produced his best performance of the Championships so far against a tricky opponent in the form of Holger Rune. He was not broken even once on his serve in the match, whereas, he broke his opponent on four occasions. Also Read: “I actually flew out early on Tuesday to be there” : Roger Federer on missing Andy Murray’s farewell

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

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