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Wimbledon: Cameron Norrie beats Jack Draper as Novak Djokovic survives scare against Jacob Fearnley | Tennis News

On: July 4, 2024 By: admin

Cameron Norrie won the all-British clash with rising star Jack Draper to reach
the third round at Wimbledon, while Novak Djokovic overcame a terrific fightback from Jacob Fearnley.

Draper had replaced Norrie as the country’s No 1 male player last month.

But former semi-finalist Norrie found his form when it mattered in a 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 7-6 (8-6) victory on Court One.

“It was not easy to come out and play Jack, and we are good friends off the court,” he said.

“I had to put that aside. I was a bit of an underdog but I was relaxed to be honest.

“I’m feeling really good physically and wanted to trust my movement and my legs. The level is there and I used my experience against Jack.

“I was a bit nervy at the end of that tie-break but I got it done. It’s a special day for me.”

This was a stunning – if surprising – reminder of his Wimbledon pedigree in the first meeting of the men’s British Nos 1 and 2 at a Grand Slam since Tim Henman beat Greg Rusedski in the 2002 Australian Open.

No shots were fired in this latest battle of Britain until the first-set tie-break, when a Norrie drop shot left a scrambling Draper lying on his back at the net.

Norrie’s volley to win the set had Draper muttering towards his team, prodding his chest before discarding his racket in disgust as he sat down.

A pumped-up Norrie broke a subdued Draper at the start of the second with the first break point of the match.

Barely 10 minutes later Norrie had won 14 of the next 15 points to lead 4-0 on his way to a two-set lead.

Draper had needed five sets to beat Elias Ymer in round one and was going to have to do the same if he was to reach the third round for the first time.

He finally broke for 4-2 in the third with a stunning backhand winner past his fellow left-hander.

But, when serving for the set, Draper was broken to love, another cross-court pass followed by the ubiquitous Norrie fist pump.

In the tie-break Draper saved one match point on his own serve, but when he double-faulted Norrie made no mistake with the second.

Djokovic survives Fearnley’s fightback

Djokovic overcame a terrific fightback from British No 13 Fearnley on Centre Court to win 6-3 6-4 5-7 7-5 and reach the third round of Wimbledon.

World No 277 Fearnley stunned the home crowd when he took the third set 7-5 forcing seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic to work hard for his victory in a contest that lasted three hours.

“I dropped my level,” admitted the Serb. “I think I should have done some things better in the third set to finish it off.

“I think I just did enough to win there in the fourth. I was a bit lucky to really get out of trouble and not go a break down.

“Hopefully I can raise the level in the upcoming rounds.”

While Djokovic can now look forward to a third-round showdown with Australian Alexei Popyrin, Fearnley gave himself a pat on the back.

“I was playing the greatest tennis player of all time on Centre Court, Wimbledon, so it’s very difficult to be too disappointed,” he said.

“I was super grateful to have the opportunity to play on that court against that opponent. Proud is how I’m feeling right now.”

The wild card, who was ranked outside the world’s top 500 just a month ago before shooting up almost 250 spots after winning a second-tier Challenger event in Nottingham, made a memorable Centre Court debut.

Fearnley earned a clap from Djokovic after a neat volley got the third set under way and had the crowd on their feet when he broke the Serb in the sixth game.

Djokovic double-faulted to go 15-40 down in the sixth game, but the second seed went clutch to hold and broke the novice to reach the third round weeks after surgery on a torn meniscus threatened his Wimbledon participation.

A potential hurdle for Djokovic removed himself when seventh seed Hubert Hurkacz, his projected quarter-final opponent, was injured winning a point.

The 27-year-old from Poland, highly-fancied at this year’s Championships, dived to make a volley during a fourth-set tie-break against Frenchman Arthur Fils and hurt his knee.

Hurkacz, who ended Roger Federer’s Wimbledon career three years ago, tried to play on after having the knee strapped up but managed just two more points before retiring.

Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian 10th seed, had to come from two sets down to beat Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng, a player 14 years his junior, in five.

American 13th seed Taylor Fritz needed four sets to see off the stubborn Arthur Rinderknech and another Frenchman, Gael Monfils, won the battle of the veterans 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 7-6 (7-3) with Stan Wawrinka.

Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur beat Spain’s Jaume Munar in straight sets, while Ben Shelton, the 14th seed from America, won his second five-setter of the week, 10-7 in a fifth-set tie-break, to edge past South African Lloyd Harris.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Jack Rowell: Steve Borthwick leads tributes as former England and Bath head coach dies aged 87 | Rugby Union News

On: July 3, 2024 By: admin

Steve Borthwick has led tributes to former England and Bath head coach Jack Rowell following his death at the age of 87.

Rowell coached England from 1994 to 1997, overseeing 21 victories in 29 Tests and a World Cup semi-final appearance against New Zealand in Cape Town, when Jonah Lomu scored four tries as the All Blacks ran riot.

Players like Will Carling, Jeremy Guscott and Rob Andrew all flourished under Rowell’s leadership, with England winning Five Nations titles in 1995 and 1996, including one Grand Slam.

Rowell was appointed by the Rugby Football Union following an outstanding 16-year coaching career with Bath.

He transformed the west country club into giants of the English domestic game, with Bath winning five league titles and the knockout cup eight times under his direction.

In a statement, Bath said: “It is with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of former Bath Rugby head coach and club president Jack Rowell on Monday July 1.

“Jack Rowell, all 6ft 7in of him, was a towering figure in the history of Bath and English rugby, a unique character who will never be equalled for his extraordinary achievements as a visionary, astute strategist and inspirational coach.

“From his arrival in the summer of 1978 to his departure at the end of yet another trophy-laden season in 1994 to coach England, Jack had set about creating and sustaining an unstoppable force in domestic rugby.

“On behalf of everyone at Bath Rugby, we extend our deepest condolences to Jack’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Jack.”

Rowell returned to the Recreation Ground as director of rugby in 2002, where current England head coach and former Bath captain Borthwick worked with him.

“We are saddened to hear the passing of Jack Rowell and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” Borthwick told www.englandrugby.com. “As a player at Bath, I had the privilege of working with him when he was director of rugby.

“He left a huge impression on me, not only as someone with incredible rugby knowledge, but also a fantastic man. His contribution to English rugby was enormous, and he will be sorely missed.”

Bath said they were making plans for a book of condolence at the club on Friday and Saturday, while flags at the Recreation Ground and Bath’s Farleigh House training base will fly at half-mast in tribute to Rowell.

Former Bath captain and England flanker John Hall, who is the current club president, paid tribute to Rowell.

“Many of us played under Jack for more than a decade and he was not just a coach to us, he was a visionary leader whose influence on our club, its players and supporters left a legacy that will endure through the ages,” Hall said.

“His strategic thinking and passion for the game transformed the club and our team into champions, both on and off the field. The numerous titles and victories we celebrated together are a testament to his exceptional leadership and deep understanding of rugby.

“Jack was a mentor and a friend to many of us, and had a huge influence with our club and international careers. His ability to inspire and motivate was unparalleled, creating a tough environment where players and staff alike could thrive.

“Several former players, who were close to him, recently had the opportunity to visit and spent time by his bedside. Despite his health challenges, it was heartening to witness that his sharp wit remained intact until the very end.

“We grieve his passing, but also celebrate his remarkable life and the profound impact he had on Bath Rugby throughout the 1970s, 80s and 90s. Jack Rowell was truly one of a kind, and his memory will always hold a place of honour at our club.”

Wimbledon: Jack Draper through to face British compatriot Cam Norrie after five-set Centre Court epic vs Elias Ymer | Tennis News

On: July 2, 2024 By: admin

Britain’s Jack Draper is through to the second round at Wimbledon to face compatriot Cam Norrie after an exhausting and entertaining five-set epic against Sweden’s Elias Ymer.

Draper ultimately came out victorious from a topsy-turvy contest 3-6 6-3 6-3 4-6 6-3 as the Centre Court roof eventually had to be shut and the floodlights switched on.

The 22-year-old – who was playing on Centre Court due to Andy Murray’s earlier injury withdrawal – will now face Norrie after he defeated Argentina’s Facundo Diaz Acosta 7-5 7-5 6-3 in his tournament opener.

Having succumbed to lose the opening set largely due to 28-year-old Ymer’s impressive knack for striking forehand winners onto the baseline, 28th seed Draper responded to take charge in the following two sets.

The Brit broke his opponent three times across the two sets, connecting more frequently with his devastating left-arm forehand, and producing more consistency with his powerful serve.

A tight fourth set then appeared to be heading Draper’s way, only for Ymer to break him at 4-4 just after the home favourite had used his final challenge for the set, and then been unhappy with a service-line call he could not then review.

With Ymer serving for the set, Draper forced his way to 0-40 and three break point chances, but an immense show of serving and mettle saw the Swede get things to deuce, ultimately winning five points in a row to take things to a fifth-set decider.

After a brief delay for the Centre Court roof to be closed, Draper started on top in the fifth and never let up, breaking Ymer to go 3-1 ahead and crucially consolidating with a strong hold of serve for 4-1.

Ymer saved four break points to win the next game for 4-2, but Draper held to 15 and then produced two aces in his final service game en route to a dramatic victory.

“I really enjoyed it, to play in front of you guys, I missed it last year,” Draper said on court afterwards. “You probably wanted to see Andy [Murray] out here but you were stuck with me instead.

“It really helped me out here, there were some nervy moments, I appreciate the support it means a lot.

“What an honour [to fill in for Murray], honestly! I wouldn’t be here without Andy, such a guy off the court, so genuine, so kind, what a champion and what a competitor.”

Unseeded Norrie, 28, who reached the semi-finals in 2022, said of facing Draper: “He’s a really good friend of mine. We’ve practised together so many times and we always have high-level practices and we always have positive energy.

“I always want him to do well. I would love to play him at Wimbledon, it would be a special one.”

Jubb suffers agonising exit

Paul Jubb missed out on a first Wimbledon win in agonising fashion, falling in five sets to big-hitting Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild.

Jubb led by two sets to love and had a match point in the third-set tie-break but he could not take it and Seyboth Wild fought back to win 1-6 3-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 7-5.

“I think that’s the main thing that’s kind of hanging over my head right now is I really wanted to tick that one off the list as one of my childhood dreams. One point away is brutal,” Jubb said.

“This is definitely where I feel I belong. My level is there. I’m good enough to compete in the top 100 and beat top-100 guys. I was injured and had to start from scratch. So I’ve just got to work my way up.”

Fearnley’s dream start

British wild card Jacob Fearnley continued his dream summer with a straight-sets victory over Alejandro Moro Canas to set up a second-round tie with Novak Djokovic.

Fearnley only finished his five-year stint at Texas Christian University in May and was ranked outside the top 500 until he won an ATP Challenger event in Nottingham as a qualifier last month.

It helped earn the 22-year-old from Scotland a wild card for this year’s Championships and he marked his debut with a 7-5 6-4 7-6 (14-12) victory on a buoyant Court Eight.

World No 277 Fearnley arrived at SW19 after a narrow defeat in Eastbourne to compatriot Billy Harris, who was beaten on debut by Jaume Munar in the opening round on Tuesday.

Choinski beaten in epic after delay

British wild card Jan Choinski suffered a painful exit of his own following defeat to world No 37 Luciano Darderi in a rain-delayed five-set thriller.

German-born Choinski was a set and a game down in the first-round tie when play was initially suspended due to wet weather.

The towering 28-year-old impressively hit back to lead but Italian Darderi levelled at two sets all ahead of a second enforced break in play before completing a 7-5 4-6 2-6 7-5 6-2 win in three-and-a-half hours.

World No 174 Choinski was back on Court 17, where he fought back to defeat Dusan Lajovic in four sets on his main draw debut last year.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the final Grand Slam of 2024 – the US Open – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the hard-court season.

Hamburg Open (ATP 500) 15-21 July
Newport Hall of Fame Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Swiss Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Bastad Open (ATP 250) 15-21 July
Palermo Ladies Open (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Hungarian Grand Prix (WTA 250) 15-21 July
Prague Open (WTA 250) 21-26 July

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Wimbledon 2024: Emma Raducanu, Andy Murray, Jack Draper and Katie Boulter look towards start of Grand Slam | Tennis News

On: June 30, 2024 By: admin

Emma Raducanu won’t look beyond the Wimbledon first round, Jack Draper looks to Carlos Alcaraz for inspiration, while Katie Boulter is ready to embrace the spotlight as Britain’s big hopes spoke to media on Saturday.

Raducanu heads into Wimbledon full of confidence but played down expectations for her first match on Monday.

The former US Open champion has been in fine form on the British grass, reaching the semi-finals in Nottingham before losing to Katie Boulter in a very tight contest and then claiming her first win over a top-10 opponent against Jessica Pegula on her way to the Eastbourne quarter-finals.

She is one of the more dangerous unseeded players, but the draw was not kind, with Russian 22nd seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, who has decent grass-court pedigree, her opening opponent.

“If I get through my first round, I’d be over the moon,” said Raducanu.

“I think it’s a tough match. She’s seeded really well. It’s obviously going to be hard. I think that she’s got great weapons. On this surface, it only amplifies big weapons.

“I’m expecting a really difficult match. I think it’s a match where I’m actually the complete underdog because she’s a lot older, a lot more experienced, ranked a lot higher.

“I feel like it’s just a great opportunity to try to get a good scalp, try to enjoy playing how I have been in the last few weeks, and just get back into it.”

The Kent player remains wary of pushing her body too hard, skipping French Open qualifying to practise on grass, but is encouraged by her growing physical resilience.

“I feel very confident in my body,” she said. “I was able to play three matches at a high level last week and come out physically unscathed.

“I think I’m in a really good place. Last year I did a good chunk of work at the end of the year to get back and healthy. I’ve continued that work on throughout this year.

“I feel good in my body. There’s no doubts. I would say this preparation has worked out really well. I got a great balance between matches but also staying fresh and not playing too much.”

Draper: I don’t see any reason I can’t be one of the best players in the world

A year ago Draper sat on his sofa watching near contemporary Carlos Alcaraz lift the Wimbledon title and plotting his way to the top.

A shoulder injury was the latest and most painful physical problem for Draper, forcing him to miss the whole grass-court season and dropping his ranking back outside the top 100.

“It really, really motivated me and was actually I think a blessing in disguise because my body wasn’t ready,” he said.

“I don’t think mentally I was ready either to be a top player. It was a good break that I needed to rediscover the fire I needed. From there, I’ve been great.”

Twelve months on, things are very different. Draper is the British No 1, ranked 29th and seeded for the first time at a Grand Slam, and has just won his first ATP Tour title in Stuttgart before posting a career-best win over Alcaraz at Queen’s.

The 22-year-old’s leaping, jubilant celebration showed just what that meant and now he is being talked about again as a player who can potentially rival Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner at the top of the sport.

“I’ve come a long way in a year and I’m very proud of that,” said Draper. “I just want to keep going.

“I’m excited to see after Wimbledon, as well, leading into the Olympics, the hard courts, that’s when we’ll really see where my tennis is at. The grass, you do get away with certain things.

“If my game keeps on improving, I keep the mindset, and keep on improving physically like I have been, I don’t see there’s any reason why I can’t be one of the best players in the world. That’s my aspiration, that’s my goal.

“Everything feels good now. I’m definitely feeling a lot more fearless on the court, but I also have practised it enough and I’ve prepared well enough that I know those shots are more likely to go in than they used to before.”

Boulter: I’m ready to embrace spotlight and expectation

Boulter is ready to embrace the Wimbledon spotlight. The 27-year-old goes into the tournament as the leading home hope for success in the women’s draw having maintained her upward trajectory for more than a year.

Boulter made a big breakthrough by winning her first WTA Tour title in Nottingham last June and has followed that up with a bigger crown in San Diego and then a successful defence of the tournament that takes place only a few miles from her home in Leicestershire.

She is seeded for the first time at Wimbledon as the world No 32 and is a clear British No 1.

Boulter has seen up close the expectations and attention on long-term boyfriend Alex De Minaur at his home grand slam, the Australian Open, but feels comfort rather than anxiety now the boot is on her foot.

“I’m sure it’s going to get more and more hectic as it goes along, it always does,” she said.

“But it’s awesome. It’s really nice to be a part of such an incredible, historic tournament that I’ve watched since I was a kid. To then become someone that can be leading that pack, it helps me, I think it pushes me on.

“Knowing there’s going to be a lot of people out there cheering for me, it puts me a bit at comfort knowing that I’m going to have that to rely on if need be.

“Also being seeded, it’s a moment for me to show the dedication I’ve put in these last few years. I think that’s a little pat on the back for me. I’m striving for more but I’m happy at the moment with where I’m at.”

Murray: I’m willing to takes risks to try and play at Wimbledon

Andy Murray is willing to take risks to compete at Wimbledon one final time but gave no guarantee he will play singles after a practice session on Saturday.

The Scot took to the All England Club’s practice courts at Aorangi Park a week after undergoing surgery to remove a spinal cyst.

His reaction afterwards was somewhat downbeat but he is still hoping to be able to take to the court on Tuesday against Czech Tomas Machac.

“Whether there’s enough time or not, I don’t know, but I’m trying,” Murray told reporters. “I need to be able to move properly, which I can’t yet, so let’s see in 48 hours or so.

“There’s risks associated with what I’m trying to do and I’m willing to take that to try and play.”

Murray confirmed earlier this week that he is planning for Wimbledon, where he is also due to play doubles with his brother Jamie, and the Olympics to be the final tournament of his career.

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Jack Draper eliminated from Queen’s as Tommy Paul wins quarter-final in three sets | Tennis News

On: June 22, 2024 By: admin

Britain’s Jack Draper lost in the quarter-finals of the Queen’s Club Championships the day after he stunned Carlos Alcaraz.

But Draper could not maintain that form against Tommy Paul on Friday. After losing the first set, Draper clawed back the second only to fade in the third.

Paul ultimately won 6-3 5-7 6-4.

British No 1 Draper enjoyed the biggest win of his career when he ended the Queen’s Club reign of Wimbledon champion Alcaraz. But the 22-year-old was outgunned by American fifth seed Paul in two hours and one minute.

For Draper a crucial lapse midway through the deciding set saw him broken to love – capped with a double-fault – to swing the match Paul’s way.

Defeat ended Draper’s seven-match winning streak after he lifted his first ATP title in Stuttgart last week.

“I’m definitely playing some good tennis,” Paul said. “I knew today was going to be a battle.

“He’s been playing such amazing tennis so I’m really happy get through that one.”

He continued: “His serve is not fun to deal with, he plays very aggressive. Really just takes you off your game.

“For me the key was just play my game and I think I did a pretty good job.”

Van man Billy Harris hit the skids in his bid to reach the semi-finals at Queen’s.

The 29-year-old wild card from Nottingham was a surprise quarter-finalist here having spent most of his nomadic career travelling to lower-ranked tournaments in a transit van.

But his journey in west London ground to a halt against turbo-charged Italian Lorenzo Musetti, who won 6-3 7-5 in an hour and 39 minutes

However, Harris can now treat himself to a new set of wheels with a hefty pay cheque for four days’ work.

Having been guaranteed £60,000 by being granted a Wimbledon wild card on Wednesday, his run to the last eight took his earnings for the week to £121,000.

Prior to Queen’s, Harris’ total career prize money was £230,000.

Jordan Thompson recorded his second victory over a top-15 opponent this week by beating Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-3 to reach the semi-finals.

“To come through to the semis is really pleasing, especially as I’ve had a rough run lately, so glad to turn it around on the grass,” Thompson said. “It just goes to show if you stick at it long enough you can keep improving no matter how old you are. I feel like I’m getting better.”

In the doubles, Neal Skupski won the battle of Britain against his Olympics partner Joe Salisbury.

Skupski and New Zealand’s Michael Venus beat Salisbury and America’s Rajeev Ram 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6).

In Berlin, Victoria Azarenka was the only player to advance to the semi-finals on Friday, moving on after Elena Rybakina retired due to abdominal pain trailing 3-1 in the first set.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.

Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Queen’s Club Championships: Jack Draper stuns Carlos Alcaraz to move into quarter-finals | Tennis News

On: June 20, 2024 By: admin

Britain’s Jack Draper is through to the quarter-finals at the Queen’s Club Championships, after a stunning defeat of defending champion Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 6-3.

A tight first set with no break points saw Draper excel in a tie-break to clinch it 7-3 and claim the opening set, before storming through the second to lead 5-2 with two match points on the Alcaraz serve.

The Spaniard recovered to hold from there, but Draper then held his nerve, serving out the match for victory.

Spanish superstar Alcaraz, who won the French Open earlier this month, had not been beaten in seven weeks or lost a match on grass in almost two years.

But Draper served notice that he is ready to mix it in the upper echelons of the game by becoming the first British man to beat a top-two player on grass since Andy Murray against Novak Djokovic in the 2013 Wimbledon final.

“It was a really tough match,” said Draper. “Carlos is the defending champion, he won Wimbledon, he’s an incredible talent and amazing for the sport.

“I had to come out and play well and luckily I did.

“There’s no place I’d rather be right now, with my family, my friends and the British support. I’ve got my grandad here, who’s just turned 80, he’s doing well.”

Draper became the new British No 1 on Monday, having secured the first ATP Tour title of his career by beating Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final on Sunday.

Draper will play American fifth seed Tommy Paul, a 6-3 6-4 winner over Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, in the quarter-final.

With top seed Alcaraz now out, second seed Alex de Minaur and third seed Grigor Dimitrov are already eliminated as well, as are sixth, seventh and eighth seeds Ben Shelton, Holger Rune and Ugo Humbert.

Alcaraz had no complaints about the result as his 13-match unbeaten streak on grass came to a shuddering halt.

“I’m not too good right now. I felt like I didn’t play well, I didn’t move well,” he said.

“Of course I have to give credit to Jack. I think he played really good tennis today,”

Draper was joined in the last eight by another Briton, wild card Billy Harris.

The 29-year-old journeyman from Nottingham, who usually travels to lower-tier tournaments in his camper van, has made a huge breakthrough this week.

He celebrated the news that he had been given a wild card for Wimbledon – and a guaranteed £60,000 pay day – by beating French qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-4 7-5.

Harris said: “It’s massive for my confidence. I came into this match knowing it would be tough with his serve.

“The games went quick and I had to keep my focus. I got the breaks when I needed them and I thought I played well.

“I didn’t know how I’d react to coming out here but as soon as I came on court I got great support from the crowd and they helped me through the match.”

There was more British success in the doubles as Joe Salisbury and American partner Rajeev Ram beat scratch pairing Sebastian Korda and Alex De Minaur.

In the quarter-finals, Salisbury will face another Briton, Neal Skupski, who is playing alongside New Zealander Michael Venus.

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.

Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Jamison Gibson-Park and Jack Conan ruled out of Ireland’s series against South Africa | Rugby Union News

On: June 18, 2024 By: admin

Scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park and back-row Jack Conan will miss Ireland’s two-Test series against world champions South Africa.

First-choice No 9 Gibson-Park is ruled out by a hamstring injury while Leinster team-mate Conan is unavailable due to personal reasons, with his wife due to give birth to their first child.

Andy Farrell has handed a first senior call up to Ulster forward Cormac Izuchukwu and included uncapped Leinster pair Jamie Osborne and Sam Prendergast in a 35-man squad captained by Peter O’Mahony.

Ireland take on the Springboks on Saturday July 6 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria and seven days later at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, with both games live on Sky Sports.

With full-back Hugo Keenan absent for the tour due to his participation in Ireland’s rugby sevens squad at the Paris Olympics, Jimmy O’Brien makes a timely return from injury having sat out as Ireland retained the Six Nations earlier this year.

Hooker Rob Herring is also back after missing the championship triumph but Connacht wing Mack Hansen remains sidelined while Ulster lock Iain Henderson is out after undergoing toe surgery.

Connacht scrum-half Caolin Blade, who has two international caps, benefits from the absence of the influential Gibson-Park.

Farrell: Ireland must hit ground running

Ireland have won the last three meetings with South Africa, including a 13-8 success during the pool stage at last year’s Rugby World Cup in France.

Yet the Springboks went on to retain the Webb Ellis Cup while Ireland once again exited at the quarter-final stage.

“Travelling to South Africa to play a Test series against the defending world champions provides no greater test for us, and it is another valuable opportunity for us to further grow and develop from the Six Nations,” said Farrell.

“The group understands the need to hit the ground running, ensuring we are the best version of ourselves for the challenge ahead.”

Ireland’s squad will meet in Dublin on Thursday to prepare for the tour before departing for Johannesburg next Tuesday.

Skipper O’Mahony said: “I am proud to be asked to lead Ireland in South Africa, a country which provides one of the toughest challenges in world rugby.

“As reigning world champions, South Africa will provide the sternest of tests and we know that we will have to perform at a high level to get the results we want.

“There’s a lot of respect and familiarity between both countries in recent years at international and club levels, since they were invited to join the URC [United Rugby Championship] and European Cup competitions, and we know the challenge that awaits.”

South Africa kick off their summer against Wales at Twickenham on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Action from 1.30pm (kick-off 2pm).

Ireland squad for tour of South Africa

Forwards: Ryan Baird, Finlay Bealham, Tadhg Beirne, Caelan Doris, Tadhg Furlong, Cian Healy, Rob Herring, Cormac Izuchukwu, Oli Jager, Rónan Kelleher, Joe McCarthy, Peter O’Mahony (c), Tom O’Toole, Andrew Porter, Cian Prendergast, James Ryan, Dan Sheehan, Nick Timoney, Josh van der Flier.

Backs: Bundee Aki, Caolin Blade, Craig Casey, Jack Crowley, Ciarán Frawley, Robbie Henshaw, Jordan Larmour, James Lowe, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Calvin Nash, Jimmy O’Brien, Jamie Osborne, Sam Prendergast, Garry Ringrose, Jacob Stockdale.

Stream rugby’s summer internationals in 2024 and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Jack Draper: New British number one speaks of pride after earning first career ATP Tour title | Tennis News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

Jack Draper has spoken of his pride at becoming the new British No 1, adding that “I knew my time was going to come” when reflecting on winning his first career ATP Tour title.

Draper battled back to beat Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 3-6 7-6 6-4 in the final of the Stuttgart Open on Sunday, seeing him move up to 31st in the world rankings and leapfrog Cameron Norrie as Britain’s top men’s tennis player.

“It fills me with a lot of pride and confidence,” Draper told Sky Sports of following in the footsteps of Norrie and Andy Murray before him.

“To be in this position I’m in now is a great privilege. It’s honestly something I’ve wanted since I was younger. It’s amazing.”

The 22-year-old added: “I’ve been working so hard, doing the right things for such a long time now, that I knew my time was going to come in one of these events.

“I was in a period over the clay-court season where I was really trying to change my identity as a tennis player, trying to be more aggressive and take more risks, take the ball on a lot more.

“I’ve been doing that in practice so well that when it came to the matches, I was just really confident.

“I’m really proud of the way I played last week. To beat the players I beat and win my first title, I’m incredibly proud of that achievement.”

Draper: My goal is to be one of the best in the world

Draper’s victory in Stuttgart means he’s set to be seeded for the men’s singles draw at Wimbledon next month, a far cry from the position he found himself in a year ago when a shoulder problem ruled him out of the grass-court season.

As he continues his preparations for his SW19 return, Draper plays Argentinian Mariano Navone in the first round at Queen’s Club on Tuesday.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Andy Murray, who this week said Draper “can get right up to the top of the game”, faces Alexei Popyrin in his Queen’s opener, also on Tuesday.

“It’s been a big goal of mine since the start of the season,” Draper said of his likely Wimbledon seeding.

“Everyone’s an amazing player, but those seeds protect you from playing a top, top player in the first or second round – which has been a slight issue for me this year.

“I’m incredibly happy to be in that position and hopefully I can keep rising.”

As for Murray’s comments, Draper told a press conference at Queen’s on Monday: “It’s amazing to hear that from someone like Andy.

“My goal is to be one of the top players in the world.”

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports at the following tournaments:

Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

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Jack Draper: The rise of bright tennis prospect to new British No 1 | Tennis News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

Jack Draper is Britain’s new No 1 after rising above Cameron Norrie in the rankings, but who is the 22-year-old bright tennis prospect from Sutton and can he become a Grand Slam winner?

Having missed the entire grass-court swing last year because of injury, Draper’s preparations for this year’s Wimbledon saw him pick up his first ATP Tour title by beating Italy’s Matteo Berrettini in the Stuttgart Open final on Sunday.

The youngster, who has been on an upwards trajectory in recent years, has now edged ahead of Norrie for the British No 1 ranking.

Jack Draper in short

Nickname: JD and Drapes

Place of birth: Sutton

Lives: London

Trains: NTC/Wimbledon

Favourite tournament: Wimbledon

Family: Father Roger was a talented amateur tennis player and Chief Executive of the LTA from 2006 to 2013

Mother Nicky is a former British junior champion and introduced Jack to tennis

Brother Ben played college tennis at University of California-Berkeley and now pursues a Master’s degree at Wake Forest

Supports Manchester United

Favourite athlete is MMA star Conor McGregor

Where it all began

Draper started playing at his local Sutton Tennis & Squash club, competing with his brother under the tutelage of mother and tennis coach, Nicky.

As a coach at the club, his mother brought Jack along to his first training session at the age of six.

Draper peaked at No 7 in the ITF junior world rankings, aided by his runner-up finish at the 2018 Wimbledon boys’ singles event.

Draper’s rise

The left-hander is one of the brightest prospects in British tennis – as reflected in his 223-place rise up the ATP rankings in 2022, which saw him end the year ranked inside the top 50.

Draper burst onto the scene with impressive victories over Jannik Sinner and Alexander Bublik at Queen’s Club in 2021 and became the youngest Brit to win three ATP Challenger titles in two months, the first Brit to qualify for the Next Gen Finals and backed those achievements up with strong performances at Eastbourne, the Canada Masters and US Open.

He introduced himself to the mainstream when he took a set off Novak Djokovic in the opening match of Wimbledon in 2022 as a 19-year-old.

Draper reached two ATP Tour finals prior to his success in Stuttgart on Sunday. He lost a close encounter to Adrian Mannarino in Sofia in November 2023 and then made the final again in Adelaide at the start of 2024, losing out to Jiri Lehecka in three sets.

Before that, Draper’s previous best was reaching his first ATP Tour semi-final at Eastbourne in 2022 as a wildcard.

Who is Draper coached by?

LTA National Coach James Trotman at the National Tennis Centre, although he recently trialled a potential second coach when hiring Wayne Ferreira in an effort to jump-start his career.

Trotman is a former player himself, winning the 1995 Wimbledon Championships boys doubles with Martin Lee and the 1997 Australian Open boys doubles with David Sherwood.

Draper at the 2023 US Open

After missing Wimbledon due to injuries, Draper returned to the tour with a strong showing at the US Open.

The Brit defeated Radu Albot, Hubert Hurkacz and American Michael Mmoh to reach the fourth round at Flushing Meadows – his best performance at a Grand Slam event so far.

Draper’s motivation

“I just love winning. To be honest, I love to put in the work and then gain the rewards from it. I know it’s not always like that, but at the same time I enjoy how tough it is. I love competing and I enjoy training and getting better.”

Injuries and illness

Draper’s progress has stalled amid numerous physical issues but after working on his fitness and losing 3kgs, he now seeks psychological assistance to help with anxiety which hinders his physical performance.

“I always felt like the physical issues, like a lot of that has been for me mental as well, sort of dealing with stress, dealing with my emotions,” said Draper.

“Obviously as I’m getting physically better, I can maybe cope with it a little bit better, but it’s definitely an area that is really important as well.

“I’ve never really felt like a lot of tension in my tennis. That’s not the issue. It’s like… when you do have that anxiety when you are playing, obviously there’s a lot going on. It’s hot. There’s sort of no way out from the court. You have to really suffer to win the points, and you’ve got to work hard.

“Every player feels it, and every player has different kind of ways they struggle with it, whether it’s someone getting really tight on their forehand, and they can’t hit a forehand. It might be their movement starts to go a little bit.

“For me, it feels like my breathing starts to really struggle, and I can’t get the oxygen in me. That’s obviously a difficult point when you are playing. You are not only playing the guy, you are almost competing against yourself because you’re not obviously feeling 100 per cent.”

Ready to lean on his idol

Draper has said he is ready to “lean on” Andy Murray a lot after the Scot calls time on his career.

Murray is in the final throes of an outstanding career, having confirmed earlier this year that he is unlikely to play beyond the summer.

“It is going to be much easier to tap into him when he has finished,” Draper said.

“As a tennis player you don’t have time to think of anything but yourself. You are always thinking about what you can do better.

“When he has stopped I will be contacting him a lot more, asking him for opinions on certain things, asking him what he has tried and if it has worked for him.

“I am definitely going to lean on Andy a lot and I am sure he will want to help me because he has always been very supportive of me.”

The future?

Draper has shown he has the talent to challenge at the top of the game and admits he feels a responsibility to take the baton.

“I want to achieve so much in the sport – it is not all about winning, it is about inspiring kids to play and making people pick up a racket and knowing that tennis isn’t all just about playing on Centre Court Wimbledon,” he said.

“It can be amazing for so many people in different ways.”

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

In the run-up to the third Grand Slam of 2024 – Wimbledon – you can watch all of the biggest tennis stars in action live on Sky Sports as they compete across the grass-court season.

Berlin Open (WTA 500) – June 17-23
Halle (ATP 500) – June 17-23
Mallorca Championships (ATP 250) – June 23-29
Bad Homburg (WTA 500) – June 23-29

Watch the WTA and ATP Tours throughout 2024 on Sky Sports Tennis. Stream Sky Sports Tennis and more with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.

Jack Massey edges out Isaac Chamberlain as Dan Azeez is held to draw by Hrvoje Sep | Boxing News

On: June 15, 2024 By: admin

Jack Massey ousted Isaac Chamberlain via unanimous decision to clinch the European and Commonwealth cruiserweight titles in an all-British showdown at Selhurst Park.

Chamberlain had been scheduled to face Michal Cieslak for the European title before injury forced the Pole to withdraw, with Massey coming in as his replacement.

The back-up fight had the makings to be even more enthralling than that of the originally-planned bout, as much becoming evident early on in what became an exhaustive back-and-forth clash.

Massey would serve as a constant nuisance as he withstood any prospect of fatigue to deny Chamberlain, taking it 115-113, 115-113, 116-112 on the cards.

The win lifts Massey to 22-2 on the back of his first-round knockout win over Steve Eloundou Ntere and strong performance in defeat to Joseph Parker, while Chamberlain drops to 16-3.

Massey was the primary aggressor in the early rounds and let his intentions be known as he landed a huge right hand to the cheek of Chamberlain, who absorbed the impact impressively.

Back came Chamberlain with a sharp flurry of his own at the ropes in the third, before drawing on his skills to unleash three snapping straight jabs early in the fourth.

The Londoner looked to build with a thumping right hand to the head of Massey, who found himself penned in at the corner momentarily before coming inches away from landing a vicious straight left as the pair parted.

Massey then breached the guard of Chamberlain with a beautifully-timed jab in the fifth, and looked to capitalise with a neat four-punch combination followed by crushing back-to-back hooks to knock his man left-to-right.

He began to find more joy in round seven with a plunging right hook to the body and a left jab to the head, Chamberlain this time responding with a powerful left hand to back-track his opponent into retreat.

There came signs of Chamberlain taking control when he connected with an emphatic left hook to the face of Massey, coupled with a three-punch combination amid a blistering melee in the final seconds of the round that almost saw him land a devastating overhand right at the bell.

Massey would find a second wind, almost rocking Chamberlain with a right hand in the 10th, before eating a left hook that had pushed him up against the ropes.

A relentless, gritty fight continued into the final rounds, Massey responding to his corner’s instructions to maintain the intensity as he continued to march Chamberlain down, denying his skilled counterpart any clear openings as he sought to salvage the final exchanges.

Azeez settles for draw

Dan Azeez was dealt a setback on his return to action as he was held to a draw against Hrvoje Sep.

The Londoner was back in the ring for the first time since losing to Joshua Buatsi earlier in the year, having deemed Sep a step back towards the leading light-heavyweights.

What had been billed as a testing outing proved as much in the early rounds as Sep adopted a front-foot approach as a more than willing trader of hands.

It had looked a useful experience for Azeez in his effort to rebuild momentum against a worthy opponent, but the dangers of a shorter eight-round contest soon told as he found himself level midway through.

By round four Azeez had begun to establish the jab better while gaining more control over the distance of the fight, but again Sep showed an impressive work-rate to match his counterpart’s output.

Azeez looked the more accomplished fighter on the inside and found joy with a flurry of uppercuts during the later rounds, Sep though continuing to threaten with a left hook despite tiring.

A fitter Azeez began to become the more notable hunter as round seven arrived, but was seemingly encouraged by his corner not to go searching for the finish against an opponent who had eaten much of what had been thrown in his direction.

In the end a draw would feel a fair outcome, Sep offering a good account of his toughness and stamina and Azeez no doubt eager for his next outing.

Hennessy continues rise

Francesca Hennessy continued her rise to stardom with a comprehensive points victory over a tough Dorata Norek to improve her record to 4-0 as a professional.

The 19-year-old displayed her slick skills once again to control the contest after eight rounds of valuable experience against an opponent who put her concentration to the test.

Hennessy asserted her control early on as she came out working behind a feint to set up her jab, before a clean left hook rocked Norek off balance momentarily.

She soon found joy behind a familiar two-shot left-hand flurry, following up a hook with a crisp jab to the face of Norek as she began to establish her range in round three.

Norek, if a little unorthodox, tested Hennessy at times with sporadic bursts as the pair moved the fight on the inside, Hennessy, though, showing her talents with mature retreats after connecting with her left hooks.

Hennessy remained the aggressor for much of the remaining rounds, nullifying Norek amid her efforts to reduce the gap in the closing stages.

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Boulter: I’m ready to embrace spotlight and expectation

Murray: I’m willing to takes risks to try and play at Wimbledon

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Draper: My goal is to be one of the best in the world

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Jack Draper in short

Where it all began

Draper’s rise

22 years and 178 days

Who is Draper coached by?

Draper at the 2023 US Open

Draper’s motivation

Injuries and illness

Ready to lean on his idol

The future?

What’s coming up on Sky Sports Tennis?

Azeez settles for draw

Hennessy continues rise