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Novak Djokovic received a verbal lashing from his coach Goran Ivanisevic as tensions threatened to boil
Novak Djokovic received a verbal lashing from his coach Goran Ivanisevic as tensions threatened to boil
The 35-year-old was the strong favorite to claim his seventh title in Rome ahead of the French Open, which begins on May 28. However, the top seed looked distracted and tense out on the court as he was beaten 6-2, 4-6, 6-2 by rising star Rune on the clay surface.
And during the clash, there appeared to be some tension between Djokovic and his coach Ivanisevic after the Serbian angrily shouted in the direction of his box
According to Bosnian outlet Sportal, Djokovic is said to have shouted “everyone is constantly in confusion” in Croatian towards his box, suggesting there was little clarity in the coaching he was receiving on the court.
Ivanisevic is then reported to have responded angrily to Djokovic, shouting: “What the f*** is wrong with you? Play, play, play… get away from the ball!”
It is certainly not the first time Djokovic has laid the blame at the feet of his Croatian coach. Earlier this year at the Australian Open, the Serbian was spotted glaring at Ivanisevic at certain points during the final against Stefanos Tsitsipas and shouted at him when missing crucial shots in the match.
Novak Djokovic received a verbal lashing from his coach Goran Ivanisevic as tensions threatened to boil
And in Rome, the cracks had already started to appear when Djokovic overcame Cameron Norrie in the previous round, despite being some way off his best form.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner was far from happy with the British number one and was seen staring down his opponent on several occasions, suggesting all may not be well in the Djokovic camp.
READ MORE: After Rome exit, Novak Djokovic shifts focus, said “I like my chances in…
Djokovic was also treated for an unknown injury problem during that match and he gave a tetchy response when quizzed on the matter afterward, refusing to divulge on what the issue was. It did not appear to hamper him against Rune, though, who was simply the better player on the day. Although Djokovic did call a medical timeout during the second set and was seen taking a pill given to him by one of the physios before going on to win the set.
With Djokovic crashing out and Rafael Nadal missing the tournament due to injury, it will be the first time in 19 years that the Rome singles final is contested without one of the remaining ‘Big Three’ members being involved.
After seeing off Djokovic, Rune faces Norwegian star Casper Ruud in the semi-final, with a mouthwatering encounter between Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas possible for the other last-four tie as the pair negotiate their quarter-final matches on Thursday.
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H. Marko lashes out at Steiner: Defend Mick Schumacher
Helmut Marko believes Mick Schumacher deserves a return to Formula 1, naming two teams he thinks would consider the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. The 81-year-old Austrian lashes out at Guenther Steiner, who sacked the German at Haas F1 just under two years ago.
“Mick is one of the politest and nicest people in the whole paddock, which is a disadvantage for him. He also has the handicap of a big name,” Marko said in an interview with Sport1.de. “In sporting terms, he has already achieved a lot. He won the Formula 3 championship, he won the Formula 2 championship, that alone made him interesting for Formula 1 teams.”
Schumacher made his Formula 1 debut at Haas F1 in 2021. There, he lasted two seasons. After a disappointing season in 2022, Guenther Steiner showed him the door and they opted for more experience with Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.
Marko: ‘Netflix superstar’ Steiner treated Schumacher unfairly
“As far as we were concerned, there were no sporting reasons why we never got together,” Red Bull Racing’s team advisor explained. “He was a Ferrari junior at the time, but Mercedes took him into the team [afterwards]. So he wasn’t even on the market.”
“At Haas, he was not treated fairly by Netflix superstar Guenther Steiner. That’s a fact. Once you drive outside Formula 1, it becomes a difficult story. But behind the scenes, you only hear good things about him. Toto Wolff praises him to the skies. I think Alpine and Audi are seriously considering him. I wouldn’t begrudge him, because he deserves it,” Marko said.
Verstappen and Hamilton CRASH as FIA take action in Hungary
Max Verstappen was involved in a dramatic collision with Lewis Hamilton for P3 at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The Dutchman attempted an overtake on his rival into Turn 1, going though the inside but locking up as Hamilton’s front right collided with Verstappen’s rear left.
In dramatic fashion the Red Bull was launched into the air, and was lucky to remain in the race, falling behind the Ferrari of Charles Leclerc.
Verstappen has been placed under investigation by the stewards, with the FIA calling a 4.50pm UK time summons, where the sport’s governing body confirmed their findings.
F1 RECAP: Piastri claims STUNNING maiden victory as FIA announce Verstappen penalty verdict
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton crash in Hungary
A nightmare Hungarian GP for Max Verstappen
It was a difficult race for the champion who went wide on the opening lap, and was forced to give the position back to Lando Norris after claiming P2.
The Red Bull star accused the Brit of running him wide, and continued to deliver a series of furious radio messages to his team during the grand prix.
Verstappen’s frustrations came to the fore as he attempted to overtake Hamilton, with the pair lucky to not be embroiled in more devastating contact.
In the end Hamilton claimed P3 and a podium in Hungary, with Verstappen languishing back in fifth.
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“It’s going to be emotional for me” – Chase Briscoe on honoring Tony Stewart’s legacy
Chase Briscoe, in a recent media session, shared his emotions about racing on the oval at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Briscoe will be driving the No. 14 car, a number famously associated with his current team owner, Tony Stewart.
Stewart won several races and the 2011 championship with this car. He also co-owns NASCAR team Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR), which will be shutting down after this season.
NASCAR first raced at Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in 1994, which was the first race there besides the Indianapolis 500 in 1916. Since then, many different racing series have raced at IMS. As the NASCAR Cup Series returns to the Brickyard 400 after three years off, Chase Briscoe, who grew up in Mitchell, Indiana, faces an emotional weekend.
“It’s going to be emotional for me, I mean full transparency I cry every year just on the ride around deal so with it being on the oval and doing it in the 14 all that it’s going to be definitely, probably emotional,” said Briscoe.
“It’s really special to be back here at home in Indiana. Every race car driver dreams of racing at Indianapolis, but for me, it’s even more special because I grew up here,” he added.
Chase Briscoe eyes playoff spot and #14 legacy
A win this weekend will help Chase Briscoe secure a spot in the 2024 Cup playoffs. It would also be a fitting end to SHR’s legacy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
Briscoe has raced at the Brickyard before, twice in the Xfinity Series and won on the road course layout in 2020.
“I didn’t know if I’d ever get a chance to race on the oval. So being able to do it this year means a lot to me,” Briscoe stated.
The #14 car has a special place in NASCAR history. After Stewart retired in 2016, Clint Bowyer took over and won two races in 2018. Chase Briscoe then drove the #14 in 2021 and earned his first win in 2022. Other notable racers like Fonty Flock, Hershel McGriff, and A.J. Foyt, also drove this famed car.
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