Connect with us

Sports

The defeat of the favorites in Montreal allows Nadal to aim for number one in…

Published

on

Inspiredlovers 62c5d3769d629-scaled The defeat of the favorites in Montreal allows Nadal to aim for number one in... Sports Tennis  Tennis World Tennis News Rafael Nadal Carlos Moya

The defeat of the favorites in Montreal allows Nadal to aim for number one in…

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

Whatever happens, whoever lifts the trophy next Sunday to the Canadian sky, this edition of the Masters 1,000 in Montreal is already historic. Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz and Stefanos Tsitsipas were, from the outset, the three favorites and the top seeds, in that order. 

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

However, the first round (for their rivals it was the second) became a kind of black hole that sucked them in. The defeat of Medvedev and Alcaraz benefits Rafa Nadal, who has already confirmed his presence next week in Cincinnati . If he wins the tournament and the current number one does not advance to the quarterfinals, the player from Manacor will replace him at the top of the table.

In Montreal, the first to fall was Alcaraz against Tommy Paul, number 34 in the ATP ranking. The next victim was the Russian, who was left out after losing to Nick Kyrgios in three sets. Finally, the Greek, surprised by Jack Draper, a 20-year-old who ranks 82nd in the world. Since 2001, the two top seeds have not been left out of a Masters 1,000 in the first round. 

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

The defeat of the favorites in Montreal allows Nadal to aim for number one in…

In that year, Gustavo Kuerten and Andre Agassi lost in their debut in Stuttgart against two much inferior rivals. The subsequent fall of Tsitsipas makes this Montreal edition even more extraordinary. After the elimination of the top three candidates for the title, and the also surprising defeats of Andrey Rublev or Diego Schwartzman, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner and the enraged Nick Kyrgios remain as rivals to beat.

The Australian, with his victory over Medvedev (6-7, 6-4, 6-2), did a huge favor to his antagonist in the sport, Rafa Nadal. The Russian had just won in Los Cabos without major shocks, but this disappointment (if it can be considered that way taking into account the moment that Kyrgios is going through) brings the tennis player from Manacor closer to the possibility of accessing the top of the individual classification the week that comes in Cincinnati. For that, he would need to win the tournament and Medvedev not to reach the quarterfinals. If it doesn’t happen, he could still end the year on the throne if he puts in a strong performance at the US Open.

The clash between Kyrgios and the world number one showed the Australian’s change of heart. After seeing how his rival saved a critical situation and prevailed in the tie break of the first round, he did not lower his head and went up several revolutions. Intractable as always in the service and aggressive to the return, he did an exercise of resistance and constant wear and tear that ended up knocking down the sober Medvedev. “Kyrgios played unbelievable, he will soon be top 10,” acknowledged the Russian at the end of the match, surrendering to the level of a tennis player who has won 14 of his last 15 singles matches.

READ MORE: Daniil Medvedev makes Novak Djokovic US Open ban feelings clear with comments on rivals

Alcaraz’s loss was even more surprising, because it came against Tommy Paul, who despite being above Kyrgios in the ATP rankings cannot currently be compared to him. “Right now I’m angry. I made bad decisions. That has frustrated me,” the Murcian confessed at the press conference after the match. “It was the first time that I couldn’t withstand the pressure and I couldn’t control it. I felt the pressure of being the number two seed, the number four in the world,” he admitted, in some surprising statements for a player of his determination. , but understandable given his age and his lightning rise to the top.

The last to be eliminated in Montreal was Tsitsipas, number five in the world and third seeded in the Canadian tournament. His executioner was Jack Draper, a daring young man who, with his powerful left foot, dropped the Greek in two even sets (7-5, 7-6). Among so many disappointments, it should be noted that, despite the elimination of Alcaraz, it is still a positive championship for Spanish tennis. 

In the round of 16 will be Albert Ramos, who surprised the Argentine Schwartzman; Roberto Bautista, who will fight against Casper Ruud; and Pablo Carreño, who will face another hard bone like the Italian Sinner, but who has crushed Holger Rune (6-0, 6-3).

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Facebook Comments

Boxing

Latest Shakira and Lewis Hamilton identical surfing videos stirred reaction fron netizens

Published

on

Inspiredlovers Shakira-Lewis-Hamilton-dating-rumors-continue Latest Shakira and Lewis Hamilton identical surfing videos stirred reaction fron netizens Boxing Sports  Shakira Lewis Hamilton Formula 1 F1 News

The latest Shakira and Lewis Hamilton identical surfing videos stirred reactions from netizens

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

Shakira and Lewis Hamilton dating rumors just got bigger as a couple of videos went viral for being very similar, Shakira and Lewis Hamilton are seen surfing each in their video but they are never seen together

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Shakira has most likely turned the page on her past relationship, her painful breakup with the former Spanish footballer as she has been spotted next to Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton on several occasions, fueling rumors and assumptions of a potential relationship that may be building between the two.

According to some European media reports, the singer and the F1 driver have already been seeing each other for a month and substantially increasing the number of dates.

Shakira has reportedly been seen in the arms of Lewis Hamilton in videos and photos after attending the Spanish Grand Prix.

Latest Shakira and Lewis Hamilton identical surfing videos stirred reaction from netizens

Close friends of the two have said that they have been spending a lot of time together lately and have been gradually getting to know each other, having fun and flirting.

Shakira becomes Billboard’s ‘Woman of the Year
Shakira’s first appearance at an F1 race this year took place in Miami a day after she received Billboard’s “Woman of the Year” award at the inaugural “Latin Women in Music” gala.

Watch The Video Here https://videos.marca.com/v/0_rvx79so8-lewis-hamilton-and-shakira-share-identical-videos-of-them-surfing-coincidence?count=0

Shakira reportedly confessed, during the reception of her award, that this year was one of many radical changes in her life, during which she felt more than ever what it means to be a woman.

READ MORE Ferrari ignored Charles Leclerc as problem loom

In her latest songs, Shakira has used music as therapy, referring to her ex-partner, and has tried to free herself from the trauma caused by the separation.

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Facebook Comments

Continue Reading

Sports

Novak Djokovic discussed dealing with the pressure of playing for a historic 23rd major title after he defeated Carlos Alcaraz

Published

on

Inspiredlovers 1606456_1 Novak Djokovic discussed dealing with the pressure of playing for a historic 23rd major title after he defeated Carlos Alcaraz Sports Tennis  Tennis World Tennis News Novak Djokovic Carlos Alcaraz ATP

Novak Djokovic discussed dealing with the pressure of playing for a historic 23rd major title after he defeated Carlos Alcaraz

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

The Serbian moved within one win of a record 23rd major trophy on Friday by defeating World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz to reach the championship match at Roland Garros. Djokovic pulled away from the physically ailing Spaniard after a pulsating opening two sets to clinch a four-set triumph and move to the brink of history.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

“Pressure is always on my shoulders, so it’s not going to be different,” said the 36-year-old, who would move ahead of Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam titles race by defeating Casper Ruud in Sunday’s final. “But it’s part of my sport, part of my life, all that I do. I think that having pressure is a privilege. But it’s a source of motivation, as well. Great motivation to play well and to reach Sunday.

“Before the tournament, I was saying that of course for me Roland Garros is a Grand Slam, and it’s the most important tournament on this surface. So I was well-prepared so that I would be in this position so would be ready for this battle to win this other Grand Slam title.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

“I hope that I’ll play my best tennis level on Sunday. The only thing I can say now is that I’m very focused. History is always something that’s hovering over me, but I’m very happy to be in this position to write the history of this sport, but I’m just thinking about winning the next match.”

Djokovic produced some of his best tennis of the fortnight in Paris early against Alcaraz, but the Spaniard had struck back to level the pair’s semi-final at one-set-all when he began to suffer from a debilitating cramp that severely hindered his movement on Court Philippe-Chatrier. In true champion style, Djokovic stayed focused on his own game to clinch a comfortable victory in a match that had seemed set to become a Roland Garros classic.

“I have experienced that several times,” said Djokovic when asked about Alcaraz’s post-match self-assessment that the tension of the encounter had contributed to his physical issues. “Early in my career, I was struggling quite a bit physically. I can understand the emotions and circumstances that affect you mentally and emotionally.

“Being in one of the greatest tournaments of the world, [and] maybe for the first time in his career he was expected to win. He was maybe not an underdog, chasing the title and trying to win against a favorite. It was probably the other way around. So maybe that affected him. As he said, it probably did.”

Djokovic was in no doubt that 2022 US Open champion Alcaraz would soon come again on the Grand Slam stage, and likened the Spaniard’s tribulations on the Parisian clay to some that he went through earlier in his career.

“It’s part of the learning curve. It’s part of the experience,” said Djokovic, who had to wait three years between winning his first major title and his second. “He’s only 20. So, he’s got plenty of time.

“He’s shown so much maturity in the last couple of years. He appeared on the scene, just a few years ago, winning his first title, and only a year later he wins his first Grand Slam, and he becomes No. 1.

“I have tremendous respect for that, and he’s got a great coach, a great team of people around him. The career will be his. His career will be very successful if he manages obviously to keep healthy because the game is there.”

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Facebook Comments

Continue Reading

Boxing

Kevin Harvick Changes Voice About His Retirement

Published

on

Inspiredlovers Kevin-Harvick-during-NASCAR-Daytona Kevin Harvick Changes Voice About His Retirement Boxing Sports  NASCAR News Kevin Harvick

Kevin Harvick Changes Voice About His Retirement

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT

Nascar champion Kevin Harvick is preparing for the biggest change of his professional career. It’s bigger than when he began racing full-time in the Cup Series for Richard Childress Racing, and it’s larger than becoming the ace driver at Stewart-Haas Racing.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

Harvick is ready, and he’s excited about the next challenge of his life as he steps away from full-time Nascar racing at the end of the season.

“I have no regrets,” Harvick said, reflecting on his retirement.

ARTICLE CONTINUE AFTER THE ADVERTISEMENT..... SCROLL DOWN

The decision, he said, mulled over his head for the last five years before finally deciding now is the right time to hang up his helmet. The man who’s been one of the voices of the garage area for the last few years is now set to be the voice of Nascar on TV. He’s headed to the Nascar on Fox booth, where he’ll serve as an analyst alongside play-by-play announcer Mike Joy and former teammate Clint Bowyer.

“Every week has been like, ‘That was the last Daytona 500, the last Coke 600,’” Harvick said. “I haven’t gotten out of the car once and said, ‘I don’t know if this is the right thing to do.’ Part of that is because I know I’ll be sitting in the TV booth next year. We have all of our business in line, the structure for everything we have and our people. It’s a great time to transition and be part of what my kids have going on, and I’ll help DeLana with them. I’m enjoying every week, but I’m not disappointed it’s the last one.”

Harvick is having a solid final season with Stewart-Haas Racing. He is only one of two Ford drivers — the other being Ryan Blaney — to rank in the top 10 in the standings through the first 15 races.

Currently, Harvick is on pace to perform better in his final season than four-time Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon did in his 2015 retirement tour. That season, Gordon won his final event with just four races left in the season, locking him into the championship battle for the last time. Gordon ended his final full season with five top fives and 21 top 10s with a 13.7 average finish.

Harvick has shown that age hasn’t slowed him down one bit. As the leader of Stewart-Haas Racing, he’s been the one to find speed while his three teammates sit 25th or worse in the standings, though Chase Briscoe received one of the biggest penalties in Nascar history following the Coca-Cola 600 and was docked 120 points.

But even with strong performances to start the year, Harvick is not changing his decision. He will not pull a Tom Brady and return for another final chapter.

“As we’ve gone to each race, we started planning and put the pieces in a play about a year ago to officially say there is no more maybe and there are no more extensions,” Harvick said. “This is it.”

Harvick may be even busier in his post-driving career than he is at the moment.

KHI Management, his sports management firm, is expanding. The pieces are in place to have Harvick himself take on an enhanced role, serving as a mentor for the athletes and drivers he works with. Among the firm’s clients are potential future drivers at SHR, including Harrison Burton, Todd Gilliland, and, most recently, Josh Berry. Berry, who drives for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series and filled in for Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman with Hendrick Motorsports in the Cup Series this year, is reportedly finalizing a deal to take over Harvick’s car in 2024.

The team at KHI, which includes three people who have worked with Harvick for 25 years, has been hard at work for the last year to prepare him for what’s next. And he leaned on SHR co-owner Tony Stewart about how to enjoy his final season.

“We put logos into place for racetracks, fans, and merchandise,” Harvick said. “We put a lot of pieces into play for the small things that we didn’t want to creep up as we started the season. Stewart-Haas Racing has been a huge part of everything that we have going on because of everything they did with Tony.

“Getting advice from Tony and everybody on his team about things they did like and didn’t like, how they did things, what was the most distracting. Our goal from the beginning was to make sure the distractions didn’t get in the way of the competition.”

Along with his Nascar on Fox gig, Harvick will be traveling to his son’s races. Until now, he’s only seen 11-year-old Keelan Harvick compete in Europe twice. Now, it’s time to focus on being a dad and a coach.

Harvick said, “Being able to spend more time with his racing and watch Piper do what she wants to do and not have my wife look at me with the evil eye while she’s traveling to watch Keelan race. I want to have flexibility in my schedule to spend more time with all of them. They’re at a pivotal point in their lives where they need both of their parents to be part of it as much as possible. Getting out of the competition side allows me to have some flexibility in my schedule.”

To top it off, Harvick is also one of the new owners of the CARS Tour, alongside Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, and Justin Marks.

“I’ll probably be busier, but it’s a different busy,” Harvick said. “This is the part that’s hard for people to understand: you see Sunday and you see the race, but you don’t see all of the work during the week.

“Not being responsible for that competitive mindset will make my brain function a lot easier. That’s the main part that will free up the mental capacity that’s absorbed by the competition side. The only way to be good at this is to do it everyday and be involved with it at a high level, because the more details you can cover and the better that’s structured, the better you’re going to be.”

As Harvick prepares for the second half of the Nascar season, his eyes are on the championship trophy. There’s only one way for him to go out, he believes, and that’s on top.

THERE IS COMMENT BOX AFTER THE ADS, SHARE YOUR THOUGHT WITH US

Facebook Comments

Continue Reading