Djokovic beats his demons to return to top AT WIMBLEDON NEW world No1 Novak Djokovic believes that securing his seventh grand slam title with a five-set victory over Wimbledon king Roger Federer yesterday represents the finest achievement of his career. The 27-year-old, who was runner-up to Britain’s Andy Murray last year, held his nerve after surrendering a match point in the fourth set [...]
I feel ready to claim my first grand slam, says Bouchard FEARLESS 20-year-old Eugenie Bouchard insists reaching the Wimbledon final in just the sixth grand slam appearance of her fledging career should not be considered a surprise. In a drama-drenched semi-final yesterday against No3 seed Simona Halep – including a medical time-out while the Romanian had treatment on an ankle injury, a stoppage while a spectator [...]
New guard out to halt Federer and Djokovic THE UNENVIABLE task of becoming the first man in nine attempts to stop Roger Federer in a Wimbledon semi-final falls on eighth seed Milos Raonic today. Federer, 32, was thought to be nearing the twilight of his career, having landed the 17th and last of his grand slam titles in London in 2012. Yet this [...]
Murray fears new guard as Dimitrov ends title defence July 2, 2014 BRITISH No1 Andy Murray fears he is at risk of being left behind by tennis’s rising stars after his Wimbledon defence ended with a comprehensive quarter-final defeat to No11 seed Grigor Dimitrov. The 27-year-old has not won a tournament since his historic victory at SW19 last year and admits his game has stood still while [...]
Federer in the mood for more Wimbledon joy July 2, 2014 FORMER world No1 Roger Federer has his sights set on a record eighth Wimbledon title after coming from behind yesterday to beat Swiss compatriot Stan Wawrinka in their quarter-final. Federer dropped a set for the first time in the championships, but victory in a second-set tie-break proved the turning point as he reached a 35th [...]
World Cup 2026 could be in USA after fans fall in love with football July 2, 2014 USA have emerged as a potential host for the 2026 World Cup, such has been the level of enthusiasm surrounding Jurgen Klinsmann’s team’s exploits in Brazil. Tuesday night’s thrilling last-16 clash between USA and Belgium attracted 9.1m posts on Twitter globally, with President Barack Obama among those to send good luck messages. World governing body [...]
Rank outsider Kyrgios shocks even his mum with Nadal win July 1, 2014 WIMBLEDON wildcard Nick Kyrgios hopes to have finally convinced his mum of his ability after causing one of the biggest shocks in grand slam history yesterday by dumping world No1 Rafael Nadal out in round four. The 19-year-old Australian is ranked 144th in the world, had never beaten a player ranked in the world’s top [...]
Romelu Lukaku’s late show for Belgium sees off brave USA July 1, 2014 Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku came off the bench to decide a thrilling period of extra time and seal the final spot in the World Cup quarter-finals for Belgium. The burly Blues striker set up the opening goal just three minutes after his introduction from the bench, then fired past goalkeeper Tim Howard, immense throughout in [...]
Adam Lallana relishing first taste of Champions League at Liverpool July 1, 2014 Liverpool’s new £25m midfielder Adam Lallana says he is relishing the opportunity to play in the Champions League just three years after plying his trade in League One. Lallana helped Southampton gain promotion from English football’s second tier to a top-half finish in the Premier League. He said: “I’m grateful that Southampton accepted the offer [...]
Andy Murray wary of Grigor Dimitrov strength July 1, 2014 British No1 Andy Murray believes Wimbledon quarter-final opponent Grigor Dimitrov is destined to soon trouble the world’s elite, but hopes a raucous home crowd can scare him into submission today. Dimitrov last saw off No21 seed Alexandr Dolgopolov in five sets during his best ever run at Wimbledon and has been widely tipped to be [...]