Category: 6. Sports

John McEnroe pulled no punches with his verdict on Daniil Medvedev’s humiliating meltdown at the US Open. The former champion was dumped out in the opening round by French qualifier Benjamin Bonzi in one of the tournament’s early shocks. The result was overshadowed by Medvedev’s petulant behaviour as the match began to slip away from him.

In the third set, a photographer walked onto the court as Bonzi was preparing to serve on match point. Medvedev was left furious with the umpire’s decision to award his opponent a new first serve because of a delay caused by ‘outside interference’. He angrily confronted the official before shouting: “Guys, he wants to leave. He gets paid by the match, not by the hour.”

The match was delayed for around seven minutes before Bonzi finally got to serve. When he did, he double-faulted and Medvedev claimed the next two sets to force a decider. Bonzi, however, battled back to win the match and progress to the second round.

Medvedev went on to smash his racket in a furious rage and was later fined almost £31,500 by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). It means the Russian will have to forfeit about 40 per cent of the prize money he received.

McEnroe was quizzed on Medvedev’s conduct on the Nothing Major Show and described the 29-year-old as ‘lost’ while urging him to avoid embarrassing himself again in future.

“You know, he already has tapped out, like months ago,” said the American. “I’ve been worried about his level because he doesn’t know what the hell he’s doing at this point for a guy that good on hard courts.

“This [meltdown] sort of cemented it, like how little confidence he has in anything. Bonzi showed a lot of balls at the end in the fifth set. I was sort of hoping Medvedev would win.

“He’s got to get his act together. I’m not sure he can. I think he’s so lost right now. I’m not sure what’s going to happen with him in the future. I always liked Daniil. There’s something about the US Open that brings out the best and worst of him.”

Medvedev has endured a forgettable year on the court, winning just one Grand Slam match at the Australian Open. He was dumped out in the opening rounds of the French Open and Wimbledon before suffering another early exit at the US Open.

Speaking after his latest defeat, Medvedev admitted that he knew a hefty fine was coming his way. He refused to give much away, explaining that he did not want to land himself in even deeper trouble.

“I have no idea how much the fine would be,” he said. “I’m getting a big enough fine so if I speak, I’m in big trouble, so I’m not going to speak.”

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The solemn tribute came just days after Afghanistan’s squad was shaken by the personal loss. Known for being a pillar of support in Rashid’s life, Haji Abdul Halim’s passing was met with an outpouring of grief from teammates, past and present. Many took to social media to express their sorrow, including opener Ibrahim Zadran, who wrote on X:

“An elder brother is like a father for the family… Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un. My heartfelt condolences to @rashidkhan_19 and his family.”

Former national captain Asghar Afghan also expressed deep sympathy:

“May Allah grant him the highest ranks of Paradise (Jannat al-Firdaus) and bestow beautiful patience upon their esteemed family. Ameen.”

But perhaps the most poignant moment came on the field. Following their comprehensive win over Afghanistan by 39 runs in Sharjah, the Pakistan team gathered to honour Rashid and his family, offering prayers and words of comfort. A video capturing the emotional tribute quickly went viral, showcasing a moment that transcended competition.

Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi was seen hugging Rashid Khan to comfort the Afghan legend.

Despite the personal turmoil, Rashid Khan took the field for his side, even contributing a late blitz of 39 off 16 balls. His valiant effort came after Afghanistan’s chase of Pakistan’s 182-run total unravelled under mounting pressure. The side collapsed from 93/2 to 97/7 in the middle overs, derailed by Haris Rauf’s blistering pace and Sufiyan Muqeem’s clever spin.

Earlier, Pakistan posted a strong total on the back of Salman Ali Agha’s unbeaten 53, a calm and composed innings that rescued his team from a shaky 63/3 start. The Pakistan top order looked uncertain, but the middle-order effort ensured a competitive score that proved enough to secure victory.

While the tri-series action continues in the lead-up to the Asia Cup, Rashid’s presence on the field—despite personal grief—was a testament to his character and dedication. And the gesture from Pakistan’s players served as a reminder that cricket, at its heart, remains a game of respect, unity, and humanity.

Wales team newspublished at 11:34 British Summer Time

11:34 BST

Canada v Wales (12:00 BST)

Image source, Huw Evans Picture Agency

Wales boss Sean Lynn reacted to the performance against
Scotland by making seven changes to the starting side.

Both co-captains Alex Callender and Kate Williams are
injured so flanker Bethan Lewis leads the side.

There is an all-new front row of Maisie Davies, Molly
Reardon and Sisilia Tuipulotu, while Abbie Fleming comes in at lock.

Lewis is joined in the back row by Georgia Evans and
Bryonie King with Carys Cox coming into midfield.

There is youth on the bench in the shape of uncapped Branwen
Metcalfe, Tilly Vucaj and Seren Lockwood.

Wales: Nel Metcalfe; Jasmine Joyce-Butchers,
Carys Cox, Courtney Keight, Lisa Neumann; Lleucu George, Keira Bevan; Maisie
Davies, Molly Reardon, Sisilia Tuipulotu, Abbie Fleming, Gwen Crabb, Bryonie
King, Bethan Lewis (capt), Georgia Evans

Replacements: Kelsey Jones, Gwenllian Pyrs, Jenni
Scoble, Tilly Vucaj, Branwen Metcalfe, Seren Lockwood, Kayleigh Powell, Kerin
Lake.

It’s the final weekend before the international break, and across Europe, several intriguing matchups are set to unfold.

In the Premier League, Saturday kicks off with Chelsea hosting Fulham in a London derby. At Old Trafford, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United look to put their humiliating Carabao Cup exit against Grimsby Town behind them when they face Burnley, with the Portuguese manager under mounting pressure to earn his first win of the season.

Elsewhere, Thomas Frank will aim to extend his unbeaten run as Tottenham Hotspur take on Bournemouth, while Newcastle United seek redemption after a last-minute defeat to Liverpool when they travel to take on newly promoted Leeds United.

Over in the Bundesliga, Vincent Kompany’s Bayern Munich continue their strong start, with all eyes once again on Harry Kane as they take on Augsburg. With plenty of action lined up across the continent, Saturday promises drama and storylines from every corner of Europe.

Enjoy all the highlights and big moments across Europe from the day’s action.

France, as expected, are using the depth of their squad as they take on Brazil for the very first time. Just four players remain from their impressive opening 24-0 win over Italy, but the big news is the return of talismanic No.9 Pauline Bourdon Sansus – back after a two-match ban. 

For As Yaras it is a chance to test themselves against one of the very best. All eyes are on the white line, with Brazil openly targeting a first RWC try. Either way, there will tons of colour, joy and commitment on show in Exeter. 

Kick-off: 16:45 BST, Sunday, 31 August

Venue: Sandy Park, Exeter

If you have a ticket already, make sure you read Canada international and Exeter Chiefs legend Emily Tuttosi’s Guide to her home-from-home. 

How to watch: Head here to get a last-minute ticket.

Or check out our Global Guide to the TV options in your area. 

France team 

France’s key player: It is impossible to ignore Pauline Bourdon Sansus. Arguably the world’s best scrum-half, she is central to so much of France’s best stuff. Renewing her halfback partnership with Toulouse teammate Lina Queyroi at this stage of the tournament is great news for Les Bleues. 

Brazil team

Brazil’s key player: Number eight Iris Coluna has been a stalwart of Brazilian rugby and the 35-year-old, vice-captain, is intending to lead from the front against the mighty French. Expect plenty of energy and no little passion. 

What they said: 

France co-head coach Gaëlle Mignot: 

“We’ve said it from the start – we want to build momentum. There was frustration in attack against Italy, some areas just didn’t click. When you get into the red zone 15 times and don’t come away with points, you know something’s missing.

“Against Brazil the focus is on us. We need to finish our chances every time they come. 

“Of course there was relief after that first match against the toughest team in the pool, but above all there was frustration that we hadn’t delivered a more complete performance. We’ve spent three months preparing very specific areas, and in attack we weren’t at the level we wanted.

“This weekend we’ll have lots of possession, plenty of turnover ball – and in those situations, precision is everything.”

France captain Marine Ménager:

“It’s a first for me (being sole captain without usual co-captain Manae Feleu). I’ll be discovering some things, especially around what happens before and during the game. I’ll need support from the forwards because of my position, and also when it comes to communicating with the referee – my English isn’t strong enough. But I’ll be well supported: Agathe [Gerin] will be there to help me with that during the match.”

Brazil head coach Emiliano Caffera: 

“In South America, like in the men’s game; we have a potential in rugby. We need a structure; we are one of the two nations from 15 in South America. The other one, Colombia, was strong but there is a lot of change which has stopped them. We need to be with a lot of countries playing 15s; if not, we can’t grow.

“All the 15s-playing nations play too far away from us. We don’t have championships to play for. Maybe this is a way to improve women’s rugby in South America but it’s not easy, we need a lot of things. We want to be the first country to pave the road for women’s rugby in South America.”

Brazil captain Eshyllen Coimbra: 

“We felt like we were ready, to be able to lead out for Brazil for the first time. We were living the dream for everyone! We felt proud of our dream coming true, we have had each other’s back, being together, not because it’s just our dream but the people who came before us too.”

LONDON,:

Enzo Maresca will not ban Chelsea’s players from social media after Alejandro Garnacho’s impending move to Stamford Bridge raised questions about his online presence.

Garnacho was at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Friday to undergo a medical and finalise his £40 million ($54 million) switch from Manchester United.

The 21-year-old winger’s relationship with United manager Ruben Amorim soured when he was left out of the starting line-up for the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham in May.

Garnacho cast doubt on his future at Old Trafford in a post-match interview and his brother Robert posted on Instagram that the Argentine had been “thrown under the bus” by Amorim.

While on holiday in June, Garnacho posted a photograph of himself wearing an Aston Villa shirt with “Rashford” on the back, an undisguised endorsement of team-mate Marcus Rashford’s decision to leave United, drawing an angry backlash from fans.

Maresca has long made known his disdain for social media, but said his hands are too full to spend time policing his players’ online activity.

“I’m not going to tell them don’t use social media,” he said. “They have family around them that can give them advice.”

“I have four kids and I try to give them advice, but if I need to give 25 more players advice it’s too complicated.”

“Anyone can do what they want, anyone can say what they want. But at the end it’s a matter of respect.”

Maresca has already faced questions in the early weeks of the season relating to his players’ online behaviour after defender Wesley Fofana removed all reference to Chelsea from his Instagram after he was left on the bench for the goalless draw with Crystal Palace on the opening weekend.

The 24-year-old’s agent has since said the page was undergoing changes courtesy of someone in his team and the player was not responsible.

Former Chelsea players Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Christian Pulisic scored as AC Milan beat host Lecce 2-0 for its first win in Serie A on Friday.

Actress Helen Mirren donned a yellow Lecce shirt and watched from the stands but there was little to excite the home fans or the Oscar-winning star of “The Queen.”

Milan had two goals chalked off after a video review but it eventually got one that counted midway through the second half when Loftus-Cheek rose higher than everyone else to glance home a flighted free kick.

Image Photo Agency/Getty Images

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United States forward Pulisic came off the substitutes’ bench to seal the win with an assured finish under the advancing goalkeeper four minutes from time.

The win was a relief for Milan, which started the season with a shock defeat at home to newly promoted Cremonese.

Lecce has one point from its first two games.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.