Category: 6. Sports

Here are the Fantasy Cricket Predictions and Betting Tips for the 2025 edition of the Major League Cricket, Qualifier 1, 31st match – Texas Super Kings vs Washington Freedom, to be played on the 8th of July, 2025 at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas.

Points Table

Texas Super Kings vs Washington Freedom – 8th July

Match Details:

Date: Tuesday, 8th June 2025.

Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas.

Match Time: 5:30 AM IST | 7:00 PM Local/CDT | 1:00 AM BST

Current Form:

Texas Super Kings:

The Super Kings ended third with just three losses in their season, and the form of their best players, Faf du Plessis and Adam Milne have ensured that the Super Kings have two shots at making the final.

Washington Freedom:

The table toppers, the Freedom have found even more contributions from a bunch of players and that is the reason they have ended up top with two opportunities at making the finals, continuing their performances from last season.

Players to Watch:

Texas Super Kings:

Adam Milne – one half of a deadly bowling pair, Milne has 14 wickets in five games at 8.5, going at 6.67 an over and has struck once every 7.6 balls.

Faf du Plessis – 409 runs in nine games, Faf is the leading run-scorer this season, while averaging 51.12 and has struck at 175.53, putting on a show and proving age is just a number.

Akeal Hosein – the Trinidadian has taken nine wickets in five games, averaging 9.44 but has an economy of less than six, going at 5 an over, taking a wicket once every 11.3 balls.

Washington Freedom:

Jack Edwards – with 13 wickets in ten games, Edwards is amongst the leading bowlers in the tournament, taking his wickets at 20.5 and striking once every 14 balls.

Glenn Maxwell – the captain of the Freedom has put on a show this season, with 237 runs at 33.85, while striking at 185 and has taken nine wickets at 15.33.

Mitchell Owen – the MVP of this season of the 2025 MLC, Owen has scored 313 runs in his ten games striking at 195.62 and has taken 14 wickets at 17.92.

Batting Stats T20

Head-to-Head (Last 3 Matches):

The Washington Freedom have more wins in the last three match-ups between these two sides, but the Texas Super Kings have won the most recent battle between the two, promising this to be a very enthralling battle.

Venue Stats – Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, Texas (2022-2025):

Average 1st Innings Score:

• 2023 – 167.41

• 2024 – 167.81

• 2025 – 203.75

Bowling Averages and Economy Rates:

Wickets Percentage based on Innings:

Wickets Per Innings:

Wickets per Phase:

• Powerplay (Overs 1–6): 1.57 wickets

• Middle Overs (Overs 7–15): 2.63 wickets

• Death Overs (Overs 16–20): 2.31 wickets

Dallas has turned into a batting paradise and the teams will be loving it back from Lauderhill where batting felt like a tough task at times.

The spinners just about edge ahead here, with the pacers average a shade under 30 and going at almost one extra run to the over. But at the end of it all, it has been a batting paradise.

Wicket Takers T20

Squads:

Texas Super Kings: Faf du Plessis ©, Devon Conway (WK), Nandre Burger, Donovan Ferreira, Akeal Hosein, Milind Kumar, Adam Milne, Daryl Mitchell, Mohammad Mohsin, Saiteja Mukkamalla, Noor Ahmad, Smit Patel, Shubham Ranjane, Calvin Savage, Joshua Tromp, Stephen Wiig and Zia-ul-Haq.

Washington Freedom: Glenn Maxwell ©, Andries Gous (WK), Amila Aponso, Mark Chapman, Justin Dill, Jack Edwards, Lockie Ferguson, Ian Holland, Lahiru Milantha, Mukhtar Ahmed, Saurabh Netravalkar, Mitchell Owen, Abhishek Paradkar, Glenn Phillips, Obus Pienaar, Rachin Ravindra, Ben Sears, Steven Smith and Yasir Mohammad.

Match Prediction – Washington Freedom v Texas Super Kings

Cricket Betting Tips and Match Predictions – PrePlay*

Who will win the toss? — Washington

Who will win the match? — Texas

Top Batter (Runs Scored) — Faf du Plessis (Texas), Mitchell Owen (Washington)

Top Bowler (Wickets Taken) — Adam Milne (Texas), Jack Edwards (Washington)

Most Sixes — Faf du Plessis (Texas), Mitchell Owen (Washington)

Player of the Match — Faf du Plessis (Texas)

Team Scores Batting First — Texas 180+, Washington 170+

Most 6’s T20

*NB these picks and predictions may be changed nearer the start of the match, once the final starting teams have been announced – also, check out the % Win Prediction Widget which is live Pre-Play and InPlay and fluctuates with the latest market odds – we will soon be running other ‘In-Play’ features, so stay tuned…. and always remember…. when the fun stops… STOP

©Cricket World 2025

Europe’s Ryder Cup hopefuls are entering “the two biggest weeks left before qualification ends” for the biennial match against the United States, says captain Luke Donald.

This week’s Scottish Open at the Renaissance Club near Edinburgh is followed by the Open Championship at Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland.

And Donald, who led Europe to a 16½-11½ victory in Rome two years ago, is counting on his key players to step up this month.

“These are big weeks against the strongest fields so you want to see the top guys play well,” Donald told BBC Scotland.

“There are some guys that have pretty much staked a claim for their place in the team but there are a few spots definitely open and these weeks are big for those guys.”

Rory McIlroy is the only player to have mathematically guaranteed his spot in the 12-strong team that will face the US at Bethpage Black in New York in September.

English pair Tommy Fleetwood and Tyrrell Hatton are in second and third on the list, external with qualifying ending after the British Masters on 24 August – the US qualifying period ends on 17 August after the PGA Tour’s BMW Championship.

The top six make the team with Donald picking the six others, while the US team will be selected in a similar way by their skipper Keegan Bradley.

Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre is currently fourth on the European list and has really kicked on from making his Ryder Cup debut in 2023, where he was unbeaten, winning two-and-a-half points out of three.

The 28-year-old from Oban followed victory at last year’s Canadian Open by winning the Scottish Open, which is co-sanctioned by the DP World Tour and PGA Tour.

“It helped him really grow as a golfer and gave him the belief that he could perform with the very best,” said Donald of MacIntyre’s Ryder Cup experience.

And the Englishman added that he has been “very impressed” by the way MacIntyre has “adapted his game to the US”.

The world number 14 has made 15 cuts from his 17 PGA Tour events this season, including his runner-up finish at last month’s US Open, where he finished one shot behind champion JJ Spaun at Oakmont.

“When you make that transition from playing mostly in Europe to playing over there, it is difficult,” said Donald.

“The fields are deeper. It’s harder. But he was still consistent and I was watching his stats quite a lot.

“Even from when he qualified in Rome to where he was before the second place in the US Open, his stats were quite a bit better.

“He won twice last year, in Canada and here [Scottish Open at Renaissance Club]. I saw the improvement in statistics and it was only a matter of time before he had a really, really good week and he almost pulled it off.”

Kane Williamson © Getty Images

Kane Williamson and Michael Bracewell will skip the upcoming two-test tour of Zimbabwe with the blessing of New Zealand Cricket, while paceman Ben Sears has been ruled out by a side injury.

Rob Walter, who replaced Gary Stead as coach last month, named his first test squad on Tuesday, awarding a call-up to uncapped young fast bowler Matt Fisher and recalling experienced hands Ajaz Patel and Henry Nicholls.

“Kane and Michael were up front with New Zealand Cricket about their availability for this tour during the contracting process,” Walter said in a news release.

“While all test matches are hugely special and important, the fact these tests aren’t part of the World Test Championship did influence the discussions on this occasion.

“We will obviously miss their talent and class, but it allows an opportunity to others and we’re lucky to be able to call on the likes of Ajaz and Henry who are both proven performers at test level.”

All-rounder Bracewell has been allowed to miss the tour to play in The Hundred in England, while paceman Kyle Jamieson has elected to stay in New Zealand for the birth of his first child.

Jamieson’s absence offers potential opportunities for Fisher and Jacob Duffy, who has played short-format matches for New Zealand but is yet to win a test cap, in the two matches in Bulawayo in late July and early August.

TEAM: Tom Latham (captain), Tom Blundell, Devon Conway, Jacob Duffy, Matt Fisher, Matt Henry, Daryl Mitchell, Henry Nicholls, Will O’Rourke, Ajaz Patel, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Mitch Santner, Nathan Smith, Will Young

Round 2 in Italy brought four wins out of four for the SANZAAR teams. The big match in Round three is Australia v England with a Finals spot up for grabs to the winner. Unbeaten South Africa face Scotland having made the semi-finals, while New Zealand play Ireland, and Argentina play France in must win matches.

Where is it?

Rugby’s future stars will play matches across four cities in the Lombardia and Veneto regions of Italy – Calvisano, Rovigo, Verona and Viadana.

What are the dates?

The tournament runs from 29 June up to the final on 19 July.

[Matchday 1: Sunday, 29 June]

[Matchday 2: Friday, 4 July]

Matchday 3: Wednesday, 9 July

Matchday 4: Monday, 14 July

Matchday 5: Saturday, 19 July

 

Click HERE for official tournament website and information

 

Loose forward Thando Biyela will lead the Junior Springboks in their third and final Pool A match at the World Rugby U20 Championship against Scotland at the Stadio San Michele in Calvisano.

 

Even though the SA U20 side show several rotational changes from the team that beat England in their previous group match in Rovigo, the match-23 to face Scotland is a strong combination filled with experience.

 

Fullback Gilermo Mentoe, right wing Cheswill Jooste, outside centre Gino Cupido, and flyhalf Vusi Moyo are retained from the starting fifteen that defeated England on Friday evening.

 

Upfront, Matt Romao (loose forward), Jaco Grobbelaar (lock), Jean Erasmus and Oliver Read (both props), and Jaundre Schoeman (hooker) all provided impact off the bench against Australia and England, and are now in the starting pack.

 

According to Kevin Foote, the Junior Springbok head coach, they’ve named a team that will play this important pool game with real purpose and pride against a very good Scotland side. A win will solidify the Junior Boks’ top spot in Pool A.

 

“We are fortunate that the players in our match-23 have experience playing for the Junior Boks against Georgia, in the U20 Rugby Championship, and also in our warm-up matches against Kenya,” said Foote.

 

“Thando has captained us already earlier this year, Stephanus Linde played for us against Georgia, while Matt Romao was our Man of the Match against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.”

 

“Jaco Williams, Jaco Grobbelaar, and Oliver Reid have all seen a lot of action in the two previous group matches, while we have more experience that will come off the bench in Herman Lubbe, JJ Theron, Batho Hlekani, and Haashim Pead.”

 

Foote said they have done their homework on Scotland, know what to expect from them, and have a very healthy respect for the Scottish.

 

“We have a strong desire to improve and we are determined to keep building on our game model, and to make sure we maintain our synergy and cohesion as a team,” he said.

 

“Everyone understands the threat that Scotland brings, and we feel they have played some good rugby. They attack well and their set piece has been solid; so, they will pose a very big threat for us, and we will not underestimate them. We are looking forward to meeting an exciting challenge on Wednesday.”

 

Junior Springbok team to face Scotland in Calvisano:

15. Gilermo Mentoe, 14. Cheswill Jooste, 13. Gino Cupido, 12. Dominic Malgas, 11. Jaco Williams, 10. Vusi Moyo, 9. Ceano Everson, 8. Stephanus Linde, 7. Matt Romao, 6. Thando Biyela (captain), 5. Morne Venter, 4. Jaco Grobbelaar, 3. Jean Erasmus, 2. Jaundre Schoeman1. Oliver Reid

Replacements: 16. Siphosethu Mnebelele, 17. Phiwayinkosi “Rambo” Kubheka, 18. Herman Lubbe, 19. JJ Theron, 20. Batho Hlekani, 21. Haashim Pead, 22. Ian van der Merwe, 23. Demitre Erasmus.

Australia U20s coach Chris Whitaker has turned to Sevens star Aden Ekanayake as they look to take down England.

Ekanayake has been handed his first start of the year at number eight as part of several changes from the team that defeated Scotland.

The Gordon product will link up with Reds flanker Charlie Brosnan, who started at lock against South Africa, and Tom Robinson in the back-row.

Finn Baxter makes his return to the starting side at loosehead prop, with the second-row combination of skipper Eamon Doyle and Joe Mangelsdorf once again selected.

Joey Fowler starts at flyhalf, partnering with Reds scrum-half James Martens, who had a hand in several tries during last week’s win.

It’s the lone change to the starting backline, with Sid Harvey, Cooper Watters and Nicholas Conway staying as the back-three.

Ollie Barrett and Eli Langi have been added to the bench as Whitaker opts for a 6-2 split.

The Australians need a bonus point win over the defending champions and results to go their way if they are to keep their slim semi-final hopes alive. The top team from each pool and the highest-ranked second place team will advance to the finals, with the rest to play off for position.

Australia U20 team to play England in Verona:

1. Finn Baxter (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles), 2. Lipina Ata (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles), 3. Edwin Langi (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), 4. Joe Mangelsdorf (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), 5. Eamon Doyle (c) (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), 6. Charlie Brosnan (Queensland Reds, Brothers), 7. Tom Robinson (Queensland Reds, University of Queensland), 8. Aden Ekanayake (Australia Sevens), 9. James Martens (Queensland Reds, GPS Rugby Club), 10. Joey Fowler (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), 11. Nicholas Conway (Queensland Reds, Wests Bulldogs), 12. Malakye Enasio (ACT Brumbies, Gungahlin Eagles), 13. Liam Grover (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), 14. Cooper Watters (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), 15. Sid Harvey (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs)

Replacements: 16. Ollie Barrett (Western Force, Associates RUFC), 17. Nathaniel Tiitii (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), 18. Trevor King (Queensland Reds, Souths), 19. Ollie Aylmer (ACT Brumbies, Gordon), 20. Eli Langi (ACT Brumbies, Tuggeranong Vikings), 21. Toby Brial (NSW Waratahs, Eastern Suburbs), 22. Hwi Sharples (NSW Waratahs, Sydney University), 23. Joe Dillon (ACT Brumbies, Canberra Royals)

Argentina Pumitas, coached by Nicolás Fernández Miranda beat Spain by 33-30 in round two and now must beart France, which is the leader of the group after they beat Wales by 35-21.

Carlos Mohapp, assistant coach of the U20, elaborated on the preparation for the last group stage match: “We are preparing well for the match with a  focus on defence, we believe that we have to improve some aspects. We are going to have to counter France’s attacks and we will try to make them uncomfortable from the contact side. W know that they are very strong in continuous play, so we will try to dominate at the points of contact.”

“We are also focused on having a lot of the ball because they feed on disorderly play and lost balls. Another aspect that we want to improve is in the first minutes of the game, we have started slowly in past matches.”

In addition, he referred to the possibility of qualifying for the semifinals: “The boys are eager and energetic because we are facing a unique and spectacular opportunity, we are just one step away from qualifying.”

Pumitas team to play France in Verona:

1. LEASH, Diego (CAE), 2. LEDESMA AROCENA, Tadeo (SIC), 3. RAPETTI, Tomás (Alumni), 4. DUCLOS, Tomás (Los Tordos RC), 5. NEIGHBORHOODS, Alejandro (Olivos), 6. BENITEZ, Franco (Tilcara), 7. STOREY, Pampa (CASI), 8. NEYRA, Santiago (Alumni), 9. GRIFFO, Fabricio (Palermo Bajo), 10. FERNÁNDEZ MIRANDA, Ramon (Hindu), 11. LESCANO, Baptist (CAE), 12. LEDESMA, Felipe (captain) (SIC), 13. COLL, Pedro (Tigres RC), 14. SILVA, Timothy (SIC), 15. SENILLOSA, Pascal (Hindu)

Replacements:, 16. OTAÑO, Jerónimo (Los Tordos RC), 17. RINS, Nicanor (Uru Curé), 18. GALVÁN, Gael (Pucará), 19. GARCÍA IANDOLINO, Álvaro (Los Tordos RC), 20. DANDE, Tomás (Huirapuca RC), 21. REGGIARDO, Valentino (French Sport), 22. CORDERO, Matías (Los Tilos), 23. VIEYRA, Aquiles (Alumni).

The New Zealand U20 team to take on Ireland at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship has been named. A win will guarantee progression through to the semi-final stage, as the team looks to beat their third-place finish in 2024.

Captain Manumaua Letiu returns to the starting line-up, joining the Auckland prop duo of Sika Pole and Robson Faleafā in the front row. Pole, hailing from the Manukau Rovers Rugby Football Club, has started every game New Zealand has played this year.

Also starting in every game this year is USA-born, Australian-raised lock Xavier Treacy. He will pair with Jayden Sa in the second row.

On the wing are two New Zealand Sevens players, Frank Vaenuku and Maloni Kunawave. Both players made their debut at the Perth SVNS in January of this year, becoming All Blacks Sevens # 319 and # 320 respectively.

New Zealand Under 20 team v Ireland in Calvisano:

1. Sika Pole, 2. Manumaua Letiu (c), 3. Robson Faleafā, 4. Xavier Treacy, 5. Jayden Sa, 6. Finn McLeod, 7. Caleb Woodley, 8. Mosese Bason (vc), 9. Dylan Pledger (vc), 10. Will Cole, 11. Maloni Kunawave, 12. Jack Wiseman, 13. Cooper Roberts, 14. Frank Vaenuku, 15. Rico Simpson (vc)

Replacements: 16. Shaun Kempton, 17. Israel Time, 18. Dane Johnston, 19. Aisake Vakasiuola, 20. Micah Fale, 21. Jai Tamati, 22. James Cameron, 23. Stan Solomon

Rugby Australia are pleased to confirm Harry Potter has re-committed until the end of 2027, joining the NSW Waratahs for the next two Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

Born in London and raised in Melbourne, Potter has taken the path less travelled to reach the highest level.

A Moorabbin Rams junior, Potter moved to Sydney after school to study at Sydney University and ended up playing and winning two Shute Shield titles with the Students.

He featured for the NSW Country Eagles and Melbourne Rising in the National Rugby Championship before joining the Rebels Super Rugby squad ahead of the 2020 season but didn’t make his professional debut.

The following year, the versatile back, moved to his birth country, linking up with Leicester Tigers where he went on to become a key member of the 2022 Premiership winning side and finished with 67 appearances and 20 tries for the club over three seasons.

He returned to Australia at the end of 2023, signing with the Western Force ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season.

He made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Force in round one last year and went on to make his international debut, scoring against Scotland in Edinburgh.

The 27-year-old had another standout year for his club in 2025 and started for the Wallabies on the wing in Sunday’s victory over Fiji.

Wallaby number 989 and NSW Waratahs recruit Harry Potter said: “I’m really happy to have my future secured for the next two years.

“I’d like to thank the Western Force for giving me the opportunity to come home to Australia and pursue my dream of playing for the Wallabies, and I’m looking forward to joining the Waratahs ahead of next year.

“There’s some incredibly exciting opportunities on the horizon in Australian Rugby and I’ll be working hard to give myself every chance to be part of them in a gold jersey.”

Rugby Australia’s Director of High Performance, Peter Horne said: “While still relatively new to the Test arena, Harry brings a wealth of professional experience that adds real value to the national program.”

“We’re delighted he has re-committed to Australian Rugby for the next two years and look forward to supporting him as he continues to grow and perform at the highest level, both on and off the field.”

NSW Waratahs Head Coach, Dan McKellar said: “Harry brings experience. He’s been in programs where he’s won things … he has won trophies; and he’s got good versatility.

“He’s got the ability to cover wing and can play 13. He played 13 at Champions Cup Quarter-Final. He can play fullback. He’s had a taste of Test match rugby as well.

“There is the skill set that he brings … And we think his game suits the style and the direction that we’re heading in. We’re excited to have Harry on board.“

Harry Potter

Position: Outside back

Height: 186cm

Weight: 96kg

Born: 15 December, 1997

Place of birth: London, England

Test debut: 2024 v Scotland in Edinburgh

Wallaby number: 989

Test caps: 3

Super Rugby Pacific debut: 2024 v Hurricanes in Perth

Super Rugby Pacific caps: 19

2025 Wallabies Tests

Wallabies 21 defeated Fiji 18 on Sunday July 6 at McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle

British & Irish Lions Tour

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 19 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday July 26 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne

Wallabies v British & Irish Lions at 7:45pm AEST on Saturday August 2 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

The Flight Centre Rugby Championship/Bledisloe Cup

Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 17 at Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg

Wallabies v South Africa at 1:10am AEST on Sunday August 24 at DHL Stadium, Cape Town

Wallabies v Argentina at 2:30pm AEST on Saturday September 6 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies v Argentina at 2:00pm AEST on Saturday September 13 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies v New Zealand at 3:05pm AEST on Saturday September 27, Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies v New Zealand at 5:45pm AWST on Saturday October 4 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Spring Tour

Wallabies v Japan at TBC on Saturday October 25 at National Stadium, Tokyo

Wallabies v England, at 2:10am AEDT on Sunday November 2 at Allianz Stadium, London

Wallabies v Italy at 4:40am AEDT on Sunday November 9 at TBC

Wallabies v Ireland at 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 16 at Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Wallabies v France at 7:10am on Sunday November 23 at TBC

Right before Wimbledon began, Novak Djokovic declared it was the tournament that gave him the best chance to claim an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles trophy. Made sense, really, given that he’s won seven titles there already and reached the past six finals.

For one uncharacteristically unsteady set in the fourth round on Monday (July 7, 2025), it sure didn’t look as if that would happen this year. Djokovic, though, turned things around and avoided what would have been his earliest exit at the All England Club since 2016, coming through for a 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 11th-seeded Alex de Minaur at Centre Court.

With eight-time Wimbledon winner Roger Federer sitting in the front row of the Royal Box, very little went right at the outset for the 38-year-old Djokovic on the grass below during a breezy afternoon with the temperature in the 60s Fahrenheit (teens Celsius), a week after matches were contested in record-breaking heat.

“A lot of challenging moments for me,” Djokovic said right after the win, then later called it a “big, big relief” not to get pushed to a fifth set.

He trailed 4-1 in the fourth — before taking the last five games and 14 of the final 15 points.

“Lifted his level,” de Minaur said, “big-time.”

Djokovic’s bid for an eighth Wimbledon title and 25th Grand Slam singles trophy overall will continue against No. 22 Flavio Cobolli of Italy. Cobolli reached his first major quarterfinal with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3) victory over 2014 U.S. Open champion and two-time major runner-up Marin Cilic.

No. 10 Ben Shelton improved to 3-0 against Lorenzo Sonego at majors this year by beating him 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (1), 7-5. Shelton’s first Wimbledon quarterfinal will come against No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who moved on despite a painful right elbow and a two-set deficit when No. 19 Grigor Dimitrov quit because of an injured chest muscle.

Against de Minaur, Djokovic made mistake after mistake, double-faulting four times in the first set alone. Djokovic lost five of his first seven service games against de Minaur, a 26-year-old Australian who accumulated 19 break points in all.

Djokovic made 16 unforced errors in the first set alone.

All in all, Djokovic was discombobulated, chalking it up afterward to nerves and a swirling wind. He rushed between points. He reacted to flubbed shots by rolling his eyes or shouting and glaring in the direction of his guest box or putting his arms wide as if seeking explanations from someone, anyone.

At changeovers, he placed an ice-filled towel — usually wrapped around necks by players in steamy conditions — on his stomach, which he complained about during his first-round victory last week. But afterward, Djokovic dismissed the significance of that.

A loss would have been Djokovic’s soonest at Wimbledon since he was eliminated in the third round by Sam Querrey nine years ago.

Since winning his men’s-record 24th major title at the 2023 U.S. Open, Djokovic has come close to raising his total. He was the runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon last year — the second consecutive time they met in the final, with the results the same — and departed each of the first two Slams of 2025 in the semifinals.

No man as old as Djokovic is now has won a major championship. He keeps showing why it’s not preposterous to think he could.

“I didn’t have many solutions, to be honest,” Djokovic said, “but I just reset myself in the second.”

By the very end, it’s almost as though de Minaur was resigned to defeat, knowing he’s only the latest — and perhaps not the last — opponent to succumb to a surging Djokovic.

“I mean,” de Minaur summed up, “he’s been pretty good in big moments for a very long time.”

No. 7 Mirra Andreeva, an 18-year-old Russian, became the youngest player to reach the women’s quarterfinals at Wimbledon since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007, beating No. 10 Emma Navarro 6-2, 6-3. Andreeva next meets Belinda Bencic, who defeated No. 18 Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6 (4), 6-4. Iga Swiatek, the five-time major champion who is seeded No. 8, was a 6-4, 6-1 winner against No. 23 Clara Tauson and will play No. 19 Liudmila Samsonova, who advanced to her first major quarterfinal with a 7-5, 7-5 victory against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

The women’s quarterfinals are No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. Laura Siegemund, and No. 13 Amanda Anisimova vs. Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The men’s quarterfinals are No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz vs. Cam Norrie, and No. 5 Taylor Fritz vs. No. 17 Karen Khachanov.

Published – July 08, 2025 08:29 am IST

Australia coach Andrew McDonald saw small signs of encouragement from Sam Konstas in the second Test against West Indies but has indicated there will “great opportunity” for players to push their case for Ashes selection early in the domestic season and in Australia A matches.

Konstas made 25 in the first innings in Grenada before following that with a duck during a brief period of batting late on the second day. He will play the final match at Sabina Park, the ground’s first day-night Test, which provides an opportunity to finish on a high and leave himself near the head of the selection queue for the home Ashes series later in the year.

“Four games in, eight innings, it’s probably early for anyone to judge, really,” McDonald said of Konstas’ early Test career. “I think the challenges in Test cricket aren’t necessarily always your skill level or your technique. It’s dealing with the moments, the pressure, all the other things that externally come with that as well. He’s a player finding his feet in the environment.

“[It was] a small step forward in the last game with that first innings. I thought the way he structured up his first 20-odd balls, he had the positive intent, he was moving a lot better compared to the game before where it looked like he was stuck in the middle and didn’t know whether to play a shot and it was either ultra-aggressive or ultra-defensive.”

Konstas will likely feature in the four-day matches on the Australia A tour of India in late September before being available for the opening Sheffield Shield matches in early October with four rounds expected before the start of the Ashes.

“There’s great opportunity in domestic cricket at the start of the season, and there always is leading into any Test series,” McDonald said. “We saw with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy last year, there was opportunity for players to put their hand up there. There’s also Australia A [against Sri Lanka A] in the Top End [Darwin] at the moment, so we’re watching that closely…so it’s really about the opportunity that presents.

“First and foremost, we concentrate on what’s right here, right now. Everyone will be speculating around who can come in, what possibilities are, but we’re confident the players that we’ve got here can do the job.”

Prior to the tour, McDonald said it may not be possible to draw huge relevance from this tour to the Ashes and it is a view he maintains despite it having been pace-bowler dominated rather than seeing a significant role for spin.

“There’s been a lot of variable bounce and sideways movement, so it’s probably not similar to Australia,” he said. “Maybe some surfaces will be. I think Perth potentially, when it does crack a little bit, it can go up and down and a little bit sideways. But I think the first four rounds of Shield cricket will draw a better connection to the Ashes than what we’re seeing here.

“What we are seeing here, though, is people getting exposed at Test level, and within that exposure, the mental challenges of Test cricket are real.”

The continued scrutiny of the top-order was eased somewhat by Cameron Green’s half-century, but is countered by the struggles of Usman Khawaja. McDonald was keen to stress that Australia have ended as comfortable winners of both Tests. West Indies crumbled in both second innings – facing just 34.3 overs in Grenada and 33.4 in Barbados – having been on even terms after two days.

“For every failure in the top-order, the middle-order’s been able to get us out of those situations and vice versa,” he said. “We’ve had times when the top-order’s prospered and the middle potentially hasn’t delivered what you’d probably expect.

“Ultimately the game of cricket’s matching the bowling with the batting. At the moment we’re doing that. We’re finding ways through it. Would we like to have greater output from the top-order? There’s no doubt about that. And those players would want more runs. But they’ll come.

“We’ve been able to find a way through the West Indies batting order…and they’ve been quite big victories.”

McDonald added he did not foresee any changes for the final Test, which will be Mitchell Starc’s 100th, although they will assess players once in Jamaica.

A decision on whether to release Marnus Labuschagne from the squad will be taken once play starts. There is an option for him to rejoin for Glamorgan in the County Championship or potentially head to Darwin for the second four-day game against Sri Lanka A which starts on July 20. However, giving him a break before the August ODI series against South Africa is also a possibility.

Novak Djokovic won his 101st match at Wimbledon and advanced to his eighth consecutive quarter-final. Not that this was enough for the Serbian all-timer. In an act of grand generosity against his opponent Alex de Minaur, he also had his worst opening set at SW19, granting a rapt Centre Court crowd a rare moment of jeopardy at one of his matches.

The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion was broken three times in the first set by the Australian 12 years his junior. Djokovic’s game was all over the place. In that short window it was possible to imagine a world in which decent, well‑rounded challengers such as De Minaur, the No 11 seed, might come into these matches with hope of something other than chastening defeat. It was a nice thought while it lasted.

Everyone at this tennis sanctum knows better than to discount Djokovic, of course, at any point in a match. Even after such a disembodied display in the opening half-hour, the projected outcome was still success for the 38-year-old, and so it duly proved. The errors sharply declined, as if he had had a strong word with himself internally. The quality of his serve rose with each game to the point that it was the decisive weapon in the third set.

The fourth set was a dogfight after going 3-0 down but Djokovic got his teeth into the contest and held on until De Minaur submitted. Next up is the Italian No 22 seed, Flavio Cobolli.

“I was not feeling good, not finding the right timing,” Djokovic said of the first set, citing the swirling wind inside Centre Court.

“[De Minaur] was obviously feeling that. He was exposing my game, exposing my weaknesses, trying to mix things up, and returning extremely well. I think he’s one of the toughest opponents you can have on this kind of day where it’s very windy. He’s so quick, he constantly makes you play. He’s also a very smart player. On the grass, he knows how to use the slice and the angles.”

Djokovic’s analysis was typically astute. With Roger Federer watching on from the royal box, something Djokovic claims has acted previously as a “curse” on his performance, De Minaur was dynamic, agile and clever. He could keep up with Djokovic’s power easily enough but could also read his range, responding to the lobs, drop shots and switches of side sharply. He bossed the longer rallies. His own error count was low and he bounced his way into the second set.

Djokovic then did what he has almost always done in moments of adversity: he doubled down and turned the screw. The very first point of the second set was a blitz of furious stroke-making and the former world No 1 secured a break of serve at the first time of asking.

To De Minaur’s credit he broke back straight away, but this was an arduous affair of seven deuces. Djokovic then stepped up and broke again. A second huge effort brought De Minaur level again but at 3-3 Djokovic broke him once more, this time to love and with the winning shot a delightful backhand slice across court that left the younger man frozen on his feet. As the Serb closed out the second set to level things up the familiar sense of inevitability began to rise.

The third set went with serve for 10 games, but the sense of De Minaur having to scramble just to keep up was growing. Djokovic’s first‑serve percentage was at 80%, up from 48% in the first set. At the crucial juncture of 4-4 and with increasingly little room for error, the pressure finally told. Djokovic won a scintillating rally at 15-30 with a jaw-dropping volley on the slide back across himself, and then his opponent delivered a gift of a loose forehand to seal the break. A couple more errors from De Minaur and the third set was gone.

Djokovic took his foot off the pedal for a moment at the start of the fourth and De Minaur stole a break of serve. He held it too, for a service game at least. At 4-2 it was all on the line and De Minaur found his best level for a final time, holding Djokovic to account in the rallies. It was not enough, though.

By now Djokovic was hitting so well that he did not need to find a winner, just gradually, incrementally turn up the pressure in his favour. And so 4-2 became 4-3 then 4-4. In the blink of an eye he broke again and served out the match. All that early drama seemed a long way away.

Djokovic is revving up for the opportunity to compete for the title once more. “I think I do have a chance – there’s no doubt about it,” he said.

“I’ve been playing some really good tennis this year. So I feel good about myself. I feel confident. I feel motivated to go all the way. Let’s see what happens.”

Sport officials, regardless of which code they supervise, are appointed to be impartial figures.

They have to quickly interpret infractions, adjudicate rules and communicate commands, all while maintaining the highest levels of objectivity and sense – not to mention the fitness required.

So, what does it take to become a sport official at the elite level, such as NRL referees or AFL umpires?

And why do so many sports fans think these officials are at fault when their team keeps getting penalised?

---

Read more:
1 in 5 community footy umpires have been assaulted, while others cop death threats: new research

---

It’s harder than you think

Recently, there were calls for Ashley Klein to be stripped of officiating duties for the third and final rugby league State of Origin clash after NRL commentators queried a one-sided penalty count in the Maroons’ favour during game two in Perth.

Likewise, the AFL recently faced criticism when video evidence revealed Collingwood’s Lachie Schultz had suffered a concussion, but the umpires in charge failed to stop play immediately, as they should have.

Every week, fans also voice their displeasure at perceived injustices, whether that be at the ground, watching on TV or venting on social media.

However, very few people fully understand the complexity or intricacies of what it takes to perform a sport official’s role, particularly at the elite level.

Elite officials must have detailed rule knowledge, incredible physical and mental fitness and be composed regardless of crowd pressure. They must be able to instantly move on from any mistakes made.

They also need situational awareness and a level of calmness to effectively supervise two groups of competitors fiercely battling against each other in these highly charged environments.

Figuratively speaking, this can be like emergency department (ED) doctors or air traffic controllers, who are required to manage multiple events and competing task demands in a calm and consistent manner.

Even though elite officials don’t work continuously for long hours like ED doctors or pilots – the total playing time of most of our winter sporting codes is generally between 90-120 minutes – the level of concentration, composure and mental toughness required is immense.

Making good decisions when both players and the ball are constantly shifting position also requires exceptional game understanding and an ability to convey decisions that are appropriate to the game context.

In other words, elite referees operate in situations in which time pressure, stress and high risk decision-making are always present.

So who would want to perform a role where coaches, fans and some sections of the media continually question your knowledge, integrity and skills?

Professional or part-time?

Currently, of Australia’s major winter codes, only the NRL has a full quota of referees who are full time, paid professionals.

Soccer’s A-League has a small group of full-time officials and an impressive number of top officials are part of FIFA’s panel of international referees. Yet, most A-League referees are part-time operators.

Similarly, Rugby Australia has a small team of full-time professional referees who are appointed to Super League games and international matches not involving Australia, but most are part-timers.

In the AFL, most umpires work part-time, with pressure mounting on the league to transition its umpires into full-time positions as ongoing criticisms over controversial decisions continue to grow.

What elite officials get paid can be shrouded in secrecy but AFL field umpires reportedly earn A$120–130,000 each year while the best NRL referees earn more than $300,000 each season.

Current pathways into the top level for most sporting codes require extensive apprenticeships in lower grades.

To reach those top pay levels, extensive on-field experience in lower grades is required. Those who stand out are selected in high-performance squads where specialist coaching is provided.

An often thankless task

So, do you think you have what it takes to be an elite sports official?

Could you maintain an optimal level of physical and cognitive performance while running at high speeds when you know every decision you make can be reviewed by video technology and re-watched in slow motion at one 25th of a second?

It might be good to remember most decisions in sport are not black and white.

Referees are human. They make mistakes. Sometimes they have to follow a policy or refereeing method they might not agree with.

However, what we need to remember before we shout at them during a game is elite officials are trying to make games as fair, open, free flowing and entertaining as possible as they strive to impartially apply the rules of the game.