Daniil Medvedev described Novak Djokovic as “the greatest” yesterday, defying the conventional wisdom to place Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the same pedestal as the Serb.

Djokovic racked up a men’s record 23rd Grand Slam title with a third French Open triumph last month.

He is about to launch a bid to equal Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles which will move him alongside Margaret Court as the all-time top major winner with 24 titles.

“I think if I saw it right, Novak is almost 50%. I think I saw he played 70 majors, and 35 times he was in the final. I don’t know how is it possible. He doesn’t have bad days?” said Medvedev.

“Actually, he does, like everybody but even on these bad days, he manages to beat the opponent. I don’t know how he’s doing it. That’s why he’s for me the greatest in the history of tennis.”

Should Djokovic successfully defend his Wimbledon title, he will just need to pocket the US Open in September to become the first man since 1969 to claim a calendar Grand Slam.

Djokovic had the same opportunity in 2021 but lost the final in New York — to Medvedev.

“To be able to beat him when he was going for a Grand Slam, maybe he was a little bit tighter than usual, but I played an amazing match,” recalled Medvedev.

Djokovic’s career-long rival Andy Murray, meanwhile, described the Serb’s achievement in reaching 23 majors as “phenomenal”.

Murray, a former world number one, was the last man to defeat Djokovic on Centre Court when he won the first of his two Wimbledon titles in 2013.

That was the only time in their 36-match head-to-head they have ever met at the All England Club.

“What he’s gone on to achieve the latter stages of his career, it’s been incredible. Also doesn’t look like he’s slowing down,” said Murray who practised with Djokovic at the tournament yesterday.

“What he did at the French Open, it was phenomenal.

“Brilliant performance against Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals. Just very clinical, considering how much was on the line. It shows the strength of character that he’s got.” — AFP

[malaymail]

Former two-time French Open finalist Alex Corretja thinks Emma Raducanu is "paying now" for going from a regular girl to a global superstar overnight. In 2021, an 18-year-old Raducanu made tennis history when she became the first-ever male or female player to win a Grand Slam as a qualifier.Raducanu, who was ranked around No 150 at the time, instantly became one of the most popular tennis players and her face was grazing the covers of magazines.But when injuries and a poor form struck, that's when things went south for Raducanu.

"I think what happened to her is super difficult to digest, to deal with. All of a sudden, you are a regular girl and she goes there as a qualifier [US Open in 2021] and then she is capable to win the tournament. You have to speak to the press, people recognize you in the street and know where you are in the world.

It goes from zero to a thousand in a few weeks. And that process she didn't get through, she's paying now. The understanding of everyone looking at you, expecting you to win every match or tournament you play, it's super difficult.

When she was playing the qualifiers at 19, she was still developing," Corretja told Express-Sport.

Corretja advises Raducanu to find a long-term coach

After undergoing multiple surgeries in May, Raducanu also split with coach Sebastian Sachs.

With that move, Raducanu changed her fifth different coach in the last two years. When Raducanu returns to action, Corretja thinks she should be looking to find someone with whom she can develop trust."I don't know exactly what [she needs] to do next, but she needs to be committed to a team and get confidence in the people you work with.

Because if you keep on changing [coaches], they didn't get to know you and you don't trust what they are saying because the one from five weeks ago was better. You need to say 'these are my goals and this is what I want to do. Let's work together for them,'" Corretja said.

[tennisworldusa]

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka opened her Wimbledon press conference by telling reporters she won't be answering any political questions during The Championships. During the French Open, Sabalenka had a tense moment with a Ukrainian journalist in back-to-back press conferences.That resulted in Sabalenka being pardoned from conducting a regular press conference after her third and fourth-round wins at the French Open.When Sabalenka returned to the press room in Paris, she highlighted that she wasn't supporting the invasion of Ukraine.

"Before we continue I would like to say I'm not going to talk about politics. I'm here to talk about tennis only. If you have any kind of political questions, you can ask WTA or the tournament. They can send you the transcript of my answers from the previous tournaments," Sabalenka said.

Sabalenka on returning to Wimbledon

Last year, Sabalenka was banned from competing at Wimbledon.After a strong push from the ATP and WTA, the Wimbledon organizers changed their stance and allowed Russian and Belarusian to return to The Championships this year.In her pre-tournament press conference, Sabalenka revealed she couldn't watch Wimbledon last year because it was too painful for her.

"I was at home having a little vacation, then practicing. But, no, I didn’t watch Wimbledon a lot. I felt so bad and I just couldn’t watch it. Every time if Wimbledon would be on TV, I would cry, so I decided just to stay away from Wimbledon last year," Sabalenka revealed.In 2021, Sabalenka made her first Wimbledon semifinal.

At this year's Wimbledon, Sabalenka is considered among the top favorites for the title.In her Wimbledon opener, Sabalenka will be playing against Panna Udvardy. When Sabalenka and Udvardy meet, it will be their first meeting. Going into the match, anything but a routine win for Sabalenka would be a surprise.

[tennisworldusa]

Novak Djokovic is looking to tie his legacy with Roger Federer this month and Chris Evert's ex-husband, John Lloyd, has detailed the Serb's stature if he conquers the 2023 Wimbledon Championships.

Djokovic has had an impressive run this season as he has decimated challenges from professionals performing at their best, and his journey is far from ceasing. After recently capturing the 2023 French Open title and achieving the feat of winning all the Grand Slams at least thrice, the 36-year-old has now set his eyes on the prestigious Wimbledon crown.

With the addition of the Paris Major, the Serb not only surpassed Spaniard Rafael Nadal's slam count but also equaled Serena Williams' Grand Slam record (23 titles). He is now looking forward to tying his legacy with Magaret Court's untouched 24 slam count.

This, however, isn't the only milestone that the World No. 2 is speculated to achieve. According to John Lloyd, Djokovic will be distinctively recognized in the Centre Court of the All-England Club and share Federer's solely held position at the grasscourt event. The 68-year-old stated that the feat will come into play if the 23-time Major winner manages to match the Swiss Maestro's eight Wimbledon titles.

"If Novak Djokovic wins this year, he’s equaled Roger Federer’s record of eight Wimbledon titles. We’re used to thinking of Centre Court as Roger’s place but if Novak wins this year it is his place too!" wrote Lloyd.

The Serbian icon is set to appear in the third slam of the season, starting July 3, and will face Argentinian Pedro Cachin in the first round.

Novak Djokovic claims extra motivation is immaterial to winning slams

Novak Djokovic is scheduled to appear in the 2023 Wimbledon Championship and his biggest challenge in the slam will be Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.

The No.1 seed, Alcaraz, is set to pose as the Serb's biggest threat owing to his jaw-dropping performance this season. Furthermore, the duo's notable age gap potentially gives the Spaniard an edge over the legendary player.

In a recent press conference at Wimbledon, the 36-year-old was asked how bracing can it be when facing someone like Alcaraz. The Serb quickly dismissed such inquiries and claimed that he doesn't need the Spaniard or extra motivation when eying a Grand Slam, and he rather stays focused on himself.

"There's always someone out there. There always has been and always will be. For me, I don't need to have Carlos or anybody else really to find that extra drive and motivation when I enter slams because I know that I have to win seven matches to win a title."

"Most of my attention is focused on my body and my mind, my game, trying to I guess bring it to the optimal state where I'm performing my best every match," he said.

[sportskeeda]

Manchester City are riding higher than they ever have, winning the European Cup for the first time to secure the treble. That has unlocked the chance to win the UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, and the Blues finally have the trophy they have long desired.

Look online, though, and there is a degree of restlessness at the lack of transfer activity at the Etihad. Mateo Kovacic has come in, Ilkay Gundogan has left, and Declan Rice will join Arsenal.

"When we don't like a deal, we walk away and we don't panic," said CEO Ferran Soriano this week. As Pep Guardiola often reminds fans in the opening months of the season that titles are not won early on, City's bosses will say that transfer windows are not 'won' or 'lost' in the first week of July.

Look at City last season, who began the campaign without Manu Akanji or Sergio Gomez. Both arrived late in the window, and Akanji in particular proved essential in winning the treble. City won't be panicking at their transfer activity so far.

However, a look around the Premier League shows that other sides are acting quicker to strengthen their squads. Liverpool moved swiftly to sign Brighton's World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister on an initial £35m deal, and now look like taking their summer spend close to £100m with the expected arrival of Dominik Szoboszlai from RB Leipzig.

The Liverpool Echo and others report the Reds will trigger the £60m release clause for winger Szoboszlai to continue their attacking rebuild after Roberto Firmino's departure. They will be looking to avoid a repeat of last season's struggles and attempt to challenge for the title again.

Their early activity in the transfer window suggests they will look to offer more of a threat next season after dropping out of the Champions League, and are willing to spend money to do that. 

Arsenal ended just five points adrift of City in second last season and know that despite their end of season collapse, they were ultimately not too far away from the Blues, and will rue the six points lost in the two head-to-head matches. With European football back on their schedule, they also need to add depth.

Kai Havertz has arrived from Chelsea for £65m to offer an alternative to Gabriel Jesus in attack, while Declan Rice looks set to join after City dropped out of the race. He will cost £105m, including add-ons, so Arsenal will throw at least £170m at their summer rebuild to catch City.

With Liverpool and Arsenal's spend approaching £265m on just four players, they are not the only sides looking to get stronger and stop City winning the treble again. Tottenham have spent £40m on James Maddison, while Manchester United will put £60m towards Chelsea's Mason Mount. Newcastle are set to spend a reported £52m on AC Milan midfielder Sandro Tonali as they prepare for the Champions League. Chelsea's unpredictable and extravagant business has also continued this summer, with their preferred starting XI for next season anyone's guess at this point.

Compare those spends to City's current outlay of £25m on Mateo Kovacic - although they will surely increase that should a current player leave or someone like Josko Gvardiol become available.

City won't panic, as Soriano said, although they will also expect all of their rivals to improve next season. As brilliant as City were, they were aided by Chelsea, Spurs and Liverpool in particular being fairly poor all season.

Guardiola always says the next season will be harder than the previous one, and the early signs this summer suggest he will be proved right again in 2023.

[manchestereveningnews]

David de Gea is reportedly being targeted for a reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo by Al-Nassr after his Manchester United contract expired.

Goalkeeper De Gea, 32, became a free agent on Friday (June 30). Talks with the Old Trafford hierarchy over a new deal broke down last week.

It was claimed he agreed to revised terms which saw his £375,000 weekly wage reduced to £200k before United withdrew that offer and proposed an even lower salary.

Now he's become the latest star lined up for a move to Saudi Arabia, according to The Sun, with Al-Nassr tabling a £250,000-a-week contract for him.

However, it's also reported De Gea would ideally stay in Manchester if he can reach an agreement once and for all with the Red Devils. He's currently not in contact with them as he got married to long-term partner and singer Edurne, 37, on Saturday (July 1).

But face-to-face negotiations are set to resume in the not too distant future. United are looking to replace him with a new No. 1 for next season.

Losing him for good would mean they'd need to sign two shot stoppers this summer, though, with second-choice Dean Henderson already headed for the exit door.

Nearly 20 full years since his first senior appearance, Cesc Fabregas has called time on a storied career.

The Spanish international was just 16 years old when he became Arsenal's youngest ever player, enjoying a cup outing during the famed 'Invincibles' season. Two decades on, and a few weeks after his 36th birthday, the Como midfielder confirmed he has played his final game.

"It is with great sadness that the time has come for me to hang up my playing boots," he said in a statement. "From my first days at Barca, Arsenal, Barca again, Chelsea, Monaco and Como, I will treasure them all.

"From lifting the World Cup, the Euros, to winning everything in England and Spain and nearly all the European trophies, it has been a journey that I’ll never forget," he added. Theveteran will now become a full-time member of Como's coaching staff, having admitted to falling in love with the Italian team.

Over the years, there have been too many memorable Cesc Fabregas moments to count. Here, Mirror Football takes a look back at some stand-out moments which show why so many have so much fondness for him.

1. Putting Spurs to the sword

 

 

Cesc Fabregas had some memorable games against Spurs ( Image: Getty Images)

There's nothing like a goal in a North London Derby to win over Arsenal fans. Fabregas had already won their hearts several times over before the autumn of 2009, but he added some gloss in a Halloween triumph. 

It was Robin van Persie who scored Arsenal's first, but Fabregas doubled the lead just 11 seconds after the restart. Capitalising on a giveaway from Wilson Palacios, Fabregas burst through a number of challenges before beating Heurelho Gomes from the edge of the box.

A goal and two assists in a White Hart Lane win in 2007 was another highlight in Fabregas' Arsenal career. This one, though, had an extra celebratory note to it.

2. Putting his body on the line

By the time Arsenal played Barcelona in 2010, Fabregas was wearing the captain's armband for the Gunners on the grandest of stages. After a Zlatan Ibrahimovic double looked to have sent Barca through, Arsene Wenger's side rebounded to draw 2-2 with their skipper equalising from the penalty spot.

 

 

Few Arsenal fans will forget Fabregas' penalty against Barcelona ( Image: Getty Images)

What we didn't know at the time, however, was that Fabregas was seriously injured at the time. His decision to play through the pain barrier wasn't enough to see his team through, despite Nicklas Bendtner putting them in front at Camp Nou, but it was still the kind of thing all fans will remember.

"Some people think I may have even broken the leg against Birmingham a week earlier - and, to be honest, I just don't know," the midfielder said. "Yes, it's exactly the same spot but I didn't go into the game against Barcelona thinking 'My leg's broken'.''

3. An unbelievable assist

When Fabregas returned to the Premier League in 2014, it was for Chelsea rather than Arsenal. Some had questions - surely if he still had elite quality then Arsenal would have brought him back - but they were answered just 20 minutes into his debut.

Nearly a decade on, fans still talk about the pass for Andre Schurrle's goal against Burnley. The calm first-time delivery, and the control of the pace on the ball when others might have thumped it into touch.

 

 

The midfielder had a great evening against Burnley in 2014 ( Image: Getty Images Europe)

That season ended with Fabregas becoming a Premier League champion with Chelsea. It's something he never managed in Arsenal red, but it's undoubtedly something he deserved.

4. Showing where his heart lies

There were still some who weren't delighted to see him move across London, even if there was a spell back at Barcelona in the middle. Some also let their feelings become clear when Fabregas pointed to his chest while taking on his former club.

A section of the Gunners support booed their former captain during the game. He responded by pointing at his chest, and some interpreted this as him pointing to the Chelsea badge, but the truth was rather different.

"If you think I’m capable of doing what you are suggesting I did, you don’t know me at all and my feelings towards all of you what so ever," he told one fan. "I was actually telling the fans they will always be in my heart, but of course your interpretation must be miss guided [sic] by a simple image."

5. Ending Spain's misery

 

 

Cesc Fabregas helped Spain to Euro 2008 success ( Image: AFP/Getty Images)DON'T MISS

When Euro 2008 rolled around, Spain had gone more than 40 years without a major tournament win. Without Fabregas, the wait might have gone on even longer.

Luis Aragones' side won three out of three in their group, with Fabregas on target against Russia, but quarter-final opponents Italy presented a tougher task. The reigning world champions took the game to penalties after a goalless draw, and Spain had lost three of their previous four shootouts - including against England at Euro 96.

Spain led 3-2 when Fabregas stepped up for their fifth kick, knowing the significance and recognising he had Gigi Buffon to beat. He sent the keeper the wrong way, paving the way for Spain to kick on and beat Russia (again) and Germany to become champions of Europe.

6. Achieving international immortality

 

 

He put away crucial Euros penalties in two tournaments ( Getty Image)

Two years after that Euros triumph, there was a World Cup win. Two years after that came Euro 2012 and a change for an unprecedented three in a row.

Once again, penalties were needed - this time in the semi-final against Portugal. Xabi Alonso missed with Spain's first-kick, but failures from Portugal pair Joao Moutinho and Bruno Alves gave Fabregas another shot at glory.

Once again, he made no mistake, and he followed it up with an assist in the final as Italy were put to the sword. Cesc Fabregas will forever be associated with one of Spanish football's finest ever eras.

7. A favourite off the pitch

 

 

 

The midfielder has also impressed as a pundit ( Image: BBC)

 

Even before hanging up his boots, Fabregas has dipped his toe into punditry. His insight from the studio has won him plenty of fans, and it wouldn't be a huge surprise to see him combine his coaching work with more trips to the sofa.

Not only that, but he took aim at the UK government to win more fans among those who weren't huge fans of Boris Johnson et al. In March 2020, before the UK went into Covid lockdown, Fabregas' response to a Boris Johnson press conference showed he had no qualms about giving his opinion.

"So, you’re saying and admitting the disease will spread so much over the next weeks/months but you’re not closing schools “just yet”..." he asked on Twitter. "You will have to close them eventually anyway. Why not do it now and avoid more trouble? #LetsBeResponsable."

[mirror.co.uk]

 

Roma boss Jose Mourinho has established contact with forgotten Manchester United ace Mason Greenwood over a potential summer switch to Italy. According to The Sun, the ‘Special One’ is willing to hand the troubled forward a ‘football lifeline.’

Mourinho is familiar with Greenwood’s qualities from his time at Old Trafford. Even though the 21-year-old was only a teenager during the Portuguese coach’s managerial stint at Man Utd, the latter knows what he can expect from the left-footed attacker. And he is keen to revive the youngster’s declining career.

Greenwood saw charges of attempted rape, assault, and coercive and controlling behavior dropped in February. But even though the Crown Prosecution Service dismissed all allegations against the homegrown Man Utd star, he’s still on the sidelines.

Indeed, Man Utd suspended Greenwood until further notice, with the Red Devils chiefs investigating his conduct following his January 2022 arrest. Since the Premier League giants are open to letting their infamous forward leave on loan, Roma are ready to pounce. Mourinho has reached out to the player to offer him a fresh start in Serie A.

Considering it’s been over a year since Greenwood last grasped a football pitch, his signing carries a certain amount of risk. But if Mourinho thinks he’s a gamble worth taking, there’s no doubt Roma would intensify talks to take the unsettled Man Utd starlet to the Stadio Olimpico.

As it seems, Erik ten Hag’s employers won’t stand in their way. However, the Roma boss should think twice before making such a risky move. Meanwhile, the Giallorossi have also brought Paris Saint-Germain’s Renato Sanches back to their shopping list.

[cultofcalcio]