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Maxym Marusenko/NurPhoto/Getty ImagesA Russian helicopter pilot Maxim Kuzminov who defected to Ukraine in a dramatic operation is dead, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (GUR) tells CNN. A source at Ukraine’s GUR confirmed to CNN the body was that of Kuzminov, but would not comment on how he had died. Spanish Civil Guard officers investigate the garage where the body of Russian pilot Maxim Kuzminov was found in Villajoyosa, Spain, on February 13. Some context: Last September, CNN reported on how the Russian pilot flew his Mi8 combat helicopter across the border – in an operation directed by Ukraine’s GUR. In an interview, carried out under the auspices of the GUR, Kuzminov explained how he planned his defection and why he did it, telling reporters he was opposed to the war.

Persons: Butenko, Andrew Carey, Al Goodman, Maxim Kuzminov, Maxym, Ukraine’s GUR, Rafa Arjones, Dmitry Peskov, Sergey Naryshkin, Kuzminov Organizations: Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence, CNN, Spanish Civil Guard, Ukraine’s, Civil Guard, Reuters, Foreign, RIA Novosti, Mi8 Locations: CNN’s, Kyiv, Madrid, Russian, Ukraine, Spain, Villajoyosa, Informacion, Russia, Moscow

☆ Inconclusive Gaza Truce Talks Dent Hopes of Palestinians in Rafah
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +6 min

By Nidal al-MughrabiCAIRO (Reuters) - Palestinians jammed into their last refuge in Gaza voiced growing fear on Wednesday that Israel will soon launch a planned assault on the southern city of Rafah after truce talks in Cairo ended inconclusively. Said Jaber, a Gaza businessman who is sheltering in Rafah with his family, told Reuters via a chat app. We've had enough of this war, and we will need decades to rebuild Gaza and regain our lives. Rafah residents said on Tuesday that dozens of displaced people had begun to leave Rafah after Israeli shelling and air strikes in recent days. At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed and 68,291 injured in Israeli strikes on Gaza since Oct.7, the health ministry in Gaza said on Wednesday.

Persons: Nidal, Israel, Said Jaber, We've, Annalena Baerbock, Benjamin Netanyahu, Khan Younis, Nasser, Dr Haitham Ahmed, William Burns, Nidal al, Dan Williams, Emily Rose, Timothy Heritage, Ros Russell Organizations: Reuters, Israeli, Nasser Hospital Locations: CAIRO, Gaza, Rafah, Cairo, inconclusively, United States, Israel, Egypt, Qatar, hideouts, Berlin, Rafa, Hamas, Khan, Jeruslame

☆ Opinion: UNWRA’s day of reckoning is near
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-02 | by ( Opinion Michael Bociurkiw | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Editor’s Note: Michael Bociurkiw (@WorldAffairsPro) is a global affairs analyst and former UNICEF spokesperson for Gaza and the West Bank. But UNRWA funding differs from other UN agencies such as UNICEF, in that it’s mostly dependent on government funding. And that’s why countries pulling funding — as they have done this past week — is such a potentially fatal blow to its operations. Tiny Jordan already hosts at least 2 million Palestinians, including many from Gaza who arrived decades ago. Note: This op-ed has been updated to reflect the latest number of UNRWA employees Israel alleges were associated with Hamas’ October 7 attack.

Persons: Michael Bociurkiw, Read, Michael Bociurkiw Chrystia Chudczak, Khan Younis, Mohammed Talatene, Israel —, there’s, Abed Zagout, Tiny Jordan, Ashraf Amra Organizations: UNICEF, West Bank, CNN, United Nations, UNICEF —, Toyota, Cruisers, United Nations Relief, Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, Israel Defense Forces, UNRWA, West, UN, Assembly, Palestinian Authority, UN Refugee Agency, UNHCR, Getty, World Health Organization Locations: Gaza, East, Children’s, West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Israel, Philadelphia, City, Canada, Germany, Rafa, Anadolu, Egypt, Qatar, Deir al Balah

☆ Australian Open: Jannik Sinner faces Danlil Medvedev in the men’s final
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-27 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Sinner ended defending champion Novak Djokovic’s 33-match winning streak at the Australian Open, a run stretching back to 2018, to reach his maiden grand slam final, where he will face Russia’s Daniil Medvedev on Sunday. It was put to Sinner after his semifinal win that he, Alcaraz and Holger Rune seem to be having more success than the generation before them. Medvedev is bidding to win his second grand slam title. David Gray/AFP/Getty ImagesThis is the 27-year-old’s third Australian Open final after losing to Djokovic in 2021 and Nadal in 2022, but Medvedev is now much more assured in his game, highlighted by his stunning semifinal comeback over Alexander Zverev. But it is what it is, and I’m proud and looking forward to the final to give my 100% again.”

Persons: Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic’s, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, Alcaraz, Holger Rune, ” Sinner, Rafa, Nadal, Roger, ” Medvedev, Medvedev, David Gray, Alexander Zverev, I’m, ” Organizations: CNN, Sunday, Djokovic, Medvedev Locations: Adelaide, Russian, AFP, Melbourne

☆ Barcelona crashes out of the Copa del Rey in extra time, La Liga leader Girona also knocked out
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-25 | by ( Samuel Joseph | Sam Joseph | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Barcelona suffered its second disappointing cup defeat in as many weeks on Wednesday, falling to a 4-2 quarterfinal away loss against Athletic Bilbao in extra time. The 16-year-old set a Copa del Rey record in the process, becoming the youngest player this century to score in the competition. Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty ImagesAn upset for the La Liga leadersThis season’s surprise package in Spanish football has been Girona, which is mounting the unlikeliest of title challenges in only the club’s fourth season of La Liga football. However, the Blanquivermells will not get the chance to do the league and cup double after losing 3-2 to Mallorca on Wednesday. Mallorca, which sits 14 places and over 30 points behind Girona in La Liga, raced into a 3-0 lead at home inside the first half to stun the league leaders.

Persons: Iñaki, Nico Williams, Iñaki Williams, “, Xavi, Ander Gillenea, Gorka Guruzeta volleyed, Yuri Berchiche’s, Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Oihan Sancet, Nico, Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Antonio Raíllo, Cristhian Stuani, Rafa Babot, Sávio Organizations: CNN — Barcelona, Athletic Bilbao, Bilbao, Africa, of Nations, Mozambique, Spanish, archrival Real Madrid, La Liga, UEFA Champions League, Napoli, ”, Athletic, ” Barcelona, Getty, Barça, Copa, Rey, La Liga football, Mallorca, Wednesday, Girona Locations: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Spain, La, ” Barcelona, AFP, Girona

☆ Nadal Prepares His Comeback. But Can He Be Rafa Again?
▼ + stars: | 2023-12-05 | by ( Joshua Robinson | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The strangest year of Rafael Nadal’s career—the one where he played no competitive tennis for the first time since childhood—is about to come to an end. The 22-time major tournament winner is planning to return from injury for one last lap around the pro circuit next month in Australia before he says farewell to the game. But after 12 months away and a painstaking process to rehabilitate nearly every part of his body, even Nadal isn’t sure what to expect. In an ideal world, he would find his feet again, round into form for the clay-court season, delight his fans at the French Open, and possibly sign off with Olympic gold at Paris 2024, when the tournament will be held on the red courts at Roland-Garros that became his living room.

Persons: Rafael Nadal’s, —, Nadal, Garros Organizations: Paris, Roland Locations: Australia

☆ Djokovic eyes second Davis Cup title for Serbia
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

On Sunday he beat Italy's Jannik Sinner to win a record seventh ATP Finals title. I really would like to win the Davis Cup with Serbia. Traditional Davis Cup powerhouse Australia have not won the Davis Cup for 20 years but under captain Lleyton Hewitt they believe they can go one step further than last year. The Davis Cup will also be a chance for Sinner to shake off any lingering disappointment at losing to Djokovic in the ATP Finals on Sunday. World number four Sinner leads a strong-looking Italy side who will be favourites to beat the Dutch.

Persons: Pala Alpitour, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Italy's Jannik, Guglielmo Mangiapane, Novak Djokovic, Davis, Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Italy's, That's, Dan Evans, Andy Murray, Cameron Norrie, Jack Draper, Neal Skupski, Felix Auger, Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Milos Raonic, Emil Ruusuvuori, Lleyton Hewitt, Hewitt, Alex De Minaur, De Minaur, Martyn Herman, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Canada, Australia, Sunday, France, Davis, Serbia, Wimbledon, Djokovic, ATP, Thomson Locations: Turin, Italy, Serbia, Malaga, Finland, Czech Republic, Netherlands, Belgrade, Britain's, Canada, Spain, Alicante, Marbella

☆ Djokovic looking to cap off 'almost perfect' year with ATP finals win
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Djokovic has won the Australian Open, French Open and U.S. Open this year to take his tally up to 24 Grand Slam titles and overtake rival Rafa Nadal. He also surpassed Steffi Graf's record for the most weeks as world number one. "I had an almost perfect season, Grand Slam season," Djokovic told reporters after his 6-3 6-2 win over Alcaraz on Saturday. Djokovic will take on local favourite Sinner in the final later on Sunday, where the world number one will be out for revenge after losing to the Italian in the group stage. "But I don't think it's going to prevail because he's been playing well, he's going to have crowd on his side.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner, Djokovic, Rafa Nadal, Steffi Graf's, I'm, I've, he's, Aadi Nair, Kim Coghill Organizations: Alcaraz, Won, Thomson Locations: Bengaluru

☆ Real Sociedad outclass Benfica 3-1 to edge closer to last 16
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Nov 8 (Reuters) - Real Sociedad edged closer to a place in the knockout stage of the Champions League with a comfortable 3-1 win over Benfica in Group D on Wednesday which ended the Portuguese side's faint hopes of reaching the last 16. It was Sociedad's third consecutive Champions League win but their first at home in 20 years as they provisionally took top spot in Group D on 10 points with two games remaining. Real Sociedad and Inter will qualify for the last 16 if the Italian side beat the Austrian team later on Wednesday. The match was stopped briefly halfway through the second half after flares were thrown by Benfica supporters. Earlier on Wednesday, three fans were arrested after violent clashes between supporters of both teams, the Basque Country police confirmed.

Persons: Mikel Merino, Mikel Oyarzabal, Ander Barrenetxea, Brais Mendez, Rafa Silva, Benfica's, Merino, Fernando Kallas, Christian Radnedge, Clare Fallon Organizations: Sociedad, Champions League, Benfica, League, Inter Milan, Salzburg, Real Sociedad, Inter, Austrian, Movistar, Basque Country, Thomson Locations: Italian

☆ ITF will encourage Nadal to compete at Paris Games, says chief
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-31 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

BENGALURU, Oct 31 (Reuters) - Uncertainty surrounds the recovering Rafa Nadal's 2024 campaign but the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will do everything it can to encourage him to compete in the Paris Olympic Games, the global tennis body's chief David Haggerty told Reuters. Nadal had previously said he expects to retire following the 2024 season and hoped to play in the Paris Games with the tennis tournament set to take place at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 of his 22 Grand Slam titles. The Spaniard won the Olympic singles gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Games and the doubles gold eight years later in Rio. Whether he does or not, will be up to him," Haggerty told Reuters in a video call on Monday. Knowing that it's in Paris, at Roland Garros, where he's had such tremendous success would be a great venue for him to be able to compete at."

Persons: Rafa Nadal's, David Haggerty, Mackenzie McDonald, Nadal, Roland Garros, Haggerty, he's, Craig Tiley, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: International Tennis Federation, Paris Olympic Games, Reuters, Paris Games, Spaniard, Beijing, Melbourne, Thomson Locations: BENGALURU, Rio, Paris, Bengaluru

☆ An 85-year-old Israeli women shook hands with a Hamas militant after being freed. Her husband is still being held hostage.
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-24 | by ( Sarah Gray | Associated Press | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Two older adult hostages were released by Hamas on Monday, October 23. Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were taken October 7 during the Hamas terror attacks. Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were taken hostage on October 7 after militants attacked kibbutz Nir Oz. Lifschitz's father and Yocheved Lifzhitz's husband, Oded Lifshitz, along with Nurit Cooper's husband, Amiram Cooper, are still being held by Hamas, along with an estimated 218 hostages. Over 1,400 people in Israel have been killed — mostly civilians slain during the initial Hamas terror attacks.

Persons: Yocheved Lifshitz, Nurit Cooper, Lifshitz, —, Nir Oz, Sharone Lifschitz, CNN's Anderson Cooper, Lifschitz's, Yocheved, Oded, Nurit, Amiram Cooper, Al Qassam, Judith, Natalie Raanan, Daniel Lifshitz, Daniel, salam, AP Daniel Lifschiz, Israel, John Kirby, Yoav Gallant Organizations: Service, Hamas, AP, CNN, Reuters, West Bank, Israel Defense Forces, Security, US, Ministry Locations: Rafa, Egypt, Tel Aviv, Evanston , Illinois, Gaza, Israel, The, Iranian, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Washington

☆ Nadal to play at Australian Open, says tournament director Tiley
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 18, 2023 Spain's Rafael Nadal in action during his second round match against Mackenzie Mcdonald of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsOct 11 (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal will play at the Australian Open in January, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday, as the 37-year-old former world number one returns to the sport after undergoing hip surgery earlier this year. The Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, has been out of action since January after hurting his hip flexor in a second-round defeat at the Australian Open. He underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June and was expected to be sidelined for about five months. Tiley also said Australian Nick Kyrgios could return at the Melbourne Park Grand Slam after he underwent knee surgery in January and suffered wrist and foot issues in an injury-plagued 2023. Nadal has won the Australian Open twice, with his last victory coming in 2022 when he beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev and became the first man in the Open era to come back from two sets down in the final to win.

Persons: Spain's Rafael Nadal, Mackenzie Mcdonald, Loren Elliott, Rafa Nadal, Craig Tiley, Rafa, Tiley, He's, Nick Kyrgios, Nick's, Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Rohith Nair, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Melbourne, U.S, REUTERS, The, Thomson Locations: Melbourne, Australia, Bengaluru

☆ Djokovic says future looks bright after emergence of Alcaraz
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

But the Serbian bounced back to beat Alcaraz in a thrilling final at Cincinnati before going on to claim a record-equalling 24th major at the U.S. Open earlier this month. "I think tennis, definitely the future is looking good with Carlos leading that field," Djokovic told Sky Sports during the All Star Match in the build-up to golf's 44th Ryder Cup. Djokovic and Alcaraz have split their four meetings on tour and the veteran hoped they would continue having matches. Grand Slams are the ones that count the most for me at this point of my career, they're the ones where I want to play my best tennis. "This year, (winning) three out of four Slams and another final, I couldn't ask for more."

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic's, Carlos, Djokovic, We've, Roland Garros, I've, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Muralikumar Organizations: Wimbledon, Alcaraz, Cincinnati, U.S, Sky Sports, Ryder, Thomson Locations: tennis, Serbian, Cincinnati, Bengaluru

☆ Newcomers fire as Team World make strong start to Laver Cup defence
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Tennis - Laver Cup - Palexpo, Geneva, Switzerland - September 20, 2019 General view of the Laver Cup trophy before the start of play REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo Acquire Licensing RightsSept 22 (Reuters) - Defending champions Team World took a 4-0 lead over Team Europe on the opening day of the Laver Cup in Vancouver on Friday, as Ben Shelton, Francisco Cerundolo and Felix Auger-Aliassime all won their singles matches. Argentine Cerundolo claimed his first point for Team World with a 6-3 7-5 victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. There's a lot of energy," Team World captain John McEnroe said. Home favourite Felix Auger-Aliassime made it a hat-trick of singles wins for Team World with a 6-4 6-3 victory over French veteran Gael Monfils in the evening session. The first team to reach 13 points will lift the Laver Cup.

Persons: Denis Balibouse, Ben Shelton, Francisco Cerundolo, Felix Auger, Aliassime, golf's, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Shelton, Arthur Fils of, Federer, it's, Argentine Cerundolo, Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, We've, John McEnroe, we've, Gael Monfils, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, Europe's Fils, Andrey Rublev, Shrivathsa Sridhar, William Mallard, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Laver, REUTERS, Team Europe, Rogers, Team, Thomson Locations: Geneva, Switzerland, Vancouver, Arthur Fils of France, Argentine, Bengaluru

☆ Djokovic best in history, says Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-20 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Djokovic's recent win at the U.S. Open, his third Grand Slam title this year, took his tally to 24 Grand Slams, two ahead of Nadal's total. In that sense, I think he (Djokovic) has better numbers than mine and that is indisputable," Nadal said in an interview with AS published on Wednesday. "I think that with respect to titles, Djokovic is the best in history and there is nothing to discuss about that." Although he's very young right now, practically the only rival I see for him is Djokovic," Nadal added. Despite losing his record of Grand Slam titles to current world number one Djokovic, Nadal is more than happy with what he has achieved in his career to date.

Persons: Rafael Nadal, Spain's Rafael Nadal, Miquel Borras, Rafael Nadal's, Novak Djokovic, Djokovic, Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Trevor Stynes, Christian Radnedge Organizations: Rafa Nadal Academy, Mallorca, REUTERS, Serbian, U.S ., AS, U.S, Thomson Locations: Spain, tennis

☆ Djokovic lucky to have had rivals like Federer, Nadal, says Ivanisevic
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Tennis - U.S. Open - Flushing Meadows, New York, United States - August 25, 2023, Novak Djokovic of Serbia practices with his coach Goran Ivanisevic ahead of the 2023 the U.S. Open Tennis Championships. "He had luck to have guys like Nadal and Federer, they came before him, so they pushed each other. He always tries to find a way to win, to fight, even when he's not feeling well, injured, not injured." Like you ask me 25 (majors), yeah, if he wins 25 he's going to think, 'If I win 25, why not 26?' "He's taking care of his body, he's taking care of everything, every single detail has to be perfect, prepared.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Goran Ivanisevic, Mike Segar, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, Federer, Nadal, Ivanisevic, he's, Margaret, He's, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Peter Rutherford Organizations: U.S, REUTERS, Wimbledon, Margaret Court, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, Serbia, U.S, Bengaluru

☆ Djokovic not ready to pass the torch after 24th major win
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Amy Tennery | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

His 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 victory over Russian Daniil Medvedev brought him not only a fourth Flushing Meadows title but a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown, and Djokovic wants more. "Occasionally asking myself, why do I need this still at this stage after all I have done, you know? I do have these questions in my head, of course," said Djokovic. AGONY AND ECSTASYSunday's win will also go a long way to banishing some of Djokovic's less fond memories of New York. As he basked in the glory of his win, Djokovic had no words of comfort for those hoping to replace him.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Mike Segar, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Russian Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Medvedev, Spain's Nadal, Casper Ruud, Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz, Amy Tennery, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Tennis, U.S, Russia's, Russia's Daniil Medvedev REUTERS, Russian, Wimbledon, Cincinnati, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, New York, Flushing, Russian, Australia, U.S

☆ Novak Djokovic’s 24th grand slam title ‘is one of the biggest achievements in sports history,’ says coach
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Djokovic’s coach, grand slam champion Goran Ivanišević, has been a member of the 36-year-old’s inner circle since 2019 and he heaped praise on Djokovic’s record-equalling achievement. “This is one of the biggest achievements in sports history, not just tennis.”‘A winner’If Djokovic winning in New York felt inevitable, so too does the possibility of him winning another grand slam before he retires. He admitted himself that Medvedev probably played better in the second set and arguably deserved to win it. But, when it really mattered in the second set tie-break, Djokovic found those extra inches which make him such a dangerous man in those clutch moments. Once the second set was tied up, Djokovic looked reenergised and battled through to yet another memorable win.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Arthur Ashe, Djokovic, Margaret Court’s, Goran Ivanišević, ” Ivanišević, ”, ’, Ivanišević, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, “, he’s, ” Novak Djokovic, Mary Altaffer, Medvedev, it’s, LeBron James, Tom Brady, “ That’s, I’m Organizations: CNN Locations: New York, Serbia

☆ Factbox: U.S. Open men's singles champion Novak Djokovic
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-10 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

* Won his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2008 Australian Open, becoming the first Serbian man to win a singles major. He began the year by capturing a fifth Australian Open title. Beat Federer in the U.S. Open final, earning three Grand Slam titles in a year for a second time. * Defeated Nadal to claim his 15th major and seventh Australian Open title in 2019. * Missed the Australian Open in 2022 after being deported from the country for not being vaccinated against COVID-19.

Persons: Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Mike Segar, Serbian Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Alexandre Muller, Bernabe Zapata Miralles, Laslo Djere, Borna, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Djokovic, Roger Federer, Davis, Federer, Rafa Nadal, Nadal, Andy Murray, Beat Federer, Murray, Beat Murray, Don Budge, Rod Laver —, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini, Nick Kyrgios, Frenchman Alexandre Muller, Pearl Josephine Nazare, Ken Ferris Organizations: Russia's, Russia's Daniil Medvedev REUTERS, U.S, Serbia ATP, Wimbledon, ATP, Serbia, triumphing, Nadal, Medvedev, COVID, All England, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, Russia, Serbia, France, Spain, Croatia, Amersfoort, Serbian, Melbourne, Paris, Bengaluru

☆ Medvedev upsets Alcaraz to deny U.S. Open blockbuster final
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A final involving former-U.S. Open champions Medvedev and three-time winner Novak Djokovic on Sunday is one of obvious high quality but not the next chapter in tennis's hottest rivalry of Djokovic and Alcaraz that has had the sport buzzing. The last time Djokovic and Medvedev clashed at the U.S. Open was the 2021 final, where the Russian claimed his only major so far and denied the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam. "The challenge is you are playing a guy who has won 23 Grand Slams and I have only one," said Medvedev, who also reached the 2019 U.S. Open final losing to Rafa Nadal. That was all Alcaraz would need, holding on to take the set 6-3 and the first step in his fight back. Alcaraz would make one final stand in a breathtaking game that seesawed back and fourth, Medvedev needing four match points to close the deal.

Persons: Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Shannon Stapleton, Daniil Medvedev, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Djokovic, Ben Shelton, Federer, Medvedev, Margaret Court's, Rafa Nadal, Alcaraz, Steve Keating, William Mallard, Michael Perry Organizations: Tennis, REUTERS, U.S, Medvedev, Djokovic, U.S ., Flushing, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, U.S, Flushing Meadows, New York

☆ Djokovic-Medvedev U.S. Open final could be spellbinding affair
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-09 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The last time Djokovic and Medvedev clashed at the U.S. Open was in the 2021 final, when the Russian captured his only major so far and denied the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam. Second seed Djokovic, 36, fought back from two sets down to beat fellow Serb Laslo Djere in the third round but did not drop another set on the way to his 10th U.S. Open final. "He (Djokovic) is always better than the previous time he plays," said 27-year-old Medvedev, who will be appearing in his third U.S. Open final, having also lost to Rafa Nadal in 2019. While Djokovic and Medvedev are compelling figures, neither has been fully embraced by the New York crowds they have so desperately courted. Not long ago Medvedev was Flushing Meadows' public enemy number one for his on court antics that included giving the crowd the finger during a 2019 match.

Persons: Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Mike Segar, Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Medvedev, Arthur Ashe, Margaret Court's, Andrey Rublev, dethrone Alcaraz, Rafa Nadal, Novak, he's, Steve Keating, Ken Ferris Organizations: Tennis, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz REUTERS, U.S, Sunday, U.S ., Djokovic, New, Yorkers, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, Flushing Meadows, U.S, Russian, New York

☆ Alcaraz downs Harris to reach US Open third round
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-01 | by ( Steve Keating | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Even while not at his best Alcaraz could rely on raw talent and a vast repertoire of shots to see off the 177th ranked South African. After the match Alcaraz focused on the positives, rating his effort as "great" but admitting to a letdown in the third set. "In the end, I think I played a pretty good match and will try to keep the same level." Under Arthur Ashe Stadium's bright lights Alcaraz found himself under even greater scrutiny after an unconvincing build-up to the season's final Grand Slam. There will be no room for such lapses in third round for Alcaraz with 26th seed Dan Evans waiting in the wings.

Persons: Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, South Africa's Lloyd Harris, Mike Segar, Carlos Alcaraz, Lloyd Harris, Novak Djokovic, Arthur Ashe Stadium's, Dominic Koepfer, Harris, Rafa Nadal, Alcaraz, Dan Evans, Steve Keating, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Tennis, South, South Africa's Lloyd Harris REUTERS, U.S ., 177th, Wimbledon, Canadian, Djokovic, Cincinnati, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, New York

☆ Frances Tiafoe Is Ready
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Lulu Garcia-Navarro | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

After I beat Rafa Nadal at last year’s Open, I felt like I was looked at totally different. You don’t realize what you’re doing, how crazy it is, while you’re doing it because you’re doing it. I think afterward, going home and buying little things at CVS and ladies are like, “Oh my god, I can’t believe this is you.” It’s been crazy. The famous guy wants to hang out, and he can do it at that time, but you maybe need to not do that. You know, like, going on “The Shop” with LeBron — stuff that I’ve wanted to do, but scheduling just hasn’t quite worked out.

Persons: You’re, You’ve, It’s, Rafa Nadal, ” It’s, Matt Damon, can’t, LeBron, I’ve, You’ll Organizations: CVS

☆ Calendar slam hopes doused but Djokovic fired up for U.S. Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/3] Aug 18, 2023; Mason, OH, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) reacts after a point against Taylor Fritz (USA) during the Western and Southern Open tennis tournament at Lindner Family Tennis Center. There's still a fire going," said Djokovic, who won the Australian Open and French Open titles to leapfrog Rafa Nadal into top spot in the list of men's major champions. "There's still that drive and motivation to really come at the biggest events in sport and try to win, try to win titles and try to bring some good sensation to the crowds." HARDCOURT DOMINANCEIf the chasing pack feel Djokovic's days of dominance are numbered, the three-time U.S. Open champion's record on hardcourts should give them pause for thought. I think Novak can play much better than he did in the Wimbledon final.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Taylor Fritz, Katie Stratman, Carlos Alcaraz, Djokovic, leapfrog Rafa Nadal, ramped, Nadal, Patrick Mouratoglou, Alcaraz, Novak, Mouratoglou, Carlos, Margaret Court's, Will, Shrivathsa Sridhar, Peter Rutherford Organizations: Southern Open, Lindner, Tennis Center, U.S, Wimbledon, Flushing Meadows, Cincinnati, Thomson Locations: Mason, OH, USA, Flushing Meadows, tennis, United States, America, Flushing, Bengaluru

☆ Alcaraz primed for U.S. Open defence as Djokovic rivalry grows
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Fernando Kallas | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

When they met for the second time in the French Open semi-finals in June, it was the inexperienced Spaniard who cracked under pressure and suffered from severe cramps as Djokovic, 36, prevailed. Now they are level again after Wimbledon and Cincinnati, creating huge expectation for a possible U.S. Open showdown. "I'm really looking forward to returning to the U.S. Open, which is a tournament that has given me so much and where I achieved my dreams," Alcaraz said in Cincinnati. "The matches (against Djokovic) are very tight, they are very tough... Reporting by Fernando Kallás in Madrid, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Mike Segar, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak, Boris Becker, Manuel Santana, Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Nadal, Djokovic's, Alcaraz, Fernando Kallás, Ed Osmond Organizations: Tennis, U.S, Open REUTERS, Flushing, Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz, U.S ., Djokovic, New, Thomson Locations: Flushing Meadows , New York, United States, Flushing Meadows, Serbian, Cincinnati, U.S, New York, Madrid

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