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☆ Paul Reubens, Creator of Pee-wee Herman, Is Dead at 70
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-31 | by ( Neil Genzlinger | More About Neil Genzlinger | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

“Pee-wee’s Playhouse” stands as one of the oddest, most audacious, most unclassifiable shows in television history. In one episode, Pee-wee married a fruit salad. The show arrived in the midst of Ronald Reagan’s presidential administration and harked back to another button-down era, the one Mr. Reubens lived as a child: the 1950s. ‘‘I saw it as very Norman Rockwell,” he told The New York Times in 2016, ‘‘but it was my Norman Rockwell version of the ’50s, which was more all-inclusive.”Laurence Fishburne, S. Epatha Merkerson and other actors of color were in the cast. “Not just anybody — the king!” Mr. Reubens said.

Persons: ”, “, —, Ronald Reagan’s, Reubens, ‘ ‘, Norman Rockwell, ‘, ” Laurence Fishburne, Epatha Merkerson, Gilbert Lewis, Mr Organizations: wee’s, CBS, New York Times Locations: Florida

☆ Nobody Ever Read American Literature Like This Guy Did
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-29 | by ( A.O. Scott | More About A.O. Scott | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

It has been a hundred years since D.H. Lawrence published “Studies in Classic American Literature,” and in the annals of literary criticism the book may still claim the widest discrepancy between title and content. Not with respect to subject matter: As advertised, this compact volume consists of essays on canonical American authors of the 18th and 19th centuries — a familiar gathering of dead white men. Some (Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman) are still household names more than a century later, while others (Hector St. John de Crèvecoeur, Richard Henry Dana Jr.) have faded into relative obscurity. My point is that nobody ever read them like Lawrence did — as madly, as wildly or as insightfully. “Studies in Classic American Literature” is as dull a phrase as any committee of professors could devise.

Persons: Lawrence, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman, Hector St, John de Crèvecoeur, Richard Henry Dana Jr, Melville’s, Moby, Dick, ”, Farmer ”, — Organizations: “

☆ Norway, Finland battle rapid spread of bird flu
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-28 | by ( Louise Rasmussen | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] People wearing protective suits collect dead birds, as there is a major outbreak of bird flu, in Vadso municipality in Finnmark in Norway, July 20,2023. Oyvind Zahl Arntzen/NTB/via REUTERS/File PhotoCOPENHAGEN, July 28 (Reuters) - Norway and Finland face record outbreaks of bird flu this year which have killed thousands of seagulls and other species, put livestock at risk and restricted travel in some areas, officials said. Avian influenza, commonly called bird flu, has circulated throughout Europe in recent years, leading to a cull in May and June of millions of birds on French farms alone and affecting the supply of poultry meat and eggs. The H5N1 virus strain has spread among poultry and wild birds for years but there have been sporadic outbreaks reported globally in mammals such as cats, mink and otters. Neighbouring Finland also said wild birds were heavily affected and that the H5N1 strain has now been found in 20 fur farms, up from 12 earlier this week.

Persons: Oyvind Zahl, Ole, Herman Tronerud, Louise Breusch Rasmussen, Terje Solsvik, Toby Chopra Organizations: Norwegian Food Safety Authority, Norwegian Food, World Health, Thomson Locations: Vadso, Finnmark, Norway, COPENHAGEN, Finland, Europe, Norway's Finnmark, Norwegian

☆ Pentagon chief urges Israeli consensus, action on settler violence
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-25 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Yves Herman/File PhotoWASHINGTON, July 25 (Reuters) - U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin called for political consensus in Israel on Tuesday in a call with his Israeli counterpart, in the latest sign of strain between the allies over an Israeli judicial overhaul triggering major protests. The protests may be affecting the Israeli military. "Austin underscored the United States' belief that broad consensus through political dialogue, especially in the coming weeks and months, are critical elements of a resilient democracy," a Pentagon readout of the call said. She also declined to elaborate on Austin's comments regarding settler violence in Israel. A Pentagon readout said Austin urged Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant "to address extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians."

Persons: Defence Lloyd Austin, Yves Herman, Lloyd Austin, Austin, Sabrina Singh, Yoav Gallant, Benjamin Netanyahu's, Phil Stewart, Idrees Ali, Jonathan Oatis Organizations: Defence, NATO Defence Ministers, REUTERS, WASHINGTON, . Defense, Pentagon, Israeli, Thomson Locations: Brussels, Belgium, Israel, U.S, Israeli, United States

The ruling Socialists (PSOE) and far-left Sumar won 153 but have more possibilities for negotiating support from small Basque and Catalan separatist parties, as they did following 2019's election. Sanchez could win over left-wing separatist party Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya (ERC). Junts Secretary General Jordi Turull said on Monday he would use the "window of opportunity" created by the election impasse to achieve Catalan independence. Turull was among the nine Catalan jailed separatist leaders pardoned by Sanchez in 2021 for their role in the 2017 independence bid. Puigdemont, who still wields considerable influence within Junts, said in mid-July the party would not support Sanchez because he was unreliable.

Persons: Sanchez, Carles Puigdemont, Pedro Sanchez, Vox, Sumar, Esquerra, Jordi Turull, Turull, Puigdemont, Joan Esculies, Esculies, Antoni Comin, Clara Ponsati, Yves Herman, Franco, Spain's, Alberto Nunez Feijoo, PNV, Arnaldo Otegi, Otegi, Joan Faus, Belen Carreno, Emma Pinedo, Inti Landauro, Charlie Devereux, Angus MacSwan, Aislinn Laing Organizations: Exiled, Catalan, Socialist, People's Party, Socialists, PSOE, ERC, Junts, RAC, REUTERS, Reuters, Basque, Vox, Thomson Locations: Spain, Exiled Catalan, BARCELONA, MADRID, Belgium, Catalonia, Puigdemont's, Basque, Catalan, Junts, Madrid, Brussels, Canary Islands, Galicia, Navarra, Barcelona

☆ Romp in the rain as American Harman wins Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

It's just always bugged me but I was really proud of the way that I struck the ball today. Few of the thousands huddled under a sea of umbrellas would have tipped world number 26 Harman to win before the tournament. Likewise, Young, Rahm, Day and England's Tommy Fleetwood were all unable to hole the putts that would have at least asked some questions of Harman's nerve. But not even a Merseyside monsoon could rain on Harman's parade as he enjoyed a victory march down the last. Shubhankar Sharma tied for eighth place to post the best finish by an Indian at the British Open -- one of only 22 players to finish an attritional Open under par.

Persons: Brian Harman, Phil Noble, Harman, Rahm, Straka, Kim, Brian Harman romped, Spain's Jon Rahm, Austria's Sepp Straka, Tom Kim, Jason Day, Rory McIlroy, Emiliano Grillo, Cameron Young, Brooks Koepka, McIlroy, Young, Tommy Fleetwood, Fleetwood, Scott Tway, Shubhankar Sharma, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: 151st, Royal, 151st Open, REUTERS, Royal Liverpool American, Sunday, Tour, Northern, Local, Thomson Locations: Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Britain, England, Liverpool, Georgia, South, American, Austrian, Merseyside

☆ Was the Rolled-Up Painting in the Dog Walker’s Closet Worth Millions?
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-23 | by ( John Leland | More About John Leland | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Mr. Close, best known for his monumental photorealist portraits, had not yet found his style and was painting in an expressionist mode heavily influenced by Willem de Kooning. Mr. Close sued on free speech grounds. His lawyer, in what became a well-known First Amendment case, argued that “art is as fully protected by the Constitution as political or social speech.”The lawyer was Mr. Silver, future poodle owner. Mr. Silver prevailed in court, then lost on appeal. Mr. Close, who later dismissed the exhibition as “sort of transitional work,” lost his job.

Persons: Herman, Chuck Close, “, ”, Willem de Kooning, Bob Dylan, Close, Silver Organizations: University of Massachusetts Amherst, New Locations: New York, “

☆ Thomas woes continue, but still hopeful of Ryder Cup pick
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Thomas's round of 82 on Thursday, including a nine at the last hole, meant he was playing for pride in his second round and managed that with a level-par 71 in tough conditions. Thomas sits 13th in the U.S. Ryder Cup standings with only the top six guaranteed a spot and six more then selected by the captain. Despite his woes at Hoylake, Thomas said he actually played good golf but made too many "bonehead mistakes". Asked how he might convince Johnson to select him, Thomas said he hopes his record speaks for itself. "I love the team events.

Persons: Justin Thomas, Zach Johnson's, Thomas, I'm, I've, Ryder, Johnson, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: U.S, Ryder, Europe, Royal Liverpool, Zach, Thomson Locations: HOYLAKE, England, Rome, Hoylake, Paris

☆ Abby Phillip on Jesse Jackson’s Political Legacy - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Abd. Phillip | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Almost immediately after Dr. King’s death, Mr. Jackson moved to fill the vacuum that was left in the civil rights movement. Mr. Jackson’s efforts to register voters in Chicago helped propel Harold Washington into office in 1983, making him the first Black mayor of that city. Mr. Jackson traversed the country to register voters, especially across the South. Mr. Jackson never actually pastored a congregation but ministered to a roving flock, preaching the virtues of civic engagement. Among them: cabinet members like former Labor Secretary Alexis Herman, Representative Maxine Waters, the political strategist Donna Brazile and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge.

Persons: Jackson, Jesse Jackson, King’s, Harold Washington, South Carolina drawl, Goliath, Alexis Herman, Maxine Waters, Donna Brazile, Marcia Fudge Organizations: South, Labor, Urban Locations: America, Chicago, South Carolina, Southern

CNN —A wave of deadly protests has hit Kenya as anger over tax hikes and the cost of living spilled into the streets. Brian Inganga/APHowever, 10 months after being sworn into office, the cost of living has continued to rise, and the raft of new tax hikes have only made living conditions worse. But many Kenyans are unhappy about these policies that continue to worsen the country’s cost of living crisis. There’s a very high cost of living, and they already have many levies and taxes on their pay slips. The opposition leader Raila Odinga and his Azimio la Umoja (One Kenya) coalition have led calls for protests over hikes.

Persons: WIlliam Ruto, Here’s what’s, Herman Manyora, Ruto, Brian Inganga, he’s, ” Manyora, ”, Nagudi, “, Raila Odinga, Odinga, Opiyo Wandayi, lobs, Thomas Mukoya, Moses Odhiambo Organizations: CNN, UN, Veteran, AP, Kenyan, CNN . Riot, Reuters, Kenya Locations: Kenya, Nairobi, Mathare, COVID, Mlolongo, Machakos county

☆ McIlroy salvages opening round after struggle, still in the mix
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-20 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"When you hit it into these bunkers you're sort of riding your luck at that point. McIlroy came close to winning last year's Open when he led into the final day only to be reeled in by Cameron Smith. He was second at the U.S. Open in June but his win at the Scottish Open underlined his favourites' tag. Two over through 12, I think walking to the 13th tee I probably would have taken even par to finish the day. "Just go out there in the morning, shoot something in the 60s, and I'll hopefully be right in the mix."

Persons: Rory McIlroy, Paul Childs HOYLAKE, " McIlroy, I'm, McIlroy, Cameron Smith, I've, Martyn Herman, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: 151st, Royal, REUTERS, Royal Liverpool, US PGA, U.S, Thomson Locations: Royal Liverpool, Hoylake, Britain, Northern, Royal

☆ Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend drops $30 million lawsuit against trust owned by golfer
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-19 | by ( Rebekah Riess | Matt Foster | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —Tiger Woods’ ex-girlfriend Erica Herman has dropped her lawsuit filed in October 2022, which alleged that a trust owned by the 47-year-old golfer violated the Florida Residential Landlord Tenant Act by breaking an oral tenancy agreement, and which sought damages “in excess of $30,000,000,” according to court filings and previous CNN reporting. Herman dismissed her complaint without prejudice “pending the resolution” of her appeal in a more recent complaint, aimed at nullifying an NDA, that she said required “confidential arbitration in all disputes between” Herman and Woods. CNN has reached out to attorneys for Tiger Woods and Erica Herman for comment regarding the dropping of the $30 million lawsuit. The October filing had alleged that Woods’ Jupiter Island Irrevocable Homestead Trust unlawfully brought Herman’s tenancy at the couple’s property on the Hobe Sound, Florida, to an end. The prohibited practices were done intentionally, with premeditation, and with malice aforethought.”

Persons: Woods, Erica Herman, Herman, ” Herman, Tiger Woods, ”, Herman “, aforethought Organizations: CNN, NDA, Plaintiff Locations: Florida

☆ Alcaraz needs new rivals for a new era
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-17 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Certainly the prospect of another showdown at the U.S. Open in a few weeks is exciting, but whether or not 23-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic can stretch his career long enough to battle Alcaraz on a regular basis is questionable. 1987 Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said after Alcaraz ended Djokovic's 34-match winning run at the grasscourt slam. Italian Jannik Sinner, 21, beat Alcaraz at last year's Wimbledon but has reached only one Grand Slam semi-final so far, losing to Djokovic in straight sets last week. Medvedev, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, was outclassed by Alcaraz in the Wimbledon semi-final, lasting less than two hours on Centre Court. Between them they won 65 Grand Slam titles and it has to be hoped that Alcaraz finds a couple of adversaries to share the load as tennis moves into a new era.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Roger Federer, Rafa Nadal, Andy Murray, Nadal, Murray, Alcaraz, Couldn't, Djokovic, Pat Cash, Federer, Holger Rune, Lorenzo Musetti, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Daniil Medvedev, Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, Medvedev, Mats Wilander, Roger, Novak, Rafa, Carlos, Martyn Herman Our Organizations: Wimbledon, Federer, U.S, Djokovic, Alcaraz, Court, Reuters, Thomson Locations: Italian

☆ Alcaraz seizes the throne as Djokovic finally meets his match
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Of course, he did, because you do not have 23 Grand Slam titles in the bank by ducking a fight in moments of crisis. Young pretenders have repeatedly tried and failed to take Djokovic down at Wimbledon -- Matteo Berrettini in the 2021 final and Nick Kyrgios last year. That he did it with Djokovic still at the peak of his powers and halfway to a calendar-year Grand Slam, made it feel like a seismic moment in men's tennis. "I've won some epic finals that I was close to losing so it's fair and square," Djokovic, who saved match points when beating Roger Federer in 2019, told reporters. The bull-like Spaniard, playing only his second Grand Slam final compared to Djokovic's record 35, might have folded after being schooled by the master in a 34-minute opening set.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Young, Matteo Berrettini, Nick Kyrgios, Boris Becker, Manuel Santana, Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, I've, Roger Federer, Carlos, Federer, Serena Williams, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Andrew Couldridge, Novak, King Felipe, Carlos Carlos, Margaret Court's, Alcaraz, Djokovic's, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Wimbledon, Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Serbia's Novak Djokovic REUTERS, Thomson Locations: ducking, Wimbledon, tennis, London, Britain

☆ Wingstop says its UK target market is Gen Zers who like boxing and 'Love Island.' Here's how the chicken brand is using TikTok, rappers, and customization to pull in younger diners.
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Wingstop UK is using TikTok, social-media influencers, and rappers to attract Gen Z diners. Wingstop UK has collaborated with brands including including Xbox, Gymshark, and Tinder. Grogan said that Wingstop UK did engage in some paid partnerships, but focused on "curating authentic experiences." Lemon Pepper opened the first Wingstop UK restaurant near London's bustling Leicester Square in 2018. Lemon Pepper HoldingsIn 2022, the chain sold more than 17.5 million wings, Lemon Pepper says.

Persons: It's, –, Zers, Tom Grogan, cofounders, Lemon Pepper, TikTok, Yung, Michael Dapaah, Lady Leisha, M, Cat Burns, Grogan, Wingstop, – Grogan, Herman Sahota, Saul Lewin –, Rick Ross, Saul Lewin, Lemon, We're, Gen, it's Organizations: Wingstop, Service, Wingstop's, Sports, Lemon Pepper Holdings, Xbox, JD Sports, Yung Filly, YouTube, KFC, Leicester Square, Hickory, Wings, Lemon Pepper, Sunday Times Locations: Wall, Silicon, Covent, Leicester, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow

☆ I've never faced a player like Alcaraz, says beaten Djokovic
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-16 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

LONDON, July 16 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic has experienced everything possible on a tennis court during his trophy-laden 23-year career but said he has never faced a player quite like Carlos Alcaraz. "I didn't expect him to play so well this year on grass, but he's proven he's the best player in the world," Djokovic said after his 1-6 7-6(6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 defeat. I think he's got some nice sliding backhands, some similarities with my backhands. After outplaying Alcaraz in a one-sided first set, Djokovic then slugged out an 85-minute second and had a point for a two-set lead in the tiebreak but dumped a backhand into the net. "Set point, I missed the backhand.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Alcaraz, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Margaret Court's, Casper Ruud, cramp, Djokovic, Andy Murray, Roger, Rafa, He's, we've, he's, Serbia's Novak Djokovic, Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, Dylan Martinez Djokovic, outplaying, Martyn Herman, Toby Davis Organizations: Court, Wimbledon, Djokovic, Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Thomson Locations: U.S, London, Britain

☆ Unseeded Vondrousova stuns Jabeur to win Wimbledon title
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The 24-year-old left-hander, who a year ago needed wrist surgery, proved too steady for the error-strewn Jabeur who ended up as runner-up as she did in 2022. "Today is going to be a tough day for me but I'm not going to give up and I am going to come back stronger. "It's been a tough journey but I promise I will come back and one day win this tournament." The unassuming Vondrousova had managed to win only one match in her previous four visits to Wimbledon and last year came with her wrist in a plaster cast to support a friend and go shopping. It looked as though Jabeur was getting on top as she won three games in a row, but Vondrousova never panicked.

Persons: Marketa Vondrousova, Andrew Couldridge, Vondrousova, Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek, I'm, It's, Jessica Pegula, Elina Svitolina, Stepan Simek, Frankie, Wales, Martina Navratilova, Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, Martyn Herman, Ed Osmond Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, REUTERS, Wimbledon, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Czech, Prague

☆ Britain's Skupski wins Wimbledon doubles with Koolhof
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 15, 2023 Britain's Neal Skupski and Netherlands' Wesley Koolhof celebrate with their trophies after winning the men's doubles final against Spain's Marcel Granollers and Argentina's Horacio Zeballos... Read moreLONDON, July 15 (Reuters) - Centre Court fans celebrated a home champion as Neal Skupski and Dutch partner Wesley Koolhof won the Wimbledon men's doubles title with a 6-4 6-4 win against Spain-Argentina duo Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos on Saturday. A clash lasting little more than an hour ended with Koolhof holding serve to love. The 33-year-old Skupski, who collapsed to the ground after match point, is the first British man to win the men's doubles at Wimbledon since Jonathan Marray played alongside Frederick Nielson in 2012. Skupski adds the men's doubles crown to the mixed doubles titles he won in 2021 and 2022. It was the second time that Granollers and Zeballos had fallen at the final hurdle at Wimbledon, having been beaten in 2021 by Nikola Mektic and Mate Pavic.

Persons: Britain's Neal Skupski, Wesley Koolhof, Spain's Marcel Granollers, Argentina's Horacio Zeballos, Neal Skupski, Marcel Granollers, Horacio Zeballos, Jonathan Marray, Frederick Nielson, Skupski, Zeballos, Nikola Mektic, Mate Pavic, Martyn Herman, Clare Fallon Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Court, Wimbledon, Spain, Koolhof, Granollers, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Netherlands, Argentina

☆ Alcaraz will have to kick Djokovic off his throne, says Wilander
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, July 15 (Reuters) - Carlos Alcaraz will have to kick Novak Djokovic off his Wimbledon throne in Sunday's final because he will not be given an inch, according to seven-time Grand Slam champion Mats Wilander. Alcaraz is already world number one and claimed last year's U.S. Open by beating Casper Ruud, but the challenge of Djokovic is "another universe", according to Wilander. "It's really important that Carlos Alcaraz beats Novak Djokovic in a Grand Slam final before (Djokovic's career) is over. "Of course Djokovic can lose but I don't think he cares less about that any more," Wilander said. "He's going to come in and play at about 90% the whole time, dipping to maybe 85% and sometimes up to 95%.

Persons: Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, Mats Wilander, Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Djokovic, Swede, Novak, Wilander, Lleyton Hewitt, Pete Sampras, Carlos, he's, Roger, Federer, He's, Rafa, Daniil Medvedev, cramp, Boris Becker, Nadal, Martyn Herman, Clare Fallon Organizations: Wimbledon, All England Club, U.S, Reuters, U.S ., Djokovic, Thomson Locations: Serbian, tennis

☆ Most painful defeat ever, says heart-broken Wimbledon runner-up Jabeur
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-15 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"It will be tough to speak because this is very tough," the sixth seed, her eyes wet with tears, said on court after losing in the Wimbledon final for the second year in a row. Jabeur was also the favourite last year but lost the final to big-hitting Elena Rybakina. But despite winning the first two games, she produced a nervous, mistake-strewn display that was painful to watch at times as her dream faded. "It's going to be a tough day for me today. I promise I will come back one day and win this tournament," she told the crowd.

Persons: Marketa Vondrousova, Dylan Martinez, that's, Jabeur, Elena Rybakina, Marketa, I'm, It's, Martyn Herman, Clare Fallon Organizations: Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Czech, Marketa Vondrousova REUTERS, Dylan Martinez LONDON, Wimbledon, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Tunisia, Africa

☆ Alcaraz mauls Medvedev and sets his sights on Djokovic in dream final
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The Serbian has not lost on Centre Court for 10 years, but Alcaraz said he is ready for the challenge. I dreamed of this since I started to play tennis, to play in a final here. Alcaraz lost to Medvedev in the second round on his Wimbledon debut in 2021, when he was then ranked 75th. Medvedev surrendered serve tamely at 3-4 to allow Alcaraz to bag the first set. Asked if Alcaraz can win, Medvedev said: "I think, yes.

Persons: Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, Medvedev, Alcaraz, Manuel Santana, Rafa Nadal, Djokovic, Margaret Court's, It's, Carlos, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Wimbledon, Serbian, Court, U.S, Medvedev, Djokovic, Thomson Locations: tamely, Russian

☆ Alcaraz only gives himself 8 out of 10 after outclassing Medvedev
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-14 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, July 14 (Reuters) - Spain's Carlos Alcaraz described his thrashing of Daniil Medvedev in Friday's Wimbledon semi-final as one of the best matches of his career but warned there is still more to come. The world number one will now aim to become the first player to beat Novak Djokovic on Centre Court for a decade when he takes on the reigning seven-time champion on Sunday. Asked to evaluate his mauling of Medvedev, Alcaraz said: "I mean, this one probably was one of my best matches, not only on grass but on the Tour. "Probably one of my best matches." "I'll try to get into the court with not as much nerves as I probably had in the French Open semi-final," Alcaraz said.

Persons: Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Novak Djokovic, Medvedev, Alcaraz, Djokovic, Margaret Court's, Novak, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Friday's Wimbledon, Court, Djokovic, Wimbledon, Thomson Locations: Friday's, Russian

☆ Vondrousova one step from 'mission impossible'
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - For Marketa Vondrousova the very notion of winning Wimbledon was an impossibility a year ago, but on Saturday she has the chance to add her name to an esteemed list of Czech champions. Not only that, but Prague-based Vondrousova, 24, can become the first unseeded woman to win Wimbledon. I didn't play for almost six months, so it was very tough," Vondrousova told reporters when asked to cast her mind back 12 months. It was really sad," Vondrousova, who made a tentative return to the second-tier ITF Tour last October, said. But something clicked and she has beaten 12th seed Veronika Kudermetova, 20th seed Donna Vekic, 32nd seed Marie Bouzkova and fourth seed Jessica Pegula.

Persons: Miriam Kolodziejova, Stepan Simek, Elina Svitolina, Martina Navratilova, Jana Novotna, Petra Kvitova, Vondrousova, Marketa, Susan Mullane, Ash Barty, Karolina Muchova, Veronika Kudermetova, Donna Vekic, Marie Bouzkova, Jessica Pegula, Frankie, He's, Martyn Herman, Pritha Sarkar Organizations: Wimbledon, Court, Lawn Tennis, Croquet Club, Slams, ITF, Thomson Locations: Czech, Wimbledon, Prague, London, United Kingdom, Berlin

☆ Ukraine's Kichenok wins Wimbledon mixed doubles title with Pavic
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - Ukrainian Elina Svitolina's bid to win the Wimbledon singles fell short on Thursday but her war-torn nation could still celebrate a Grand Slam champion as Lyudmyla Kichenok and Croatian partner Mate Pavic later won the mixed doubles. The 30-year-old Kichenok and Pavic, seeded seventh, beat Belgium's Joran Vliegen and China's Xu Yifan 6-4 6-7(9) 6-3. "This feels amazing, I want to thank my partner for playing incredible in this two weeks." Former doubles world number one Pavic, also 30, adds the Wimbledon mixed doubles titles to five other Grand Slam doubles titles, three in men's and two in mixed. Earlier on Thursday, wildcard Svitolina was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Czech Marketa Vondrousova in the women's semi-finals.

Persons: Elina Svitolina's, Lyudmyla, Mate Pavic, Belgium's Joran, Xu Yifan, Kichenok, Svitolina, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: Wimbledon, Court, Thomson Locations: Ukraine, men's, Czech

☆ Former Wimbledon champion Martinez calls for more female coaches
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-13 | by ( Martyn Herman | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

LONDON, July 13 (Reuters) - More female coaches are needed on the WTA and ATP Tours says Spain's former Wimbledon champion Conchita Martinez, who on Thursday was named as tournament director for this year's Billie Jean Cup in Seville. Martinez, who beat Martina Navratilova in the 1994 Wimbledon final, has bucked the trend since retiring. She was part of compatriot Garbine Muguruza's coaching team when the Spaniard won the 2017 Wimbledon title, worked as coach to Czech Karolina Pliskova and even captained Spain's Davis Cup team from 2015 to 2017. Martinez is the exception to the rule, although another former Wimbledon champion Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo did have a stint as coach to three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray. I'd be very happy to see more women coaches on the women's side and why not on the men's side."

Persons: Spain's, Conchita Martinez, Billie Jean, Martinez, Martina Navratilova, Garbine Muguruza's, Czech Karolina Pliskova, Frenchwoman Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Murray, Billie Jean King, Amelie, Andy, King, She's, Martyn Herman, Ken Ferris Organizations: WTA, ATP Tours, Wimbledon, Spaniard, Spain's Davis, Reuters, Billie Jean King Cup, All England, Davis Cup, Thomson Locations: Seville, Czech

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