Novak Djokovic has urged fans to “cool off” their criticism of Serena Williams following her first-round Wimbledon defeat, insisting the sport must appreciate the return of the 23-time Grand Slam champion.
The 44-year-old American suffered a three-set loss to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint on Tuesday in her first singles match in nearly four years.
Despite serving at speeds exceeding 120mph and dictating points with powerful groundstrokes, the returning legend struggled with her movement on the grass court.
Djokovic calls for appreciation over judgement
The Serbian, who shares Williams’ record of seven Wimbledon singles titles, understands the immense pressure of living up to historical expectations.
He noted that as a mother of two who has not played a match in years, it is entirely normal that her physical movement is compromised.
“People always expect you to play at your best because they’re used to seeing you dominate the sport for many years,” Djokovic said.
“People need to cool off a little bit with judgment and criticism and everything. Let’s just enjoy the greatness, who she is, what she represents to the sport.”
The 24-time men’s major champion described the former world number one’s willingness to compete again as an incredible gift to tennis.
Injury doubts surround doubles campaign
Williams received wildcard entries for both the singles and doubles draws at the All England Club this year.
However, the veteran star revealed on Wednesday that she tweaked her right knee during the closing stages of the opening set against Joint.
Her highly anticipated doubles partnership with older sister Venus now hangs in the balance ahead of a potential weekend fixture.
The iconic duo are scheduled to face the South American pairing of Camila Osorio and Solana Sierra, though the match remains absent from Friday’s order of play.
Eyes turn towards a US Open return
Djokovic previously challenged his fellow tennis icon to make a tour comeback during last year’s US Open in New York.
The 39-year-old is now hopeful that the American crowd will get the opportunity to witness her compete at Flushing Meadows later this season.
“I assume that US Open is somewhere where she would like to play. Playing in her home Slam would be amazing for her and for everyone else.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic successfully advanced to the third round himself following a straight-sets victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Uefa has expelled Czech Cup winners MFK Karvina from next season’s Europa League and fined the club £354,000 following their involvement in a domestic match-fixing scandal.
European football’s governing body ruled the club ineligible for failing to comply with crucial tournament admission criteria.
The decision stems from direct or indirect activities intended to influence the outcome of domestic matches.
Alongside the European ban, a fine of 10m Czech koruna has been issued, which the sanctioned side has opted not to appeal.
European qualification reshuffled
The expulsion triggers a significant reorganisation of continental competition spots for the Czech Football Association.
Viktoria Plzen are set to inherit the lucrative play-off spot originally reserved for the cup winners.
Consequently, Hradec Kralove will take over Plzen’s initial entry into the second qualifying round of the same tournament.
Jablonec will also benefit from the changes, stepping in to fill the resulting vacancy in the Conference League second qualifying round.
Wider corruption investigation
This latest European sanction follows severe domestic punishment for the disgraced outfit.
The national football association previously expelled them from the Czech top flight on 16 June.
In March, authorities launched a widespread disciplinary investigation into corruption across the top four tiers of the country’s football pyramid.
A total of 47 individuals and teams, including referees, players and club officials, are currently facing allegations regarding their involvement.
Nottingham Forest have confirmed the departure of head coach Vitor Pereira after exercising a mutual break clause, ending his brief but successful tenure at the City Ground.
The 57-year-old Portuguese tactician leaves despite guiding the East Midlands club to Premier League safety and a Europa League semi-final last season.
His exit comes shortly after the former Porto boss released a statement describing the decision as a complete surprise and without any warning.
Break clause ends brief tenure
The City Ground hierarchy activated a mutual break clause in the 18-month contract he originally signed in February.
An official club statement thanked the departing coaching team for their considerable efforts and enormous dedication.
They credited the outgoing staff with securing their top-flight status and providing the foundations for future success.
Five members of his backroom team, including assistants Filipe Almeida and Luis Miguel, have also vacated their positions.
Disappointment despite European success
The European specialist expressed his deep sadness at the sudden termination of his contract.
“Although this decision came as a complete surprise to me and without any warning, I fully respect the club’s right to make the decisions it believes are best for its future.” Vitor Pereira
“Naturally, I am disappointed and saddened. I truly believed in what we were building together, and I leave with a sense of pride in everything we achieved over the past months.”
Under his stewardship, the two-time European Cup winners enjoyed a memorable conclusion to their campaign.
Navigating a difficult domestic season, the Portuguese coach successfully steered his squad away from the relegation zone.
Simultaneously, he orchestrated an impressive continental run that only concluded at the semi-final stage of the Europa League.
Glasner linked with vacant role
Attention now turns to who will succeed the 57-year-old in the City Ground dugout.
Reports suggest that Oliver Glasner is the leading candidate to take charge ahead of the new campaign.
The Austrian manager has been out of work since leaving Premier League rivals Crystal Palace at the end of last season.
Alexander Zverev believes a maiden Wimbledon title is possible this year after the German second seed breezed past Valentin Royer to reach the third round.
The recently crowned French Open champion defeated his 75th-ranked opponent 6-1 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in just over two hours on the grass courts of SW19.
He will now face American Marcos Giron as he continues his pursuit of back-to-back Grand Slam triumphs.
Despite never progressing beyond the fourth round at the All England Club, the 29-year-old is riding a significant wave of momentum.
French Open triumph fuels confidence
The German star ended his long wait for a major trophy last month by defeating Flavio Cobolli on the Parisian clay.
That landmark victory has fundamentally altered his mindset arriving in London as a reigning Slam champion.
“It builds confidence when you win in straight sets, especially at Wimbledon where I am still waiting for a big result,” said Zverev.
“If I continue playing like this, I think it is definitely possible this year.”
Dominant display features late wobble
The towering right-hander was in ruthless form during the early exchanges, winning nine consecutive games after Royer held his opening serve.
He did not face a single break point until stumbling with a double fault while leading 4-3 in the third set.
Royer seized the rare opportunity to force a tie-break, but the recent major winner quickly regained his composure to seal the match.
“The next tournament is always round the corner. I won the French Open, which I’ve been waiting for such a long time and was such a big relief, but two weeks later we’re here at Wimbledon.”
“It’s such a short turnaround. You have to remember that you can and have done it, but have to take every match at 100%.”
Fritz and De Minaur advance
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, Taylor Fritz secured his place in the next round with a 6-2 6-2 7-5 victory over fellow American Patrick Kypson.
The big-serving 11th seed notably defeated the recent French Open champion in the Halle Open final last month, proving his formidable credentials on grass.
Australian fifth seed Alex de Minaur also enjoyed a straightforward afternoon, dismissing French veteran Adrian Mannarino 6-3 6-2 6-2.
Liverpool are closely monitoring Roma midfielder Neil El Aynaoui following his standout performances for Morocco at the World Cup in North America.
The 25-year-old has emerged as a key target for the Premier League side as they look to strengthen their defensive midfield options this summer.
Interest in the former Lens player has surged following his impressive international displays against teams such as Brazil and the Netherlands.
Premier League interest intensifies
As many as eight English clubs have reportedly held talks with intermediaries regarding the availability of the North African star.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are among the sides tracking the Roma ball-winner.
The Serie A club consider him a crucial asset, meaning a substantial financial offer will be required to secure his signature.
Any formal bids are expected to be delayed until the conclusion of Morocco’s current international campaign.
Midfield overhaul at Anfield?
The Merseyside club are eager to recruit an out-and-out holding midfielder ahead of the new domestic season.
Potential departures for Curtis Jones or Alexis Mac Allister could accelerate the need for midfield reinforcements.
While the Moroccan international has shone globally, he started just eight league matches for his Italian employers last season.
Alternative targets considered
Should the asking price prove too high, Liverpool may shift their focus to other emerging talents.
Lille’s 18-year-old prospect Ayoub Bouaddi, who is also representing the Atlas Lions at the tournament, remains a viable alternative.
The teenage sensation has already attracted attention from both Arsenal and Manchester City.
A Florida judge has granted prosecutors permission to review Tiger Woods’ medical records following his vehicle crash and subsequent arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence in March.
Judge Darren Steele approved an agreement allowing the state to request documents from the Cleveland Clinic Martin South Hospital, where the 15-time major champion was treated.
The case is currently being tried in Martin County circuit court, situated just north of Palm Beach County.
Prescription history access granted
This latest ruling follows a similar agreement approved in May regarding the legendary golfer’s pharmacy history.
Prosecutors can now access all prescription medication records from a Palm Beach pharmacy dating from the start of the year through to the end of March.
A protective order has been placed on both the hospital and prescription records at the request of defence attorney Doug Duncan.
This strict limitation ensures the sensitive documents are only released to prosecutors, law enforcement officers, state experts, and the defence team.
Details of the March crash
The American golf icon has formally pleaded not guilty to the charge of driving under the influence.
According to a sheriff’s office report, deputies discovered two pain pills in his pocket after his speeding SUV clipped a truck’s trailer and rolled onto its side.
The incident occurred on a residential road on Jupiter Island, where the former world number one was travelling well above the 30mph speed limit.
While a breathalyser test showed no traces of alcohol in his system, authorities noted he displayed signs of impairment and subsequently refused a urine test.
Return to the public eye
Court records indicate the prominent athlete recently travelled outside of the United States to seek care at an inpatient treatment facility.
He made his first public appearance since the arrest at the PGA Tour’s Travelers Championship in Connecticut last week.
During the event, the former Masters champion introduced chief executive Brian Rolapp to announce changes to the tour’s future competitive model.
Caitlin Clark, Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell have been named starters for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game in Chicago on 25 July following a combined vote by fans, players and media.
The Indiana Fever trio will be joined by heavyweights from across the league for the showpiece event at the United Center.
Both the Minnesota Lynx and Dallas Wings also boast multiple starters in a star-studded 10-player line-up.
Lynx guard Olivia Miles enters the record books as the only rookie selected to begin the prestigious fixture.
Legendary managers to select squads
In a departure from recent formats, the traditional player-captain draft system has been replaced for the league’s 30th anniversary season.
Basketball icons Cynthia Cooper and Teresa Weatherspoon will serve as honorary general managers to select the final rosters.
The decorated duo will draft their respective squads from the overall pool of 22 All-Stars.
League head coaches are tasked with selecting the 12 reserve players, with those announcements expected next week.
Wilson and Stewart headline remaining starters
Las Vegas Aces centre A’ja Wilson brings her four-time MVP pedigree to the frontcourt unit.
She is joined in the elite group by two-time MVP Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty.
Golden State Valkyries forward Gabby Williams completes the frontcourt selections alongside Natasha Howard and Jessica Shepard.
Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers rounds out the perimeter starters alongside the prolific Indiana playmakers and Minnesota’s breakout rookie.
The German Football Association has told Julian Nagelsmann to consider resigning or face being sacked following the national team’s shock World Cup exit to Paraguay on Monday.
Jurgen Klopp has emerged as the clear frontrunner to take over from the 38-year-old following the round-of-32 elimination in Boston.
The former Liverpool manager is understood to be open to managing his country after spending two years away from the dugout.
Germany suffered a devastating penalty shootout defeat against the South American side to end their tournament prematurely.
Defender Jonathan Tah had an extra-time goal controversially ruled out before missing the decisive spot-kick in the dramatic shootout.
Nagelsmann defiant amid board pressure
Despite the highly disappointing result, the former Bayern Munich head coach initially insisted he would not step down.
The tactician currently has two years remaining on a contract extension that was signed after a solid home showing at Euro 2024.
However, reports indicate the governing body’s board has now delivered a blunt ultimatum following emergency crisis talks.
This decisive action is reportedly independent of any potential appointment, but it significantly clears the path for a high-profile successor.
Klopp addresses national team speculation
The 59-year-old has been employed as Red Bull’s Head of Global Soccer since January 2025, overseeing a network of clubs including RB Leipzig.
He is currently working at the tournament as a television pundit and was questioned about the managerial vacancy in the immediate aftermath of the defeat.
“I understand that my name is being mentioned. But this isn’t the moment to talk about it – and certainly not with me.”
A decade of tournament disappointment
This latest early exit extends a miserable run of form on the global stage for the four-time world champions.
The European heavyweights have remarkably failed to win a single World Cup knockout match since lifting the prestigious trophy in 2014.
Joachim Low oversaw a disastrous group-stage elimination in Russia eight years ago, before Hansi Flick suffered the exact same fate in 2022.
The current national team boss acknowledged this severe decline after watching his squad fall short in the United States.
“This is now the third elimination in a row, so we are not part of the first-class teams any more. I am disappointed.”