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Rafael Nadal Wins In Olympic Singles And Will Play Rival Novak Djokovic On Monday

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Rafael Nadal | AP News Image

PARIS — The spectators’ first standing ovation for Rafael Nadal came when he wasn’t even present, only an image on a video screen as he waited in a stadium hallway to walk out on the court used for the Paris Olympics and the French Open, a tournament he made his own.

They remained on their feet, some clapping and others raising their phones to capture photographs of the moment he emerged and stepped on the red mud that was so familiar to him. Chants of “Ra-fa! Ra-fa!” broke out at various points, and numerous red-and-yellow Spanish flags flew in the stands as Nadal defeated Marton Fucsovics of Hungary 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 in the first round Sunday, setting up a blockbuster meeting with rival Novak Djokovic at the Summer Games.

“Playing against Novak has always been something unique, hasn’t it? No doubt about it. But the difference is that we usually play for the finals or semifinals. With a chuckle, the 38-year-old Nadal replied, “This is the second round.”

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Rafael Nadal | AP News Image

Rafael Nadal Wins In Olympic Singles And Will Play Rival Novak Djokovic On Monday

Monday afternoon’s match, set for the second day at Court Philippe Chatrier, will be the 60th meeting between these two greats, more than any other two men have played against each other since the sport’s Open era began in 1968. Djokovic, 37, of Serbia, leads the head-to-head series 30-29, and his 24 Grand Slam championships make him the only man in tennis history with more than Nadal’s 22.

Djokovic underwent knee surgery in June after tearing his meniscus at the French Open but recovered swiftly and well enough to reach the Wimbledon final two weeks ago when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. Nadal, however, has suffered several problems over the last two seasons, including hip surgery in 2023, and his right thigh was wrapped on Sunday. He needed a trainer to treat a finger on his right hand during the third set against Fucsovics.

“Almost every single match I played against Novak, I arrived in a different situation than I am now. This makes the match more difficult for me and more unpredictable,” Nadal explained. But I always have hope, I always believe, and I’m going to give my best.”

A day after winning in doubles with partner Alcaraz, Nadal remained in the singles bracket, stating that he was unsure whether he would compete in both competitions.

“It’s always amazing when they play each other,” said Stan Wawrinka, who won his three Grand Slam championships by defeating Nadal or Djokovic in the final. “There are two sports legends. It’s going to be something special, for sure.

Not only did Nadal play on Sunday, but he played very much like the version of himself everyone is used to seeing: the sprinting, sliding, grunting star who owns 22 Grand Slam titles in total and won Olympic gold medals for Spain in singles in 2008 and doubles in 2016.

And the audience adored it.

“His fighting spirit remains at its peak,” Fucsovics remarked. He isn’t playing at his best, but on a good day, he can beat anyone.

Whether still being determined should be Nadal’s final singles encounter at the Olympics was unclear. This stadium has significantly impacted his career (and vice versa). Or, indeed, anywhere. He’s been quite secretive about his retirement lately, despite previously stating in 2023 that he expected to retire in 2024.

“I realize it could be my last time playing here. “Maybe not,” Nadal responded, shrugging. “I can’t confirm that because I don’t know.”

After a morning practice session to assess his fitness, he decided to compete around 18 1/2 hours after Nadal and Alcaraz, Spain’s old and young tennis superstars, won their first doubles match together.

When Nadal and Fucsovics began warming up under a blue sky with a slight breeze, there were cheers of “Ole!”. Spectators stood up when Nadal jumped out to a 3-0 lead after just 13 minutes, winning the opening set over an outmatched Fucsovics, a 32-year-old ranked 83rd.

Nadal expressed that he felt liked by the fans.

And he did not appear to be done, especially at the start of the contest. In the second game, Nadal sprints and then slides to smash a blistering cross-court backhand that wins a point and elicits gasps from the fans.

That’s exactly what it felt like an audience captivated by and admiring a performance by someone whose output is well-known. The tireless pursuit of every ball, a lefty forehand bullwhip followed by an over-the-head finish, and the groans of exertion that accompany so many racket swings.

Naturally, Fucsovic’s CV pales in comparison to Nadal’s. Fucsovic has reached one Grand Slam quarterfinal at Wimbledon in 2021 and has lost in the first round of every major tournament this season.

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Rafael Nadal | AP News Image

Rafael Nadal Wins In Olympic Singles And Will Play Rival Novak Djokovic On Monday

Nadal still needs a Slam match win in 2024. He missed the Australian Open in January due to a strained hip muscle near the site of his operation, lost in the first round of the French Open in May to eventual runner-up Alexander Zverev, and skipped Wimbledon in July to avoid having to prepare to play on grass before returning to clay for the Olympics.

After Nadal blazed through the first set, things slowed down for him. Suddenly, Fucsovics was dictating baseline exchanges, particularly with his powerful forehand.

Nadal’s muscle memory eventually kicked in, which came as no surprise. Soon, he was smacking one final forehand winner and lifting both arms, fists clenched.

Now comes a more difficult job versus Djokovic, which will undoubtedly grab a lot of attention.

“It was a good test,” Nadal said of defeating Fucsovics over two and a half hours. “The good news is that I was able to play at a good level of tennis for a while. That always inspires hope.”

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Nadal

SOURCE | AP

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The Masters Adds Two Hours Of Weekend Coverage On Paramount+

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The Masters and CBS will boost broadcast coverage by five hours next year, including two hours on Saturday and Sunday via CBS’s Paramount+ streaming service.

Augusta National recently announced another high-level corporate partner, Bank of America, raising the total number of “champion partners” for golf’s most-watched major to four.

The addition of Bank of America does not affect the commercial load. The Masters indicated the broadcast would continue with only four minutes of advertising per hour.

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The Masters Adds Two Hours Of Weekend Coverage On Paramount+

“The Masters Tournament has had the great fortune of enjoying an extraordinary relationship with CBS Sports for nearly 70 years,” said Augusta National and Masters chairman Fred Ridley. “Alongside our friends at the network, we are pleased to extend the tournament’s weekend coverage and ultimately deliver more live golf for Masters fans.”

CBS will extend Saturday’s show by one hour. Next year, it will run from 2 to 7 p.m. EDT, rather than 3 p.m. The third and fourth rounds will be shown exclusively on Paramount+ from noon to 2 p.m. and will be available on the streaming service until the 7 p.m. finale.

This extends the overall coverage to 23 hours, including ESPN’s broadcast from 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday and Friday.

CBS also produces extensive digital coverage via The Master’s app, which includes features including Amen Corner, holes 4-6, holes 15-16, and featured pairings.

CBS has made its live coverage of athletic events available on Paramount Plus. The extra two hours on weekends will be part of its exclusive material, which is the first time it has offered golf-related content.

The Masters and CBS have had an annual relationship since 1956 when the network televised the last four holes with six cameras. Only 25 years ago, CBS broadcast only 10 1/2 hours of live Masters coverage, including three hours on Sunday.

Bank of America joins a tiny group of key corporate sponsors at the Masters, including AT&T, IBM, and Mercedes-Benz, all of whom have expanded their agreements. The club does not publish the specifics of those contracts.

Bank of America has had a long-standing partnership with Augusta National, serving as the presenting sponsor of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur since its establishment in 2019, as well as the Asia-Pacific Amateur and Latin America Amateur since 2022.

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The Masters Adds Two Hours Of Weekend Coverage On Paramount+

“Through Bank of America’s support of our community initiatives and amateur events, they have become an impactful and committed partner in our organization’s mission in Augusta and around the globe,” Ridley told the crowd.

He stated that adding Bank of America as a top-tier sponsor broadens the partnership and improves the Masters “for many years to come.”

The Masters will be hosted on April 10-13 next year, continuing its history of taking place during the first full week of April. Scottie Scheffler is the defending champion.

SOURCE | AP

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The Eagles Lose to the Atlanta Falcons 22-21 Because of a Key Drop Late in the Fourth Quarter.

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(VOR News) – Saquon Barkley would have secured at least a first down, if not a touchdown, in order to secure a victory in the Eagles’ home opener.

Barkley was unable to maintain possession of a pass from Jalen Hurts, as a result of a fumble. The Eagles were compelled to settle for a field goal and halt the clock late in the game when a significant error occurred on third down at Atlanta’s 10-yard line with 1:46 remaining.

The Atlanta Falcons capitalised on Barkley’s error to execute an impeccable drive that the Eagles were unable to replicate, culminating in an extraordinary play. Kirk Cousins concluded the winning drive with a touchdown pass to Drake London, and Atlanta stunned Philadelphia 22–21 in their home opener on Monday night. Barkley stated unequivocally, “I erred.”

Today, I will depart from my gathering. The defence was incorrectly placed in that situation. If I succeed in making the reception, the game is over. Barkley and Hurts engaged in a brief conversation in the locker room following the contest.

Hurts’ fourth-quarter 1-yard push-push gave the Eagles an 18-15 lead.

Barkley was still in Hurts’ good graces, as the message was unambiguous. Barkley stated, “He is going to trust me in that situation every time.” Jake Elliott executed a 28-yard field goal subsequent to Barkley’s interception, as opposed to the Eagles’ effort at a fourth-down touchdown.

“Our objective was to increase by six points.” Coach Nick Sirianni declared, “It was unsuccessful.” “I intended for them to score a touchdown and attempt to drive on the field.” Additionally, they executed it.

Barkley has signed a three-year contract worth a guaranteed $26 million, making him the highest-paid running back in franchise history. The 27-year-old former New York Giant did have a propensity for fumbling the ball while a member of an NFC East opponent.

Hurts declared, “I have confidence in his ability to execute a play every day of the week.” In the same manner as all other individuals. It will be advantageous for us.

Barkley may be sufficiently trusted by the Eagles to proceed directly to first down in the future.

The Eagles had 34 seconds to propel Elliott into field goal range after London scored a touchdown by tormenting cornerback Darius Slay. Instead, Jessie Bates III intercepted Hurts’ pass, effectively ending Philadelphia’s remarkable comeback.

Sirianni declared, “The objective of that play was to advance down the field.” “The guy made a great play, and he took a chance.”

Slay, like Barkley, acknowledged his role in the loss after London’s touchdown secured the victory. “That is my responsibility, Philadelphia!” I have one to distribute to each of you. Oh my God! Slay posted writing on social media.

The Eagles, who began the season with a 10-1 record, are currently 1-1 and have remaining games against New Orleans and Tampa Bay.

Barkley made his home debut one week after rushing for 109 yards and three touchdowns against Green Bay, accumulating 95 yards. Eagles supporters jeered when Barkley failed to contact the ball on the game’s opening drive. Bradley Cooper, a Hollywood celebrity, scored two consecutive touchdowns from nine yards out to commence the second drive, causing Eagles supporters to go wild.

Barkley’s Eagles could not maintain success.

Cousins and the long play were unable to be stopped by the defence for the entire 60 minutes. Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, the Eagles established a pattern of allowing extended drives to conclude with three scores, rather than seven.

In the third quarter, Atlanta’s Younghoe Koo scored field goals from 39, 22, and 34 yards. The latter of these made his team lead 9–7. During their initial possession at the 20-yard line, the Eagles restricted the Packers to only three field goals.

The Cousins, who had signed a four-year, $180 million contract in the offseason, demonstrated significant improvement during the second half.

Cousins connected with Darnell Mooney on a 41-yard touchdown pass, resulting in a 15–10 Atlanta lead. Cousins later connected with Mooney for 21 and 26 yards on consecutive plays during the critical drive.

Brandon Graham, the defensive end for the Philadelphia Eagles, stated, “We are vulnerable to defeat, particularly if we fail to capitalise on our opportunities.”

DeVonta Smith spearheaded the Eagles during the absence of starting receiver A.J. Brown, who sustained a hamstring injury, by making seven receptions for 76 yards and scoring a touchdown. Sirianni expressed ambiguity regarding Brown’s duration of absence.

Hurt observed, “He has been missed, of course.” “I remain optimistic that others will take the initiative, despite this.” At that moment, we were unable to establish a connection. Tonight, it was not our night.

SOURCE: AP

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Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

Caleb Williams, The Quarterback, Sustained an Injury after the Houston Texans Sacked Him Seven Times.

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Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

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Watkins Glen, New York – Chris Buescher lost a playoff berth at Kansas when Kyle Larson clipped him on the final lap to win the closest finish in NASCAR history.

Buescher fought with Tyler Reddick after being denied a shot at the checkered flag following a late collision at Darlington, enraged that another postseason bid had been ruined.

Who knows. If Chris had made it to NASCAR’s postseason, he could have been a dark horse to defeat for the Cup title.

Buescher

Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

Chris had to play spoiler on Sunday at Watkins Glen’s road course.

Buescher’s last lap overtake on road-course ace Shane van Gisbergen in overtime propelled the RFK Racing driver to victory.

Chris led five consecutive non-playoff drivers to victory in a road-course race that played havoc on Denny Hamlin, Martin Truex Jr., Brad Keselowski, and a few title candidates.

“We’re going to play spoiler as much as we can in the next seven or eight weeks, as well,” Buescher told me.

Let the playoff field of 16 worry about their Cup championship chances heading into Saturday’s cutoff race at Bristol.

Instead, Chris had to figure out how to get all the champagne out of a large bottle of wine he had brought with him from Victory Lane.

“Looks ridiculous, don’t it?” Buescher cracked.

With title contenders well behind them, Buescher and van Gisbergen battled door-to-door to a dramatic finish on The Glen’s 2.45-mile road course. Van Gisbergen, who won his NASCAR debut at the Chicago street race last season, claimed the lead from the second row on a three-wide move during an overtime restart. Buescher pursued him in the No. 17 Ford, and the two cars collided at the “Bus Stop” – a vital inner loop on the circuit — before Buescher sped past van Gisbergen.

“I knew Chris was going to send it and push me if he could get there,” van Gisbergen explained. “I twisted, became a little loose, and clipped the interior wall. There was a driver error. I’m gutted.

Buescher outperformed the New Zealand driver in NASCAR’s second playoff race of the season. Carson Hocevar placed third, followed by Ross Chastain and Zane Smith.

Yes, it was that type of race.

Buescher, who won three times last season, qualified 24th and won his sixth Cup race.

“If we’re going to be blunt about it, not having to think about points at all on the playoff-side of it, or any cutoffs, opened up more opportunities for us today to go out there and get that win,” Buescher reported.

He also scored his second postseason upset in three seasons. Buescher won the third playoff race at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2022 for RFK Racing, the long-time Jack Roush-owned squad that competed with Keselowski in the ownership group two years previously. It was the first occasion in this iteration of NASCAR’s postseason that a playoff driver failed to win a race in a round.

Buescher Tries Not To Think About Missed Shot For NASCAR Playoff Spot After Win At The Glen

Joey Logano won the playoff opener in Atlanta last weekend and is the only driver who is guaranteed to advance to the next round.

After a few difficult seasons — Buescher went winless from 2017 to 2021 — he has tried not to concentrate on the close calls this season that robbed him of a postseason spot. He only wanted to savor the checkered flag and the rewards that come with it, such as a large bottle of champagne.

“Missing the playoffs hurt,” Buescher admitted. “It stung there. The season we had, with so many close calls and near misses, did not feel good. It’s a nice old-fashioned win. In that way, it’s incredibly meaningful for me and the crew to get this Mustang to victory lane.”

SOURCE | AP

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