* Federer beaten at Wimbledon warm-ups by Felix Auger-Aliassime
Roger Federer’s competitive preparation before Wimbledon ended with a three-set defeat by Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Halle Open in Germany yesterday (16). Swiss world number-eight Federer, who turns 40 in August, lost 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, against 20-year-old Auger-Aliassime. After an encouraging start, Federer struggled on serve in the deciding set as Auger-Aliassime broke twice. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is going for a record ninth men’s singles title at the All England Club. On Monday, Federer beat Belarusian Ilya Ivashka in straight sets - his first match since pulling out of the French Open to protect a knee injury.
* Now Pogba removes beer bottle from Euro news conference
The day after Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines by removing two bottles of Coca-Cola at a news conference and then encouraging people to drink “agua!” (water) instead, Paul Pogba has gone viral for removing a bottle of Heineken beer. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who is a practising Muslim, made no comment on the matter - just discreetly moved the non-alcoholic beer and placed it below the table during a post-match press conference. It came after he played a starring role in France’s 1-0 Group F victory over Germany at Euro 2020 and was awarded the Heineken “star of the match”. It is understood UEFA does not see the players’ actions as an issue, despite the incidents are involving two of their high-profile sponsors. The market value of the American drinks giant lost around $ 4 b (Rs. 793.8 b) after Ronaldo’s actions. The firm, which is worth, almost $ 240 b (Rs. 47,629 b), shrugged off the impact. “Everyone is entitled to their drink preferences,” said Coca-Cola in a short statement, adding that each individual has different “tastes and needs”.
* NBA play-offs: Durant scores 49 as Brooklyn Nets take 3-2 series lead
Kevin Durant scored 49 points as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-108 to take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series yesterday. Durant also came up with 17 rebounds and 10 assists to inspire victory after the Nets were 17 points down in the third quarter. He hit a three-pointer and three free throws late on to seal the win. Nets Coach Steve Nash said Durant’s display “makes him one of the all-time greats”. Milwaukee’s two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who top-scored for the Bucks with 34 points, called Durant “the best player in the world right now”. LeBron James, widely regarded as one of basketball’s finest players of all time, also praised Durant on social media.
Roger Federer’s competitive preparation before Wimbledon ended with a three-set defeat by Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Halle Open in Germany yesterday (16). Swiss world number-eight Federer, who turns 40 in August, lost 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, against 20-year-old Auger-Aliassime. After an encouraging start, Federer struggled on serve in the deciding set as Auger-Aliassime broke twice. The 20-time Grand Slam champion is going for a record ninth men’s singles title at the All England Club. On Monday, Federer beat Belarusian Ilya Ivashka in straight sets - his first match since pulling out of the French Open to protect a knee injury.
* Now Pogba removes beer bottle from Euro news conference
The day after Cristiano Ronaldo made headlines by removing two bottles of Coca-Cola at a news conference and then encouraging people to drink “agua!” (water) instead, Paul Pogba has gone viral for removing a bottle of Heineken beer. The 28-year-old Frenchman, who is a practising Muslim, made no comment on the matter - just discreetly moved the non-alcoholic beer and placed it below the table during a post-match press conference. It came after he played a starring role in France’s 1-0 Group F victory over Germany at Euro 2020 and was awarded the Heineken “star of the match”. It is understood UEFA does not see the players’ actions as an issue, despite the incidents are involving two of their high-profile sponsors. The market value of the American drinks giant lost around $ 4 b (Rs. 793.8 b) after Ronaldo’s actions. The firm, which is worth, almost $ 240 b (Rs. 47,629 b), shrugged off the impact. “Everyone is entitled to their drink preferences,” said Coca-Cola in a short statement, adding that each individual has different “tastes and needs”.
* NBA play-offs: Durant scores 49 as Brooklyn Nets take 3-2 series lead
Kevin Durant scored 49 points as the Brooklyn Nets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 114-108 to take a 3-2 lead in their Eastern Conference semi-final series yesterday. Durant also came up with 17 rebounds and 10 assists to inspire victory after the Nets were 17 points down in the third quarter. He hit a three-pointer and three free throws late on to seal the win. Nets Coach Steve Nash said Durant’s display “makes him one of the all-time greats”. Milwaukee’s two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Giannis Antetokounmpo, who top-scored for the Bucks with 34 points, called Durant “the best player in the world right now”. LeBron James, widely regarded as one of basketball’s finest players of all time, also praised Durant on social media.