Jabeur's Madrid Resurgence Fueled by New Friendships and Coaching Support

Jabeur’s Madrid Resurgence Fueled by New Friendships and Coaching Support

Ons Jabeur’s resurgence at the Mutua Madrid Open is not just about her on-court performances. The Tunisian star has forged new connections and found support from unexpected sources, adding to her positive experience in the Spanish capital.

Jabeur’s friendship with Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka has blossomed into a close bond. The trio, dubbed “soulmates” by Sabalenka, share a playful and supportive relationship. Jabeur jokingly described herself as the “psychologist” between the two fashion-conscious players.

“They’re both kids, you know. I’m here as a psychologist between them,” Jabeur said. “I love both, obviously. I think Aryna and Paula have the connection of the fashion: ‘I wore this, I wore that, I bought this new purse,’ and I go to the real thing. ‘What do you need? Let’s go have dinner.'”

Jabeur’s connection with former world No. 7 Fernando Verdasco has also been a positive development. The Spaniard has been working with Jabeur in Madrid, providing insights and support in the absence of her full-time coach.

“Fernando is such an amazing person. We are close. I’ve known him for a long time. It’s always nice to chat with him and have his vision about tennis; I’ve always been a fan of his as a tennis player and also a person,” Jabeur said.

Verdasco’s guidance has helped Jabeur improve her backhand and make better shot choices. “My backhand is much better. I’ve been trying to be a lefty for a while, so I think it’s working out,” Jabeur joked.

“It’s nice to get the insights of a professional tennis player and see how he thinks. I share sometimes my frustrations on court … ‘You think I should’ve done that, or this?’ It’s really amazing to see his insights.”

Jabeur’s positive mindset and newfound support system have contributed to her success in Madrid. She will face former Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals, aiming to continue her impressive run and challenge for the title she won in 2022.

Virat Kohli Hits Back at Critics, Defends His Batting Style

Virat Kohli Hits Back at Critics, Defends His Batting Style

Virat Kohli, the star batter of the Indian cricket team, has been facing criticism over his strike rate and batting style in the ongoing IPL 2024. Despite being the highest run-getter in this year’s competition, Kohli’s approach has been questioned by some.

However, Kohli has hit back at his critics, stating that he does not pay attention to the chatter surrounding his strike rate. He believes that only those who have played cricket at a high level can truly understand the complexities of the game.

“Not really, all the people who talk about strike-rates and me not playing spin well are the ones talking about this stuff,” Kohli said after a recent match. “For me, it’s about winning the games for the team and there’s a reason why you’ve done it for 15 years, you’ve done this day in and day out, you’ve won games for your teams, I’m not quite sure that if you haven’t been in that situation yourself, to sit and talk about the game in the box. For me, people can talk about their assumptions day in and day out, but those who have done day in and day out, they know what’s happening and it’s a kind of muscle memory for me now.”

Kohli’s comments come after he slammed an unbeaten 70 off just 44 deliveries as Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Gujarat Titans by 9 wickets. The victory kept RCB’s playoff hopes alive, and Kohli was praised for his match-winning knock.

However, Kohli’s critics have argued that his strike rate is too low, especially in the middle overs. They believe that he needs to be more aggressive in order to help RCB win more games.

Kohli has acknowledged that he needs to improve his strike rate, but he has also defended his approach. He believes that he is a different type of player than he was earlier in his career, and that he needs to adapt his game to the demands of the modern game.

“I’m not going to change my game just because someone says something,” Kohli said. “I’m going to play the way I know how to play, and I’m going to try to win games for my team.”

Kohli’s comments have sparked a debate about the role of strike rate in modern cricket. Some believe that it is an important metric, while others believe that it is overvalued.

Ultimately, it is up to Kohli to decide how he wants to play the game. He is a world-class player with a proven track record of success. If he believes that his current approach is the best way to help RCB win, then he should stick with it.

Harry Brook Dedicates Centuries to Late Grandmother

Harry Brook Dedicates Centuries to Late Grandmother

Harry Brook, the rising star of English cricket, has dedicated his impressive performances this summer to his late grandmother, Pauline Brook. Pauline, who passed away in March, was a constant presence in her grandson’s career, becoming a beloved figure within the cricket community.

Brook’s decision to withdraw from England’s Test tour of India and the Indian Premier League was a testament to the close bond he shared with his grandmother. After her passing, he returned to action with Yorkshire, scoring an emotional century against Leicestershire in his first match since July 2022.

Speaking publicly for the first time since Pauline’s death, Brook expressed his gratitude for the time he had with her before her condition deteriorated. He dedicated both his centuries for Yorkshire this season to her memory, acknowledging the profound impact she had on his life.

“When I came home from Abu Dhabi, it was a very tough time,” Brook said. “I’m glad I did come home. She would have come out there a couple of years ago, so I had to come back and support her as much as I could.”

Brook’s performances have not only been a tribute to his grandmother but also a testament to his resilience and determination. He is set to join England for their T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, where he will be a key figure in their title defense.

“I’m looking forward to it, if selected,” Brook said of the World Cup. “We join up at the end of next month. I’m looking forward to being back with the lads and hopefully producing the goods for England again.”

Brook’s story is a reminder of the power of family and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones. His performances this summer are a testament to his talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of those who have shaped his journey.

Pat Cummins Wins Toss, SRH Elects to Bowl First Against CSK

Pat Cummins Wins Toss, SRH Elects to Bowl First Against CSK

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) skipper Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their Indian Premier League (IPL) match in Chennai on April 28. SRH made one change to their lineup, dropping Mayank Markande for the encounter.

CSK’s batting lineup featured Ajinkya Rahane, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Daryl Mitchell, Moeen Ali, Shivam Dube, Ravindra Jadeja, MS Dhoni, Deepak Chahar, Tushar Deshpande, Mustafizur Rahman, and Matheesha Pathirana. SRH, on the other hand, fielded Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, Nitish Reddy, Abdul Samad, Shahbaz Ahmed, Pat Cummins, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jaydev Unadkat, and T Natarajan.

The match marked the return of MS Dhoni to the CSK captaincy after Ravindra Jadeja stepped down from the role earlier this month. Dhoni, who has led CSK to four IPL titles, will be looking to guide the team back to winning ways after a disappointing start to the season.

SRH, meanwhile, will be hoping to continue their recent good form. They have won their last two matches and will be confident of challenging CSK on their home ground. The match promises to be an exciting contest between two of the most successful teams in IPL history.

Virat Kohli Silences Critics with Resolute Performance in RCB's Victory

Virat Kohli Silences Critics with Resolute Performance in RCB’s Victory

Virat Kohli, the star batter of the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), has responded to critics with a resolute stance, asserting that his focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field. Amidst scrutiny surrounding his strike-rate, Kohli’s unwavering focus remains on fulfilling his responsibilities on the field.

In a comprehensive nine-wicket victory over the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL encounter in Ahmedabad, Kohli, unbeaten on 70 runs, silenced his critics by employing the sweep shot effectively against the spinners, showcasing his adaptability and determination.

“All people who talk about strike rates and me not playing spin well talk about these things [numbers]. It’s just about doing my job… It’s kind of a muscle memory for me now. We can’t carry on like we did in the first half. We are attacking the game way more. That’s the way we want to play our cricket. And it’s not been up to the standard except in the last two games… It’s about us as cricketers having some self-respect,” Kohli said after the match.

Meanwhile, Will Jacks stole the spotlight with an explosive unbeaten knock of 100 runs from just 41 balls, dismantling the 201-run target with an astonishing 24 balls to spare. Their stellar partnership epitomised RCB’s dominance, reaffirming their prowess in the tournament.

Kohli, who was well on the course of his 9th IPL century, termed Jacks’ innings ‘phenomenal’ as he made mockery of the GT bowling after hitting Mohit Sharma and Rashid Khan for 28 runs in successive overs to seal the deal.

“Phenomenal! When Jacks came in to bat, he couldn’t strike the ball like he wanted to. But we know how explosive he can be. But he went after Mohit, and my role changed. I was just happy to be at the other end. Towards the end of their innings, the wicket started settling a bit. The wicket settles down, and the ball comes on nicely. We never dropped below ten an over through the innings,” Kohli added.

With a steadfast dedication to his craft, Kohli emphasised on the importance of staying true to his role as a player and leader, regardless of external opinions. His commitment to excellence echoes his determination to contribute positively to the game, reaffirming his resilience in the face of scrutiny and unyielding dedication to the sport he embodies.

Will Jacks' Century Powers RCB to Convincing Win Over Gujarat Titans

Will Jacks’ Century Powers RCB to Convincing Win Over Gujarat Titans

In a thrilling encounter at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a dominant nine-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Will Jacks emerged as the star of the show for RCB, smashing a sensational century to guide his team to a comfortable chase. The English all-rounder’s unbeaten 100 came off just 41 deliveries, including 10 towering sixes. Jacks’ explosive innings in the final over, where he plundered four sixes and four boundaries off Rashid Khan, sealed the victory with 24 balls to spare.

Virat Kohli, who had faced criticism in the previous match, showcased improved form in the middle overs. The former India captain utilized the sweep shot effectively against spinners, scoring an unbeaten 70 off 44 balls. Kohli’s innings was crucial in setting the platform for Jacks’ onslaught.

Earlier, GT posted a competitive total of 200 for three, thanks to a solid partnership between Sai Sudharsan (84 not out) and Shahrukh Khan (58). Sudharsan anchored the innings, while Shahrukh provided the impetus with his aggressive batting.

RCB’s bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj, kept the GT batsmen in check, restricting them to a manageable total. Siraj picked up two wickets, while Glenn Maxwell and Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with one each.

The victory was a much-needed boost for RCB, who had endured a tough start to the season. It was their third win in 10 games, while GT suffered their sixth loss in 10 matches.

India Outclass Bangladesh in Women's T20I Opener

India Outclass Bangladesh in Women’s T20I Opener

India’s women’s cricket team showcased a dominant performance in the opening T20I against Bangladesh, securing a convincing 44-run victory. Opting to bat first, India posted a competitive total of 145 for seven, thanks to solid contributions from Harmanpreet Kaur and Yastika Bhatia.

However, it was India’s bowling attack that stole the show, led by the impressive duo of Renuka Singh and Pooja Vastrakar. Singh claimed three wickets, while Vastrakar picked up two, as Bangladesh struggled to chase down the target.

Bangladesh’s skipper, Nigar Sultana, fought valiantly with a half-century, but lacked support from her teammates. India’s bowlers maintained a tight grip on the match, restricting Bangladesh to 101 for eight.

Earlier, India’s innings got off to a shaky start with the dismissal of Smriti Mandhana for just nine runs. However, Shafali Verma provided a spark with a quickfire 31 off 22 balls. Bhatia and Kaur then steadied the ship with a 45-run partnership, but India failed to capitalize on their strong start and missed out on a late flourish.

Bangladesh’s leg-spinner, Rabeya Khan, emerged as the most successful bowler for the hosts, claiming three wickets. Despite Mandhana’s early departure, India’s batters showed resilience on a slow wicket, with Bhatia and Kaur leading the charge.

The five-match T20I series serves as a crucial preparation for both teams ahead of the upcoming T20I World Cup in Bangladesh later this year. India’s clinical bowling display and solid batting performance provide a promising start to their campaign.

Virat Kohli Breaches 500-Run Mark in IPL 2023, Joins Elite List

Virat Kohli Breaches 500-Run Mark in IPL 2023, Joins Elite List

Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) talismanic batter Virat Kohli has etched his name in the annals of the Indian Premier League (IPL) by becoming the first player to breach the 500-run mark in the ongoing season. This remarkable feat was achieved during RCB’s emphatic nine-wicket victory over Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad.

Kohli, who entered the match needing 70 runs to reach the milestone, showcased his exceptional batting prowess by scoring exactly that number. His innings propelled RCB to their third win of the season, solidifying their position in the tournament standings.

With this achievement, Kohli joins David Warner as the only players to have scored 500 or more runs in an IPL season on seven occasions. Shikhar Dhawan and KL Rahul have both achieved this feat five times.

Kohli’s dominance in IPL 2023 has been evident throughout the tournament. He has amassed 500 runs in just 10 innings, including four half-centuries and a century. His strike rate of over 147 and an average of 71.43 are a testament to his consistent brilliance.

Kohli’s 500-run milestone places him far ahead of his competitors in the race for the Orange Cap. Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan is currently in second place with 428 runs, while Rajasthan Royals’ Sanju Samson (385), Lucknow Super Giants’ KL Rahul (378), and Delhi Capitals’ Rishabh Pant (371) round out the top five.

In the match against Gujarat Titans, Kohli played a pivotal role alongside Will Jacks, who struck a stunning century. The duo shared an unbroken 166-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding RCB to victory with 24 balls to spare.

Gujarat Titans had earlier posted a competitive total of 200 for 3, thanks to half-centuries from Sai Sudharsan and M Shahrukh Khan. However, Kohli’s masterful innings and Jacks’ explosive century proved too much for the Titans to overcome.

Female Umpire Controversy Overshadows DPL Match

Female Umpire Controversy Overshadows DPL Match

The Dhaka Premier League (DPL) match between Mohammedan Sporting and Prime Bank on Thursday was marred by controversy over the appointment of a female umpire, Shathira Jakir Jessy. Jessy became the first female umpire from Bangladesh to officiate in a DPL match, but her historic moment was overshadowed by the discontent expressed by team officials from both sides.

The Cricket Committee of Dhaka Metropolis (CCDM) faced criticism for appointing a female umpire, with team officials reportedly unhappy with the decision. The incident gained widespread attention, with players like Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim facing criticism for their alleged involvement.

“More than the players, the team officials were vocal regarding this,” said a Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) source. “Yes, they were unhappy that BCB had appointed a female umpire, but the match had to go on,” confirmed BCB umpires’ committee chairman Iftekhar Ahmed Mithu.

The controversy escalated when Mushfiqur Rahim was controversially ruled out caught behind, despite replays showing his foot was over the boundary rope. The absence of video reviews in the match led to the on-field umpires’ decision standing.

However, Iftekhar Ahmed later clarified that the clubs did not register a formal complaint and that the issue stemmed from the umpire’s experience rather than her gender. “There was no formal complaint to us from either club,” he said. “Some are suggesting the players were reluctant, but that’s completely wrong.”

“Prime Bank’s manager, Shikdar Abul Hashem Kankan, and Mohammedan’s Tarikul Islam Tito have admitted that they expressed dissatisfaction due to inexperienced umpires, not because they were female,” he added.

The incident has sparked a debate about the role of female umpires in cricket and the need to encourage their appointments. Despite the controversy, Jessy’s historic achievement remains a significant milestone for women in sports.

Andrey Rublev Breaks Losing Streak, Wins Two Matches in Madrid

Andrey Rublev Breaks Losing Streak, Wins Two Matches in Madrid

Andrey Rublev’s recent victory over Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Mutua Madrid Open marks a significant milestone in his career. After a string of disappointing performances, Rublev has finally broken his four-match losing streak and secured his first two consecutive wins since March.

The match was a hard-fought battle, with Rublev facing a daunting 5-0 deficit in the first-set tiebreak. However, he displayed remarkable resilience, saving five set points and eventually winning the tiebreak 10-7. The second set was equally close, with Rublev narrowly escaping defeat on a crucial break point at 4-4.

Rublev’s victory is a testament to his determination and fighting spirit. Despite his recent struggles, he refused to give up and fought back from the brink of defeat. His performance in Madrid suggests that he is slowly regaining his form and could be a contender for the upcoming Grand Slams.

In the quarterfinals, Rublev will face Tallon Griekspoor of the Netherlands. Griekspoor is a rising star in the tennis world and has already upset No. 11 seed Holger Rune in Madrid. Rublev will need to be at his best to overcome Griekspoor and advance to the semifinals.

Rublev’s victory in Madrid is a positive sign for his career. After a difficult start to the season, he is finally starting to find his rhythm and could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming months.

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