Wishlist0
0
Continue Shopping

 +91 91155 12977

Home / News (Page 20)

Category: News

Taylor Swift's Missed Opportunity at US Open Revealed

Taylor Swift’s Missed Opportunity at US Open Revealed

By September 24, 2024 0

In 2001, a young Taylor Swift graced the US Open stage, performing the national anthem. The following year, she returned to sing “America the Beautiful” at just 13 years old. However, a shocking revelation emerged on the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, where US Open entertainment producer Michael Fiur admitted to a decision that haunts him to this day.

Fiur, with an impressive resume including 29 Super Bowls and 28 consecutive US Opens, revealed that he declined Taylor Swift’s request to perform at Arthur Ashe Kids’ Day in 2003. “She’s just taking off, she’s really country; we don’t think that would play in New York,” Fiur explained.

Despite the star-studded lineup of Opening Night performers over the years, including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, and Kelly Clarkson, Fiur acknowledges that the decision to pass on Swift was a major misstep. “Worst decision I ever made,” he confessed.

The US Open has since evolved significantly, embracing diversity and inclusion. In 2019, the tournament launched its first Open Pride event, showcasing LGBTQ+ culture. Fiur expressed pride in the organization’s commitment to these values, stating, “To see this now become part of the fabric of the Open… makes me very proud to be associated with an organization that has these beliefs and shares my beliefs.”

Andy Roddick, a former US Open champion, emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating different cultures in tennis. “Someone being gay or Black or anything else was just so normal in tennis,” he said. “I’m glad it’s being represented by the US Open.”

Fiur has since learned to balance entertainment with the priority of tennis. “Over time, tournament directors tried to drum into me that tennis does come first,” he said. This year’s US Open featured a record-breaking Opening Day attendance, with Alicia Keys performing her Broadway hit “Kaleidoscope.”

The US Open’s growth post-COVID has been remarkable, with fans eager to experience live events. “I think people desire to experience live events, be around people again,” Fiur said. “The last couple of years have been off the charts.”

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Marin Cilic Triumphs as Lowest-Ranked ATP Tour Champion in History

Marin Cilic Triumphs as Lowest-Ranked ATP Tour Champion in History

By September 24, 2024 0

Marin Cilic’s remarkable triumph at the Hangzhou Open has defied all odds, etching his name in tennis history as the lowest-ranked champion in the ATP Tour’s modern era.

Despite entering the tournament with a dismal 0-4 record and a world ranking of 777, the 35-year-old Croat displayed the resilience and brilliance that once made him a Grand Slam champion. After dropping the first set of his opening match, Cilic rallied with unwavering determination, showcasing the form that earned him 20 ATP titles, including the prestigious US Open crown in 2018.

Cilic’s journey to victory was not without its challenges. Injuries and a decline in form had sent him plummeting down the rankings. However, the Hangzhou Open provided him with a lifeline, and he seized the opportunity with both hands.

The veteran’s triumph was a testament to his unwavering spirit and the support of his team. “It’s been a difficult period for me,” Cilic admitted. “I’ve lost my ranking, I didn’t play too much.” But with each victory in Hangzhou, his confidence grew, culminating in a thrilling 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) triumph in the final.

Cilic’s victory has not only boosted his ranking to No. 373 but has also made him the lowest-ranked champion in ATP Tour history since 1990. The achievement is a testament to his enduring talent and the power of perseverance.

“I hope I made it worthwhile, during the whole week,” a beaming Cilic said after his victory. “So happy and proud to make this victory not only for me, but for [my team] as well.”

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Lord's Test Ticket Prices Rise Again, Drawing Criticism

Lord’s Test Ticket Prices Rise Again, Drawing Criticism

By September 24, 2024 0

Lord’s Test Ticket Prices Soar Again, Sparking Criticism

Despite facing backlash for exorbitant ticket prices during the recent Sri Lanka Test, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has announced another price hike for next year’s Lord’s Test against India.

For the first three days of the India Test, starting July 10, 2024, the cheapest adult tickets are restricted-view seats priced at £90 each, while under-16s can purchase them for £20. Tickets with a clear line of sight range from £120 to £175 for adults and £40 to £50 for under-16s.

These prices are significantly higher than those for the Sri Lanka Test in August 2023, where unrestricted views cost between £115 and £140 for adults and £15 to £40 for concessions.

The Sri Lanka Test concluded on the fourth day, with only 9,000 tickets sold, approximately one-third of the stadium’s capacity. This was partly attributed to England’s fast-paced approach to Test cricket, resulting in several recent matches ending well before the final day.

MCC faced further criticism for not offering reduced-entry options until after tea on the fourth day, when prices dropped to £15 for adults and £5 for under-16s. However, by that time, only three Sri Lanka wickets remained, and the lack of advance notice prevented a significant increase in attendance.

England’s stand-in captain, Ollie Pope, expressed disappointment over the subdued atmosphere during the Sri Lanka Test. “It was just like ‘jeez, it seems quiet today’,” he said. “It’s a shame it wasn’t a full house because it was obviously a good day’s play.”

Despite MCC’s announcement of a review into its fourth-day pricing policy, there is little concession for fans hoping to attend on that day for the India Test. Under-16s will be admitted for £25, half the cost of the first three days, but tickets with a full view will still cost £90 to £150.

MCC’s rationale is that India is now the second-biggest draw in the English Test calendar, behind Australia, and the prices reflect the expected demand. This policy is in line with other sports, where ticket prices are adjusted based on the popularity of the event.

Lord’s is also set to host the World Test Championship final in June 2025, which is likely to feature India and Australia, a rematch of the 2023 final. Tickets for that match are priced between £70 and £130 for adults and £20 to £50 for under-16s.

England and India will also play a women’s ODI at Lord’s in 2025, with adult tickets ranging from £25 to £45. In contrast, the men’s ODI against South Africa will cost between £75 and £150.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Shreyas Iyer Buys Rs 2.9 Crore Apartment; Rahane to Lead Mumbai in Irani Cup

Shreyas Iyer Buys Rs 2.9 Crore Apartment; Rahane to Lead Mumbai in Irani Cup

By September 24, 2024 0

Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer and his mother have recently purchased a luxurious apartment in Mumbai’s Worli area for a whopping Rs 2.9 crore. The 525-square-foot apartment is located on the second floor of Triveni Industrial CHSL in Adarsh Nagar. The transaction was registered on September 19, 2024, according to property registration documents accessed by Zapkey.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) has announced its squad for the upcoming Irani Cup 2024, which will be played from October 1 to 5 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Veteran batsman Ajinkya Rahane will lead the team against the Rest of India.

Rahane, who played a crucial role in Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph, returns to captain the side after skipping the Duleep Trophy 2024. He will be joined by opener Prithvi Shaw, who is set to make an impact after a successful stint in the County Championship.

The match will be crucial for both Shaw and Iyer, as they aim to revive their international careers with strong domestic performances. Shaw, eager to showcase his potential after impressing in county cricket, and Iyer, under scrutiny following recent struggles in red-ball cricket, are eyeing this game as a stepping stone back to the Indian national team.

The Mumbai squad also includes young talents like Musheer Khan, who lit up the Duleep Trophy with his performances recently, and experienced campaigners like Siddhesh Lad and Shams Mulani. Hardik Tamore and Sidhaant Addhatrao have been selected as the two wicketkeepers, while the formidable bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur returns to red-ball cricket, likely eyeing a spot in India’s plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

In a major boost, Sarfaraz Khan and Shivam Dube could also join the team if they are released from their India duties. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed that Sarfaraz, who is part of India’s squad for the second Test against Bangladesh, will be released to play for Mumbai in the Irani Cup if he is not selected for the Test.

The match will be especially significant for Rahane, who continues to be a reliable presence in domestic cricket and is instrumental in Mumbai’s success. He will be hoping to lead the team to victory, with the experienced Iyer and promising Shaw providing key contributions.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
New Zealand Batters Face Turning Tide in India Test Tour

New Zealand Batters Face Turning Tide in India Test Tour

By September 24, 2024 0

The upcoming Test tour of India poses a formidable challenge for New Zealand’s batters, particularly in deciphering the intricacies of the turning ball and the occasional skidding delivery, according to former Black Caps opener Martin Guptill.

India and New Zealand, the finalists of the inaugural World Test Championship, will engage in a three-Test series from October 16 in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai. Guptill emphasizes the difficulty of scoring runs in India due to the unpredictable nature of the ball’s trajectory.

“You feel like you can never score sometimes,” Guptill said. “The ball’s turning square, then the same sort of ball comes through and it skids on straight. You never know which one’s going to turn and which one’s going to go straight, so you have to always be thinking, you have to always be mentally on song and on (the top of) your game.”

Guptill stresses the importance of seizing any advantage against India, who have won their last 17 home series. “To try and get on top of India is extremely difficult. But when you feel like you are, you have to try and take that as long as possible in the game,” he said.

Given their current form, Guptill finds it challenging to identify the greater threat between Ravichandran Ashwin and Jasprit Bumrah. “Both of them,” he said. “You can’t take away (the fact) that (Ravindra) Jadeja scored 86, 89 or something, wasn’t it? (They had a) 199 run partnership, you think you’ve got India against the ropes and then you’ve got these two come out and bat.”

Jadeja and Ashwin rescued India in the opening Test against Bangladesh in Chennai, forming a 199-run partnership for the seventh wicket. “While Jadeja is probably the better batter, I mean, Ashwin goes about his work in a completely different way and is very effective in the way he scores his runs,” Guptill said.

Guptill also highlights the potential of young Kiwi pacer Will O’Rourke, whose extra pace troubled Sri Lanka’s batters in the Galle Test. “He’s got a little bit of extra pace behind him, which some of our bowlers don’t have and he’s got a bit of height, which gives him that little bit of extra bounce,” Guptill said.

While acknowledging the need for change in New Zealand’s Test side, Guptill reserves judgment on whether the younger generation can fill the void left by the likes of Kane Williamson. “I can’t comment on that at the moment. I mean, you don’t know until these new guys come through and start playing whether they’re up to it or not,” he said.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Bublik Bested by 13-Year-Old Table Tennis Prodigy

Bublik Bested by 13-Year-Old Table Tennis Prodigy

By September 24, 2024 0

Alexander Bublik’s Table Tennis Encounter with a 13-Year-Old Prodigy

Chinese teenager Shang Juncheng wasn’t the only one to outplay Alexander Bublik in Chengdu this week. The second-seeded Kazakh, who fell to Shang in the quarterfinals, also found himself on the losing end of a table tennis match against a local 13-year-old prodigy.

The ATP teased the encounter on social media, asking if Bublik’s underarm serve would prove useful against the youngster. However, the answer was a resounding no.

“It’s a completely different sport,” Bublik joked before the match, adding that winning even three points would be “a highlight.”

Bublik was impressed by the youngster’s endurance and technique, particularly his ability to return serve. However, the Kazakh ultimately achieved his goal of winning three points and presented his opponent with a giant autographed tennis ball.

“It’s tough for tennis players because we’re used to big swings,” Bublik explained. “Here, he’s playing with a very short swing. What am I supposed to do now?”

Bublik’s solution? Return to full-sized tennis. He is seeded No. 8 this week at the ATP 500 China Open.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Teen Phenom Shang Juncheng Captures Maiden ATP Title in Chengdu

Teen Phenom Shang Juncheng Captures Maiden ATP Title in Chengdu

By September 24, 2024 0

Teen sensation Shang Juncheng has etched his name in tennis history by capturing his maiden ATP title at the Chengdu Open. The 19-year-old Chinese prodigy stunned top seed Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 6-1, becoming the first player born in 2005 or later to triumph on the ATP Tour.

Shang’s victory marks a remarkable milestone in his burgeoning career. The Beijing native has been making waves on the junior circuit, reaching the US Open final in 2022. His breakthrough season continued with a third-round appearance at the 2024 US Open, matching his career-best Grand Slam result from the Australian Open earlier this year.

In Chengdu, Shang displayed his exceptional talent and resilience. Unseeded in the tournament, he dropped only one set en route to the title. He dispatched No. 2 seed Alexander Bublik and Olympic bronze medalist Musetti in straight sets, showcasing his ability to compete against the world’s best.

Shang’s triumph has propelled him into contention for a spot at the Next Gen ATP Finals in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The annual event showcases the top ATP stars aged 20 and under. According to the ATP website, Shang will rise to No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, putting him in a strong position to qualify for the prestigious tournament.

The young Chinese star’s success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and the support of his coaches and family. Shang’s journey to the top of the tennis world is far from over, and his Chengdu Open victory is a sign of the bright future that lies ahead for this rising star.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Joginder Sharma: From T20 World Cup Hero to Haryana Police DSP

Joginder Sharma: From T20 World Cup Hero to Haryana Police DSP

By September 24, 2024 0

Joginder Sharma, the Haryana Police DSP who played a pivotal role in India’s historic 2007 ICC T20 World Cup triumph, is a name etched in Indian cricket folklore. His moment of glory came in the high-pressure final at Johannesburg when captain MS Dhoni threw him the ball to bowl the final over with Pakistan needing 13 runs to win with one-wicket in hand.

Despite his relative inexperience at the international level, Joginder showed immense composure and bravery in that moment. After conceding a six to Pakistan’s Misbah-ul-Haq, Joginder delivered the ball that led to Misbah’s famous attempted scoop shot, which was caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg. India clinched the inaugural T20 World Cup, and Joginder became an overnight hero.

Before the iconic moment, Joginder had a brief ODI stint but a steady domestic career, representing Haryana in first-class cricket. His all-round abilities with both bat and ball made him a useful addition in the Indian squad for the T20 World Cup. However, it was his mental strength that helped him rise to the occasion during the high-pressure moments of the tournament.

Post his cricketing career, Joginder joined the Haryana Police and was appointed to the rank of DSP. His contribution to Indian cricket, particularly the unforgettable final over, remains a proud chapter in India’s sporting history. Incidentally, India won the inaugural T20 World Cup title 17 years ago on this day in 2007.

Joginder Sharma’s journey from a promising cricketer to a respected police officer is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit. His story continues to inspire young athletes and sports enthusiasts across the country.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Australia Sweep New Zealand 3-0 in T20I Series Finale

Australia Sweep New Zealand 3-0 in T20I Series Finale

By September 24, 2024 0

Australia’s dominance over New Zealand continued as they secured a 3-0 series sweep in the final T20I in Brisbane. Georgia Wareham and Ashleigh Gardner played pivotal roles in the victory, showcasing their all-round abilities.

Wareham’s legspin restricted New Zealand to 146 for 6, claiming two wickets for 21 runs. Her promotion to No. 3 in the batting order proved effective, as she smashed 26 off 16 balls to ease the run-rate pressure.

Ellyse Perry and Gardner then combined for a 61-run stand, with Perry contributing 36 and Gardner 33. Despite late dismissals, their partnership put Australia on the brink of victory.

New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Georgia Plimmer’s maiden T20I half-century (53). However, their hopes of a strong finish were dashed by a late collapse, losing five wickets for 28 runs. Annabel Sutherland picked up two wickets in an over, while Wareham and Gardner also contributed with crucial dismissals.

Wareham’s performance at No. 3 offers Australia options ahead of the T20 World Cup. Her ability to strike the ball powerfully and play comfortably against both pace and spin could prove valuable in the tournament.

Gardner’s all-round display earned her the Player of the Series award. Her 1 for 27 with the ball and 33 runs with the bat highlighted her versatility.

Categories: Cricket
Read more
Coco Gauff Faces Crossroads in Career After Summer Struggles

Coco Gauff Faces Crossroads in Career After Summer Struggles

By September 24, 2024 0

Coco Gauff, the teenage tennis sensation who burst onto the scene in 2019, is facing a pivotal moment in her career. After a breakthrough summer in 2023, where she won three Hologic WTA Tour singles titles, Gauff has struggled to maintain her momentum. She was eliminated in the round of 16 at both Wimbledon and the US Open in 2024, both times by fellow American Emma Navarro.

Gauff’s recent setbacks have raised questions about her long-term development. How can a player who has achieved so much at such a young age continue to improve and compete at the highest level?

One area of concern is Gauff’s technical game. In her US Open defeat to Navarro, she served 19 double-faults, a glaring weakness that has been discussed extensively by tennis analysts. Her forehand, once considered a potential weapon, has also come under scrutiny.

Beyond technical issues, Gauff has also faced challenges with her coaching team. She recently parted ways with Brad Gilbert, the coach who guided her to a Slam-winning season in 2023. This highlights the ongoing debate in tennis about the effectiveness of mid-match coaching.

Despite these challenges, Gauff remains a fierce competitor with an unwavering desire to succeed. Her motivation is evident in her practice sessions, interviews, and matches. The question now is how she will channel that motivation to improve her game and regain her winning ways.

Gauff’s off-season will be crucial in determining her future trajectory. She will need to address her technical weaknesses, refine her tactics, and find a coaching team that can help her reach her full potential.

Categories: Tennis
Read more
Main Menu
Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart