Gerard Pique has dropped a major hint that the 2021-2022 season could be his final season, as the star defender wants to retire as a Barcelona player.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gareth-southgate-open-minded-about-fifas-biennial-world-cup-proposal-411336" hreflang="en">Gareth Southgate open-minded about FIFA's biennial World Cup proposal</a>

In a conversation with La Sotana, Pique confirmed that he will retire at Barcelona and also dropped a hint that this season could be last donning the Blaugrana jersey.&nbsp;

"I will retire at Barca."

"This could be the last season, yes. I go year after year, so I cannot guarantee that I will be there next season. The day I feel that I can’t help Barca anymore, I will retire."

Pique, who returned to Camp Nou in 2008, has made 568 appearances for Barcelona. Several Barcelona fans also look at Gerard Pique as the club's future president.&nbsp;

But, he was asked if Bartomeu's tenure as the club's president was the worst. He replied: "I don’t know if he was the worst, but for me, during my time, he’s on the list for sure.&nbsp;

"We all make mistakes, but in his time Barca weren’t where they should be."

The Catalan giants have witnessed two high profile departures (Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezemann) but the club has found new stars like Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati to carry on the club's glory.&nbsp;

Gerard Pique has dropped a major hint that the 2021-2022 season could be his final season, as the star defender wants to retire as a Barcelona player. ALSO READ: Gareth Southgate open-minded about FIFA's biennial World Cup proposal In a conversation with La Sotana, Pique confirmed that he will retire at Barcelona and also dropped a hint that this season could be last donning the Blaugrana jersey.

Gerard Pique has dropped a major hint that the 2021-2022 season could be his final season, as the star defender wants to retire as a Barcelona player. ALSO READ: Gareth Southgate open-minded about FIFA's biennial World Cup proposal In a conversation with La Sotana, Pique confirmed that he will retire at Barcelona and also dropped a hint that this season could be last donning the Blaugrana jersey. "I will retire at Barca." "This could be the last season, yes. I go year after year, so I cannot guarantee that I will be there next season. The day I feel that I can’t help Barca anymore, I will retire." Pique, who returned to Camp Nou in 2008, has made 568 appearances for Barcelona. Several Barcelona fans also look at Gerard Pique as the club's future president. But, he was asked if Bartomeu's tenure as the club's president was the worst. He replied: "I don’t know if he was the worst, but for me, during my time, he’s on the list for sure. "We all make mistakes, but in his time Barca weren’t where they should be." The Catalan giants have witnessed two high profile departures (Lionel Messi and Antoine Griezemann) but the club has found new stars like Memphis Depay and Ansu Fati to carry on the club's glory.

'I will retire at Barcelona': Gerard Pique drops a major hint on his future

Tokyo Paralympics - From Avani Lekhara to Krishna Nagar: A look at India's gold medalists

Avani Lekhara, who became the first Indian woman to win two medals in the same Paralympics, will be India's flag-bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony that will be held on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/para-shuttler-krishna-nagar-wins-gold-for-india-in-mens-singles-sh6-category-410803">Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar wins gold for India in men's singles SH6 category</a>

19-year-old Avani Lekhara became India's first woman to win a gold in the Paralympics. She also won India's first medal in shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, earlier this week.&nbsp;

Lekhara won the gold medal with a total score of 249.6 (new Paralympic record) in the summit clash. In this way, she also ended up equalling the world record.&nbsp;

Speaking of the youngster Avani, she qualified for the final finishing 7th in the qualification round with a total score of 621.7. Post a slow start, Avani staged a good recovery to storm into the finals of the showpiece event. She registered good scores of 104.9, 104.8 in her third and fourth attempt to be in the game before scoring 104.1 in the final round of qualification.&nbsp;

She also won a bronze medal in the 50m event.&nbsp;

Records created by Avani -

<ul>
	<li>First Indian woman to win two medals in the same Paralympics</li>
	<li>First India woman to win Paralympics gold</li>
	<li>First medal for India in shooting in Paralympics</li>
	<li>Broke the para record</li>
	<li>Equalled the world record</li>
</ul>

India's current medal tally stands at 19, including five gold medals, eight silver medals, and six bronze medals.&nbsp;

Avani Lekhara, who became the first Indian woman to win two medals in the same Paralympics, will be India's flag-bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony that will be held on Sunday.

Avani Lekhara, who became the first Indian woman to win two medals in the same Paralympics, will be India's flag-bearer at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Closing Ceremony that will be held on Sunday. ALSO READ: Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar wins gold for India in men's singles SH6 category 19-year-old Avani Lekhara became India's first woman to win a gold in the Paralympics. She also won India's first medal in shooting at the Tokyo Paralympics in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, earlier this week. Lekhara won the gold medal with a total score of 249.6 (new Paralympic record) in the summit clash. In this way, she also ended up equalling the world record. Speaking of the youngster Avani, she qualified for the final finishing 7th in the qualification round with a total score of 621.7. Post a slow start, Avani staged a good recovery to storm into the finals of the showpiece event. She registered good scores of 104.9, 104.8 in her third and fourth attempt to be in the game before scoring 104.1 in the final round of qualification. She also won a bronze medal in the 50m event. Records created by Avani - First Indian woman to win two medals in the same Paralympics First India woman to win Paralympics gold First medal for India in shooting in Paralympics Broke the para record Equalled the world record India's current medal tally stands at 19, including five gold medals, eight silver medals, and six bronze medals.

Avani Lekhara to be India's flag bearer during Tokyo Paralympics 2020 closing ceremony

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar clinched a gold medal for India on the closing day of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The 22-year-old won the gold in the men's singles SH6 category on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-suhas-yathiraj-clinches-silver-in-mens-singles-badminton-sl4-event-410777" hreflang="en">Tokyo Paralympics: Suhas Yathiraj clinches silver in men's singles badminton SL4 event</a>

This is India's fifth gold medal in the coveted tournament ad now has taken their medal tally to 19. It is also the country's 2nd gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics.&nbsp;

The fifth gold medal is India's new best going past their previous-best tally of 4 medals.&nbsp;Nagar defeated Hong Kong's Chu Man Kai in an intense clash that ended in 21-17, 16-21, 21-17.&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated the young shuttler. He wrote: "Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The outstanding feat of @Krishnanagar99 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Paralympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Paralympics</a>. The outstanding feat of <a href="https://twitter.com/Krishnanagar99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Krishnanagar99</a> has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Praise4Para?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Praise4Para</a> <a href="https://t.co/oVs2BPcsT1">pic.twitter.com/oVs2BPcsT1</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1434371944686620673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France.&nbsp;

Pramod Bhagat won India their first gold in badminton at the Paralympics.

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar clinched a gold medal for India on the closing day of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The 22-year-old won the gold in the men's singles SH6 category on Sunday.

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar clinched a gold medal for India on the closing day of the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. The 22-year-old won the gold in the men's singles SH6 category on Sunday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: Suhas Yathiraj clinches silver in men's singles badminton SL4 event This is India's fifth gold medal in the coveted tournament ad now has taken their medal tally to 19. It is also the country's 2nd gold medal in badminton at the Paralympics. The fifth gold medal is India's new best going past their previous-best tally of 4 medals. Nagar defeated Hong Kong's Chu Man Kai in an intense clash that ended in 21-17, 16-21, 21-17. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter and congratulated the young shuttler. He wrote: "Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The outstanding feat of @Krishnanagar99 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead." Happy to see our Badminton players excel at the Tokyo #Paralympics. The outstanding feat of @Krishnanagar99 has brought smiles on the faces of every Indian. Congratulations to him for winning the Gold Medal. Wishing him the very best for his endeavours ahead. #Praise4Para pic.twitter.com/oVs2BPcsT1 — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 5, 2021 × Earlier, India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France. Pramod Bhagat won India their first gold in badminton at the Paralympics.

Para-shuttler Krishna Nagar wins gold for India in men's singles SH6 category

On March 15, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah tied the knot with sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan leaving many surprised as many were not aware of their relationship.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-ecstatic-virat-kohli-celebrates-rohit-sharmas-ton-against-england-his-reaction-goes-viral-410742" hreflang="en">Watch: Ecstatic Virat Kohli celebrates Rohit Sharma's ton against England, his reaction goes viral</a>

The duo got married in a private affair in Goa. Bumrah, along with Sanjana, are currently in England for the ongoing five-match Test series.

Now, in a chat with Dinesh Karthik on Sky Sports, Bumrah revealed how his relationship between him and Sanjana started.&nbsp;

“I had obviously seen her a lot of times but we had the same problem with each other. She thought I was really arrogant, I thought she was really arrogant so we never really spoke. I spoke to her for the first time during the 2019 World Cup when she was here covering the event. We became friends and started talking a lot. It’s been good, we have been married for five months now, so yeah very happy,” Bumrah said.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/india-vs-england-rohit-sharma-hits-century-as-india-take-control-of-oval-test-410739" hreflang="en">India vs England: Rohit Sharma hits century as India take control of Oval Test</a>

Bumrah added that the Sanjana's understanding of the game helps them have&nbsp;interesting conversations after matches.&nbsp;

“She understands the sport, she understands what the player goes through, so whenever things don’t go well or go well, we have a lot of interesting conversations, that really helps me. And, obviously, playing cricket and travelling all the time, you’ve got your wife with you now, so, you really have to focus on other things as well.

“You can switch off after the game. All these factors are really helpful and I’m really happy how this relationship has developed,” Bumrah further added.&nbsp;

On March 15, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah tied the knot with sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan leaving many surprised as many were not aware of their relationship.

On March 15, Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah tied the knot with sports presenter Sanjana Ganesan leaving many surprised as many were not aware of their relationship. ALSO READ: Watch: Ecstatic Virat Kohli celebrates Rohit Sharma's ton against England, his reaction goes viral The duo got married in a private affair in Goa. Bumrah, along with Sanjana, are currently in England for the ongoing five-match Test series. Now, in a chat with Dinesh Karthik on Sky Sports, Bumrah revealed how his relationship between him and Sanjana started. “I had obviously seen her a lot of times but we had the same problem with each other. She thought I was really arrogant, I thought she was really arrogant so we never really spoke. I spoke to her for the first time during the 2019 World Cup when she was here covering the event. We became friends and started talking a lot. It’s been good, we have been married for five months now, so yeah very happy,” Bumrah said. ALSO READ: India vs England: Rohit Sharma hits century as India take control of Oval Test Bumrah added that the Sanjana's understanding of the game helps them have interesting conversations after matches. “She understands the sport, she understands what the player goes through, so whenever things don’t go well or go well, we have a lot of interesting conversations, that really helps me. And, obviously, playing cricket and travelling all the time, you’ve got your wife with you now, so, you really have to focus on other things as well. “You can switch off after the game. All these factors are really helpful and I’m really happy how this relationship has developed,” Bumrah further added.

'She thought I was arrogant, I thought she was arrogant': Jasprit Bumrah on wife Sanjana Ganesan

Second seed Daniil Medvedev resumes his bid for his first Grand Slam title against Britain`s Dan Evans at the U.S. Open on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka faces her good friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round. 
 
Russia`s Medvedev, a losing finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2019, is yet to drop a set in New York so far and faces world number 27 Evans in the second match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the first career meeting between the two. 
 
"I think it`s tough to describe (Evans) with one word, but (he`s) definitely very tricky," Medvedev said. "I would think (he`s) very smart because he doesn`t have one shot that`s a weapon and yet he`s been a top player for many years already." 
 
Medvedev has barely broken a sweat in the opening rounds, racing into the last 16 with three consecutive straight sets wins, while Evans has had to battle hard, playing two four-setters and a gruelling five-setter against Australia`s Alexei Popyrin in his last match. 
 
"I think my game is in a good place," Evans said, adding that he was trying to keep a positive mindset. 
 
"(Medvedev`s) been playing some unbelievable tennis this year, but if I go on the court and think I`ve got no chance and there`s no pressure on me... you`re not ready for that. 
 
"You`ve got to go in believing you can win." 
 
Sabalenka, the women`s second seed, is aiming to reach her first singles quarter-final in New York, but must first get past her good friend Mertens at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. 
 
The Belarusian won the 2019 doubles title at Flushing Meadows with Mertens and the pair also won the doubles crown at this year`s Australian Open before Sabalenka decided to focus more on her singles career. 
 
French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova takes on twice Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the evening session on Arthur Ashe, while Germany`s Angelique Kerber faces Naomi Osaka`s third-round conqueror Leylah Fernandez on Louis Armstrong. 
 
Romania`s Simona Halep kicks things off on Arthur Ashe, taking on fifth seed Elina Svitolina, while Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz will look to extend his dream debut at Flushing Meadows into the quarter-finals when he faces qualifier Peter Gojowczyk of Germany. 
&nbsp;

Second seed Daniil Medvedev resumes his bid for his first Grand Slam title against Britain`s Dan Evans at the U.S. Open on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka faces her good friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round.

Second seed Daniil Medvedev resumes his bid for his first Grand Slam title against Britain`s Dan Evans at the U.S. Open on Sunday, while Aryna Sabalenka faces her good friend and doubles partner Elise Mertens in the fourth round. Russia`s Medvedev, a losing finalist at Flushing Meadows in 2019, is yet to drop a set in New York so far and faces world number 27 Evans in the second match of the day on Arthur Ashe Stadium in the first career meeting between the two. "I think it`s tough to describe (Evans) with one word, but (he`s) definitely very tricky," Medvedev said. "I would think (he`s) very smart because he doesn`t have one shot that`s a weapon and yet he`s been a top player for many years already." Medvedev has barely broken a sweat in the opening rounds, racing into the last 16 with three consecutive straight sets wins, while Evans has had to battle hard, playing two four-setters and a gruelling five-setter against Australia`s Alexei Popyrin in his last match. "I think my game is in a good place," Evans said, adding that he was trying to keep a positive mindset. "(Medvedev`s) been playing some unbelievable tennis this year, but if I go on the court and think I`ve got no chance and there`s no pressure on me... you`re not ready for that. "You`ve got to go in believing you can win." Sabalenka, the women`s second seed, is aiming to reach her first singles quarter-final in New York, but must first get past her good friend Mertens at the Louis Armstrong Stadium. The Belarusian won the 2019 doubles title at Flushing Meadows with Mertens and the pair also won the doubles crown at this year`s Australian Open before Sabalenka decided to focus more on her singles career. French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova takes on twice Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the evening session on Arthur Ashe, while Germany`s Angelique Kerber faces Naomi Osaka`s third-round conqueror Leylah Fernandez on Louis Armstrong. Romania`s Simona Halep kicks things off on Arthur Ashe, taking on fifth seed Elina Svitolina, while Spanish teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz will look to extend his dream debut at Flushing Meadows into the quarter-finals when he faces qualifier Peter Gojowczyk of Germany.

US Open: Medvedev resumes hunt for maiden major against 'tricky' Evans

Russian rookie Nikita Mazepin accused Haas teammate Mick Schumacher of "cheeky" behaviour at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday and said the German had shown his true nature by breaking an agreement. 
 
Schumacher, son of Ferrari great and seven-times world champion Michael, suggested the Russian was making a drama out of nothing and he had been cleared to pass Mazepin before his final run. 
 
The spat was another headache for team boss Guenther Steiner, with Haas bottom of the standings and yet to score a point this season. 
 
Schumacher is a protege of engine partner Ferrari while Mazepin`s billionaire businessman father is the team`s title sponsor. 
 
Both drivers were summoned to stewards after qualifying for blocking Aston Martin`s Sebastian Vettel in the first phase, and were eventually cleared of wrongdoing. 
 
Mazepin had already publicly blamed his teammate by then, however. 
 
"He overtook, backed me up, and put me into Seb. I`ll have a word with the team to see why that happened," he told Sky Sports television. 
 
Speaking to reporters later, the Russian felt Schumacher had overturned a team agreement and wrecked his qualifying lap "on purpose". 
 
"I know my place in the team. I`ve got a team boss and I am more than happy to follow the rules because I think it`s very important to be a team. One day the rules will play towards you, one day the rules will play against you," he said. 
 
"What I don`t like with people is when they are cheeky, fighting for P19 (19th place). I think it just shows their true nature and I don`t tolerate that." 
 
Schumacher, speaking separately to reporters, recognised Mazepin was "quite vocal about things in the press." 
 
Steiner said it would not be the last time the drivers disagreed. 
 
"It`s difficult, especially this year with fighting at the back. Your only fight is with your teammate, in our case at the moment. 
 
"So obviously it is a little bit more heated, because the only thing you can win is the team mates` battle."

Russian rookie Nikita Mazepin accused Haas teammate Mick Schumacher of "cheeky" behaviour at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday and said the German had shown his true nature by breaking an agreement.

Russian rookie Nikita Mazepin accused Haas teammate Mick Schumacher of "cheeky" behaviour at the Dutch Grand Prix on Saturday and said the German had shown his true nature by breaking an agreement. Schumacher, son of Ferrari great and seven-times world champion Michael, suggested the Russian was making a drama out of nothing and he had been cleared to pass Mazepin before his final run. The spat was another headache for team boss Guenther Steiner, with Haas bottom of the standings and yet to score a point this season. Schumacher is a protege of engine partner Ferrari while Mazepin`s billionaire businessman father is the team`s title sponsor. Both drivers were summoned to stewards after qualifying for blocking Aston Martin`s Sebastian Vettel in the first phase, and were eventually cleared of wrongdoing. Mazepin had already publicly blamed his teammate by then, however. "He overtook, backed me up, and put me into Seb. I`ll have a word with the team to see why that happened," he told Sky Sports television. Speaking to reporters later, the Russian felt Schumacher had overturned a team agreement and wrecked his qualifying lap "on purpose". "I know my place in the team. I`ve got a team boss and I am more than happy to follow the rules because I think it`s very important to be a team. One day the rules will play towards you, one day the rules will play against you," he said. "What I don`t like with people is when they are cheeky, fighting for P19 (19th place). I think it just shows their true nature and I don`t tolerate that." Schumacher, speaking separately to reporters, recognised Mazepin was "quite vocal about things in the press." Steiner said it would not be the last time the drivers disagreed. "It`s difficult, especially this year with fighting at the back. Your only fight is with your teammate, in our case at the moment. "So obviously it is a little bit more heated, because the only thing you can win is the team mates` battle."

Formula One: Angry Mazepin turns on 'cheeky' team mate Schumacher

After tackling two U.S. Open debutants, Novak Djokovic faced an old foe on Saturday, reaching the fourth round with a 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-2 win over Kei Nishikori to stay on course for a record 21st major title that would complete the calendar Grand Slam. 
 
Following first-ever meetings with Denmark`s Holger Rune and Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, Djokovic faced a seasoned campaigner in Nishikori, who was runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Open having beaten the Serb to move into that year`s final. 
 
Since then it has been one-way traffic in the rivalry with Djokovic sweeping 17 straight contests against the Japanese player, improving his head-to-head record to 18-2. 
 
But after Nishikori`s 6-2 6-0 quarter-final thumping at the hands of the world No. 1 at the Tokyo Olympics, the 31-year-old made Djokovic sweat for his victory. 
 
"So far the toughest match of the tournament for me," said Djokovic. "The opening two rounds obviously felt well, played good. 
 
"But the pace of the ball and the speed of Nishikori`s tennis today was just higher than the opening two rounds` opponents that I had." 
 
Usually the headliner under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, Djokovic made a matinee appearance on Saturday and appeared unsettled by the conditions as he went to work under a blazing sun. 
 
For the first time this week New York fans, who have not always embraced Djokovic, got behind the history-hunting Serb, showering him with cheers that had largely gone to his opponents. 
 
While Djokovic did not need the fans to get through the opening week, he knows the path gets harder and at some point will most likely need the energy the crowd can bring to get him through a rough patch. 
 
"Arthur Ashe is the place where you bring the energy," said Djokovic. "That`s where you feel this kind of electric atmosphere, particularly in the matches like this where it`s decided in a few points. 
 
"Yeah, the crowd was involved. It was loud. It was nice. I thrived on that." 
 
A tight opening set was snatched by Nishikori in a tiebreak before Djokovic began to settle into the contest, breaking the Japanese player twice in the second on his way to leveling the match at a set apiece. 
 
In another workmanlike effort, the top seed took the decisive break in the third to go ahead 5-3, then held serve for a 2-1 lead. 
 
Now in control, Djokovic would leave Nishikori no openings to hope for a comeback, storming through the last four games of the fourth set to close out the contest in style. 
 
Djokovic now awaits the winner of the match between U.S. wildcard Jenson Brooksby and Russian Aslan Karatsev. 
&nbsp;

After tackling two U.S. Open debutants, Novak Djokovic faced an old foe on Saturday, reaching the fourth round with a 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-2 win over Kei Nishikori to stay on course for a record 21st major title that would complete the calendar Grand Slam.

After tackling two U.S. Open debutants, Novak Djokovic faced an old foe on Saturday, reaching the fourth round with a 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 6-2 win over Kei Nishikori to stay on course for a record 21st major title that would complete the calendar Grand Slam. Following first-ever meetings with Denmark`s Holger Rune and Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor, Djokovic faced a seasoned campaigner in Nishikori, who was runner-up at the 2014 U.S. Open having beaten the Serb to move into that year`s final. Since then it has been one-way traffic in the rivalry with Djokovic sweeping 17 straight contests against the Japanese player, improving his head-to-head record to 18-2. But after Nishikori`s 6-2 6-0 quarter-final thumping at the hands of the world No. 1 at the Tokyo Olympics, the 31-year-old made Djokovic sweat for his victory. "So far the toughest match of the tournament for me," said Djokovic. "The opening two rounds obviously felt well, played good. "But the pace of the ball and the speed of Nishikori`s tennis today was just higher than the opening two rounds` opponents that I had." Usually the headliner under the Arthur Ashe Stadium lights, Djokovic made a matinee appearance on Saturday and appeared unsettled by the conditions as he went to work under a blazing sun. For the first time this week New York fans, who have not always embraced Djokovic, got behind the history-hunting Serb, showering him with cheers that had largely gone to his opponents. While Djokovic did not need the fans to get through the opening week, he knows the path gets harder and at some point will most likely need the energy the crowd can bring to get him through a rough patch. "Arthur Ashe is the place where you bring the energy," said Djokovic. "That`s where you feel this kind of electric atmosphere, particularly in the matches like this where it`s decided in a few points. "Yeah, the crowd was involved. It was loud. It was nice. I thrived on that." A tight opening set was snatched by Nishikori in a tiebreak before Djokovic began to settle into the contest, breaking the Japanese player twice in the second on his way to leveling the match at a set apiece. In another workmanlike effort, the top seed took the decisive break in the third to go ahead 5-3, then held serve for a 2-1 lead. Now in control, Djokovic would leave Nishikori no openings to hope for a comeback, storming through the last four games of the fourth set to close out the contest in style. Djokovic now awaits the winner of the match between U.S. wildcard Jenson Brooksby and Russian Aslan Karatsev.

US Open: Novak Djokovic dispatches old rival Nishikori to reach fourth round

Memphis Depay scored twice to guide the Netherlands to a first win following the return of coach Louis van Gaal with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Montenegro in their World Cup Group G qualifier in Eindhoven on Saturday. 
 
Depay slotted a first-half penalty and added a second goal after the break to take his recent tally to nine in as many games for the Dutch, who also scored through Georginio Wijnaldum and a first international strike for Cody Gakpo. 
 
They are second in Group G midway through qualification with 10 points from five games, one point behind leaders Turkey and on the same number as third-placed Norway. Only the top team qualifies automatically for the finals in Qatar next year. 
 
Netherlands host Turkey in Amsterdam in a potentially key game on Tuesday, while Norway are at home to minnows Gibraltar. 
 
It took almost 20 minutes for the first effort on target as Depay stung the palms of Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic from the edge of the box, before Davy Klaassen was denied his second goal in as many games when his excellent header crashed back off the crossbar. 
 
Depay’s clever turn in the box 10 minutes before halftime drew a foul from Dusan Lagator and the Dutch forward stepped up to convert a thunderous spot-kick into the top corner for a 1-0 lead at the break. 
 
Some sloppy play from the home side gave Montenegro a rare opening at the start of the second half but Milutin Osmajic’s shot was tame and easy for Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. 
 
An even better chance followed when debutant left back Tyrell Malacia put his side in danger with a terrible back-pass that allowed Montenegro striker Stefan Mugosa to bear down on goal, but his shot was high and wide with just the keeper to beat. 
 
Those were warnings for the home side, but Depay settled the contest just past the hour mark with his second, rifling the ball into the net at the near post. 
 
Mugosa missed another excellent chance from a similarly poor back-pass, this time Stefan de Vrij the culprit, before Wijnaldum was brilliantly teed-up by Steven Berghuis for the home side’s third goal. 
 
Their fourth was a special moment for striker Gakpo, who curled an excellent shot from the edge of the box into the net for his first international goal at a stadium where he grew up watching home side PSV Eindhoven.

Memphis Depay scored twice to guide the Netherlands to a first win following the return of coach Louis van Gaal with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Montenegro in their World Cup Group G qualifier in Eindhoven on Saturday.

Memphis Depay scored twice to guide the Netherlands to a first win following the return of coach Louis van Gaal with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Montenegro in their World Cup Group G qualifier in Eindhoven on Saturday. Depay slotted a first-half penalty and added a second goal after the break to take his recent tally to nine in as many games for the Dutch, who also scored through Georginio Wijnaldum and a first international strike for Cody Gakpo. They are second in Group G midway through qualification with 10 points from five games, one point behind leaders Turkey and on the same number as third-placed Norway. Only the top team qualifies automatically for the finals in Qatar next year. Netherlands host Turkey in Amsterdam in a potentially key game on Tuesday, while Norway are at home to minnows Gibraltar. It took almost 20 minutes for the first effort on target as Depay stung the palms of Montenegro goalkeeper Matija Sarkic from the edge of the box, before Davy Klaassen was denied his second goal in as many games when his excellent header crashed back off the crossbar. Depay’s clever turn in the box 10 minutes before halftime drew a foul from Dusan Lagator and the Dutch forward stepped up to convert a thunderous spot-kick into the top corner for a 1-0 lead at the break. Some sloppy play from the home side gave Montenegro a rare opening at the start of the second half but Milutin Osmajic’s shot was tame and easy for Dutch goalkeeper Justin Bijlow. An even better chance followed when debutant left back Tyrell Malacia put his side in danger with a terrible back-pass that allowed Montenegro striker Stefan Mugosa to bear down on goal, but his shot was high and wide with just the keeper to beat. Those were warnings for the home side, but Depay settled the contest just past the hour mark with his second, rifling the ball into the net at the near post. Mugosa missed another excellent chance from a similarly poor back-pass, this time Stefan de Vrij the culprit, before Wijnaldum was brilliantly teed-up by Steven Berghuis for the home side’s third goal. Their fourth was a special moment for striker Gakpo, who curled an excellent shot from the edge of the box into the net for his first international goal at a stadium where he grew up watching home side PSV Eindhoven.

Memphis Depay at the double as Dutch cruise to win over Montenegro

India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France on Sunday.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-indias-pramod-bhagat-wins-gold-medal-in-badminton-mens-singles-sl3-410667" hreflang="en">Tokyo Paralympics: India's Pramod Bhagat wins gold medal in badminton men's singles SL3</a>

With a silver, India extend&nbsp;their medal tally to 18 at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. Yathiraj lost to the French para-shuttler 21-15, 17-21, 15-21.&nbsp;

The India para-athlete started off very strong in the first game-winning it by 21-15. However, Muraz staged a sensational comeback to clinch a gold medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-paralympics-shuttler-manoj-sarkar-wins-bronze-in-sl3-mens-singles-410686" hreflang="en">Tokyo Paralympics: Shuttler Manoj Sarkar wins bronze in SL3 men's singles</a>

Earlier in the Paralympics, it took Suhas less than 20 minutes to sail through the first two matches, Suhas outwitted Indonesia's Fredy Setiawan 21-9 21-15 in 31 minutes in the first semifinal.

This is not the first medal Suhas has won. In 2016 itself, he participated in the Asian Championship in Beijing and become the first non-ranked player to win the gold medal.

More international recognition was awaiting him as he went on to win medals at BWF Turkish championship in 2017 and 2019 besides the latest, a gold, in Brazil in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic started ravaging India and world.

India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France on Sunday.

India's ace para-shuttler Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj scripted history as he became the first-ever IAS officer to win a medal at the Paralympics. The 38-year-old clinched a silver medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event at the ongoing Tokyo Games after losing to Lucas Mazur of France on Sunday. ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: India's Pramod Bhagat wins gold medal in badminton men's singles SL3 With a silver, India extend their medal tally to 18 at the Tokyo Paralympics 2020. Yathiraj lost to the French para-shuttler 21-15, 17-21, 15-21. The India para-athlete started off very strong in the first game-winning it by 21-15. However, Muraz staged a sensational comeback to clinch a gold medal in the final of the men's singles badminton SL4 event. ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: Shuttler Manoj Sarkar wins bronze in SL3 men's singles Earlier in the Paralympics, it took Suhas less than 20 minutes to sail through the first two matches, Suhas outwitted Indonesia's Fredy Setiawan 21-9 21-15 in 31 minutes in the first semifinal. This is not the first medal Suhas has won. In 2016 itself, he participated in the Asian Championship in Beijing and become the first non-ranked player to win the gold medal. More international recognition was awaiting him as he went on to win medals at BWF Turkish championship in 2017 and 2019 besides the latest, a gold, in Brazil in 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic started ravaging India and world.

Tokyo Paralympics: Suhas Yathiraj clinches silver in men's singles badminton SL4 event

&nbsp;American Shelby Rogers staged a comeback for the ages shocking world number one Ash Barty 6-2 1-6 7-6(5) on Saturday in the third round of the US&nbsp;Open.

The 43rd-ranked Rogers recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the third set to push the affair into a tiebreak, securing the biggest upset of the tournament thus far in front of an electric New York crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

"I just tried to fight for every point. That's so cliche, I'm sorry. You guys were awesome. I didn't want to leave," said Rogers.

"I just said you know make balls, try to stay in this match, can't get any worse, you lost to her every time. So, try something different."

There were early signs of trouble for heavy favourite Barty, who handed Rogers a break with four double faults in the third game, and got fewer than half of her first serves in as she committed 17 unforced errors during the first set.

The Wimbledon champion found her form in the second set, getting a critical break in the fourth game with a forehand winner and again converting on a breakpoint in the sixth as Rogers whacked the ball into the net.

Up two breaks in the final set, Barty appeared poised to walk away with the win but couldn't hang on as her stellar 2021 crashed to an end.

An astonished Rogers held her hands to her face as she clinched the match, defeating Barty for the first time in six meetings.

"I was just trying to stay in the point longer than Ash. She was handling my pace really well tonight. I felt like the harder I hit the ball, the better she hit," said Rogers, the only American woman remaining in the tournament.

It was the second major upset of the women's tournament at Flushing Meadows after 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez defeated four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka on Friday.

Rogers will face Britain's teen phenom Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.

American Shelby Rogers staged a comeback for the ages shocking world number one Ash Barty 6-2 1-6 7-6(5) on Saturday in the third round of the US Open. The 43rd-ranked Rogers recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the third set to push the affair into a tiebreak, securing the biggest upset of the tournament thus far in front of an electric New York crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.

American Shelby Rogers staged a comeback for the ages shocking world number one Ash Barty 6-2 1-6 7-6(5) on Saturday in the third round of the US Open. The 43rd-ranked Rogers recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the third set to push the affair into a tiebreak, securing the biggest upset of the tournament thus far in front of an electric New York crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium. "I just tried to fight for every point. That's so cliche, I'm sorry. You guys were awesome. I didn't want to leave," said Rogers. "I just said you know make balls, try to stay in this match, can't get any worse, you lost to her every time. So, try something different." There were early signs of trouble for heavy favourite Barty, who handed Rogers a break with four double faults in the third game, and got fewer than half of her first serves in as she committed 17 unforced errors during the first set. The Wimbledon champion found her form in the second set, getting a critical break in the fourth game with a forehand winner and again converting on a breakpoint in the sixth as Rogers whacked the ball into the net. Up two breaks in the final set, Barty appeared poised to walk away with the win but couldn't hang on as her stellar 2021 crashed to an end. An astonished Rogers held her hands to her face as she clinched the match, defeating Barty for the first time in six meetings. "I was just trying to stay in the point longer than Ash. She was handling my pace really well tonight. I felt like the harder I hit the ball, the better she hit," said Rogers, the only American woman remaining in the tournament. It was the second major upset of the women's tournament at Flushing Meadows after 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez defeated four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka on Friday. Rogers will face Britain's teen phenom Emma Raducanu in the fourth round.

Number one Ashleigh Barty loses in third round of US Open

From spot-fixing scandal to MS Dhoni's anger: Top IPL controversies through the years

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