<p>Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round.</p>

<p>The Spaniard sealed the match with a whipped cross-court forehand, though for much of the match the number three seed struggled to find her rhythm and range on the forehand.</p>

<p>Muguruza, who won at Roland Garros in 2016 and heads to Wimbledon this year as defending champion, had not played 21-year-old Ferro before Thursday's encounter.</p>

<p>"She's young and she's talented," Muguruza said in a post-match interview on court Suzanne Lenglen. "These matches are very difficult."</p>

<p>Muguruza arrived in Paris as one of five women with a chance of claiming the world number one spot.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">"All I want is to go out there, compete & win. I'm happy with fighting, do whatever I can, to eventually win the point. That's all that matters. If you play good & beautiful, everybody feels better, but at the end just counts the result."<a href="https://twitter.com/GarbiMuguruza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GarbiMuguruza</a> is a fighter.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/9jeVINbkgn">pic.twitter.com/9jeVINbkgn</a></p>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1002207937891315713?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Her form leading up to the clay-court Grand Slam was mixed, exiting the Madrid Open in the third round and suffering a defeat in her opening match of the Rome Open. But she said she felt good in Paris.</p>

<p>"The French Open is the tournament for me. My body is good and my tennis is following," she said.</p>

<p>Muguruza hit 26 winners and 23 unforced errors, often over-cooking her forehand from the baseline.</p>

<p>She eases into the third round for the fifth consecutive year and will face the winner of the match between 2010 French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia and 30-seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.</p>


Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round

Garbine Muguruza cruised past French wildcard player Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 on Thursday, booking her place in the French Open third round. The Spaniard sealed the match with a whipped cross-court forehand, though for much of the match the number three seed struggled to find her rhythm and range on the forehand. Muguruza, who won at Roland Garros in 2016 and heads to Wimbledon this year as defending champion, had not played 21-year-old Ferro before Thursday's encounter. "She's young and she's talented," Muguruza said in a post-match interview on court Suzanne Lenglen. "These matches are very difficult." Muguruza arrived in Paris as one of five women with a chance of claiming the world number one spot. "All I want is to go out there, compete & win. I'm happy with fighting, do whatever I can, to eventually win the point. That's all that matters. If you play good & beautiful, everybody feels better, but at the end just counts the result."@GarbiMuguruza is a fighter.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/9jeVINbkgn — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 31, 2018 × Her form leading up to the clay-court Grand Slam was mixed, exiting the Madrid Open in the third round and suffering a defeat in her opening match of the Rome Open. But she said she felt good in Paris. "The French Open is the tournament for me. My body is good and my tennis is following," she said. Muguruza hit 26 winners and 23 unforced errors, often over-cooking her forehand from the baseline. She eases into the third round for the fifth consecutive year and will face the winner of the match between 2010 French Open runner-up Samantha Stosur of Australia and 30-seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia.

French Open: Garbine Muguruza defeat Fiona Ferro 6-4 6-3 to enter 3rd round

<p>Alexander Zverev has found a new love for the Yorkshire accent after surviving the second round at&nbsp;Roland-Garros. He defeated&nbsp;Lajovic in sets and move forward to the next round of the competition.</p>

<p>German star Zverev seemed relaxed and confident during his post-match press interaction and particularly enjoyed hearing the Yorkshire accent.</p>

<p>A reporter asked a question and Zverev gave an unusual response, he said, "Where you from, buddy?" and after that the conversation became interesting, watch the video:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Zverev struggling with the Yorkshire accent. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/p9h0IepaPo">pic.twitter.com/p9h0IepaPo</a></p>
— ㅤㅤㅤ (@Dani___Alves) <a href="https://twitter.com/Dani___Alves/status/1002119613889548293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 31, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Alexander Zverev:</strong> "Where you from, buddy?"</p>

<p><strong>Reporter:</strong> "Do you want to guess? Yorkshire in England."</p>

<p><strong>Alexander Zverev:</strong> "Nice. If I ever make a tournament there I'm coming just because of that accent. Love it. I didn't understand a word you're saying, but it's not important."</p>

<p><strong>Reporter:</strong> "You clearly enjoy your tennis."</p>

<p><strong>Alexander Zverev:</strong> "Not as much as your accent, buddy. I love that."</p>

<p><strong>Reporter: </strong>"I will come to all your press conferences now."</p>

<p><strong>Alexander Zverev:</strong> "I love that."</p>

<p>German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.</p>

<p>But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937.</p>


Alexander Zverev found a new love for the Yorkshire accent after surviving the scare of the second round to move forward to the next round of Roland-Garros

Alexander Zverev has found a new love for the Yorkshire accent after surviving the second round at Roland-Garros. He defeated Lajovic in sets and move forward to the next round of the competition. German star Zverev seemed relaxed and confident during his post-match press interaction and particularly enjoyed hearing the Yorkshire accent. A reporter asked a question and Zverev gave an unusual response, he said, "Where you from, buddy?" and after that the conversation became interesting, watch the video: Zverev struggling with the Yorkshire accent. #RG18 pic.twitter.com/p9h0IepaPo — ㅤㅤㅤ (@Dani___Alves) May 31, 2018 × Alexander Zverev: "Where you from, buddy?" Reporter: "Do you want to guess? Yorkshire in England." Alexander Zverev: "Nice. If I ever make a tournament there I'm coming just because of that accent. Love it. I didn't understand a word you're saying, but it's not important." Reporter: "You clearly enjoy your tennis." Alexander Zverev: "Not as much as your accent, buddy. I love that." Reporter: "I will come to all your press conferences now." Alexander Zverev: "I love that." German world number three Zverev found himself in deep trouble when trailing by two sets to one against Lajovic, but the Serbian ran out of gas as it finished 2-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. But Zverev moved into round three for the second time, where he will play Bosnian 26th seed Damir Dzumhur, as he looks to become the first German man to win the title since 1937.

Watch: Alexander Zverev's hilarious response to Yorkshire accent

<p>The Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan romped through to the men's doubles second round of the French Open after defeating Fabrice Martin and Purav Raja at Court 16 on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Earlier in the competition, Yuki Bhambri lost to 111th-ranked Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium 4-6,4-6, 1-6 in the men's singles match.</p>

<p>Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round.</p>

<p>Also, Rohan Bopanna with his partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will clash with Benjamin Bonzi and Gregoire Jacq in the mixed doubles second round on Thursday.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round

The Indian pair of Yuki Bhambri and Divij Sharan romped through to the men's doubles second round of the French Open after defeating Fabrice Martin and Purav Raja at Court 16 on Wednesday. Earlier in the competition, Yuki Bhambri lost to 111th-ranked Ruben Bemelmans of Belgium 4-6,4-6, 1-6 in the men's singles match. Bhambri and Sharan will now meet second seeds Oliver Marach and Mate Pavic in the second round. Also, Rohan Bopanna with his partner Edouard Roger-Vasselin will clash with Benjamin Bonzi and Gregoire Jacq in the mixed doubles second round on Thursday.

French Open: Yuki Bhambri, Divij Sharan advance to 2nd round

<p>American tennis ace players Serena and Venus Williams staged a stunning comeback to win their first Grand Slam doubles match after almost two years and advancing to the second round of the French Open here on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Williams' sisters, who together own 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles, defeated 14th-seeded Japanese pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.&nbsp</p>

<p>They last won a major tournament match at Wimbledon in 2016.&nbsp</p>

<p>Although the duo lost the first set of the match, they came back strongly to win the next two sets, in a gruelling match that lasted for nearly two hours.</p>

<p>Both Serena and Venus used their decade-long experience to thwart any chances of the Japanese seeded players getting away with the match.</p>

<p>Earlier on Wednesday, Serena, who was denied seeding at the Roland Garros, made a successful return to her first Grand Slam tournament since giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr earlier in March this year by clinching a comfortable 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over 70th-ranked Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the French Open.</p>

<p>Serena will now lock horns with 17th seed Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the second round of the women`s singles event on Thursday.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Venus lost to China`s Wang Qiang, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of singles of French Open on Sunday.</p>


The Williams' sisters, who together own 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles, defeated 14th-seeded Japanese pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1

American tennis ace players Serena and Venus Williams staged a stunning comeback to win their first Grand Slam doubles match after almost two years and advancing to the second round of the French Open here on Wednesday. The Williams' sisters, who together own 14 Grand Slam doubles' titles, defeated 14th-seeded Japanese pairing of Shuko Aoyama and Miyu Kato, 4-6, 6-4, 6-1. They last won a major tournament match at Wimbledon in 2016. Although the duo lost the first set of the match, they came back strongly to win the next two sets, in a gruelling match that lasted for nearly two hours. Both Serena and Venus used their decade-long experience to thwart any chances of the Japanese seeded players getting away with the match. Earlier on Wednesday, Serena, who was denied seeding at the Roland Garros, made a successful return to her first Grand Slam tournament since giving birth to her daughter Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr earlier in March this year by clinching a comfortable 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over 70th-ranked Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic in the French Open. Serena will now lock horns with 17th seed Ashleigh Barty of Australia in the second round of the women`s singles event on Thursday. On the other hand, Venus lost to China`s Wang Qiang, 6-4, 7-5 in the first round of singles of French Open on Sunday.

French Open: William sisters stage comeback, advance to 2nd round

<p>World number one Simona Halep battled back after a disastrous opening set to beat Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in their delayed French Open first-round match on Wednesday. Halep, the runner-up in Paris in 2014 and 2017, slumped 0-5 down in the opening set to world number 83 Riske whose only win at the tournament came in 2014. The Romanian committed 16 unforced errors in the set but stepped up a gear from that point on to book a second-round match against Taylor Townsend of the United States.</p>

<p>"It's always difficult in the first round of a Grand Slam, you are always nervous," said Halep.</p>

<p>"But I started to run more, played better and kept more balls in play."</p>

<p>The 26-year-old, who is still looking for a first Grand Slam title, will play for the second straight day on Thursday after the match with Riske was pushed back from Tuesday due to rain.</p>

<p>"I think I'll be ready tomorrow, I feel strong in my legs," said the top seed.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Simona Survives<br />
<br />
World No.1 <a href="https://twitter.com/Simona_Halep?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Simona_Halep</a> scores roller-coaster 2-6 6-1 6-1 win over Riske to reach 2R.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RG18?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RG18</a> <a href="https://t.co/NvVxpPkjAc">pic.twitter.com/NvVxpPkjAc</a></p>
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) <a href="https://twitter.com/rolandgarros/status/1001777315905523712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Anything can happen with the rain so all we can do is rest and try to be at our best when we step on the court."</p>

<p>Halep needs to reach the semi-finals or better if she is to retain the world top spot.</p>


World number one Simona Halep battled back after a disastrous opening set to beat Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in their delayed French Open first-round match

World number one Simona Halep battled back after a disastrous opening set to beat Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1 in their delayed French Open first-round match on Wednesday. Halep, the runner-up in Paris in 2014 and 2017, slumped 0-5 down in the opening set to world number 83 Riske whose only win at the tournament came in 2014. The Romanian committed 16 unforced errors in the set but stepped up a gear from that point on to book a second-round match against Taylor Townsend of the United States. "It's always difficult in the first round of a Grand Slam, you are always nervous," said Halep. "But I started to run more, played better and kept more balls in play." The 26-year-old, who is still looking for a first Grand Slam title, will play for the second straight day on Thursday after the match with Riske was pushed back from Tuesday due to rain. "I think I'll be ready tomorrow, I feel strong in my legs," said the top seed. Simona Survives World No.1 @Simona_Halep scores roller-coaster 2-6 6-1 6-1 win over Riske to reach 2R.#RG18 pic.twitter.com/NvVxpPkjAc — Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 30, 2018 × "Anything can happen with the rain so all we can do is rest and try to be at our best when we step on the court." Halep needs to reach the semi-finals or better if she is to retain the world top spot.

Simona Halep survives first-round of Roland-Garros, beats Alison Riske 2-6, 6-1, 6-1

<p>Serena Williams marked an astounding Grand Slam return by defeating Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 and romped through the second round at the Roland Garros on Tuesday.</p>

<p>Dressed in a skintight, all-in-one black bodysuit, broken up by a vivid scarlet belt, Serena captivated the French crowd from the start of the contest.</p>

<p>After winning the match, former world number one said that she felt like a "superhero" in the black catsuit that she wore during the match.</p>

<p>The temperature hit 25C in Paris but it did not seem to affect the Serena in her come back match.</p>

<p>Serena interacted with media after the match and said, "It was comfortable to wear."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy—here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!! <a href="https://t.co/xXb3BKDGNF">pic.twitter.com/xXb3BKDGNF</a></p>
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) <a href="https://twitter.com/serenawilliams/status/1001540241558261760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>She also revealed the reason for wearing such unusual attire and said that the outfit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots that had almost cost her life in February.</p>

<p>"I had a lot of problems with those - I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months," she said. "It definitely has little functionality to it.</p>

<p>"It's a fun suit, but it's also functional so I'm able to play without any problems."</p>

<p>She also added the fun fact behind the 'superhero suit' and said, "I feel like a warrior wearing it, a queen from Wakanda (Wakanda is a fictional character of Black Panther movie) maybe."</p>

<p>"I'm always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero."</p>

<p>Serena will play next against the three-time champion is Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round.</p>


The outfit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots that had almost cost her life in February

Serena Williams marked an astounding Grand Slam return by defeating Kristyna Pliskova 7-6 (7-4) 6-4 and romped through the second round at the Roland Garros on Tuesday. Dressed in a skintight, all-in-one black bodysuit, broken up by a vivid scarlet belt, Serena captivated the French crowd from the start of the contest. After winning the match, former world number one said that she felt like a "superhero" in the black catsuit that she wore during the match. The temperature hit 25C in Paris but it did not seem to affect the Serena in her come back match. Serena interacted with media after the match and said, "It was comfortable to wear." Catsuit anyone? For all the moms out there who had a tough recovery from pregnancy—here you go. If I can do it, so can you. Love you all!! pic.twitter.com/xXb3BKDGNF — Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) May 29, 2018 × She also revealed the reason for wearing such unusual attire and said that the outfit helped her cope with the issue of blood clots that had almost cost her life in February. "I had a lot of problems with those - I don't know how many I have had in the past 12 months," she said. "It definitely has little functionality to it. "It's a fun suit, but it's also functional so I'm able to play without any problems." She also added the fun fact behind the 'superhero suit' and said, "I feel like a warrior wearing it, a queen from Wakanda (Wakanda is a fictional character of Black Panther movie) maybe." "I'm always living in a fantasy world. I always wanted to be a superhero, and it's kind of my way of being a superhero." Serena will play next against the three-time champion is Australian 17th seed Ashleigh Barty in the second round.

Serena Williams reveals reason of wearing 'superhero-like' black catsuit

<p>Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are:</p>

<p><strong>Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA)</strong></p>

<p>Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome.</p>

<p>Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set.</p>

<p><strong>Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20)</strong></p>

<p>A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade.</p>

<p>Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris.</p>

<p>But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency.</p>

<p>Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games.&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED)</strong></p>

<p>One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed.</p>

<p>Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris.</p>

<p>A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up.</p>

<p>Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015.</p>

<p>Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay.</p>

<p><strong>Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2)</strong></p>

<p>Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome.</p>

<p>Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March.</p>

<p>However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon.</p>

<p><strong>Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23)</strong></p>

<p>Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match.</p>

<p>Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014.</p>

<p>Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.</p>


Here is a list of five matches to watch at the French Open

Five matches to watch at the French Open on Monday are: Rafael Nadal (ESP x1) v Simone Bolelli (ITA) Nadal starts his bid for an 11th French Open title against grizzled Italian veteran Simone Bolelli who got into the main draw as a lucky loser when Ukraine's Alexandr Dolgopolov withdrew with a wrist injury. Nadal has a record 79 wins against just two defeats in his Roland Garros career and arrives in Paris with his 11th titles in Monte Carlo and Barcelona and an eighth triumph in Rome. Bolelli, 32, is ranked at 130 and has never got past the third round at Roland Garros. In five meetings with Nadal, he has won just one set. Rogerio Dutra Silva (BRA) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x20) A run to the semi-finals in Rome gave 2016 Roland Garros champion Djokovic hope that he is finally over the elbow injury which has seen his form dip and ranking slip to its lowest in over a decade. Dutra Silva, 34 and ranked at 132 in the world, has never progressed beyond the second round in Paris. But he has made two quarter-finals this year in Sao Paulo and in Istanbul which suggests a degree of clay-court proficiency. Djokovic won their only meeting in the last 64 at the US Open in 2012, dropping just five games. Maria Sharapova (RUS x28) v Richel Hogenkamp (NED) One of the most eagerly-awaited returns of recent years will be Serena Williams playing her first major since the 2017 Australian Open. The other is that of Sharapova who was refused a wildcard entry in 2017 by organisers uncomfortable with the 15-month doping ban she had just completed. Sharapova, the Roland Garros champion in 2012 and 2014, has also been a two-time semi-finalist in Paris. A run to the semi-finals on clay in Rome and a Madrid quarter-final spot this spring suggests the Russian is fired up. Hogenkamp, 26 and the world 134, made the second round in Paris last year but lost her only previous meeting with Sharapova in the last 16 at Wimbledon in 2015. Hogenkamp hasn't won a single match on tour this year, a miserable record which includes two losses on clay. Danielle Collins (USA) v Caroline Wozniacki (DEN x2) Former world number one Wozniacki finally broke through to her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this year in her 43rd major. Twice a quarter-finalist in Paris, in 2010 and 2017, the 27-year-old has endured a patchy European spring on clay with quarter-final runs at Istanbul and Rome. Collins, a 24-year-old from Florida, is ranked 44 in the world after a shock run to the semi-finals at Miami in March. However, she has yet to win a Grand Slam match, losing twice at the US Open and never having played at the Australian and French Opens and Wimbledon. Guillermo Garcia-Lopez (ESP) v Stan Wawrinka (SUI x23) Wawrinka, the 2015 champion, and runner-up to Nadal in 2017, arrives in Paris under an injury cloud having been laid low by a knee injury which had required surgery last year. Wawrinka missed three months this year before returning in Geneva last week where he won one match. Garcia-Lopez, 34 years old and ranked 71, made the fourth round in 2014. Wawrinka holds a 7-3 head-to-head record in a rivalry stretching &nbspback to 2005.

French Open: Five important matches to watch on Monday

<h2>WION's pick of the week</h2>

<p title="Watch: Marcelo's son Enzo Vieira stuns Real Madrid players with impressive head tennis show"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-marcelos-son-enzo-vieira-stuns-real-madrid-players-with-impressive-head-tennis-show-137516">Watch: Marcelo's son Enzo Vieira stuns Real Madrid players with impressive head tennis show</a></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BizrITqABnM/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Orgulho do papai!! ? @enzoalvesv Isso aqui é uma familia!!! @realmadrid ❤️⚽️</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/marcelotwelve/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Marcelo Vieira Jr.</a> (@marcelotwelve) on <time datetime="2018-05-15T18:04:53+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">May 15, 2018 at 11:04am PDT</time></p>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-do-you-know-that-first-fifa-trophy-was-stolen-and-never-recovered-137912">FIFA 2018: Do you know that first FIFA trophy was stolen and never recovered</a></p>

<p>In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered</p>

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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-kl-rahul--a-rejuvenated-and-repackaged-batting-power-house-137938">Opinion: KL Rahul – A rejuvenated and repackaged batting power house</a></p>

<p>KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game</p>

<h5 title="Watch: AB de Villiers' Spiderman-like stunt to dismiss Alex Hales"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-after-nadal--federer-who-will-be-the-next-atp-superstar-137606">Opinion: After Nadal & Federer, who will be the next ATP superstar?</a></h5>

<p>It has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar</p>

<h5 title="Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest woman to scale Mt Everest"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shivangi-pathak-becomes-youngest-woman-to-scale-mt-everest-137997">Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest woman to scale Mt Everest</a></h5>

<p>Shivangi said that she inspired by Arunima Sinha, who was the first Indian amputee to scale the nearly 29,000 ft peak</p>

<p><img alt="Shivangi Pathak.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Shivangi%20Pathak.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<h5 title="Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018 "><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/meet-the-top-four-teams-of-ipl-2018--138479">Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018</a></h5>

<p><img alt="Kane Williamson, MS Dhoni, Dinesh Karthik, Ajinkya Rahane.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Kane%20Williamson%2C%20MS%20Dhoni%2C%20Dinesh%20Karthik%2C%20Ajinkya%20Rahane.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<h5 title="'It is a difficult day,' says teary-eyed Andres Iniesta during farewell ceremony"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/'it-is-a-difficult-day,'-says-teary-eyed-andres-iniesta-during-farewell-ceremony-138614">'It is a difficult day,' says teary-eyed Andres Iniesta during farewell ceremony</a></h5>

<p>Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his boyhood club FC Barcelona. He has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou & has lifted 32 trophies</p>

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<h2>FIFA 2018</h2>

<p title="FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-world-cup-fever-inspires-panini-stickers-craze-138377">FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze</a></p>

<p>Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970</p>

<h5 title="Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth'"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/throwback-to-luis-suarezs-biting-chiellini-in-fifa-2014-anyone-got-a-toothpick-chiellini-stuck-in-my-teeth-138134">Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth'</a></h5>

<p>Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities</p>

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italy-not-going-to-world-cup-but-world-cup-comes-to-italy-136933">FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy</a></h5>

<p>The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine</p>

<h5 title="England defender Mawson ruled out of FIFA World Cup
"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/england-defender-mawson-ruled-out-of-fifa-world-cup-137085">England defender Mawson ruled out of FIFA World Cup</a></h5>

<p>The 24-year-old was yet to make his England debut but was called up by manager Gareth Southgate for friendlies in March</p>

<h5 title="Mario Gotze ruled out of Germany's squad for FIFA 2018"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mario-gotze-ruled-out-of-germanys-squad-for-fifa-2018-137132">Mario Gotze ruled out of Germany's squad for FIFA 2018</a></h5>

<p>Mario Gotze has been ruled out of Germany's squad for the upcoming edition of football World Cup</p>

<h5 title="He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-from-world-cup-winning-goal-scorer-to-world-cup-squad-absentee-lets-relive-mario-gotze-dream-goal-of-fifa-2014-137366">He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014</a></h5>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/DFB_Team_EN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DFB_Team_EN</a> won the <a href="https://twitter.com/FIFAWorldCup?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FIFAWorldCup</a> with this extra time beauty by Mario Gotze! What's everyones predictions for the winning team this year? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/worldcup2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#worldcup2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupAtTheRegency?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupAtTheRegency</a> tickets here >> <a href="https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV">https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCupAtTheAmbler?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldCupAtTheAmbler</a> tickets here >> <a href="https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc">https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc</a> <a href="https://t.co/0qdcyGUNae">pic.twitter.com/0qdcyGUNae</a></p>
— Sedulo Manchester (@SeduloMCR) <a href="https://twitter.com/SeduloMCR/status/994540143683031040?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 10, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-england-fans-warned-over-flag-waving-at-world-cup-in-russia-137434">FIFA 2018: England fans warned over flag-waving at World Cup in Russia</a></p>

<p>Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year</p>

<h5 title="Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymars-foot-injury-worries-him-as-he-prepares-to-return-137618">Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return</a></h5>

<p>He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil</p>

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: Argentina apologises for manual on seducing Russian women"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-argentina-apologises-for-manual-on-seducing-russian-women-137639">FIFA 2018: Argentina apologises for manual on seducing Russian women</a></h5>

<p>More than 40,000 Argentines have bought tickets for matches in the tournament that kicks off in Moscow on June 14</p>

<h2>Football</h2>

<p title="Chelsea players celebrate FA Cup victory against Manchester United"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/chelsea-players-celebrate-fa-cup-victory-against-manchester-united-138430">Chelsea players celebrate FA Cup victory against Manchester United</a></p>

<p>Antonio Conte's team held on for a 1-0 win over United at Wembley as Eden Hazard's first-half penalty was followed by a determined defensive display from the Blues after the interval</p>

<h5 title="Michael Carrick makes immediate switch to coaching role at Manchester United"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-carrick-makes-immediate-switch-to-coaching-role-at-manchester-united-137029">Michael Carrick makes immediate switch to coaching role at Manchester United</a></h5>

<p>Michael Carrick is making an immediate switch from Manchester United's playing squad to the coaching team in time for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea</p>

<h2>Cricket</h2>

<p title="Cameron Bancroft been cleared to play club cricket "><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cameron-bancroft-been-cleared-to-play-club-cricket--137063">Cameron Bancroft been cleared to play club cricket</a></p>

<p>Cameron Bancroft has been cleared to play club cricket in Western Australia</p>

<h5 title="'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/proper-big-dog-coming-to-county-moeen-ali-on-virat-kohli-137462">'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli</a></h5>

<p>Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Bangalore in IPL</p>

<h5 title="ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-may-consider-scrapping-toss-in-test-cricket-137768">ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket</a></h5>

<p>Latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to re-enter the topic</p>

<h2>Tennis</h2>

<h5 title="Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-elina-svitolina-outplays-simona-halep-to-defend-title-138443">Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title</a></h5>

<p>Elina Svitolina successfully defended her&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep</p>

<h5 title="Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-wins-eighth-rome-masters-title-after-stunning-comeback-138468">Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback</a></h5>

<p>Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev</p>

<h5 title="Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-karolina-pliskova-smashes-umpires-chair-after-losing-to-maria-sakkari-at-italian-open-137500">Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair</a></h5>

<p>Pliskova was furious when 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Holy moly Pliskova is the real MVP! Well done, she was right about that call! it was 10km in! <a href="https://t.co/YgJ5MHgmYo">pic.twitter.com/YgJ5MHgmYo</a></p>
— LorenaPopa? ??‍♀️ (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/996735228394835969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italys-elia-viviani-wins-giro-ditalia-13th-stage-138029">Italy's Elia Viviani wins Giro d'Italia 13th stage</a></p>

<p>Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (May 14 to May 20)

WION's pick of the week Watch: Marcelo's son Enzo Vieira stuns Real Madrid players with impressive head tennis show Orgulho do papai!! ? @enzoalvesv Isso aqui é uma familia!!! @realmadrid ❤️⚽️ A post shared by Marcelo Vieira Jr. (@marcelotwelve) on May 15, 2018 at 11:04am PDT × FIFA 2018: Do you know that first FIFA trophy was stolen and never recovered In 1983, the original Jules Rimet trophy was stolen from the display window and never recovered × × Opinion: KL Rahul – A rejuvenated and repackaged batting power house KL Rahul has been a treat to watch and I am sure that going forward he would play an all-important role for India in all formats of the game Opinion: After Nadal & Federer, who will be the next ATP superstar? It has been a decade now that men's Tennis is waiting for its next superstar Shivangi Pathak becomes youngest woman to scale Mt Everest Shivangi said that she inspired by Arunima Sinha, who was the first Indian amputee to scale the nearly 29,000 ft peak Meet the top four teams of IPL 2018 'It is a difficult day,' says teary-eyed Andres Iniesta during farewell ceremony Andres Iniesta bid farewell to his boyhood club FC Barcelona. He has spent all of his senior career at Camp Nou & has lifted 32 trophies × FIFA 2018 FIFA 2018: World Cup fever inspires Panini stickers craze Created in 1960 by the four Panini brothers, the business has an exclusive contract with world football's governing body FIFA and its first World Cup album dates back to 1970 Throwback to Luis Suarez's biting Chiellini in FIFA 2014: 'Anyone got a toothpick, Chiellini stuck in my teeth' Luis Suarez took a nibble from Italy's Giorgio Chiellini shoulder and was suspended for four months from all football-related activities FIFA 2018: Italy not going to World Cup but World Cup comes to Italy The eliminated Azzurri will not brighten the tournament, but Italians will still make the cup shine England defender Mawson ruled out of FIFA World Cup The 24-year-old was yet to make his England debut but was called up by manager Gareth Southgate for friendlies in March Mario Gotze ruled out of Germany's squad for FIFA 2018 Mario Gotze has been ruled out of Germany's squad for the upcoming edition of football World Cup He won't be there at FIFA 2018 but let's relive Mario Gotze's winning goal from 2014 @DFB_Team_EN won the @FIFAWorldCup with this extra time beauty by Mario Gotze! What's everyones predictions for the winning team this year? #worldcup2018 #WorldCupAtTheRegency tickets here >> https://t.co/WP8KRD9MhV #WorldCupAtTheAmbler tickets here >> https://t.co/8REtlUfSbc pic.twitter.com/0qdcyGUNae — Sedulo Manchester (@SeduloMCR) May 10, 2018 × FIFA 2018: England fans warned over flag-waving at World Cup in Russia Tensions are high between Britain and Russia over the poisoning of former double agent Yuri Skripal and his daughter in the English city of Salisbury earlier this year Neymar's foot injury worries him, as he prepares to return He has been out of action since spraining his ankle and fracturing his fifth metatarsal on Feb. 25, which led him to undergo surgery in Brazil FIFA 2018: Argentina apologises for manual on seducing Russian women More than 40,000 Argentines have bought tickets for matches in the tournament that kicks off in Moscow on June 14 Football Chelsea players celebrate FA Cup victory against Manchester United Antonio Conte's team held on for a 1-0 win over United at Wembley as Eden Hazard's first-half penalty was followed by a determined defensive display from the Blues after the interval Michael Carrick makes immediate switch to coaching role at Manchester United Michael Carrick is making an immediate switch from Manchester United's playing squad to the coaching team in time for Saturday's FA Cup final against Chelsea Cricket Cameron Bancroft been cleared to play club cricket Cameron Bancroft has been cleared to play club cricket in Western Australia 'Proper big dog' coming to County, Moeen Ali on Virat Kohli Moeen and his compatriot Chris Woakes are playing under Kohli for the Bangalore in IPL ICC may consider scrapping toss in Test cricket Latest reports suggest that the ICC committee is ready to re-enter the topic Tennis Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep Italian Open: Rafael Nadal wins eighth Rome Masters title after stunning comeback Rafael Nadal won the Rome Masters for the eighth time as he defeated defending champion Alexander Zverev Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair Pliskova was furious when 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match Holy moly Pliskova is the real MVP! Well done, she was right about that call! it was 10km in! pic.twitter.com/YgJ5MHgmYo — LorenaPopa? ??‍♀️ (@popalorena) May 16, 2018 × Italy's Elia Viviani wins Giro d'Italia 13th stage Italy's Elia Viviani of the Quick Step team dominated a sprint finish for the Giro d'Italia 13th stage

WION Sports News: Top sports results this week

<p>Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her&nbsp;Italian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep.</p>

<p>World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match.</p>

<p>"It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession.</p>

<p>The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way.</p>

<p>Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback.</p>

<p>Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand.</p>

<p>On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself.</p>

<p>"I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."</p>


Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep

Fourth seed Elina Svitolina successfully defended her Italian Open title on Sunday with a dominant 6-0 6-4 victory over an out-of-sorts Simona Halep. World number one Halep came through a tough three-set semi-final against Maria Sharapova on Saturday and was well off the pace, failing to coax even a single break point opportunity the entire match. "It's amazing that I could come and defend my title here. It's really something very special for me," Svitolina said after defeating Halep in the Rome final for the second year in succession. The Ukrainian, who has now won the last eight finals she has appeared in, stormed out of the blocks and kept Halep under relentless pressure, serving at a high level and chasing down everything the Romanian sent her way. Halep converted only 15 percent of her first serves into points in a dire first set, and though she improved that ratio in the second, she made a total of 21 unforced errors to end any hopes of a comeback. Svitolina wrapped up the victory in 67 minutes on her second match point, leaping into the air in celebration as Halep tamely netted a backhand. On current form the Ukrainian will be surely ranked among the favourites to triumph at the FrenchOpen. The Roland Garros showpiece begins on May 27, and Svitolina insisted that she would not get ahead of herself. "I will try to take one match at a time, it's very important in a grand slam," she added. "It's very tricky so we'll see how it goes, but definitely I'm going to enjoy (going to) Roland Garros on a high note."

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina outplays Simona Halep to defend title

<p>Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Anett Kontaveit.</p>

<p>Fourth-ranked Svitolina is aiming for her third title of the season following victories in Brisbane and Dubai.</p>

<p>She will face the winner from Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep for the trophy on Sunday.</p>


Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open

Defending champion Elina Svitolina moved one win away from her second title at the Italian Open on Saturday with a 6-4, 6-3 defeat of Anett Kontaveit. Fourth-ranked Svitolina is aiming for her third title of the season following victories in Brisbane and Dubai. She will face the winner from Maria Sharapova and top seed Simona Halep for the trophy on Sunday.

Italian Open: Elina Svitolina reaches second straight Rome final

<p>Former world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-5 on Friday.</p>

<p>The battle between the two French Open champions lasted for more than three hours.</p>

<p>Playing her fourth match in as many days, Sharapova needed three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle.</p>

<p>Now, Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis.</p>

<p>Earlier, Seven-time champion <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-outplays-fabio-fognini-to-enter-semi-final-137976">Rafael Nadal</a> deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-rafael-nadal-outplays-fabio-fognini-to-enter-semi-final-137976">beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini</a> 4-6, 6-1, 6-2.</p>

<p>Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.</p>


Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis

Former world number one Maria Sharapova reached the Italian Open semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 7-5 on Friday. The battle between the two French Open champions lasted for more than three hours. Playing her fourth match in as many days, Sharapova needed three hours, 10 minutes to win a gruelling struggle. Now, Sharapova will either play against current world number one Simona Halep or Caroline Garcia in the semis. Earlier, Seven-time champion Rafael Nadal deflated local hopes at the Italian Open on Friday, beating the last home player, Fabio Fognini 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Nadal needs to win the Rome title on Sunday to displace Roger Federer as world number one. The 31-year-old Spaniard recovered from losing a lengthy first set before breezing through the quarter-final tie for the loss of just three more games.

Italian Open: Maria Sharapova enters semi-finals after defeating Jelena Ostapenko

<p>Former world number-1&nbsp;Karolina Pliskova, 26, repeatedly hit the umpire's chair with her racket after losing her match to&nbsp;Maria Sakkari in the second round&nbsp;of the Italian Open surprising everyone in the crowd since the Czech player has no history of misbehaviour.</p>

<p>Greece's Maria Sakkari defeated Karolina Pliskova 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the second round of the WTA Italian Open, out of frustration, Pliskova furiously hammered the umpire's chair with her racket.</p>

<p>In the third set with the sixth-seeded Czech serving 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 (30/30) she had an overhead shot incorrectly ruled out and both the line judge and the umpire said they could not find the mark.</p>

<p>After vehemently arguing with the umpire to no avail Pliskova&nbsp;became furious as 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Karolina Pliskova behaviour could attract a heavy penalty even the WTA hasn't announced its decision as yet.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video here:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Holy moly Pliskova is the real MVP! Well done, she was right about that call! it was 10km in! <a href="https://t.co/YgJ5MHgmYo">pic.twitter.com/YgJ5MHgmYo</a></p>
— LorenaPopa? ??‍♀️ (@popalorena) <a href="https://twitter.com/popalorena/status/996735228394835969?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>Watch Pliskova arguing with the umpire:</em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">. Can totally understand her frustration. Here is the call... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wtaRome?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wtaRome</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/pliskova?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#pliskova</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/sakkari?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#sakkari</a> <a href="https://t.co/uDa04yt2O2">pic.twitter.com/uDa04yt2O2</a></p>
— Tennis/NBA (@BoomTSB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoomTSB/status/996737622616805376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>For Sakkari it was the first top-five win of her career and she will face the winner of the second-round match between 11th seed Angelique Kerber of Germany and Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu.</p>


Pliskova was furious when 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match

Former world number-1 Karolina Pliskova, 26, repeatedly hit the umpire's chair with her racket after losing her match to Maria Sakkari in the second round of the Italian Open surprising everyone in the crowd since the Czech player has no history of misbehaviour. Greece's Maria Sakkari defeated Karolina Pliskova 3-6, 6-3, 7-5 in the second round of the WTA Italian Open, out of frustration, Pliskova furiously hammered the umpire's chair with her racket. In the third set with the sixth-seeded Czech serving 6-3, 3-6, 5-5 (30/30) she had an overhead shot incorrectly ruled out and both the line judge and the umpire said they could not find the mark. After vehemently arguing with the umpire to no avail Pliskova became furious as 42nd-ranked Sakkari was given the advantage and also a breakpoint at a crucial stage of the match. Karolina Pliskova behaviour could attract a heavy penalty even the WTA hasn't announced its decision as yet. Watch the video here: Holy moly Pliskova is the real MVP! Well done, she was right about that call! it was 10km in! pic.twitter.com/YgJ5MHgmYo — LorenaPopa? ??‍♀️ (@popalorena) May 16, 2018 × Watch Pliskova arguing with the umpire: . Can totally understand her frustration. Here is the call... #wtaRome #pliskova #sakkari pic.twitter.com/uDa04yt2O2 — Tennis/NBA (@BoomTSB) May 16, 2018 × For Sakkari it was the first top-five win of her career and she will face the winner of the second-round match between 11th seed Angelique Kerber of Germany and Romania's Irina-Camelia Begu.

Watch: Czech tennis player Pliskova 'smashes' umpire's chair

<h2>WION's pick of the week</h2>

<h5 title="Opinion: IPL 2018 - How Hyderabad under Kane Williamson is blossoming"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-ipl-2018--how-hyderabad-under-kane-williamson-is-blossoming-136143">Opinion: IPL 2018 - How Hyderabad under Kane Williamson is blossoming</a></strong></h5>

<p>42nd match of this year Indian Premier League, played between Hyderabad and Delhi at Firozshah Kotla Delhi on 10th May 2018 as one of the most special encounters this season</p>

<h5 title="Watch: Brendon Hartley suffers horrific crash in Spanish GP practice"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-brendon-hartley-suffers-horrific-crash-in-spanish-gp-practice-136397">Watch: Brendon Hartley suffers </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-brendon-hartley-suffers-horrific-crash-in-spanish-gp-practice-136397"><strong>horrific</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-brendon-hartley-suffers-horrific-crash-in-spanish-gp-practice-136397"> crash in Spanish GP practice</a></strong></h5>

<p>Brendon Hartley lost control of his Toro Rosso car at Turn Nine and smashed into the barriers during Practice Three for Spanish Grand Prix</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Will <a href="https://twitter.com/BrendonHartley?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@BrendonHartley</a>'s car be ready for qualifying after this big shunt in FP3?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpanishGP?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpanishGP</a> ?? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/F1?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#F1</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZEGViMxJjS">pic.twitter.com/ZEGViMxJjS</a></p>
— Formula 1 (@F1) <a href="https://twitter.com/F1/status/995277552695439362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-clinches-madrid-open-title-136490">Petra Kvitova clinches Madrid Open title</a></strong></p>

<p>10th seed Petra Kvitova won the Madrid Open title for the third time</p>

<p><img alt="Petra Kvitova (2)_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Petra%20Kvitova%20(2)_0.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/caught-on-cam-ms-dhoni-threatens-ravindra-jadeja-in-ipl-match-against-hyderabad-136574">Caught on cam: MS Dhoni threatens Ravindra Jadeja in IPL match against Hyderabad</a></strong></p>

<p>A hilarious incident happened in the seventh over of the first innings when MS Dhoni gestured to throw on the face of Ravindra Jadeja</p>

<p><img alt="MS Dhoni and Ravindra Jadeja.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/MS%20Dhoni%20and%20Ravindra%20Jadeja.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<h5 title="In pics: Mohamed Salah clinches Premier League's Player of the Year prize"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-mohamed-salah-clinches-premier-league's-player-of-the-year-prize-136594">In pics: Mohamed Salah clinches Premier League's Player of the Year prize</a></strong></h5>

<h5 title="In pics: Mohamed Salah clinches Premier League's Player of the Year prize">Mohamed Salah scored 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Liverpool this term</h5>

<h5 title="Zverev outplays Thiem to win Madrid Masters"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/zverev-outplays-thiem-to-win-madrid-masters-136689">Zverev outplays Thiem to win Madrid Masters</a></strong></h5>

<h5 title="Zverev outplays Thiem to win Madrid Masters">Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander&nbsp;Zverev&nbsp;in the Madrid Masters final</h5>

<p><img alt="Alexander Zverev.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Alexander%20Zverev.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>FIFA 2018</h2>

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-all-you-need-to-know-about-21st-edition-of-football-world-cup-136657">FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup</a></strong></h5>

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup">The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world</h5>

<p title="Major blow to Brazil as Dani Alves ruled out of FIFA 2018"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/major-blow-to-brazil-as-dani-alves-ruled-out-of-fifa-2018-136210"><strong>Major</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/major-blow-to-brazil-as-dani-alves-ruled-out-of-fifa-2018-136210"> blow to Brazil as Dani Alves ruled out of FIFA 2018</a></strong></strong></p>

<p title="Major blow to Brazil as Dani Alves ruled out of FIFA 2018">The Brazilian football federation (CBF) has confirmed it that Brazil right-back Dani Alves has been ruled out of the FIFA 2018 due to a knee injury</p>

<p><img alt="000_14S5UY.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/000_14S5UY.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<h5 title="Neymar Jr feels 'fear' ahead of his return for FIFA 2018"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/neymar-jr-feels-fear-ahead-of-his-return-for-fifa-2018-136331">Neymar Jr feels 'fear' ahead of his return for FIFA 2018</a></strong></h5>

<p>Brazil legend Zico's YouTube channel, Neymar said he is in a race against time to get mentally ready for the tournament in Russia</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Football</h2>

<h5 title="After 22 years Wenger leaves Arsenal, probably England too"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/after-22-years-wenger-leaves-arsenal-probably-england-too-136618">After 22 years Wenger leaves Arsenal, probably England too</a></strong></h5>

<p>When asked, Wenger said the prospect of him managing another Premier League club was unlikely</p>

<h5 title="Chelsea miss out on Champions League"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-miss-out-on-champions-league-136596">Chelsea miss out on Champions League</a></strong></h5>

<p>Chelsea were denied a place in next season's Champions League when they were well beaten 3-0 at Newcastle</p>

<h5 title="Mesut Ozil out with a back injury but expects to be fit for World Cup"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/mesut-ozil-out-with-a-back-injury-but-expects-to-be-fit-for-world-cup-135393">Mesut Ozil out with a back injury but expects to be fit for World Cup</a></strong></h5>

<p>Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is suffering back injury</p>

<h5 title="Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan denies Iniesta move"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/chinese-super-league-club-chongqing-lifan-denies-iniesta-move-135417">Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan denies Iniesta move</a></strong></h5>

<p>Chinese Super League giants Chongqing Dangdai Lifan have denied move for Andres Iniesta</p>

<h5 title="FIFA 2018: France defender Koscielny out with Achilles injury"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018-france-defender-laurent-koscielny-out-with-achilles-injury-135483">FIFA 2018: France defender Koscielny out with Achilles injury</a></strong></h5>

<p>France defender Laurent Koscielny will miss the FIFA World Cup and faces six months out after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon injury</p>

<h5 title="Manuel Neuer ruled out of German Cup final, doubts over FIFA 2018"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manuel-neuer-ruled-out-of-german-cup-final-135744">Manuel Neuer ruled out of German Cup final, doubts over FIFA 2018</a></strong></h5>

<p>Manuel Neuer has been sidelined by a fractured foot since September and is running out of time to be fit for Germany's opening World Cup match against Mexico</p>

<h5 title="Sex, concentration and goals key to World Cup glory: Romario tells Jesus"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/sex-concentration-and-goals-key-to-world-cup-glory-romario-tells-jesus-135971">Sex, concentration and goals key to World Cup glory: Romario tells Jesus</a></strong></h5>

<p>Gabriel Jesus may be apprehensive about next month’s World Cup</p>

<h5 title="Chelsea charged for referee confrontation"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/chelsea-charged-for-referee-confrontation-136151">Chelsea charged for referee confrontation</a></strong></h5>

<p>The draw with Huddersfield dampened Chelsea's hopes of securing a top-four finish in the league this season</p>

<h5 title="Arda Turan gets 16-game ban for pushing and abusing referee"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/arda-turan-gets-16-game-ban-for-pushing-and-abusing-referee-136158">Arda Turan gets 16-game ban for pushing and abusing referee</a></strong></h5>

<p>Turkish football authorities on Thursday banned the country's best-known player&nbsp;Arda&nbsp;Turan</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Cricket</h2>

<h5 title="Ajinkya Rahane to lead India in Afghanistan Test, Karun Nair replaces Virat Kohli
"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ajinkya-rahane-to-lead-india-in-afghanistan-test-karun-nair-replaces-virat-kohli-135553">Ajinkya Rahane to lead India in Afghanistan Test, Karun Nair replaces Virat Kohli</a></strong></h5>

<p>Rahane, however, he has been left out of the 16-man ODI squad for the three-match series in England in July</p>

<h5 title="Ambati Rayudu returns to India ODI squad after impressive performance in IPL 
  "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ambati-rayudu-returns-to-india-odi-squad-after-impressive-performance-in-ipl----135555">Ambati Rayudu returns to India ODI squad after impressive performance in IPL</a></strong></h5>

<p>Virat Kohli will be leading the side</p>

<h5 title="Kohli confusion: BCCI names skipper for Ireland T20s despite county commitments"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/kohli-confusion-bcci-names-skipper-for-ireland-t20s-despite-county-commitments-135565">Kohli confusion: BCCI names skipper for Ireland T20s despite county commitments</a></strong></h5>

<p>India are set to play two T20's against Ireland in Dublin's Malahide on June 27 and 29</p>

<h5 title="Shoaib Malik wants to play until upcoming World T20"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shoaib-malik-wants-to-play-until-upcoming-world-t20-135690">Shoaib Malik wants to play until upcoming World T20</a></strong></h5>

<p>Malik played 35 tests for Pakistan and has represented the team in 261 one-day internationals and 95 Twenty20 matches</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Others</h2>

<h5 title="Serena Williams' French Open campaign in doubt after another withdrawal"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/serena-williams-french-open-campaign-in-doubt-after-another-withdrawal-135707">Serena Williams' French Open campaign in doubt after another withdrawal</a></strong></h5>

<p>The 36-year-old returned to action in March</p>

<h5 title="World Snooker Championship 2018: Mark Williams sealed third world snooker title"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/world-snooker-championship-2018-mark-williams-sealed-third-world-snooker-title-135421">World Snooker Championship 2018: Mark Williams sealed third world snooker title</a></strong></h5>

<p>Welshman secures third world championship with an 18-16 victory</p>

<h5 title="Watch: Comedy of errors as Inzamam-ul-Haq's nephew Imam gets his partner run out"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-inzamam-ul-haqs-nephew-imams-comedy-of-errors-get-his-partner-run-out-135507">Watch: Comedy of errors as Inzamam-ul-Haq's nephew Imam gets his partner run out</a></strong></h5>

<p>The dismissal gave everyone a sense of 'deja vu'. Inzamam was run out 40 times in his ODI career</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (May 7 to May 13)

WION's pick of the week Opinion: IPL 2018 - How Hyderabad under Kane Williamson is blossoming 42nd match of this year Indian Premier League, played between Hyderabad and Delhi at Firozshah Kotla Delhi on 10th May 2018 as one of the most special encounters this season Watch: Brendon Hartley suffers horrific crash in Spanish GP practice Brendon Hartley lost control of his Toro Rosso car at Turn Nine and smashed into the barriers during Practice Three for Spanish Grand Prix Will @BrendonHartley's car be ready for qualifying after this big shunt in FP3?#SpanishGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/ZEGViMxJjS — Formula 1 (@F1) May 12, 2018 × Petra Kvitova clinches Madrid Open title 10th seed Petra Kvitova won the Madrid Open title for the third time Caught on cam: MS Dhoni threatens Ravindra Jadeja in IPL match against Hyderabad A hilarious incident happened in the seventh over of the first innings when MS Dhoni gestured to throw on the face of Ravindra Jadeja In pics: Mohamed Salah clinches Premier League's Player of the Year prize Mohamed Salah scored 43 goals in 50 games in all competitions for Liverpool this term Zverev outplays Thiem to win Madrid Masters Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Masters final FIFA 2018 FIFA 2018: All you need to know about 21st edition of football World Cup The mega event hosted by Russia will be keenly followed by thousands of fans around the world Major blow to Brazil as Dani Alves ruled out of FIFA 2018 The Brazilian football federation (CBF) has confirmed it that Brazil right-back Dani Alves has been ruled out of the FIFA 2018 due to a knee injury Neymar Jr feels 'fear' ahead of his return for FIFA 2018 Brazil legend Zico's YouTube channel, Neymar said he is in a race against time to get mentally ready for the tournament in Russia Football After 22 years Wenger leaves Arsenal, probably England too When asked, Wenger said the prospect of him managing another Premier League club was unlikely Chelsea miss out on Champions League Chelsea were denied a place in next season's Champions League when they were well beaten 3-0 at Newcastle Mesut Ozil out with a back injury but expects to be fit for World Cup Arsenal midfielder Mesut Ozil is suffering back injury Chinese Super League club Chongqing Lifan denies Iniesta move Chinese Super League giants Chongqing Dangdai Lifan have denied move for Andres Iniesta FIFA 2018: France defender Koscielny out with Achilles injury France defender Laurent Koscielny will miss the FIFA World Cup and faces six months out after undergoing surgery on an Achilles tendon injury Manuel Neuer ruled out of German Cup final, doubts over FIFA 2018 Manuel Neuer has been sidelined by a fractured foot since September and is running out of time to be fit for Germany's opening World Cup match against Mexico Sex, concentration and goals key to World Cup glory: Romario tells Jesus Gabriel Jesus may be apprehensive about next month’s World Cup Chelsea charged for referee confrontation The draw with Huddersfield dampened Chelsea's hopes of securing a top-four finish in the league this season Arda Turan gets 16-game ban for pushing and abusing referee Turkish football authorities on Thursday banned the country's best-known player Arda Turan Cricket Ajinkya Rahane to lead India in Afghanistan Test, Karun Nair replaces Virat Kohli Rahane, however, he has been left out of the 16-man ODI squad for the three-match series in England in July Ambati Rayudu returns to India ODI squad after impressive performance in IPL Virat Kohli will be leading the side Kohli confusion: BCCI names skipper for Ireland T20s despite county commitments India are set to play two T20's against Ireland in Dublin's Malahide on June 27 and 29 Shoaib Malik wants to play until upcoming World T20 Malik played 35 tests for Pakistan and has represented the team in 261 one-day internationals and 95 Twenty20 matches Others Serena Williams' French Open campaign in doubt after another withdrawal The 36-year-old returned to action in March World Snooker Championship 2018: Mark Williams sealed third world snooker title Welshman secures third world championship with an 18-16 victory Watch: Comedy of errors as Inzamam-ul-Haq's nephew Imam gets his partner run out The dismissal gave everyone a sense of 'deja vu'. Inzamam was run out 40 times in his ODI career

<p>Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander&nbspZverev&nbspin the Madrid Masters final on Sunday and then said the German is now the best player in the world beneath Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.</p>

<p>Zverev&nbsphas long been marked out as a future star of the men's game and his 6-4, 6-4 victory over Thiem suggests the German can be a major threat at the French Open later this month.&nbsp</p>

<p>Thiem had ousted Nadal in the quarter-finals on Friday and he too will be among the small group capable of preventing the Spaniard from claiming an 11th Roland Garros crown.&nbsp</p>

<p>But the Austrian was outplayed, and over-powered, by&nbspZverev, who collects his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, the most prestigious tier of knock-out tournament beneath the four Grand Slams.&nbsp</p>

<p>Zverev&nbspis now one of five active players to have won three, the others being Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray.</p>

<p>Those four are all aged 30 or older, while&nbspZverev&nbspis 21, with Djokovic and Murray both attempting recovery missions after injury.</p>

<p>"I would say probably now, besides Roger and Rafa, he's the best," Thiem said. "You just need to look at his results."&nbsp</p>

<p>Ranked third in the world,&nbspZverev&nbspis yet to transfer his talent and success in Masters events to Grand Slams, however, where his best result remains to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon last year.&nbsp</p>

<p>On this evidence, that breakthrough is surely close, with the crowd on Manolo Santana court treated to an impressive display of aggressive baseline hitting. Thiem's 21 errors to&nbspZverev's 12 were also key.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Rafa is the favourite, no matter where he plays, on a clay court,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "He's going to be the favourite in Rome, he's going to be the favourite in Paris. He's still the guy to beat."</p>

<p>The players in Madrid this week have remarked on the quickness of the courts and that has suited&nbspZverev, whose demon serve was almost untouchable in the opening set.&nbsp</p>

<p>After conceding an early break for 2-0, Thiem's only sniff came at 5-4 when he opened up 0-30 on the&nbspZverev&nbspserve. But his opponent did not waver, letting out a roar of relief after clinching the frame.&nbsp</p>

<p>Another break in the first game of the second meant Thiem was again playing catch-up and&nbspZverev&nbspcould have moved 3-0 clear had Thiem not saved two more break points.&nbsp</p>

<p>Instead, Thiem stayed in touch to make&nbspZverev&nbspserve out. A sumptuous half-volley opened up two match points and&nbspZverevtook the first when a final Thiem forehand floated long.&nbsp</p>

<p>"It's a great feeling,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "Hopefully this will not be my last, hopefully I can continue to improve, and win a few more."</p>


Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander Zverev in the Madrid Masters final

Dominic Thiem lost to Alexander&nbspZverev&nbspin the Madrid Masters final on Sunday and then said the German is now the best player in the world beneath Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. Zverev&nbsphas long been marked out as a future star of the men's game and his 6-4, 6-4 victory over Thiem suggests the German can be a major threat at the French Open later this month. Thiem had ousted Nadal in the quarter-finals on Friday and he too will be among the small group capable of preventing the Spaniard from claiming an 11th Roland Garros crown. But the Austrian was outplayed, and over-powered, by&nbspZverev, who collects his third ATP World Tour Masters 1000 title, the most prestigious tier of knock-out tournament beneath the four Grand Slams. Zverev&nbspis now one of five active players to have won three, the others being Federer, Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. Those four are all aged 30 or older, while&nbspZverev&nbspis 21, with Djokovic and Murray both attempting recovery missions after injury. "I would say probably now, besides Roger and Rafa, he's the best," Thiem said. "You just need to look at his results." Ranked third in the world,&nbspZverev&nbspis yet to transfer his talent and success in Masters events to Grand Slams, however, where his best result remains to reach the fourth round at Wimbledon last year. On this evidence, that breakthrough is surely close, with the crowd on Manolo Santana court treated to an impressive display of aggressive baseline hitting. Thiem's 21 errors to&nbspZverev's 12 were also key. "Rafa is the favourite, no matter where he plays, on a clay court,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "He's going to be the favourite in Rome, he's going to be the favourite in Paris. He's still the guy to beat." The players in Madrid this week have remarked on the quickness of the courts and that has suited&nbspZverev, whose demon serve was almost untouchable in the opening set. After conceding an early break for 2-0, Thiem's only sniff came at 5-4 when he opened up 0-30 on the&nbspZverev&nbspserve. But his opponent did not waver, letting out a roar of relief after clinching the frame. Another break in the first game of the second meant Thiem was again playing catch-up and&nbspZverev&nbspcould have moved 3-0 clear had Thiem not saved two more break points. Instead, Thiem stayed in touch to make&nbspZverev&nbspserve out. A sumptuous half-volley opened up two match points and&nbspZverevtook the first when a final Thiem forehand floated long. "It's a great feeling,"&nbspZverev&nbspsaid. "Hopefully this will not be my last, hopefully I can continue to improve, and win a few more."

Zverev outplays Thiem to win Madrid Masters

<p>Czech 10th seed Petra Kvitova won the Madrid Open title for the third time on Saturday with a marathon 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-3 victory over Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands.</p>

<p>Kvitova, who was also the champion in Madrid in 2011 and 2015, has now claimed four titles in 2018 after triumphs in St Petersburg, Doha and last weekend in Prague.</p>

<p>Victory, on a chilly, damp night in the Spanish capital, took Kvitova two hours and 51 minutes against a gutsy, unseeded Bertens who had knocked out former world number ones Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki on her way to the championship match.</p>

<p>In a big-hitting, roller-coaster of a final, Kvitova claimed her 24th career title on the back of 39 winners and 58 unforced errors.</p>

<p>Bertens, who had won five of her previous six finals, including on clay in Charleston earlier this year, led 4-2 with a break in the first set before Kvitova roared back, retrieving the break in the next game.</p>

<p>The Czech claimed the 74-minute opener on a third set point.</p>

<p>Bertens carved out the only break in the seventh game of the second set to level the contest.</p>

<p>She then fell 2-4 down in the decider before bravely hitting straight back but in a thrilling finale, Kvitova dug deep to break again for 5-3 before a love service hold gave her victory and an 11th successive match win.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


10th seed Petra Kvitova won the Madrid Open title for the third time on Saturday with a marathon 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-3 victory over Kiki Bertens

Czech 10th seed Petra Kvitova won the Madrid Open title for the third time on Saturday with a marathon 7-6 (8/6), 4-6, 6-3 victory over Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands. Kvitova, who was also the champion in Madrid in 2011 and 2015, has now claimed four titles in 2018 after triumphs in St Petersburg, Doha and last weekend in Prague. Victory, on a chilly, damp night in the Spanish capital, took Kvitova two hours and 51 minutes against a gutsy, unseeded Bertens who had knocked out former world number ones Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki on her way to the championship match. In a big-hitting, roller-coaster of a final, Kvitova claimed her 24th career title on the back of 39 winners and 58 unforced errors. Bertens, who had won five of her previous six finals, including on clay in Charleston earlier this year, led 4-2 with a break in the first set before Kvitova roared back, retrieving the break in the next game. The Czech claimed the 74-minute opener on a third set point. Bertens carved out the only break in the seventh game of the second set to level the contest. She then fell 2-4 down in the decider before bravely hitting straight back but in a thrilling finale, Kvitova dug deep to break again for 5-3 before a love service hold gave her victory and an 11th successive match win.

Petra Kvitova clinches Madrid Open title

<p>Two-time champion Petra Kvitova reached the Madrid Open final once again on Friday with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Czech compatriot Karolina Pliskova.</p>

<p>Kvitova, the 2011 and 2015 champion in the Spanish capital, also stretched her current winning run to 10 matches.</p>

<p>The left-handed 10th seed will face Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who knocked out Caroline Garcia of France 6-2, 6-2, in Saturday's final.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay.</p>

<p>31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round.</p>

<p>Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak.</p>


Two-time champion Petra Kvitova reached the Madrid Open final once again with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Czech compatriot Karolina Pliskova

Two-time champion Petra Kvitova reached the Madrid Open final once again on Friday with a 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 win over Czech compatriot Karolina Pliskova. Kvitova, the 2011 and 2015 champion in the Spanish capital, also stretched her current winning run to 10 matches. The left-handed 10th seed will face Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands, who knocked out Caroline Garcia of France 6-2, 6-2, in Saturday's final. On the other hand, Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay. Recently Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay. 31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round. Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak.

Petra Kvitova outplays Karolina Pliskova to enter finals of Madrid Open

<p>Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay.&nbsp</p>

<p>Recently Nadal broke&nbspJohn McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay.</p>

<p>31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round.</p>

<p>Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak.</p>

<p><img alt="000_14S9QL.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/000_14S9QL.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<h6><em>Rafael Nadal congratulates Austria's Dominic Thiem (L)&nbsp</em></h6>

<p>Fifth-seeded Thiem outplayed Nadal as the later was playing below his best and hit 29 unforced errors in the two sets and also failed to convert break points.</p>

<p>Five-time Madrid champion Nadal came into the tournament having won his 11th titles at Monte Carlo and at Barcelona.</p>

<p>The shock result also means that Roger Federer will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday.</p>


Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open

Austrian tennis star Dominic Thiem defeated world number one Rafael Nadal 7-5 6-3 in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open and also ended Nadal's 21-match unbeaten run on clay. Recently Nadal broke&nbspJohn McEnroe's 34-year record by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay. 31-year-old Rafael Nadal had set a new record of 50 consecutive set wins on a single surface on Thursday after defeating Diego Schwartzman 6-3, 6-4 in the previous round. Defending champion had not dropped a set on clay since losing to Thiem in 2017 and now after 357 days, it is no one other than Dominic Thiem who finally ended Nadal's winning streak. Rafael Nadal congratulates Austria's Dominic Thiem (L) Fifth-seeded Thiem outplayed Nadal as the later was playing below his best and hit 29 unforced errors in the two sets and also failed to convert break points. Five-time Madrid champion Nadal came into the tournament having won his 11th titles at Monte Carlo and at Barcelona. The shock result also means that Roger Federer will reclaim the world number one ranking on Monday.

Rafael Nadal's unbeaten run ends as Dominic Thiem knocks him out of Madrid Open

<p>Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record on Thursday by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay at the Madrid Open.</p>

<p>But while the world number one cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diego Schwartzman, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep all crashed out.</p>

<p>Nadal's straight-sets victory means he establishes a new Open era best for consecutive sets won on a single surface, passing McEnroe's 49 on carpet in 1984.</p>

<p>McEnroe also won the Madrid Open Indoor title that year and Nadal may be about to follow suit in the Spanish capital, with Austrian Dominic Thiem up next in the quarter-finals on Friday.</p>

<p>His unbeaten run is also perhaps a reflection of a lack of rivals, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for different reasons, all posing little threat on clay over the past year.</p>

<p>"When my career is over, these are things that are going to be there forever," Nadal said.&nbsp</p>

<p>"They are big records. It's difficult to be able to win 50 sets in a row. But I've done it. It's over.&nbsp</p>

<p>"Let's not talk about that any more and let's focus on what we have ahead."</p>

<p>Del Potro, however, will not join him in the last eight. The Argentinian led 4-0 in a third-set tie-break but still lost 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. &nbsp</p>

<p>Lajovic will now face South Africa's Kevin Anderson, who overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber.</p>

<p>"I think I can improve a lot of things towards Rome and Roland Garros," Del Potro said. "I can level up my game. Right now I'm quite calm."</p>

<p><strong>Pliskova triumphant</strong></p>

<p>Sharapova also lost in three sets to Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands while Halep, the champion in 2016 and 2017, was blown away by Karolina Pliskova.</p>

<p>It means Pliskova, the sixth seed, is the highest-ranked player left in the women's draw after Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko all lost earlier in the week.</p>

<p>Pliskova's 6-4, 6-3 win sets up a semi-final showdown with two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who saw off Russia's Daria Kasatkina.</p>

<p>"Even in the warm-up I felt so good today," Pliskova said.</p>

<p>"I think I played one of my best matches this year for sure, and for sure on clay in my life."</p>

<p>Halep said: "Today she didn't miss. I didn't play badly in my opinion.&nbsp</p>

<p>"I missed in some important moments, that's why it went her way but I'm not very disappointed about this match. She deserved to win."</p>

<p>Sharapova is set to climb inside the top 40 next week and the 31-year-old will be encouraged by her week's work, where she showed signs she is finding her rhythm.&nbsp</p>

<p>The Russian arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats but three victories and a narrow 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 loss to Bertens suggests she could be a threat at the French Open later this month.&nbsp</p>

<p>"It was great to get those wins against those players," said Sharapova, the 2014 champion in Madrid.&nbsp</p>

<p>"But there's a reason I came up short today. You also want to evaluate that and go back to the drawing board and start over again."</p>

<p>Bertens, meanwhile, will now face France's Caroline Garcia, who eased past Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-3.</p>

<p>Novak Djokovic's conqueror, Kyle Edmund, maintained his strong run with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth seed David Goffin.</p>

<p>Edmund will face Denis Shapovalov, who came through his all-Canadian clash with Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-4.</p>

<p>Second seed Alexander Zverev beat Argentina's Leonardo Mayer and will now take on John Isner, who beat Pablo Cuevas.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record on Thursday by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay at the Madrid Open

Rafael Nadal broke John McEnroe's 34-year record on Thursday by winning his 50th consecutive set on clay at the Madrid Open. But while the world number one cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Diego Schwartzman, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova and Simona Halep all crashed out. Nadal's straight-sets victory means he establishes a new Open era best for consecutive sets won on a single surface, passing McEnroe's 49 on carpet in 1984. McEnroe also won the Madrid Open Indoor title that year and Nadal may be about to follow suit in the Spanish capital, with Austrian Dominic Thiem up next in the quarter-finals on Friday. His unbeaten run is also perhaps a reflection of a lack of rivals, with Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray, for different reasons, all posing little threat on clay over the past year. "When my career is over, these are things that are going to be there forever," Nadal said. "They are big records. It's difficult to be able to win 50 sets in a row. But I've done it. It's over. "Let's not talk about that any more and let's focus on what we have ahead." Del Potro, however, will not join him in the last eight. The Argentinian led 4-0 in a third-set tie-break but still lost 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (8/6) to Serbian qualifier Dusan Lajovic. Lajovic will now face South Africa's Kevin Anderson, who overcame Philipp Kohlschreiber. "I think I can improve a lot of things towards Rome and Roland Garros," Del Potro said. "I can level up my game. Right now I'm quite calm." Pliskova triumphant Sharapova also lost in three sets to Kiki Bertens of the Netherlands while Halep, the champion in 2016 and 2017, was blown away by Karolina Pliskova. It means Pliskova, the sixth seed, is the highest-ranked player left in the women's draw after Caroline Wozniacki, Garbine Muguruza, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko all lost earlier in the week. Pliskova's 6-4, 6-3 win sets up a semi-final showdown with two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, who saw off Russia's Daria Kasatkina. "Even in the warm-up I felt so good today," Pliskova said. "I think I played one of my best matches this year for sure, and for sure on clay in my life." Halep said: "Today she didn't miss. I didn't play badly in my opinion. "I missed in some important moments, that's why it went her way but I'm not very disappointed about this match. She deserved to win." Sharapova is set to climb inside the top 40 next week and the 31-year-old will be encouraged by her week's work, where she showed signs she is finding her rhythm. The Russian arrived on the back of four consecutive defeats but three victories and a narrow 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 loss to Bertens suggests she could be a threat at the French Open later this month. "It was great to get those wins against those players," said Sharapova, the 2014 champion in Madrid. "But there's a reason I came up short today. You also want to evaluate that and go back to the drawing board and start over again." Bertens, meanwhile, will now face France's Caroline Garcia, who eased past Carla Suarez Navarro 6-2, 6-3. Novak Djokovic's conqueror, Kyle Edmund, maintained his strong run with a comfortable 6-3, 6-3 win over eighth seed David Goffin. Edmund will face Denis Shapovalov, who came through his all-Canadian clash with Milos Raonic, 6-4, 6-4. Second seed Alexander Zverev beat Argentina's Leonardo Mayer and will now take on John Isner, who beat Pablo Cuevas.

Rafael Nadal breaks McEnroe record in Madrid but Del Potro, Sharapova, Halep crash out

<h2>WION's pick of the week</h2>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-champions-manchester-city-celebrate-with-epl-trophy-135146#photo-135140">Champions Manchester City lift EPL trophy</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="Manchester City (8)_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Manchester%20City%20(8)_0.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p title="Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-ms-dhonis-return-to-form-is-major-takeaway-from-ipl-2018-134604">Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018</a></strong></p>

<p title="IPL players who deserve a chance in Indian Cricket Team "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-players-who-deserve-a-chance-in-indian-cricket-team--134966">IPL players who deserve a chance in Indian Cricket Team</a></strong></p>

<p title="Manchester City players show how NOT to celebrate after winning EPL"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-players-show-how-not-to-celebrate-after-winning-epl-135231">Manchester City players show how NOT to celebrate after winning EPL</a></strong></p>

<p>When the mid-fielder Yaya Toure arrived on the stage to collect the trophy, his fellow teammates jumped on him and a blooper happened</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">My favorite video from yesterday's presentation. City players drop the PL trophy and react as if someone dropped a bomb. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MCFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MCFC</a> <a href="https://t.co/NYhegUdPJm">pic.twitter.com/NYhegUdPJm</a></p>
— Adil (@adilkhalil_) <a href="https://twitter.com/adilkhalil_/status/993334268700045317?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 7, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-football-fan-banned-from-stadium-rents-crane-to-watch-game-133692">Watch: Ban can't deter this Turkey football fan, rents crane to watch </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/turkey-football-fan-banned-from-stadium-rents-crane-to-watch-game-133692"><strong>game</strong></a></p>

<p>A football fan banned from the Denizli Atatürk Stadium in Denizli, Turkey rented a crane to watch a match<br />
<br />
<strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/el-clasico-not-so-classic-list-of-incidents-where-referee-got-it-wrong-135194">'El Clasico' not so classic: Other times the referee got it wrong</a></strong></p>

<p>The Barcelona-Real clash Sunday night saw 28 fouls, one grabbing of the neck, one red card, and eight yellows</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>IPL 2018</h2>

<p title="Watch: Another fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni, touches feet"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-another-fan-breaches-security-to-meet-ms-dhoni-touches-feet-134946">Watch: Another fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni, touches feet</a></strong></p>

<p>MS Dhoni's fans and followers never fail to show their love and affection and recently an incident happened that will prove that fans' love for MSD is unconditional</p>

<p><img alt="ms dhoni.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ms%20dhoni.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-lasith-malinga-given-ultimatum-to-leave-ipl-and-return-home--134257">IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home</a></strong></p>

<p>The pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018</p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Big-money players disappoint with small performances"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-big-money-players-disappoint-with-small-performances-134212">IPL 2018: Big-money players disappoint with small performances</a></strong></p>

<p>Several players have not stood up to their billing this season</p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Like football, IPL gets mid-season transfer window"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-like-football-ipl-gets-mid-season-transfer-window-133839">IPL 2018: Like football, IPL gets mid-season transfer window</a></strong></p>

<p>The transfer window allows teams from different leagues to buy and sell players</p>

<p title="Watch: Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu's comical run-out during Chennai vs Delhi clash
"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-dhoni-ambati-rayudus-comical-run-out-during-chennai-vs-delhi-clash-134018">Watch: Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu's comical run-out during Chennai vs Delhi clash</a> </strong></p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>FIFA 2018</h2>

<h2><img alt="fifa 2018 Russia_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/fifa%202018%20Russia_0.jpg" width="770" /></h2>

<p title="FIFA 2018 | Schedule, venue, timings, participating countries, squad list"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-2018--schedule-venue-timings-participating-countries-squad-list-134023">FIFA 2018 | Schedule, venue, timings, participating countries, squad list</a></strong></p>

<p>All you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2018</p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hands-up-for-your-colors-represent-your-country-raise-your-flag-says-the-anthem-of-fifa-2018-133851">'Hands up for your </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hands-up-for-your-colors-represent-your-country-raise-your-flag-says-the-anthem-of-fifa-2018-133851"><strong>colours</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hands-up-for-your-colors-represent-your-country-raise-your-flag-says-the-anthem-of-fifa-2018-133851">... raise your flag,' says FIFA 2018 anthem</a></strong></p>

<p>The song 'Colors' is written by an American singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo. The song is serving the purpose of anthem for FIFA 2018</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Football</h2>

<p title="Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give guard of honour as Real Madrid snubbed"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216">Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"><strong>guard</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"> of </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"><strong>honour</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/gerard-pique-asked-barca-staff-members-to-give-guard-of-honour-as-real-madrid-snubbed-135216"> as Real Madrid snubbed</a></strong></p>

<p>Recently, Zinedine Zidane said that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico</p>

<p><img alt="barcelona.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/barcelona.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0 to win Wenger's final home game"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-thrash-burnley-5-0-to-win-wengers-final-home-game-135092">Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0 to win Wenger's final home game</a></strong></p>

<p>Arsene&nbsp;Wenger received&nbsp;the kind of tribute he would have wanted in his final home game after 22 years in charge</p>

<p title="El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in ill-tempered draw"><img alt="el classico.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/el%20classico.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in ill-tempered draw"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-tie-ends-in-ill-tempered-draw-135039">El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-tie-ends-in-ill-tempered-draw-135039"><strong>ill-tempered</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/clasico-real-madrid-barcelona-tie-ends-in-ill-tempered-draw-135039"> draw</a></strong></p>

<p>Suarez appeared to have fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up to Messi's goal and the Uruguayan forward had a goal ruled out for offside three minutes later</p>

<p title="Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/diego-simeone-calls-on-uefa-to-change-away-goals-rule-134835">Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule</a></strong></p>

<p>Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations</p>

<p title="Steven Gerrard named manager of Scottish club Rangers"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/steven-gerrard-named-manager-of-scottish-club-rangers-134685">Steven Gerrard named manager of Scottish club Rangers</a></strong></p>

<p>Scottish club Rangers named former Liverpool and England midfielder&nbsp;Steven&nbsp;Gerrard as their manager on a four-year deal</p>

<p><img alt="StevenGerrard_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/StevenGerrard_0.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/europa-league-wenger-denied-final-flourish-as-atletico-madrids-costa-outlasts-arsenal-134491">Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal</a></strong></p>

<p>Atletico victory was sweeter as coach Diego Simeone sat out the match after being banned for his rant</p>

<p title="Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for third year in a row"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-beat-munich-to-reach-final-for-third-year-in-a-row-134109">Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-beat-munich-to-reach-final-for-third-year-in-a-row-134109"><strong>third</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-real-madrid-beat-munich-to-reach-final-for-third-year-in-a-row-134109"> year in a row</a></strong></p>

<p>Real Madrid will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26</p>

<p title="Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpool-edge-out-as-roma-to-meet-real-madrid-in-final-134295">Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final</a></strong></p>

<p>Liverpool last won the coverted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007</p>

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<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/salah-voted-englands-footballer-of-the-year-134003">Mohamed Salah voted England's Footballer of the Year</a></strong></p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Cricket</h2>

<p title="Replace Rohit Sharma with KL Rahul as opener in Indian Cricket team, demand fans "><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/replace-rohit-sharma-with-kl-rahul-as-opener-in-indian-cricket-team-demand-fans--135204">Replace Rohit Sharma with KL Rahul as </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/replace-rohit-sharma-with-kl-rahul-as-opener-in-indian-cricket-team-demand-fans--135204"><strong>opener</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/replace-rohit-sharma-with-kl-rahul-as-opener-in-indian-cricket-team-demand-fans--135204"> in Indian Cricket team, demand fans</a></strong></p>

<p title="Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli for India-Afghanistan Test 
"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/shreyas-iyer-to-replace-virat-kohli-for-india-afghanistan-test--135213">Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli for India-Afghanistan Test</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/worried-about-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-darren-lehmann-135003">Worried about banned Smith, Warner </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/worried-about-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-darren-lehmann-135003"><strong>and</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/worried-about-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-and-cameron-bancroft-darren-lehmann-135003"> Cameron: Darren Lehmann</a></strong></p>

<p>Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann said that all&nbsp;three players are fantastic and have paid the price for their deeds</p>

<p><img alt="Darren Lehmann.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Darren%20Lehmann.jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Virat Kohli signs up with Surrey for county cricket ahead of India series in England"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/virat-kohli-signs-surrey-in-english-county-ahead-of-india-series-in-england-134461">Virat Kohli signs up with Surrey for county cricket ahead of India series in England</a></strong></p>

<p>The India captain will feature in three County Championship matches and three one-day cup game</p>

<p title="Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik to represent ICC World XI in Lord's"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-dinesh-karthik-to-represent-icc-world-xi-in-lords-134407">Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik to represent ICC World XI in Lord's</a></strong></p>

<p>The ICC World XI is set to take place on May 31st in Lord's stadium, London</p>

<p title="Justin Langer to be new coach of Australia"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-to-be-new-coach-of-australia-134298">Justin Langer to be </a></strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-to-be-new-coach-of-australia-134298"><strong>new</strong></a><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/justin-langer-to-be-new-coach-of-australia-134298"> coach of Australia</a></strong></p>

<p>Langer's first coaching test will begin next month when Australia takes on England at home in an ODI series next month.</p>

<p title="India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/india-consolidate-top-spot-in-icc-test-team-rankings-133983">India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings</a></strong></p>

<p>In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<h2>Others</h2>

<p title="Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-beat-mihaela-buzarnescu-to-win-first-prague-title-134841">Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title</a></strong></p>

<p>Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open</p>

<p><img alt="Petra Kvitova (2).jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Petra%20Kvitova%20(2).jpg" width="720" /></p>

<p title="Formula One approves aerodynamic rule changes for 2019"><strong><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-approves-aerodynamic-rule-changes-for-2019-133996">Formula One approves aerodynamic rule changes for 2019</a></strong></p>

<p>The measures include a simplified front wing with a larger span, front brake ducts without winglets and a wider and deeper rear wing</p>

<hr />
<hr />
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 30 to May 6)

WION's pick of the week Champions Manchester City lift EPL trophy Opinion: MS Dhoni's return to form is major takeaway from IPL 2018 IPL players who deserve a chance in Indian Cricket Team Manchester City players show how NOT to celebrate after winning EPL When the mid-fielder Yaya Toure arrived on the stage to collect the trophy, his fellow teammates jumped on him and a blooper happened My favorite video from yesterday's presentation. City players drop the PL trophy and react as if someone dropped a bomb. #MCFC pic.twitter.com/NYhegUdPJm — Adil (@adilkhalil_) May 7, 2018 × Watch: Ban can't deter this Turkey football fan, rents crane to watch game A football fan banned from the Denizli Atatürk Stadium in Denizli, Turkey rented a crane to watch a match 'El Clasico' not so classic: Other times the referee got it wrong The Barcelona-Real clash Sunday night saw 28 fouls, one grabbing of the neck, one red card, and eight yellows IPL 2018 Watch: Another fan breaches security to meet MS Dhoni, touches feet MS Dhoni's fans and followers never fail to show their love and affection and recently an incident happened that will prove that fans' love for MSD is unconditional IPL 2018: Lasith Malinga given ultimatum to leave IPL and return home The pacer stated that he would not be returning to the island until the end of the IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Big-money players disappoint with small performances Several players have not stood up to their billing this season IPL 2018: Like football, IPL gets mid-season transfer window The transfer window allows teams from different leagues to buy and sell players Watch: Dhoni, Ambati Rayudu's comical run-out during Chennai vs Delhi clash FIFA 2018 FIFA 2018 | Schedule, venue, timings, participating countries, squad list All you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2018 'Hands up for your colours... raise your flag,' says FIFA 2018 anthem The song 'Colors' is written by an American singer-songwriter, Jason Derulo. The song is serving the purpose of anthem for FIFA 2018 Football Gerard Pique asked Barca staff members to give guard of honour as Real Madrid snubbed Recently, Zinedine Zidane said that Real Madrid will not give La Liga champions Barcelona a guard of honour when the sides meet in El Clasico Arsenal thrash Burnley 5-0 to win Wenger's final home game Arsene Wenger received the kind of tribute he would have wanted in his final home game after 22 years in charge El Clasico: Real Madrid, Barcelona tie ends in ill-tempered draw Suarez appeared to have fouled Raphael Varane in the build-up to Messi's goal and the Uruguayan forward had a goal ruled out for offside three minutes later Diego Simeone calls on UEFA to change away-goals rule Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has called on UEFA to change the away-goals rule, suggesting sides playing the second leg away have an unfair advantage under current regulations Steven Gerrard named manager of Scottish club Rangers Scottish club Rangers named former Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard as their manager on a four-year deal Europa League: Wenger denied final flourish as Atletico Madrid's Costa outlasts Arsenal Atletico victory was sweeter as coach Diego Simeone sat out the match after being banned for his rant Champions League: Real Madrid beat Bayern Munich to reach final for third year in a row Real Madrid will meet either Liverpool or AS Roma in the final in Kiev on May 26 Champions League: Liverpool edge out AS Roma, to meet Real Madrid in final Liverpool last won the coverted trophy in 2005 and made it to the finals in 2007 × Mohamed Salah voted England's Footballer of the Year Cricket Replace Rohit Sharma with KL Rahul as opener in Indian Cricket team, demand fans Shreyas Iyer to replace Virat Kohli for India-Afghanistan Test Worried about banned Smith, Warner and Cameron: Darren Lehmann Former Australian coach Darren Lehmann said that all three players are fantastic and have paid the price for their deeds Virat Kohli signs up with Surrey for county cricket ahead of India series in England The India captain will feature in three County Championship matches and three one-day cup game Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik to represent ICC World XI in Lord's The ICC World XI is set to take place on May 31st in Lord's stadium, London Justin Langer to be new coach of Australia Langer's first coaching test will begin next month when Australia takes on England at home in an ODI series next month. India consolidate top spot in ICC Test team rankings In the ICC's annual update, the series results from 2014-15 are removed and outcomes from the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons are weighted at 50 percent Others Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open Formula One approves aerodynamic rule changes for 2019 The measures include a simplified front wing with a larger span, front brake ducts without winglets and a wider and deeper rear wing

<p>Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open final on Saturday.</p>

<p>The Czech second seed got off to a flying start and took a 4-1 lead in the opening set but Buzarnescu battled back to break Kvitova's dominance, winning the next five games to clinch the set.</p>

<p>Kvitova roared back in front of a raucous home crowd, using her powerful forehand to pin Buzarnescu back in the second set and broke the Romanian's serve three times to force a decider.</p>

<p>The two-times Wimbledon champion, who has missed the Prague event last year due to a hand injury, maintained her momentum to win her home tournament in her first appearance in it.</p>

<p>The 28-year-old left-hander added to her triumphs in Petersburg and Doha this season.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An emotional <a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> addresses the ?? faithful! <a href="https://t.co/VAY5xpg2Rn">pic.twitter.com/VAY5xpg2Rn</a></p>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/992733302904668160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Buzarnescu fell to a second WTA final defeat after losing out at the Hobart International final to Belgian Elise Mertens.</p>

<p>World number 10 Kvitova has little time to celebrate as she plays Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko in the Madrid Open first round on Sunday, two weeks before the start of the French Open.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> is <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PragueOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PragueOpen</a> champion!<br />
<br />
Comes from behind to beat Buzarnescu 4-6, 6-2, 6-3! <a href="https://t.co/F0v6PM7VYf">pic.twitter.com/F0v6PM7VYf</a></p>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/992727886258888705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Czech it out!<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> shows off her third ? of 2018! <a href="https://t.co/7koUv5Hw9l">pic.twitter.com/7koUv5Hw9l</a></p>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/992733714546278400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">5 May 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>


Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open

Petra Kvitova won her third title of the year as she fought back from a set down to beat Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu 4-6 6-2 6-3 in the Prague Open final on Saturday. The Czech second seed got off to a flying start and took a 4-1 lead in the opening set but Buzarnescu battled back to break Kvitova's dominance, winning the next five games to clinch the set. Kvitova roared back in front of a raucous home crowd, using her powerful forehand to pin Buzarnescu back in the second set and broke the Romanian's serve three times to force a decider. The two-times Wimbledon champion, who has missed the Prague event last year due to a hand injury, maintained her momentum to win her home tournament in her first appearance in it. The 28-year-old left-hander added to her triumphs in Petersburg and Doha this season. An emotional @Petra_Kvitova addresses the ?? faithful! pic.twitter.com/VAY5xpg2Rn — WTA (@WTA) 5 May 2018 × Buzarnescu fell to a second WTA final defeat after losing out at the Hobart International final to Belgian Elise Mertens. World number 10 Kvitova has little time to celebrate as she plays Ukrainian Lesia Tsurenko in the Madrid Open first round on Sunday, two weeks before the start of the French Open. .@Petra_Kvitova is #PragueOpen champion! Comes from behind to beat Buzarnescu 4-6, 6-2, 6-3! pic.twitter.com/F0v6PM7VYf — WTA (@WTA) 5 May 2018 × Czech it out!@Petra_Kvitova shows off her third ? of 2018! pic.twitter.com/7koUv5Hw9l — WTA (@WTA) 5 May 2018 ×

Petra Kvitova beat Mihaela Buzarnescu to win first Prague title

<p>Petra Kvitova moved a step closer to winning a second title of the year when she beat China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(6) 6-0 in the semi-finals of the Prague Open on Friday.</p>

<p>The Czech, who is competing in her home tournament for the first time, faces Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu in Saturday's final.</p>

<p>Zhang held her own in an evenly contested first set against two-times Wimbledon champion Kvitova and even led 5-1 in the tiebreak before her 28-year-old opponent settled into her stride.</p>

<p>Kvitova struck three winners as she roared back to claim the set and shatter Zhang's confidence.</p>

<p>The second seed wrapped up the match in an hour 18 minutes, sealing the victory with a near-flawless second set in which she struck 15 winners and made three unforced errors.</p>

<p>"After the first set I was extremely calm, I was feeling very good and I believed in myself," Kvitova said courtside.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a> reaches the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PragueOpen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PragueOpen</a> final on her tournament debut! ??<br />
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Defeats Zhang Shuai 7-6, 6-0! <a href="https://t.co/1H9hT0vqxy">pic.twitter.com/1H9hT0vqxy</a></p>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/992350267357126656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 4, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Kvitova, who is vying for her second title of the year after winning the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy in February, will take on seventh-seed Buzarnescu, who came back to beat Italy's Camila Giorgi 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the other semi-final.</p>

<p>In a marathon encounter lasting two hours and 25 minutes, Buzarnescu found herself on the back foot for extended periods thanks to Giorgi's raw power but clung before making her superior shot selection count.</p>

<p>She won while receiving, as Giorgi sent her to serve to crash into the net for her eighth double fault of the match.</p>

<p>"I was so happy I was able to win - it's a lot of stress because I have my birthday today," said Buzarnescu, who turned 30. "I never stopped believing."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Petra_Kvitova?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Petra_Kvitova</a>'s debut in Prague continues!<br />
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Seals first quarterfinal slot--> <a href="https://t.co/cQf940TRt8">https://t.co/cQf940TRt8</a> <a href="https://t.co/djWvz4zg6H">pic.twitter.com/djWvz4zg6H</a></p>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/991633973842513920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 2, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Petra Kvitova moved a step closer to winning a second title of the year when she beat China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(6) 6-0 in the semi-finals

Petra Kvitova moved a step closer to winning a second title of the year when she beat China's Zhang Shuai 7-6(6) 6-0 in the semi-finals of the Prague Open on Friday. The Czech, who is competing in her home tournament for the first time, faces Romanian Mihaela Buzarnescu in Saturday's final. Zhang held her own in an evenly contested first set against two-times Wimbledon champion Kvitova and even led 5-1 in the tiebreak before her 28-year-old opponent settled into her stride. Kvitova struck three winners as she roared back to claim the set and shatter Zhang's confidence. The second seed wrapped up the match in an hour 18 minutes, sealing the victory with a near-flawless second set in which she struck 15 winners and made three unforced errors. "After the first set I was extremely calm, I was feeling very good and I believed in myself," Kvitova said courtside. .@Petra_Kvitova reaches the #PragueOpen final on her tournament debut! ?? Defeats Zhang Shuai 7-6, 6-0! pic.twitter.com/1H9hT0vqxy — WTA (@WTA) May 4, 2018 × Kvitova, who is vying for her second title of the year after winning the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy in February, will take on seventh-seed Buzarnescu, who came back to beat Italy's Camila Giorgi 4-6 6-3 7-5 in the other semi-final. In a marathon encounter lasting two hours and 25 minutes, Buzarnescu found herself on the back foot for extended periods thanks to Giorgi's raw power but clung before making her superior shot selection count. She won while receiving, as Giorgi sent her to serve to crash into the net for her eighth double fault of the match. "I was so happy I was able to win - it's a lot of stress because I have my birthday today," said Buzarnescu, who turned 30. "I never stopped believing." .@Petra_Kvitova's debut in Prague continues! Seals first quarterfinal slot--> https://t.co/cQf940TRt8 pic.twitter.com/djWvz4zg6H — WTA (@WTA) May 2, 2018 ×

Petra Kvitova beat Zhang Shua to enter finals of Prague Open

<p>April 30, 1993,&nbsp;will be remembered as the&nbsp;darkest day in history of tennis as former world number one women's tennis player, Monica Seles, was&nbsp;stabbed in the back during a quarter-final match in Hamburg.</p>

<p>She had received a 1.5 cm deep wound and was immediately rushed to the hospital. The doctors said that she was very lucky as the weapon did not hurt her lungs and shoulder blades.</p>

<p>As per some media reports,&nbsp;the attack was politically motivated as she belonged to Serbia, the reports also mentioned that she used to receive death threats in connection with the Yugoslav conflict.</p>

<p>It was later revealed by Hamburg police after investigating the case that the attacker was a 38-year-old man who belonged to East Germany.</p>

<p>The police also mentioned that the convict looked very confused and appeared a mentally unstable person. There were speculations that he was a fan of Seles' rival Steffi Graf and did the terrible incident over Monica-Steffi rivalry.</p>

<p><em>Watch the video of the tragic incident here:</em></p>

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<p>Following the&nbsp;incident, Seles did not return to the court for almost next two years and meanwhile, her rival, Steffi Graf overtook her.</p>

<p>Monica Seles won nine Grand Slam singles titles, eight of them while representing Yugoslavia, and the final one while representing the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She played her last professional match at 2003 French Open but officially retired in the year 2008.&nbsp;</p>


Seles' attacker was a 38-year-old man from the former East Germany

April 30, 1993, will be remembered as the darkest day in history of tennis as former world number one women's tennis player, Monica Seles, was stabbed in the back during a quarter-final match in Hamburg. She had received a 1.5 cm deep wound and was immediately rushed to the hospital. The doctors said that she was very lucky as the weapon did not hurt her lungs and shoulder blades. As per some media reports, the attack was politically motivated as she belonged to Serbia, the reports also mentioned that she used to receive death threats in connection with the Yugoslav conflict. It was later revealed by Hamburg police after investigating the case that the attacker was a 38-year-old man who belonged to East Germany. The police also mentioned that the convict looked very confused and appeared a mentally unstable person. There were speculations that he was a fan of Seles' rival Steffi Graf and did the terrible incident over Monica-Steffi rivalry. Watch the video of the tragic incident here: × Following the incident, Seles did not return to the court for almost next two years and meanwhile, her rival, Steffi Graf overtook her. Monica Seles won nine Grand Slam singles titles, eight of them while representing Yugoslavia, and the final one while representing the United States. She played her last professional match at 2003 French Open but officially retired in the year 2008.

On this day: Ex-world no. 1 Monica Seles was stabbed in 1993, allegedly by a Stefi Graf fan

<p>American CoCo Vandeweghe shocked world number one Simona Halep 6-4 6-1 on Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Porsche&nbspTennis&nbspGrand Prix in Stuttgart.</p>

<p>Vandeweghe fired five aces and 19 winners to exert her dominance in the claycourt event despite previously stating her dislike for the surface.</p>

<p>U.S. Open semi-finalist Vandeweghe raced to a 5-4 lead in the opening set on the back of her strong service game. The 26-year-old then sealed a decisive break to clinch the first set and gain the upper hand in the contest.</p>

<p>Despite stepping up her attack, Romania's Halep struggled to find a way past her opponent who cruised through the second set to reach the last four of a claycourt event for the first time.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How do you control the match against the world No. 1, <a href="https://twitter.com/CoCoVandey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CoCoVandey</a>?<br />
<br />
"No Idea!" <a href="https://t.co/YK3xXHvv3N">pic.twitter.com/YK3xXHvv3N</a></p>
— WTA (@WTA) <a href="https://twitter.com/WTA/status/989851896633376768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Vandeweghe next takes on sixth seed Caroline Garcia who later overcame Ukraine's Elina Svitolina 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2.</p>

<p>Anett Kontaveit emerged victorious 7-5 6-7(6) 6-4 against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and the Estonian next takes on fifth seed Karolina Pliskova who came from behind to beat a determined Jelena Ostapenko 5-7 7-5 6-4 in the evening session.</p>


American CoCo Vandeweghe shocked world number one Simona Halep 6-4 6-1 on Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart

American CoCo Vandeweghe shocked world number one Simona Halep 6-4 6-1 on Friday to move into the semi-finals of the Porsche&nbspTennis&nbspGrand Prix in Stuttgart. Vandeweghe fired five aces and 19 winners to exert her dominance in the claycourt event despite previously stating her dislike for the surface. U.S. Open semi-finalist Vandeweghe raced to a 5-4 lead in the opening set on the back of her strong service game. The 26-year-old then sealed a decisive break to clinch the first set and gain the upper hand in the contest. Despite stepping up her attack, Romania's Halep struggled to find a way past her opponent who cruised through the second set to reach the last four of a claycourt event for the first time. How do you control the match against the world No. 1, @CoCoVandey? "No Idea!" pic.twitter.com/YK3xXHvv3N — WTA (@WTA) April 27, 2018 × Vandeweghe next takes on sixth seed Caroline Garcia who later overcame Ukraine's Elina Svitolina 6-7(4) 6-4 6-2. Anett Kontaveit emerged victorious 7-5 6-7(6) 6-4 against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and the Estonian next takes on fifth seed Karolina Pliskova who came from behind to beat a determined Jelena Ostapenko 5-7 7-5 6-4 in the evening session.

Tennis: CoCo Vandeweghe stuns world munber one Simona Halep to advance to semi-finals

<p>Tennis&nbspfaces "very significant" integrity problems caused by the sharp increase in internet betting, an independent report concluded in its interim finding on Wednesday with one investigator describing it as a "tsunami" at its lower levels.</p>

<p>The Interim Report of the Independent Review of Integrity said its two-year investigation had not revealed widespread corruption at the highest levels of the professional game globally although "there is nonetheless evidence of some issues at these levels".</p>

<p>The Review was commissioned by the sport's major bodies (the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slam Board) in 2016 following a report by the BBC and BuzzFeed News which claimed 16 players ranked in the world's top 50 had been flagged to the&nbspTennis&nbspIntegrity Unit (TIU) over suspicions that matches had been thrown.</p>

<p>However, the panel chairman, Adam Lewis, said: "Match-fixing is unlikely at the level of grand slam. All the indicators are clear the problem is low."</p>

<p>Among the report's recommendations are&nbspa greater monitoring of the lower levels of the game, with one investigator saying there is a "tsunami" of problems, plus a review of appearance fees and the ranking system.</p>

<p>The report also called for greater education among players, the elimination of gambling sponsorships, changes to integrity rules and for the TIU to be beefed up and be truly independent.</p>

<p>"The integrity problems are greatest where prize money relative to costs, prospects of advancement, pubic interest and attention, and financial resources of tournaments are lowest," it said.</p>

<p>Tennis&nbspoperates under a pyramid system with young players competing in Futures and then Challenger tournaments of increasing value under the main tour.</p>

<p>The panel said the advent of online betting and the sale of official live scoring date have greatly exacerbated the problem and recommends that the ITF ends its data sale agreement at $15,000 Futures events, and probably at other ones as well.</p>

<p>The report dates many of the problems to the 2011 agreement between the ITF and data company Sportradar for the sale of live scoring data. A further agreement followed in 2015.</p>

<p>The panel recognised that any change in the system would financially penalise the ITF, which it said should be compensated for by the other governing authorities.</p>

<p>The report added that there are no simple solutions but called on the sport "to address and limit the betting markets that ultimately drive, and give expression to, the problem and to improve the systems of preventing and disrupting breaches of integrity, and for detecting and sanctioning them when they occur."</p>

<p><strong>Match-Fixing</strong></p>

<p>The report paints a picture of financial privation among many of the sport's 15,000 professionals, with many at the lowest level struggling to cover the costs of competing.</p>

<p>This, the report said, made betting on matches more attractive to players, many of whom admitted knowledge of match-fixing.</p>

<p>A survey of 3,200 players found that 16 percent indicated they had first-hand knowledge of players betting on matches, 11 percent knew of inside information being provided and 14.5 percent of match-fixing. Of these, 35 percent said they had knowledge of more than one instance.</p>

<p>But Lewis said that in many cases the scale of the betting was small, with players seeking the cost of a flight or with relatives, who often double as financial backers, seeking to offset costs.</p>

<p>The three-person panel took statements from 200 key stakeholders, conducted more than 100 interviews and collected more than 3,200 survey responses.</p>

<p>The panel did not look at whether any individual player breached integrity and only players who were subject to the disciplinary process are named in its report.</p>

<p>Tennis' governing bodies have committed to implementing the report's final findings after a period of consultation until the end of June. The final report will be published later this year.</p>


Tennis faces "very significant" integrity problems caused by the sharp increase in internet betting, an independent report concluded in its interim finding on Wednesday with one investigator describing it as a "tsunami" at its lower levels

Tennis&nbspfaces "very significant" integrity problems caused by the sharp increase in internet betting, an independent report concluded in its interim finding on Wednesday with one investigator describing it as a "tsunami" at its lower levels. The Interim Report of the Independent Review of Integrity said its two-year investigation had not revealed widespread corruption at the highest levels of the professional game globally although "there is nonetheless evidence of some issues at these levels". The Review was commissioned by the sport's major bodies (the ATP, WTA, ITF and Grand Slam Board) in 2016 following a report by the BBC and BuzzFeed News which claimed 16 players ranked in the world's top 50 had been flagged to the&nbspTennis&nbspIntegrity Unit (TIU) over suspicions that matches had been thrown. However, the panel chairman, Adam Lewis, said: "Match-fixing is unlikely at the level of grand slam. All the indicators are clear the problem is low." Among the report's recommendations are&nbspa greater monitoring of the lower levels of the game, with one investigator saying there is a "tsunami" of problems, plus a review of appearance fees and the ranking system. The report also called for greater education among players, the elimination of gambling sponsorships, changes to integrity rules and for the TIU to be beefed up and be truly independent. "The integrity problems are greatest where prize money relative to costs, prospects of advancement, pubic interest and attention, and financial resources of tournaments are lowest," it said. Tennis&nbspoperates under a pyramid system with young players competing in Futures and then Challenger tournaments of increasing value under the main tour. The panel said the advent of online betting and the sale of official live scoring date have greatly exacerbated the problem and recommends that the ITF ends its data sale agreement at $15,000 Futures events, and probably at other ones as well. The report dates many of the problems to the 2011 agreement between the ITF and data company Sportradar for the sale of live scoring data. A further agreement followed in 2015. The panel recognised that any change in the system would financially penalise the ITF, which it said should be compensated for by the other governing authorities. The report added that there are no simple solutions but called on the sport "to address and limit the betting markets that ultimately drive, and give expression to, the problem and to improve the systems of preventing and disrupting breaches of integrity, and for detecting and sanctioning them when they occur." Match-Fixing The report paints a picture of financial privation among many of the sport's 15,000 professionals, with many at the lowest level struggling to cover the costs of competing. This, the report said, made betting on matches more attractive to players, many of whom admitted knowledge of match-fixing. A survey of 3,200 players found that 16 percent indicated they had first-hand knowledge of players betting on matches, 11 percent knew of inside information being provided and 14.5 percent of match-fixing. Of these, 35 percent said they had knowledge of more than one instance. But Lewis said that in many cases the scale of the betting was small, with players seeking the cost of a flight or with relatives, who often double as financial backers, seeking to offset costs. The three-person panel took statements from 200 key stakeholders, conducted more than 100 interviews and collected more than 3,200 survey responses. The panel did not look at whether any individual player breached integrity and only players who were subject to the disciplinary process are named in its report. Tennis' governing bodies have committed to implementing the report's final findings after a period of consultation until the end of June. The final report will be published later this year.

Tennis has 'significant' integrity problems, says report

<p>Tennis champion&nbsp;Sania Mirza and husband, former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, announced on Monday that they are expecting a baby in a post shared by the couple on Twitter and Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik posted a picture on their Twitter accounts of a doodle which included a baby vest and a feeding bottle between two T-shirts bearing their names.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Mirza wrote #BabyMirzaMalik, Malik used #MirzaMalik. Wishes poured in for the happy couple from around the nation, expressing their love and excitement.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BabyMirzaMalik?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BabyMirzaMalik</a> ??❤️ <a href="https://t.co/RTYpqok1Vl">pic.twitter.com/RTYpqok1Vl</a></p>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/988379668809039872?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MirzaMalik?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MirzaMalik</a> ❤️ ?? <a href="https://t.co/8MKmA4CvR3">pic.twitter.com/8MKmA4CvR3</a></p>
— Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/988379613360353280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 23, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier in the month, Sania said that she and Shoaib want a daughter but whenever they decide to start a family, she would want her child's surname to be 'Mirza Malik'.</p>

<p>In an exclusive interview during <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/my-childs-last-name-will-be-mirza-malik-sania-mirza-to-wion-129182">WION's Knowledge Seminar at Goafest 2018</a>, the legend shared how she has grown up believing that daughters are no different from sons. She went on to say, "My name is Sania Mirza, I didn't change my name post-marriage. In fact, my child's last name will be Mirza Malik".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sania spoke about her personal experiences of gender bias, where she has heard some of her relatives telling her parents that they should have had a son so that the family name "goes ahead".</p>

<p>Sania married Pakistan cricketer Malik back in 2010 in Hyderabad and according to Pakistan tradition. This is their first child, eight years after the marriage.</p>

<p>The 31-year-old has been sidelined since October with a knee injury. She has slipped from number one in the world doubles ranking -- the first for an Indian woman -- to 24.</p>


Mirza and her husband, former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, posted a picture on their Twitter accounts of a doodle which includeda baby vest and a feeding bottle between two T-shirts bearing their names

Tennis champion Sania Mirza and husband, former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, announced on Monday that they are expecting a baby in a post shared by the couple on Twitter and Instagram. Sania Mirza and Shoaib Malik posted a picture on their Twitter accounts of a doodle which included a baby vest and a feeding bottle between two T-shirts bearing their names. While Mirza wrote #BabyMirzaMalik, Malik used #MirzaMalik. Wishes poured in for the happy couple from around the nation, expressing their love and excitement. #BabyMirzaMalik ??❤️ pic.twitter.com/RTYpqok1Vl — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) April 23, 2018 × #MirzaMalik ❤️ ?? pic.twitter.com/8MKmA4CvR3 — Shoaib Malik (@realshoaibmalik) April 23, 2018 × Earlier in the month, Sania said that she and Shoaib want a daughter but whenever they decide to start a family, she would want her child's surname to be 'Mirza Malik'. In an exclusive interview during WION's Knowledge Seminar at Goafest 2018, the legend shared how she has grown up believing that daughters are no different from sons. She went on to say, "My name is Sania Mirza, I didn't change my name post-marriage. In fact, my child's last name will be Mirza Malik". Sania spoke about her personal experiences of gender bias, where she has heard some of her relatives telling her parents that they should have had a son so that the family name "goes ahead". Sania married Pakistan cricketer Malik back in 2010 in Hyderabad and according to Pakistan tradition. This is their first child, eight years after the marriage. The 31-year-old has been sidelined since October with a knee injury. She has slipped from number one in the world doubles ranking -- the first for an Indian woman -- to 24.

Good news! Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik are expecting a baby

<p><u><strong>WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK</strong></u></p>

<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/opinion-why-arsene-wenger-deserves-a-farewell-that-matches-his-feat-at-arsenal-131916">Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal?</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border <a href="https://t.co/sQuiwthVLb">pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb</a></p>
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<h5 title="Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/video-performing-bear-at-russian-soccer-match-causes-outrage-worldwide-131045">Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage</a></h5>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Passing by a game of cricket while driving, <a href="https://twitter.com/sachin_rt?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sachin_rt</a>'s friends dared him to get out and face a few balls.<br />
<br />
The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master.<br />
<br />
(Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) <a href="https://t.co/JG2Khrqh9g">pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g</a></p>
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/986163421572890624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>IPL 2018</strong></p>

<h5 title="Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018 "><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/happy-birthday-ipl-2008-to-2018--131250">Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018</a></h5>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">How to stop <a href="https://twitter.com/ABdeVilliers17?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ABdeVilliers17</a> <a href="https://t.co/DivGdgh36Q">pic.twitter.com/DivGdgh36Q</a></p>
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) <a href="https://twitter.com/benstokes38/status/987749945171107840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><strong>FOOTBALL</strong></p>

<h5 title="Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty?"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-win-epl-start-of-a-dynasty-130675">Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty?</a></h5>

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<p>&nbsp</p>

<p><b>OTHERS</b></p>

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<h5 title="Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/coach-to-be-named-in-coming-weeks-cricket-australia-131738">Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia</a></h5>

<h5 title="Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-blooper-banned-steve-smith-david-warner-still-on-official-twitter-handle-131813">Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle</a></h5>

<h5 title="'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/informed-ganguly-about-greg-chappells-mail-to-bcci-reveals-sehwag-131887">'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag</a></h5>

<h5 title="Pliskova and Kvitova give Czechs commanding lead over Germany"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/petra-kvitova-outplays-kerber-to-send-czechs-into-fed-cup-final-132120">Petra Kvitova outplays Kerber to send Czechs into Fed Cup final</a></h5>

<h5 title="Pliskova and Kvitova give Czechs commanding lead over Germany"><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-the-next-australia-cricket-coach-possible-contenders-132151">In pics: Meet the next Australia cricket coach possible contenders</a></h5>

<p><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/sports/yuvraj-singh-to-retire-after-2019-world-cup-132182">Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup?&nbsp</a> ​​​​​</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 16 to April 22)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Opinion: Why Arsene Wenger deserves a farewell that matches his feat at Arsenal? Watch: Preity Zinta shouts at fans during Punjab's match against Chennai in IPL, reveals truth Hasan Ali gatecrashes Wagah ceremony, faces flak from twitterati BSF to lodge protest Hasan Ali being Hasan Ali during the flag-lowering ceremony at the Wagah border pic.twitter.com/sQuiwthVLb — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 21, 2018 × Watch: Bear 'performs' at soccer match, causes worldwide outrage Watch: How Antonio Conte's wife interrupts press conference Watch: Sachin Tendulkar's comeback in 'gully cricket' Passing by a game of cricket while driving, @sachin_rt's friends dared him to get out and face a few balls. The result: a few lucky ones ended up having the night of their lives playing gully cricket with the Master. (Video courtesy: Atul Ranade) pic.twitter.com/JG2Khrqh9g — ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 17, 2018 × IPL 2018 Happy birthday IPL: 2008 to 2018 Pollard seeks advice from media to outdo Mumbai's current form IPL 2018: Watch, DJ Bravo impresses again with his dance moves Opinion: Curious case of Bangalore and IPL IPL 2018: Hardik Pandya apologises to Mumbai teammate Ishan Kishan Why IPL superstar Gayle is world's most valuable T20 player IPL 2018: How to stop AB De Villiers from scoring, reveals Ben Stokes How to stop @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/DivGdgh36Q — Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 21, 2018 × FOOTBALL Manchester City win EPL. Start of a dynasty? How Pep Guardiola's signings turned Manchester City from nearly men into champions Throwback: This is what Lionel Messi did 11 years ago for FC Barcelona Ibrahimovic says he is going to World Cup but won't say if he will play Arsene Wenger to step down as Arsenal manager Salomon Rondon's 88th-minute goal helps West Brom to draw against Liverpool Barcelona thrash Sevilla to win King's Cup for record 30th time FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup FC Barcelona: Star kids add cuteness to King's Cup Alexandre Lacazette shines in concluding minutes as Arsenal thrash West Ham Fans did not give image of unity, that was hurtful: Arsene Wenger OTHERS Commonwealth Games: India's champion shooters speak to WION Blog: Virat Kohli is new leading run-scorer in IPL, surpasses Raina Not insulted, I sat on the ground on my own: CWG gold medallist Manu Bhaker BCCI should come under RTI, recommends Law Commission of India Minor tweaks to team culture needed for Australia: Tim Paine, Australia's test captain Coach to be named 'in coming weeks': Cricket Australia Cricket Australia blooper: Banned Steve Smith, David Warner still on official Twitter handle 'Informed Ganguly about Greg Chappell's mail to BCCI,' reveals Sehwag Petra Kvitova outplays Kerber to send Czechs into Fed Cup final In pics: Meet the next Australia cricket coach possible contenders Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup?

<p>Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov overcame Belgium's David Goffin on Friday (April 20) in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters.</p>

<p>Fifth in the world Dimitrov clinched a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory after Goffin failed to convert three set points while leading five games to one in the second set.</p>

<p>The Bulgarian will face defending champion Spaniard Rafael Nadal after the world number one swept past Austria's Dominic Thiem 6-0 6-2.</p>

<p>Dimitrov and Goffin will share the court again later in the day as the pair are due to compete in the quarter-finals of the doubles.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">They may be teaming up in doubles later today <a href="https://twitter.com/ROLEXMCMASTERS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ROLEXMCMASTERS</a>, but <a href="https://twitter.com/GrigorDimitrov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GrigorDimitrov</a> pulled off a tremendous second-set comeback to defeat David Goffin in the quarter-finals. Just how big was the comeback? ?<br />
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Read More ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/naqYGSFgVS">https://t.co/naqYGSFgVS</a> <a href="https://t.co/aYfyD7SIvx">pic.twitter.com/aYfyD7SIvx</a></p>
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Dimitrov overcame David Goffin in the quarter-finals to enter the semis of the Monte Carlo Masters.

Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov overcame Belgium's David Goffin on Friday (April 20) in the quarter-finals of the Monte Carlo Masters. Fifth in the world Dimitrov clinched a 6-4 7-6 (7-5) victory after Goffin failed to convert three set points while leading five games to one in the second set. The Bulgarian will face defending champion Spaniard Rafael Nadal after the world number one swept past Austria's Dominic Thiem 6-0 6-2. Dimitrov and Goffin will share the court again later in the day as the pair are due to compete in the quarter-finals of the doubles. They may be teaming up in doubles later today @ROLEXMCMASTERS, but @GrigorDimitrov pulled off a tremendous second-set comeback to defeat David Goffin in the quarter-finals. Just how big was the comeback? ? Read More ➡️ https://t.co/naqYGSFgVS pic.twitter.com/aYfyD7SIvx — ATP World Tour (@ATPWorldTour) April 20, 2018 ×

Dimitrov enters semi-finals after defeating Goffin

<p>Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal.</p>

<p>Thiem, twice French Open semi-finalist, bounced back after losing the opening set in a tiebreak to win 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3.</p>

<p>Djokovic has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon and has struggled with a long-term elbow injury.</p>

<p>Thiem made the decisive breakthrough in the seventh game of the final set with a powerful backhand down the line and wrapped up the match with another break on his second match point.</p>

<p>Nadal, who needs to win the tournament to stay ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings, kept on course for his 11th Monte Carlo title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov.</p>

<p>The Spaniard converted four break-point opportunities to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row.</p>

<p>Nadal lost twice to Thiem on clay last year but produced an emphatic display to beat the Austrian in straight sets en route to his 10th French Open title.</p>

<p><img alt="novak.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/novak.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p>"It's way better feeling if you go against him (Nadal) and know that you've beaten him already on this surface," the 24-year-old Thiem said. "But it's the ultimate challenge for everybody to play against him."</p>

<p>Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to beat fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4, but was denied a quarter-final meeting with his older brother Mischa, who lost 6-2 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet.</p>

<p>World number three Marin Cilic progressed without hitting a ball after his opponent Milos Raonic withdrew due to a knee injury.</p>

<p>The Australian Open runner-up next plays Japan's Kei Nishikori, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi 6-0 2-6 6-3.</p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal

Fifth seed Dominic Thiem came from behind to knock out Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo Masters third round on Thursday and set up a quarter-final clash with defending champion Rafa Nadal. Thiem, twice French Open semi-finalist, bounced back after losing the opening set in a tiebreak to win 6-7(2) 6-2 6-3. Djokovic has not reached the last eight of a tournament since last year's Wimbledon and has struggled with a long-term elbow injury. Thiem made the decisive breakthrough in the seventh game of the final set with a powerful backhand down the line and wrapped up the match with another break on his second match point. Nadal, who needs to win the tournament to stay ahead of Roger Federer at the top of the world rankings, kept on course for his 11th Monte Carlo title with a comfortable 6-3 6-2 victory over Russia's Karen Khachanov. The Spaniard converted four break-point opportunities to reach the quarter-finals for the 14th year in a row. Nadal lost twice to Thiem on clay last year but produced an emphatic display to beat the Austrian in straight sets en route to his 10th French Open title. "It's way better feeling if you go against him (Nadal) and know that you've beaten him already on this surface," the 24-year-old Thiem said. "But it's the ultimate challenge for everybody to play against him." Third seed Alexander Zverev overcame a mid-match blip to beat fellow German Jan-Lennard Struff 6-4 4-6 6-4, but was denied a quarter-final meeting with his older brother Mischa, who lost 6-2 7-5 to Frenchman Richard Gasquet. World number three Marin Cilic progressed without hitting a ball after his opponent Milos Raonic withdrew due to a knee injury. The Australian Open runner-up next plays Japan's Kei Nishikori, who beat Italian Andreas Seppi 6-0 2-6 6-3.

Dominic Thiem upsets Djokovic in Monte Carlo to set up Nadal clash

<h3 title="Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport"><u><strong>WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK</strong></u></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p title="Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-india-should-look-beyond-british-empire-games-to-achieve-greatness-in-sport-130813">Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport</a></p>

<p title="Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/opinion-leander-paes---a-tireless-crusader-130069">Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/scientific-fact:-when-messi,-neymar-score-a-goal,-the-earth-moves-129966">Scientific fact: When Messi, Neymar score a goal, the Earth moves</a></p>

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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-rajasthans-roi-on-ben-stokes-against-hyderabad-was-rs-1785714-129472">IPL: Rajasthan's ROI on Ben Stokes against Hyderabad was Rs 1,785,714 per ball</a></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/video-ferraris-kimi-raikkonen-runs-over-own-pit-stop-crew-member-129444">Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Raikkonen?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Raikkonen</a> takes out pit crew!? <a href="https://t.co/yhVnpbR3bq">pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq</a></p>
— Simon (@quicktweetaway) <a href="https://twitter.com/quicktweetaway/status/983018335561506817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/usain-bolt-arrives-at-commonwealth-games-130050">Usain Bolt arrives at Commonwealth Games</a></p>

<h3><u><strong>COMMONWEALTH GAMES</strong></u></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-closing-ceremony-of-21st-commonwealth-games-130670">In pics: Closing ceremony of 21st Commonwealth Games</a></p>

<p title="In photos: Meet India's CWG gold medallists"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/cwg-2018:-meet-gold-medallists-of-india-130569">Meet India's CWG gold medallists</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> finished at 3rd position with 26 gold medals at the 21st <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a>.<a href="https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF">https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/985497970148720641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-silver-medallists-of-cwg-2018--130583">Meet the winners of India's 20 silver medals at CWG 2018</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> won a total of 20 silver medals at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CommonwealthGames2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CommonwealthGames2018</a> in <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> <a href="https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM">https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/985509673833971712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics:-meet-india's-bronze-medal-winners-at-cwg-2018-130642">Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018</a></p>

<h3 title="In pics: Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018"><strong><u>IPL 2018</u></strong></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets "><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-debutant-roys-91-helps-delhi-defeat-mumbai-by-7-wickets--130443">IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets</a></p>

<p title="IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-bangalore-fail-to-climb-218-run-mountain-posted-by-rajasthan-lose-by-19-runs-130622">IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs</a></p>

<p title="IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2018-chennai-loses-to-punjab-by-4-runs-in-last-over-thriller---130671">IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs</a></p>

<p title="CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...'"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/cwg-fever-grips-dhoni-says-shooting-gun-is-so-much-more-fun-130624">CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...'</a></p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0 padding:0 4px"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhiw-D9n4wW/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahi7781/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> M S Dhoni</a> (@mahi7781) on <time datetime="2018-04-14T07:55:03+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT</time></p>
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<h3><u><strong>Football</strong></u></h3>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-united-lose-to-bottom-placed-west-brom-city-win-title-130652">Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom</a></p>

<p><img alt="Manchester City.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/Manchester%20City.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-draw-defending-champions-real-madrid-to-clash-bayern-in-semis-liverpool-face-roma-130300">Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis Liverpool face Roma</a></p>

<p><img alt="FC Bayern.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/sports/FC%20Bayern.jpg" width="770" /></p>

<p title="Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-liverpools-salah-firmino-outlast-manchester-city-129724">Champions League: Liverpool's Salah, Firmino outlast Manchester City</a></p>

<p title="Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-roma-crush-barcelona-enter-semi-final-129717">Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final</a></p>

<p title="Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-ronaldos-penalty-ensures-juventus-exit-real-madrid-enter-semi-final-129946">Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final</a></p>

<p title="Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten"><a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/barcelona-beat-valencia-set-new-laliga-record-of-39-games-unbeaten-130534">Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten</a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bar%C3%A7aValencia?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BarçaValencia</a> <a href="https://t.co/macpxhIXaX">pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX</a></p>
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) <a href="https://twitter.com/FCBarcelona/status/985341313636683776?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Weekly compilation of sports and other related news (April 9 to April 15)

WION'S PICK OF THE WEEK Opinion: India should look beyond 'British Empire Games' to achieve greatness in sport Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader Scientific fact: When Messi, Neymar score a goal, the Earth moves × IPL: Rajasthan's ROI on Ben Stokes against Hyderabad was Rs 1,785,714 per ball Video: Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen runs over own pit stop crew member #Raikkonen takes out pit crew!? pic.twitter.com/yhVnpbR3bq — Simon (@quicktweetaway) April 8, 2018 × Usain Bolt arrives at Commonwealth Games COMMONWEALTH GAMES In pics: Closing ceremony of 21st Commonwealth Games Meet India's CWG gold medallists #India finished at 3rd position with 26 gold medals at the 21st #CommonwealthGames2018.https://t.co/CXkHoOTitF — WION (@WIONews) April 15, 2018 × Meet the winners of India's 20 silver medals at CWG 2018 #India won a total of 20 silver medals at the #CommonwealthGames2018 in @GC2018 https://t.co/GvwXsx1NuM — WION (@WIONews) April 15, 2018 × Meet India's bronze medal winners at CWG 2018 IPL 2018 IPL 2018: Debutant Roy's 91 helps Delhi defeat Mumbai by 7 wickets IPL 2018: Bangalore fail to climb 218-run mountain posted by Rajasthan, lose by 19 runs IPL 2018: In last-over thriller, Chennai lose to Punjab by 4 runs CWG fever grips Dhoni, says, 'shooting gun is so much more fun...' Shooting gun is so much more fun than shooting ads A post shared by M S Dhoni (@mahi7781) on Apr 14, 2018 at 12:55am PDT × Football Manchester City win Premier League after United lose to bottom-placed West Brom Champions League draw: Defending champions Real Madrid to clash Bayern in semis Liverpool face Roma Champions League: Liverpool's Salah, Firmino outlast Manchester City Champions League: Roma crush Barcelona, enter semi-final Champions League: Ronaldo's penalty ensures Juventus exit, Real Madrid enter semi-final Barcelona beat Valencia, set new LaLiga record of 39 games unbeaten ? The boss and his players on Saturday's vital win in #BarçaValencia pic.twitter.com/macpxhIXaX — FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) April 15, 2018 ×

<p>Amidst the CWG and IPL buzz, one sports news went passed on a rather low node. Indian tennis star Leander Paes became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup when teamed up with Rohan Bopanna, he defeated the Chinese pair on 7th April in the doubles rubber of the Asia/Oceania tie.</p>

<p>It was the 43rd double victory for Paes in the coveted Davis Cup.</p>

<p>This is an incredible feat considering the fact that Paes is active as an international player for close to 28 years now. Looking at his uncanny endurance, ee can only define him as a timeless, ageless samurai and tireless crusader.</p>

<p>Imagine this. When Paes struck with fame in 1990 with junior Wimbledon title, most of current ATP players weren’t even born – internet and World Wide Web wasn’t even launched properly – Narendra Modi was under the transition phase from an RSS Pracharak to the politician and current Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli was just a toddler.</p>

<p>This Davis Cup record mentioned above itself suggests the very high level of Paes’s commitment to his country as he earned it playing for India. Leander Paes deserves huge applaud for the very reason that he is among the sportspersons, for whom nation comes before anything else.</p>

<p>For an Indian sports junkie like me, Paes is a very special Indian sportsman for a very interesting reason as well. The first time our generation saw an Indian on a medal podium at Olympic, courtesy Paes. His bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996 was like an invaluable drizzle in a desert riddled with drought for years. it was just a second individual medal by an Indian at the Olympics (after 44 years of first individual medal) and an Indian medal 16 years after India won Hockey Gold at Moscow in 1980.</p>

<p>His longevity in the game is unprecedented, somewhat only parallel to the great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova was active at the level of Grand Slam Tennis for three decades. As a matter of fact, Paes also partnered Navratilova in many Grand Slams and this pair won four Mixed Doubles Grand Slam during 2003-04. Later in 2015, Navratilova revealed that Leander Paes had been her most favourite mixed doubles partner during the whole career.</p>

<p>His predecessors Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan did better than Leander in Grand Slam singles but Leander almost attained a cult status in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He has so far played in 34 doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam finals and won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles. During the course, he completed the career slam in both doubles and mixed doubles.</p>

<p>Notwithstanding his difference with Mahesh Bhupathi in the later years, the highest point of Leander’s career was his association with Bhupathi to forge into one of the most formidable men doubles pair in ATP. During 1999, they ruled the world Tennis. This pair was almost invisible and played in all four Grand Slams in 1999 and won two. During 1999, Leander along with Bhupathi was one of the most talked about Indian across the globe. His last Grand Slam came as late as in 2016 when he won mixed doubles at the French Open at the age of 43.</p>

<p>At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder.</p>

<p>This is the time to bow in respect to one of the greatest sportspersons this country has produced. He is an undisputed epitome of endurance and never say die attitude.</p>

<p>Let’s all hail Leander Paes at this special moment and on this colossal achievement.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp</p>


At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder

Amidst the CWG and IPL buzz, one sports news went passed on a rather low node. Indian tennis star Leander Paes became the most successful doubles player in the history of Davis Cup when teamed up with Rohan Bopanna, he defeated the Chinese pair on 7th April in the doubles rubber of the Asia/Oceania tie. It was the 43rd double victory for Paes in the coveted Davis Cup. This is an incredible feat considering the fact that Paes is active as an international player for close to 28 years now. Looking at his uncanny endurance, ee can only define him as a timeless, ageless samurai and tireless crusader. Imagine this. When Paes struck with fame in 1990 with junior Wimbledon title, most of current ATP players weren’t even born – internet and World Wide Web wasn’t even launched properly – Narendra Modi was under the transition phase from an RSS Pracharak to the politician and current Indian Cricket Captain Virat Kohli was just a toddler. This Davis Cup record mentioned above itself suggests the very high level of Paes’s commitment to his country as he earned it playing for India. Leander Paes deserves huge applaud for the very reason that he is among the sportspersons, for whom nation comes before anything else. For an Indian sports junkie like me, Paes is a very special Indian sportsman for a very interesting reason as well. The first time our generation saw an Indian on a medal podium at Olympic, courtesy Paes. His bronze medal at the Atlanta Olympic in 1996 was like an invaluable drizzle in a desert riddled with drought for years. it was just a second individual medal by an Indian at the Olympics (after 44 years of first individual medal) and an Indian medal 16 years after India won Hockey Gold at Moscow in 1980. His longevity in the game is unprecedented, somewhat only parallel to the great Martina Navratilova. Navratilova was active at the level of Grand Slam Tennis for three decades. As a matter of fact, Paes also partnered Navratilova in many Grand Slams and this pair won four Mixed Doubles Grand Slam during 2003-04. Later in 2015, Navratilova revealed that Leander Paes had been her most favourite mixed doubles partner during the whole career. His predecessors Vijay Amritraj and Ramesh Krishnan did better than Leander in Grand Slam singles but Leander almost attained a cult status in men’s doubles and mixed doubles. He has so far played in 34 doubles and mixed doubles Grand Slam finals and won eight doubles and ten mixed doubles. During the course, he completed the career slam in both doubles and mixed doubles. Notwithstanding his difference with Mahesh Bhupathi in the later years, the highest point of Leander’s career was his association with Bhupathi to forge into one of the most formidable men doubles pair in ATP. During 1999, they ruled the world Tennis. This pair was almost invisible and played in all four Grand Slams in 1999 and won two. During 1999, Leander along with Bhupathi was one of the most talked about Indian across the globe. His last Grand Slam came as late as in 2016 when he won mixed doubles at the French Open at the age of 43. At the age of 44, when most of the Tennis players are well past their prime by at least 10 years, Paes’s commitment at the court and his appetite for the victory is no short of a wonder. This is the time to bow in respect to one of the greatest sportspersons this country has produced. He is an undisputed epitome of endurance and never say die attitude. Let’s all hail Leander Paes at this special moment and on this colossal achievement. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Leander Paes - A tireless crusader

<p>Spain <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/davis-cup-leander-paes-creates-history-as-india-win-doubles-match-128913">outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals </a>of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals.</p>

<p>Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to&nbsp;level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.</p>

<p>Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1.</p>

<p>European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with &nbsp;6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.</p>


Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter.

Spain outsmarted Germany in the quarter-finals of the Davis Cup as David Ferrer beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in a marathon 5 sets to advance to the semi-finals. Ferrer, 36, saved three break points in the last set to level at 5-5 and then secured a break to clinch victory beating Kohlschreiber 7-6(1) 3-6 7-6(4) 4-6 7-5 in a nail-biting encounter. Nadal's Spain will now meet France in the semi-finals after the defending champions reached the last four by beating Italy 3-1. European nation Croatia also made it to the semis beating Kazakhstan with Marin Cilic leading the way with 6-1 6-1 6-1 win over Mikhail Kukushkin to seal the tie 3-1.

Davis Cup: Ferrer edges out Kohlschreiber as Spain beat Germany

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