Category Sports News

Novak Djokovic won the Miami Open title for the first time since 2016 and won the tournament for the first time since then.

In the opening game, Dimitrov broke Djokovic, but the Serb, who had been coached by Andy Murray in Britain, reacted.

Djokovic, 37, won the first set by winning five straight games.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion took advantage of Dimitrov’s shaky second set to advance 6-2, 6-3.

Djokovic told Sky Sports, “It feels great to reach the final.”

“I feel just as good as I did before the Olympics,” he said.

For the oldest ATP Masters 1, 000 semi-final in history, 14th seed Dimitrov, 33, had a good start in windy conditions.

The elegant Serb hit his stride and cruised to the first set after Djokovic’s serve failed to capitalize on the first game.

The Bulgarian started the second set slowly after a fan was kicked out after saying something that irritated Dimitrov.

Djokovic was just too good, despite Dimitrov’s three service victories as the beaten finalist last year.

The 32-year-old opponent only committed five unforced errors, according to the six-time Miami Open champion.

In the final period of the match, Djokovic noted that there were a few tight games.

He missed a few forehands in the previous game, and I found some really good serves with new balls in the final one. It was 4-2, 30- 30, and he was 4-2.

These were challenging circumstances. Very swirly . The wind had a lot of change, but it wasn’t consistent. Finding the ball’s control is difficult.

Because he’s a clean hitter, I tried to force him to play in these circumstances. If I gave him an extra shot, I already knew he would struggle. More than I did, he had a harder time with the first serve.

The fourth seed is the oldest semi-finalist and oldest ATP Masters 1, 000 finalist in history, 37 years and 10 months old.

In the Sunday final, he will face either American Taylor Fritz or Czech Jakub Mensik, who is unseeded. On Friday, they play their semi-final match.

Wales vs. England at the Women’s Six Nations

Cardiff Principality Stadium Date: Saturday, March 29 Kick-off: 16:45 GMT

The alphabet has 25 more letters if plan A is ineffective.

England’s Women’s Six Nations campaign kicked off with a bonus-point victory over Italy on Sunday in York, extending the Red Roses’ winning streak to 21 games.

Their goal of capturing a seventh successive Six Nations title and fourth Grand Slam in a row started well despite a weak second half that only allowed full-back Emma Sing to score five points in.

Mitchell’s starting XV against Italy appeared to be the weaker of the “two teams” he is attempting to build up ahead of a home Rugby World Cup in August.

His alternative plan was still in place, and notes about freshmen’s faces could be stowed away in his pocket with a different strategy in round two.

Because over 20 000 tickets have been sold so far for Saturday’s Wales game at Principality Stadium, which is the highest number of Welsh women’s team events in Wales, he will need his reliable first team players.

Mitchell has made 13 changes to his starting lineup, with the majority of his team, who made significant contributions to the Six Nations and World Cup victories last year, returning.

Exact scenario building can be challenging during a World Cup year, but with a strong Cardiff atmosphere in the air, situations can arise that are slightly off-the-wall.

England’s record 30-Test winning streak came to an end with a 2022 World Cup final defeat to New Zealand under former head coach Simon Middleton when it was most important.

More than just relentless winning is required in preparation because of the unique nature of a World Cup.

England forwards coach Louis Deacon, who is still with that coaching group, told BBC Sport, “We had multiple plans in 2022], probably just plans A and B. Now we have plans A, B, C, and D.”

Given that England have won 20 of their previous 22 Six Nations matches against Wales, it seems likely that they will be able to match their average winning margin (over the last eight championship victories) of 46 points.

Ellie Kildunne, the world’s top player, won her 50th cap with a pair of tries against Wales last year, winning with a score of 46-10.

Wings Abby Dow and Jess Breach, who are both 25 years old full-backs, are prepared to defeat their 18 combined tries in the championship last year.

In a star-studded backline that includes regulars Meg Jones and Tatyana Heard, Zoe Harrison has the opportunity to make her case known as the starting fly-half.

In addition to Morwenna Talling and Abbie Ward, 22-year-old Morwenna Talling and Abbie Ward form a balanced second-row partnership that brings work-rate and line-out nous, Sarah Bern, who was at her barnstorming best off the bench in York, returns to the scene.

Former Wales player Philippa Tuttiett stated to BBC’s Rugby Union Weekly, “That is the calibre we are talking about.” “You could field two completely different 23s and both could win the Six Nations,” Tuttiett said.

“That team is incredible, with some superstars all around.”

Olympian Abi Burton, who nearly lost her life in 2022, will start from the bench in her England debut.

After being diagnosed with autoimmune encephalitis, the 25-year-old back row spent 25 days in an artificial coma. This is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.

She lost more than three stone and was unable to walk or talk when Burton escaped her coma, but miraculously she made it back to rugby sevens in time for her second Olympics in Paris.

England center Jones claimed that Burton, who had been in a coma for a while, “manifested” playing for the Red Roses, and that the back rower has grown impressed since returning to the XVs with the Trailfinders.

I feel like I am flourishing as a person both on and off the pitch because I’ve been ill and have returned to rugby for the Paris Olympics and the XVs, Burton said.

My family loves to witness my face-turning enjoyment after I finally see myself playing rugby like I will never play again.

Replacements: Metcalfe, K. Jones, Davies, Rose, Pyrs, King, Davies, Keight, and Rose.

England: Kildunne, Dow, Jones, Heard, Breach, Harrison, Hunt, Carson, Bern, Talling, Ward, Aldcroft (capt), Kabeya, Feaunati.

Cokayne, Botterman, Muir, Galligan, Burton, L Packer, Aitchison, Rowland, and their replacements.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has extended the deadline to finalize the sale of The Hundred franchises due to negotiations’ delays.

Investors are still fully committed to the deals reached earlier this year, which had an initial eight-week exclusivity period, according to multiple sources who have spoken to BBC Sport.

The participation agreement, a crucial legal document between the ECB and Hundred franchise investors that specifies how to sell future television rights to the tournament, has caused delays.

Although it is currently anticipated that the sales process will be finished by the end of April, all parties are said to be relaxed about the timeline if the legal process is longer.

The two London franchises’ potential buyers are among those who have expressed concerns about the participation agreement, according to a report from the Daily Telegraph.

The Ambanis, one of India’s richest families, paid £60 million for the same stake in the Oval Invincibles, while an American consortium of tech billionaires paid £145 million for a 49% stake in Lord’s-based London Spirit.

However, an investor claimed that if any of the franchise owners decided to leave at this point, they would be “flabbergasted.”

More than $ 950 million was raised overall for the sales of The Hundred franchises.

More than £500 million has been raised so far to be split between the 18 counties, the Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), and the domestic competition.

The Hundred competition is still under the control of the ECB, but the organization sold stakes in the teams to raise money for the sport.

10% of the money raised will go directly toward playing games for fun. The 18 first-class counties will receive the MCC’s profits from the 49% sales.

Jonathan Rea feels fortunate that the injuries he sustained in a speeding collision in February during testing at the Phillip Island circuit weren’t more severe.

The six-time World Superbike champion was disqualified from Australia’s opening season of 2025, and he will miss this weekend’s second round of the championship in Portimao, Portugal, after breaking several bones in his left foot in the “horrible” collision.

The Northern Ireland rider is recovering at home after having successful surgery in Belfast.

“I have horrible crash footage,” I said. I suddenly felt like I hit a wall or something after what appeared to be a small, minor crash. In an interview with BBC Sport NI, the 37-year-old claimed that her bike had picked up momentum and had started flipping in the air. It then came down and struck my foot quite forcefully.

You’re also very unlucky because it’s on fine margins, even if that had been an upper limb, a chest, or worse.

Rea explained that during the initial weeks following the accident, he experienced significant pain and found that time mentally challenging.

I have three plates and six screws, which made the initial weeks very painful. Additionally, it was mentally difficult.

I’m feeling good about myself and have resumed some sort of training regimen, but my foot fracture was much more complicated than I had anticipated.

Rea claims that the ongoing healing process is now “a waiting game,” which could also result in him missing the series’ third round on April 11 to April in Assen, Netherlands.

“It’s just going to take some time,” he said. Next week will be when I’ll be able to determine whether or not the previous five weeks have been productive.

“My home has been a workaholic.” I immediately went out and purchased a hyperbaric chamber, checked this morning, and have spent 63 hours working since the accident, which is typically just a few hours per day.

My diet has completely changed, and I’ve got an ice compression machine in which I’m constantly using, just doing everything I can. There are bone-healing ultrasound machines, acupuncture, physio, and acupuncture. The bone needs to heal, but this gives it the best chance possible.

Rea says he won’t be too hasty despite his obvious desire to return to the track as soon as possible.

“I’m now back to a good level of training, and I’m waiting for the bones to knit,” he said. We’ll get some good pictures of that the next week.

The doctor advises giving it some time. I love the song Assen, but it’s only two weeks away and it’s fast approaching.

Rea’s first season in the Pata Yamaha squad ended up being disappointing because he only managed one podium and a lowly 13th place in the final standings following a smashing partnership with Kawasaki, which led to those six world titles.

He said, “Last season was one of the roughest in my career, there were times when we were manufacturing optimism, but this year there was real optimism.”

“Winter went well, I felt good on the bike, things were going well together within the team, and then there was a massive curveball the first day of the pre-test round one.” It couldn’t have arrived at a worse time, evaded.

Mark McCall, Saracens’ director of rugby, stated that the team is struggling following last week’s defeat by Harlequins but will try to recover against Tigers of Leicester.

At the break, they gave up a 12-0 lead to lose 23-12 to Quins, and he called his side’s performance “strangely subdued” and “disappointing” in the second half.

Maro Itoje, Jamie George, Tom Willis, and Elliot Daly, who were the starting England internationals, were the match’s loser, with the quartet being named to begin the contest with Leicester.

With six matches left, the north London club is seventh in the Premiership, but if they win on Sunday, they could move up to fourth if other outcomes come in.

When I watched it back, it was a really disappointing, oddly subdued performance, McCall claimed.

Everyone is obviously hurting a little, but this week’s task is to turn that around.

The team lacked their typical energy, which you can never really determine, and that had a negative impact on everything we did.

In their final 16 of the European Champions Cup, they face Toulon, who have won six of their 12 Premiership games this year and lost six of them.

Last time out at Franklin’s Gardens, Leicester defeated Northampton Saints 33-0 to claim the title.

George, Willis, Daly, and captain Itoje return to the starting XV against Leicester, where they left off in the defeat against Harlequins.

Itoje, England’s skipper, has participated in every minute of its 30th Six Nations game, and McCall praised his team’s desire to return to the Sarries lineup.

It’s obvious that his Six Nations record is impressive. Additionally, it’s amazing that he wants to support his club as well. He needs to be looked after as well, and there is a plan to give him a 10-day vacation, McCall continued.

Replacements: Perese, Shillcock, Cole, Wells, Ilione, Youngs, Whitcombe, and Cole.

Saracens: Daly, Elliott, Lozowski, Tompkins, Hall, Burke, Van Zyl, Mawi, George, Balmain, Itoje, Tizard, McFarland, Gonzalez, Willis, and others.

Replacements: Goode, Onyeama-Christie, Earl, Carre, Riccioni, Isiekwe, and Dan Carre.

Chelsea are in the lead for a sixth consecutive title with only five games left in the Women’s Super League.

The Blues are eight points clear of the top with their first league title under Sonia Bompastor.

Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are engaged in a fierce relegation battle at the other end of the table.

Meanwhile, Manchester City must battle it out to earn their place in the Champions League title.

Under new boss Bompastor, there haven’t been any signs of tinnitus issues for Chelsea this season, and the Blues’ dominance of the league, which was established under Emma Hayes’ predecessor, has continued.

Chelsea are eight points clear of Arsenal and Manchester United, who are their closest rivals in the WSL this season despite being unbeaten there. They have won 47 of their possible 51.

The final five games will allow Arsenal and United to earn a maximum of 15 points, which would give them the most points.

The WSL champions and the other five top-ranked national associations’ winners will also automatically qualify.

Direct qualification will be guaranteed for the runners-up of the two top-ranked associations along with the winners of the previous season.

Since the WSL is currently ranked second, the top two teams will automatically be able to enter the 18-team league format, with the third team entering the qualifying rounds.

Manchester City’s chances of playing in European football next season are fading, while Chelsea, who were up until the final day of last year, are all but out of the title race.

Crystal Palace’s first season in England’s top division has been difficult for them since winning the Championship last year.

Leif Smerud’s side now has a fighting chance after winning 3-1 against fellow strugglers Villa earlier this month. The club looked set to descend immediately.

Villa, who were supposed to top four just 18 months ago, are one point ahead of Palace in the danger zone due to their struggles since Carla Ward’s departure.

It’s a mentality, fight, and it’s all at once, according to the author. Ellen White, a former Lionesses striker, said, “I don’t even think it’s about performance right now. It’s about who wants to stay in the league the most.”

“You don’t want to see anyone get relegated, but this is just going to be incredible to watch these final five games.”

Manchester United face three of the top four teams in a bid to impose pressure on Chelsea and maintain their Champions League position.

In the race for Europe, the Manchester derby on the final day of the season could be crucial.

Nick Cushing, City’s interim manager, is optimistic about the fixture list.

You have to consider where we might be able to make up that ground, he said as the coach. “We have to win,” we say. With those [final] three games, we must be in the distance.

Before the season is over, Crystal Palace will face Chelsea, Arsenal, and Manchester City in a difficult run-in.

In their final five games, Villa will only face one top-four team, and they will also benefit from a Villa Park home crowd for their final game.

Jen Beattie, a former defender for Manchester City and Arsenal, said she is more concerned about Palace than Villa.

According to Beattie, “I think they can get more out of their results because they’re about to play the top teams higher up,” while “They’re about to play the top teams,”

Despite having a challenging fixture list, Palace manager Leif Smerud is confident that his side can turn things around.

This group has not been defeated, they say. He asserted that this team is not a team that has failed.

Chelsea are regarded as the “supercomputer” favorites to win the WSL title in 99.4% of simulations, with the Blues projected as champions.

Meanwhile, Opta gives Arsenal a 0.5% chance of winning the title, giving them a slither of hope.

With only a 0.5% chance of relegation, Amandine Miquel’s Leicester have all but confirmed their WSL season-long relegation, according to Opta’s predictions.