Novak Djokovic defeated Mackenzie McDonald 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 in the first round of the French Open, giving him a strong start toward a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic won the round of 64 at Roland Garros straight sets over his 98th-ranked American opponent in less than two hours, just after claiming his 100th tour title at Geneva last weekend.
The 38-year-old sixth seed’s only hic-cup was his failure to serve out the second set, which ended 5-2, but Djokovic quickly fixed his error by breaking McDonald to 15-man.
On day three of the French Open tennis competition at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025, US Mackenzie McDonald plays a forehand return to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. (Franck FIFE/AFP photo)
The former world no. 1 would surpass Margaret Court’s total of 24 Grand Slam victories with a fourth victory at the French Open.
However, Djokovic has previously acknowledged that as he enters his late-thirties, and that his most recent major success occurred at the US Open two years ago.
After winning, Djokovic told Court Philippe Chatrier, “I don’t know how many Grand Slams I have left in my body.”
“I’m just trying to enjoy every second of this magnificent stadium.”
On day three of the French Open tennis competition, which takes place on Court Philippe-Chatrier at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025, Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits an overhead smash to US Mackenzie McDonald. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)On day three of the French Open tennis competition at the Roland-Garros Complex in Paris on May 27, 2025, US Mackenzie McDonald plays a forehand return to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP photo)
Djokovic unfavors any rumors that he might end his career soon, despite speaking to the press following the game.
“I put a lot of time into making sure that every step of the way is followed in terms of preparation and prevention in order for me to continue playing at this level,” he said.
There are always challenges, of course, on the mental side. You are aware of doubts that always exist. However, there are also motivations and objectives, you know, what motivates you, and what keeps you from competing?
I’m fortunate that I have a variety of drives to keep going. Of course, history, breaking records, and accomplishing great things in this sport are all things.
Novak Djokovic, a Serbian tennis player, celebrates his men’s singles victory over US Mackenzie Mcdonald on day three of the French Open tennis competition in Paris on May 27, 2025. (Franck FIFE/AFP photo)
After a fantastic season, Barcelona’s teenage star Lamine Yamal announced on Tuesday that she would stay with the Catalan giants until 2031.
The 17-year-old winger is already a key player for the club and contributed to their success with the domestic success of La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.
The Catalan club announced in a statement that Barcelona and Lamine Yamal have reached a contract extension agreement that will take effect on June 30, 2031.
The strength of Barca’s project is demonstrated by Lamine Yamal’s renewal, the statement read. His entry into the world football scene, which he made debut on April 29, 2023, was a milestone for the youngster.
He is one of Barcelona’s best-paid players, according to Spanish media reports.
In 55 matches across all competitions during a sensational campaign, Yamal scored 18 goals and contributed 25 assists to Spain’s victory at Euro 2024 last summer.
As Barca reclaimed the title from Real Madrid this year by scoring 102 league goals with the help of Yamal’s skill and speed while playing on the right flank.
At the age of 15, Yamal made his debut under Xavi Hernandez in 2023, graduating from the club’s highly regarded La Masia youth academy, which is frequently compared to Lionel Messi’s all-time best player.
He had become the team’s main attacking force by the end of the 2023-24 campaign, making him the difference-making player in a poor campaign that saw Barca leave with no goals.
Yamal perfected Flick’s attacking style after his heroics at the Euros, which showed he had advanced to the top of the game.
Yamal put together two outstanding Champions League semi-final performances against Inter Milan, but they must now wait for a 7-6 aggregate result.
After the game, Yamal pledged, “I will keep my promise and I will bring the Champions League trophy to Barcelona. We won’t stop until we get it.”
The winger has already played for Barcelona more than 100 times in his youth.
In the last few days, Yamal and team-mate Raphinha signed contact extensions, following team-mate Flick and Raphinha, who turns 18 in July.
According to Spanish media reports, his contract includes a significant pay raise, as well as a number of bonuses for various accomplishments, including winning the Ballon d’Or.
Yamal could become the world’s best player this year and claim the title.
For an exhibition game aimed at restoring the country’s reputation, three African football legends, including Jay-Jay Okocha, Samuel Eto’o, and Emmanuel Adebayor, took to the field in Somalia on Tuesday.
The three superstars are a part of a “peace tour” that Somalia hopes will enable it to once again host international competitions.
Since 1991, Somalia has been at the center of a near-constant internal conflict, and its national team currently has to travel to Djibouti or Morocco.
After Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab insurgents used the national stadium in Mogadishu as a base in 2008, and then by African Union peacekeepers who drove them out of the city, the stadium suffered significant damage.
In 2020, it underwent renovations and reopened for play.
The sports ministry referred to Eto, o, former Togo striker Adebayor, and former Nigeria player Okocha as “a historic day” for what the sports ministry called the “historic day”
Security Minister Mohamed Ali Haga characterized the event as an opportunity to “show the world that Mogadishu is peaceful and capable of hosting other African matches” and “change the perception of the world toward Somalia.”
Erik Ten Hag, former Man Utd coach, Resigns As Coach of Leverkusen
In southern Mogadishu, there was limited security around the stadium.
Numerous fans gathered hours before the game to show up, many of whom wade the Somali flag.
“To watch a player like Eto, who has inspired me so much, is a great day for me,” Eto said. “I cannot miss such a great occasion. One fan, Mowlid Ali, told AFP, “It feels like I’m sitting in the Barcelona stadium.”
Another player, Abdirahman Dhere, said, “The game here today is not a simple football match; it will undoubtedly demonstrate how Somalia is recovering from the long-running civil war.”
Apparently, Somalia has requested that FIFA and CAF review its security situation in order to host upcoming games.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he wanted to “build something” after taking over as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen on Monday.
Ten Hag replaced the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 while adding the German Cup.
Leverkusen were unable to keep up the same pace this season, but still finished Bundesliga runners-up to Bayern Munich and qualified for next season’s Champions League.
READ ALSO: Amorim Says Champions League Absence Could Benefit Man Utd
The new head coach of German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen, Erik ten Hag delivers a press conference in Leverkusen, western Germany, on May 26, 2025. Hag will take over as head coach of German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen, with a contract running until June 30, 2027, the club announced on May 26, 2025. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)
Ten Hag has worked in German football before, spending two years in charge of Bayern Munich’s reserve team from 2013.
The 55-year-old Dutchman won the FA Cup and League Cup in his two full seasons at United and led the club to third in the Premier League in 2022-23.
United launched a review last summer and interviewed other candidates after they finished eighth in the Premier League, only to decide to stick with Ten Hag.
But after a poor start to the season he was sacked on October 28 following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham.
Ten Hag rejected suggestions his time at United was unhappy, telling reporters his time at Old Trafford had been a “real pleasure”, but added: “It’s in the past. I want to look forward and build something, with new energy.”
“I want to win, but in a specific style and manner. Dominant football, attractive football, which excites people. That’s what we have here.”
Before United, Ten Hag helped Ajax to win three Dutch league titles.
Ten Hag has signed a two-year contract.
The new head coach of German Bundesliga team Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Erik ten Hag (C), Managing Sport Director Simon Rolfes (L) and the Chairman of the Management Board of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fernando Carro (R) pose after a press conference at the BayArena in Leverkusen, western Germany, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP)
“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch,” Leverkusen’s sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said in a statement, calling his success at Ajax “exceptional”.
“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.
“And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times,” added Rolfes.
German media reported Leverkusen were also interested in Cesc Fabregas, coach of Serie A side Como, but the former Barcelona and Arsenal player elected to stay in Italy.
‘Attractive challenge’
Newly appointed Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso gives a press conference during his official presentation at Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas, near Madrid, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
Real Madrid announced on Sunday that Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach in a long-expected move.
Alonso starred as a player for Real. He will take over on June 1 in order to lead the Spanish giants at the Club World Cup in the United States.
Alonso worked wonders at Leverkusen, taking the serial underachievers to the Bundesliga title for the first time in their 120-year history, despite having never managed at the top level.
Under Alonso, Leverkusen won the league title without losing a match in 2023-24; no club, not even the best Bayern sides or Jurgen Klopp’s barnstorming Dortmund side, had gone through a league season without defeat.
Ten Hag faces a summer rebuild in Leverkusen, with several Bundesliga-winning stars heading out of the door.
FILES: Erik ten Hag reacts as the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 30, 2023
Centre-back Jonathan Tah has already confirmed his exit after 10 years at the club, with Bayern his likely destination.
Midfield playmaker Florian Wirtz and wing back Jeremie Frimpong also look set to leave, with Rolfes confirming on Monday that Liverpool had shown “concrete interest” in Wirtz.
Liverpool are reportedly also set to snap up Frimpong.
While Tah will leave on a free transfer, Wirtz and Frimpong will command high fees, giving the Dutchman money to work with.
Asked if he had already drawn up a transfer wishlist, Ten Hag said: “I have many wishes.”
Ten Hag will seek to rebuild Leverkusen alongside his own reputation, which took a hit during an unhappy time at United.
Calling Leverkusen “one of the best clubs in Germany,” Ten Hag said he wanted to “continue the ambition shown in recent years”.
“It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team,” he added.
Former Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag said he wanted to “build something” after taking over as head coach of Bayer Leverkusen on Monday.
Ten Hag replaced the Real Madrid-bound Xabi Alonso, who led Leverkusen to their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24 while adding the German Cup.
Leverkusen were unable to keep up the same pace this season, but still finished Bundesliga runners-up to Bayern Munich and qualified for next season’s Champions League.
READ ALSO: Amorim Says Champions League Absence Could Benefit Man Utd
The new head coach of German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen, Erik ten Hag delivers a press conference in Leverkusen, western Germany, on May 26, 2025. Hag will take over as head coach of German Bundesliga team Bayer Leverkusen, with a contract running until June 30, 2027, the club announced on May 26, 2025. (Photo by INA FASSBENDER / AFP)
Ten Hag has worked in German football before, spending two years in charge of Bayern Munich’s reserve team from 2013.
The 55-year-old Dutchman won the FA Cup and League Cup in his two full seasons at United and led the club to third in the Premier League in 2022-23.
United launched a review last summer and interviewed other candidates after they finished eighth in the Premier League, only to decide to stick with Ten Hag.
But after a poor start to the season he was sacked on October 28 following a 2-1 defeat at West Ham.
Ten Hag rejected suggestions his time at United was unhappy, telling reporters his time at Old Trafford had been a “real pleasure”, but added: “It’s in the past. I want to look forward and build something, with new energy.”
“I want to win, but in a specific style and manner. Dominant football, attractive football, which excites people. That’s what we have here.”
Before United, Ten Hag helped Ajax to win three Dutch league titles.
Ten Hag has signed a two-year contract.
The new head coach of German Bundesliga team Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Erik ten Hag (C), Managing Sport Director Simon Rolfes (L) and the Chairman of the Management Board of Bayer 04 Leverkusen Fernando Carro (R) pose after a press conference at the BayArena in Leverkusen, western Germany, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Ina FASSBENDER / AFP)
“With Erik ten Hag we have brought in an experienced coach with impressive success on the pitch,” Leverkusen’s sporting managing director Simon Rolfes said in a statement, calling his success at Ajax “exceptional”.
“With three league titles and two domestic cup wins he and Ajax dominated Dutch football from 2018 to 2022.
“And Erik demonstrated his quality as a coach with the ensuing success at Manchester United under difficult circumstances at times,” added Rolfes.
German media reported Leverkusen were also interested in Cesc Fabregas, coach of Serie A side Como, but the former Barcelona and Arsenal player elected to stay in Italy.
‘Attractive challenge’
Newly appointed Real Madrid’s coach Xabi Alonso gives a press conference during his official presentation at Real Madrid Sports City in Valdebebas, near Madrid, on May 26, 2025. (Photo by Thomas COEX / AFP)
Real Madrid announced on Sunday that Alonso will replace Carlo Ancelotti as coach in a long-expected move.
Alonso starred as a player for Real. He will take over on June 1 in order to lead the Spanish giants at the Club World Cup in the United States.
Alonso worked wonders at Leverkusen, taking the serial underachievers to the Bundesliga title for the first time in their 120-year history, despite having never managed at the top level.
Under Alonso, Leverkusen won the league title without losing a match in 2023-24; no club, not even the best Bayern sides or Jurgen Klopp’s barnstorming Dortmund side, had gone through a league season without defeat.
Ten Hag faces a summer rebuild in Leverkusen, with several Bundesliga-winning stars heading out of the door.
FILES: Erik ten Hag reacts as the end of the English Premier League football match between Manchester United and Crystal Palace at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 30, 2023
Centre-back Jonathan Tah has already confirmed his exit after 10 years at the club, with Bayern his likely destination.
Midfield playmaker Florian Wirtz and wing back Jeremie Frimpong also look set to leave, with Rolfes confirming on Monday that Liverpool had shown “concrete interest” in Wirtz.
Liverpool are reportedly also set to snap up Frimpong.
While Tah will leave on a free transfer, Wirtz and Frimpong will command high fees, giving the Dutchman money to work with.
Asked if he had already drawn up a transfer wishlist, Ten Hag said: “I have many wishes.”
Ten Hag will seek to rebuild Leverkusen alongside his own reputation, which took a hit during an unhappy time at United.
Calling Leverkusen “one of the best clubs in Germany,” Ten Hag said he wanted to “continue the ambition shown in recent years”.
“It’s an attractive challenge to set up something together in this period of change and develop an ambitious team,” he added.
Britain’s Cameron Norrie ousted former world number one Daniil Medvedev in a marathon five-set first round match at the French Open on Tuesday.
Former US Open champion and five-time Grand Slam runner-up Medvedev was dumped out in the first round for the sixth time in Paris, losing 7-5, 6-3, 4-6, 1-6, 7-5.
British number one Norrie, ranked 81, took just under four hours to wrap up his first win in five meetings against the 11th-seeded Russian.
“It was a great atmosphere, it really felt I had momentum in the first set and he raised his level”, said Norrie.
READ ALSO: Modric To Leave Real Madrid After Club World Cup
“I managed to get it over the line, it was a crazy match, he’s got me the last four our five matches”.
The 29-year-old Medvedev’s best finish in Paris was the quarter-finals in 2021.
Norrie, also 29, plays the second round in Paris for the fifth time where he meets either American Aleksandar Kovacevic or Argentina’s Federico Gomez.
