Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz secured a return to the French Open final after an early scare from eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti, who was eventually forced to retire with injury.
Italian Musetti took the first set 6-4, before Alcaraz fought back to take the next two sets 7-6(3) 6-0 and lead 2-0 in the fourth before his opponent’s leg injury took hold on Friday.
The Spaniard, who is attempting to become only the third man to retain his Roland Garros title this century after Rafa Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten, will face either world number one Jannik Sinner or 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final.
“It’s never great to go through like this,” Alcaraz said, before hailing Musetti’s achievement of reaching at least the semifinals of all four elite claycourt events this year.
“He’s a great player, he has had an incredible claycourt season … I wish him a speedy recovery and I’m sure we’ll be enjoying his tennis pretty soon.”
Musetti twice denied Alcaraz the chance to break in the opening nine games before the 23-year-old suddenly dialled up the intensity and snatched the opening set when his Spanish opponent produced errors in a poor service game.
Alcaraz of Spain returns a shot during his match against Musetti of Italy on day 13 at Roland Garros [Susan Mullane-Imagn Images/Reuters]
A frustrated Alcaraz kicked his bench during the second set but finally found a way through Musetti’s dogged defence to draw level after a tiebreak and then produced a dazzling display of power and precision to dish out a bagel in the third set.
Musetti, who appeared to be hampered by a left thigh issue midway through the third set, threw in the towel after two games in the fourth.
“The first two sets were tough. I had chances to be up in the match, but couldn’t make the most of them,” Alcaraz added.
“When I won the second set, I was relieved, and I knew that I needed to be aggressive and be myself. I was calmer. I could see clearer and I could play great tennis at the start of the third.
“I’m feeling great physically. It’s been three intense weeks, but I have one more step to take. I’m playing great tennis and I have great confidence. I’ve been doing great things in this tournament, and now is the time to give 100 percent in the final.”
Alcaraz said he would tune into the second semifinal on Court Philippe Chatrier to study his potential opponents.
“I’m not going to miss tonight’s match, it’s one of the best we can have right now, Sinner against Djokovic,” he said.
Roma have appointed former Atalanta coach Gian Piero Gasperini as their new manager on a three-year contract.
Gasperini, who guided Atalanta to third in Italy’s Serie A and qualification for the Champions League this season, replaces Claudio Ranieri.
The ex-Leicester City and Chelsea boss stepped down as manager after leading Roma to fifth in Serie A and a Europa League spot.
Ranieri came out of retirement last November to take over as Roma boss following the sacking of Ivan Juric, and the 73-year-old has now taken on an executive role at the club.
Gasperini, 67, spent nine years in charge of Atalanta and won the Europa League with them in 2023-24 when they beat Bayer Leverkusen in the final.
“Gasperini’s career is defined by its creative tactics, dedication to hard work, and exceptional player development”, Roma said.
David Beckham is set to be awarded a knighthood in King Charles ‘ Birthday Honours.
The former England football captain, 50, was appointed an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003.
But BBC Sport has been told he is now in line to receive further recognition for both his football career, and his contributions to British society, with the list of recipients to be published next week.
Beckham played 115 times for his country as well as for Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy, Paris St-Germain and AC Milan, retiring in 2013.
Beckham was reportedly first nominated for a knighthood in 2011.
In 2017 several British newspapers printed details of leaked emails in which Beckham allegedly criticised the honours system and the honours committee.
A spokesperson for Beckham said at the time that the emails were “hacked”, “doctored” and “private”.
The former footballer married singer and fashion designer Victoria Beckham in 1999.
The couple share four children – Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz and Harper Seven.
Beckham played a key role in securing the London 2012 Olympics, and has been an ambassador for Unicef since 2005.
Unicef – which supports vulnerable children around the world – launched ‘ The David Beckham Unicef Fund ‘ in 2015 to mark a decade’s partnership between the two.
Beckham became an ambassador for The King’s Foundation in 2024, supporting King Charles ‘ education programme and efforts to ensure young people have a greater understanding of nature.
He is also part-owner of League Two side Salford City, as well as president and co-owner of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami in the United States.
He helped set-up the Inter Miami CF Foundation – a community driven not-for-profit enterprise that looks to empower underserved communities, using football as a catalyst.
“He is a great ambassador for football and the country”, Beckham’s former England team-mate Wayne Rooney told BBC Sport.
“We all see the charity work that he has done for many years and I am sure he will continue to do that.
” Globally he is a massive icon for any charity to work alongside and he makes everyone proud by raising a lot of money over the years.
“You don’t get to his level worldwide if you don’t work hard. He was persistent and kept going to get the reward he deserved”.
A government spokesperson said: “We do not comment on speculation on honours”.
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Analysis – the long road to coveted honour
Beckham’s knighthood marks the completion of a reputational rebuild for arguably the UK’s most famous living sports star.
Despite his stellar footballing career, charity work and support of the London 2012 Olympic bid, for years there has been speculation that controversy may explain why he kept being overlooked for the honour.
In 2017 leaked emails that Beckham had allegedly written appeared to reveal his frustration at missing out on a knighthood.
A spokesman for the star at the time said the story was based on “outdated material taken out of context”.
In the same year he was among a number of celebrities embroiled in a tax case having invested in the Ingenious film financing scheme.
However, in 2021 it was reported he was deemed eligible for a knighthood after having his finances cleared.
Yet still his wait continued. In 2022 Beckham was widely criticised for his decision to accept millions of pounds from the Qatari regime as a World Cup ambassador, and associating himself with a country accused of human rights abuses and where same-sex relationships are illegal. Beckham had posed for the cover of Attitude magazine in 2002, saying he was honoured to be called a gay icon.
Comedian Joe Lycett appeared to destroy £10, 000 of his own money in a protest against Beckham’s role with the tournament.
Beckham later defended himself, saying he was “proud” to be part of the event, and a spokesman added that it was “a positive that debate about the key issues has been stimulated. We hope that these conversations will lead to greater understanding and empathy towards all people, and that progress will be achieved”.
Later that year however, the patriotism for which Beckham had become known was praised after queuing for 12 hours to see the Queen lying in state, with other celebrities criticised for skipping the long wait.
Since then, the father of four appears to have forged a close friendship with the royals, especially King Charles after becoming an ambassador for the monarch’s charitable foundation last year, even bonding with him over their shared interest in gardening. It was notable that Beckham and his wife Victoria attended a state banquet for the Emir of Qatar at Buckingham Palace in December.
With a popular 2023 Netflix documentary testament to the enduring interest in his life, accompanying all this has been continued commercial success for the 50-year-old’s personal brand. Indeed, he was recently estimated to be the eighth highest-paid athlete of all time.
Prince William and his aunt Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh let loose as they raised a toast by sampling local gin and cider at the Royal Cornwall Show today
Prince William and Sophie, the Duchess of Edinburgh, try gin at the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Prince William enjoyed a booze and pasty fuelled visit to the Royal Cornwall Show alongside the Duchess of Edinburgh. The Prince of Wales, who is also Duke of Cornwall, joked that “everyone remembers their first rattler” when offered a cider.
But he jokingly turned his nose up at the zero per cent alcohol option he was initially offered, and asked for the proper stuff instead. Earlier at a gin stand he joked he could “see what today’s going to be like” and teased Sophie. They both arrived and, after being greeted, were taken into a food and drink tent to hear about local produce.
Prince William and Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, stepped out together to the Royal Cornwall Show(Image: Getty Images)
They went first to a chutney stand and then to the gin stall as William said: “We’ve come from the chutneys straight into booze”. They were shown a number of gins before each then being given one to try. William joked: I can see what today’s going to be like. “
After a bit more talking, he caught the Duchess going for another sip and he joked to her:” You’re not allowed to finish it. You’ve got to watch her. “Sophie responded:” He’s learnt from the best. “
William then joked back:” I’ve been caught out with whisky a few too many times. I think I can do that and then oh no I couldn’t. “He and Sophie were also given a pasty by Ferguson Miller, 45, Amelia Jones, 25, and Alan Anderson, 69, of Anns Pasties.
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William said:” Ah the pasties arrived! They’re hot as well. There’s been a few people I passed on the way here with their pasties ready to go. Too good. I’m going to save this for my lunch. Trying to talk and eat is a nightmare. “They then moved to cider stand Healeys Cyder Farm, after stopping off to pet a dog.
William said:” Look at the Rattler selection, ah definitely I’m happy about that. “Head of hospitality Laura Clerehugh, 36, said” I was going to say, you’ve had a rattler. “William responded:” Everyone remembers where they were when they had their first Rattler I can tell you that. You remember the first, you don’t remember the last. “
The royal pair indulged in local drinks, including an artisan gin(Image: Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
He then asked about the” zero “on the bottle, and when told that it meant zero alcohol he put the cup down and said:” Oh no, no, no. I need original. Someone bring out the big guns. “He also asked if Scrumpy was their, and when they said it was he said:” Love Scrumpy. That was a big fan a long time ago. Everyone remembers Scrumpy. “
Laura said afterwards:” It’s great isn’t it. Having a royal visit, the excitement, bringing people into the county, celebrating the county, showing off all the amazing food and drink we make. “
The Prince and Duchess arrived to loud cheers and were welcomed by Cornwall Cllr John Thomas, Devon and Cornwall Police Chief Constable James Vaughan, North Cornwall MP Ben Maguire, Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association (RCAA) chair Sir Ferrers Vyvyan BT., and RCAA CEO Mark Stoddart.
The Prince joked to Sir Ferrers:” You’re dressed for all eventualities. Better be safe than sorry. “The show enjoyed sunshine today, after downpours yesterday. They went straight into the food and farming tent together and then went off to different engagements.
The Duchess of Edinburgh went to see the Girl Guides, which she is patron of and asked about their work helping at the show. She joked about them using a paper system at the show, saying it was best and adding:” You’d end up having to revert back to it anyway, when the wifi goes down. “
William met families and supporters of local charities and organisations(Image: Getty Images)
She asked about their volunteers and said it was” fantastic”. She was told about the different jobs they help with, including wristbands. She then spoke to a number of the young girls and joked they must all have” sore feet “by the end of the day of the show. One girl told her she had done 7, 937 steps yesterday.
Sophie also said to them:” You’re actually still at school at the moment are you? Cornwall Show is a really good thing for the county so the school gives you the day off yeah? “One girl said she had an INSET day, to which Sophie responded:” Oh that’s lucky. “
She also spoke with representatives at LEAF, which she is also a patron of, before moving to see cows, pigs and sheep. She handed a trophy to the Beef Team of Five Supreme for their winning cows. She tickled one pigs foot and said” wakey wakey “when she peered over into one stye that had a sleeping pig.
And she joked to a dog in the next one:” You’re not a pig. I don’t care what they say, you’re not a pig. “When she watched a pig competition, she joked” needs musts “when one started urinating.
She said to one girl who helped groom a prize-winning sheep: “They are beautiful. Very lovely. You have done a great job. I hope you are pleased with yourself. They are looking really spectacular.” Prince William and the Duchess of Edinburgh then signed the visitor’s book. They then shook lots of hands before leaving.
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The pair enjoyed another day out together in June 2023 at The Royal Foundation’s screening of Rhino Man hosted by United for Wildlife. At the time, Kensington Palace said Sophie was” delighted to join the Prince of Wales at the event this evening to show her support for United for Wildlife, “which he created in 2013.
Cameras also caught a sweet moment between the pair last year at Trooping the Colour in June 2024, when Sophie put her hand on William’s back as the royal family left the balcony of Buckingham Palace.
David Beckham and his wife Victoria are reportedly set to be given knighthoods in King Charles ‘ Birthday Honours List next week, with Sir Rod Stewart’s brutal joke seemingly coming true
David Beckham and King Charles III have struck up a close friendship(Image: PA)
Sir Rod Stewart’s light-hearted prediction about David Beckham’s getting a knighthood – made right in front of King Charles – looks to be coming true. Reports have emerged that Beckham is set to receive a knighthood in the King’s upcoming Birthday Honours.
The former England footballer had previously been considered for the merit several times, but was never included on the final list. In 2017, Beckham’s apparent disappointment at being overlooked became public when a trove of contentious emails – allegedly from him – were leaked.
Bearing that history in mind, Stewart, who was knighted in 2016 for his contributions to music and philanthropy, made a playful jab at Beckham during an event they attended alongside the British monarch.
During the award presentation at a ceremony for ‘ The King’s Foundation’, Stewart quipped in front of the King: “I am also wonderfully honoured to be a knight, and David, yours is coming soon”.
Beckham, amused, was seen smiling and shaking his head, taking the joke in good spirits – even in the King’s presence. Now, new reports indicate that Stewart’s prediction was accurate.
According to The Sun, Beckham will officially become a ‘Sir’ next week, while Victoria Beckham is expected to be styled as “Lady Beckham”. The 50-year-old was named an ambassador to the King’s Foundation last year, further solidifying his relationship with the royal family.
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Recent public moments suggest a friendly rapport between Beckham and the King. At the Chelsea Flower Show last month, the King asked Beckham: “You got it, didn’t you?” referring to a birthday gift. Beckham responded: “It was incredible, thank you. It was very kind.”
Beckham took Sir Stewart’s joke in good humour(Image: PA)
Beyond his footballing achievements in England – 115 caps for the Three Lions, plus various trophy-laden stints at Manchester United, Real Madrid, AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain – Beckham has made a mark as a football executive, co-founding Inter Miami in MLS, home to Lionel Messi.
He has also championed numerous charitable causes, particularly through UNICEF, and was awarded an OBE in 2003. However, it has taken over two decades for that to be elevated to knighthood.
His prospects took a hit in 2017 following the publication of controversial emails allegedly written by him. One message reportedly said he “didn’t care about being knighted”, and another read: “It’s a disgrace to be honest and if I was American I would of]sic] got something like this 10 years ago”.
David Beckham is set to finally receive a knighthood
Beckham later claimed some of the messages had been tampered with. A friend told the Mirror at the time: “To be honest, he does feel that he has given so much to his country… you don’t really mean it.
” While he was frustrated in those emails, he was over it the moment he sent them. Getting the knighthood is not what his work is about. He doesn’t care if he gets a knighthood or not. “
Typically, honours recipients are notified weeks in advance, so Beckham and his wife may already know of the honour.
The death of Justice Mohammed Uwais, a former Nigerian chief justice, has caused sadness for the Northern Governors’ Forum.
In a statement titled “Northern Governors Mourn Former Chief Justice Mohammed Uwais,” Inuwa Yahaya, the forum’s chairman and governor of Gombe State, disclosed this on Friday.
Uwais passed away on Friday morning at the age of 89.
Justice Mohammed Uwais
Also read: Former CJN Mohammed Uwais passes away at 89.
Governor Yahaya described the late jurist as a man of integrity, profound legal insight, and outstanding commitment to judicial reform and the rule of law in a condolence message sent on behalf of his fellow jurists in the area.
Justice Mohammed Uwais’ passing marked the end of a distinguished period in the legal system in Nigeria. In the statement signed by the Director-General (Press Affairs), Ismaila Uba Misilli, he claimed that he was not only a legal icon but also a representative of ethical leadership and judicial excellence.
The NSGF Chairman stated that generations of legal professionals and professionals would continue to be inspired by Justice Uwais’ legacy.
In its quest for justice and democracy, he continued, “Nigeria has indeed lost a towering figure.”
He expressed his condolences to the Uwais family, Kaduna State’s government, the people, the judiciary, and the entire country for the “monumental loss.”
