Sports

Naomi Osaka Partners with Serena Williams’ Former Coach Patrick Mouratoglou

Published

3 weeks ago

September 25, 2024

Naomi Osaka, a four-time major champion, announced on Wednesday her collaboration with Patrick Mouratoglou, the renowned former coach of Serena Williams, stating she “didn’t want to have regrets” as she aims to revitalize her tennis career.

In her first round match at the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing, Osaka, currently ranked 73rd, secured a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti, with Mouratoglou present in her player’s box. This follows Osaka’s recent split from Belgian coach Wim Fissette, as she seeks to regain her former top-tier form.

The 26-year-old expressed a need for change, describing Mouratoglou as a “big persona” and noting, “I like the way he coaches. I think it’s going to be really interesting.” After her match, Osaka highlighted the importance of this new phase in her career, stating, “I don’t want to have regrets. I’d rather pull the trigger on something… I feel like I really need to learn as much as possible.”

Mouratoglou is well-known for his long-term association with Williams, which initially made Osaka hesitant to engage with him. “The fact that he was Serena’s coach made me want to avoid him just because his persona is so big,” she remarked. However, after working with him on the court, she has come to appreciate his coaching skills and is pleased with his involvement in her career.

Osaka also shared her initial nervousness around Mouratoglou, admitting, “I kind of look to the floor when he looks at me.” Despite this, she is gradually becoming more comfortable with him as they continue to work together.

Osaka’s next challenge at the China Open will be against the 21st seed Yulia Putintseva from Kazakhstan, as she aims to build momentum following a challenging return to the WTA Tour after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.

Sports

CAF Confirms Morocco as Host for 2024 Women’s Champions League

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially designated Morocco as the host for the 2024 CAF Women’s Champions League finals. The tournament will take place from November 9 to November 23, as announced on CAF’s official website.

Morocco previously hosted the last edition of this prestigious competition. Among the eight teams competing this year is Nigeria’s champions, Edo Queens. The current title holders are Mamelodi Sundowns from South Africa.

The tournament offers significant financial incentives, with winners receiving $400,000 and runners-up taking home $250,000.

Sports

Messi Matches Ronaldo’s Record with Hat-Trick Against Bolivia

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Argentina captain Lionel Messi has equaled Cristiano Ronaldo’s record of 10 international hat-tricks after scoring three times in a dominant 6-0 victory against Bolivia in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In addition to his goals, the 37-year-old forward also provided two assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities. With this win, Argentina solidifies its position in the South American qualifiers, currently leading the table three points ahead of second-placed Colombia and six points clear of their arch-rivals Brazil.

On the same evening, Ronaldo’s Portugal faced Scotland in the UEFA Nations League but was held to a frustrating 0-0 draw, leaving the superstar visibly upset post-match.

Sports

Mourinho Targets Barcelona’s Ansu Fati for January Transfer to Fenerbahce

Published

9 hours ago

October 16, 2024

Online Editor

Fenerbahce manager, Jose Mourinho, is reportedly planning a January transfer move for Barcelona forward Ansu Fati. After spending last season on loan at Brighton in the Premier League, Fati, now 21, returned to Barcelona but has struggled for game time under new coach Hansi Flick.

Once considered a potential successor to Lionel Messi, Fati’s limited opportunities at Barça have fueled speculation about a possible departure. According to *AS*, Mourinho is keen to bring the Spain international to the Turkish league, offering him the chance for regular football at Fenerbahce.

Fenerbahce’s sporting director, Mario Branco, is expected to initiate discussions with Fati’s representatives soon, confident that the promise of consistent playing time will help secure the forward’s move.