Tag: ready

Novak Djokovic ready for Wimbledon ‘fireworks’

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Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts as he plays against Australia’s Alexei Popyrin during their men’s singles tennis match on the sixth day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 6, 2024. (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic has his sights set on reaching a seventh successive Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday.

Diminutive giant-killer Yulia Putintseva will target another upset against former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, while lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard aims to make more Wimbledon history.

AFP Sport looks at three fourth-round matches to watch on the eighth day of action at the All England Club:

READ: Djokovic battles to save legacy of Wimbledon’s golden generation

Djokovic on song in title charge

Novak Djokovic has hit all the right notes in the opening rounds of his bid for Wimbledon history, but the Serb can’t afford an off-key moment in his tricky last 16 test against “spectacular” Holger Rune.

Chasing a record-equalling eighth title at the All England Club and 25th Grand Slam crown, Djokovic beat Australia’s Alexei Popyrin 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/3) on Saturday to reach the Wimbledon fourth round for the 16th time.

Still sporting a knee support on his right leg following surgery in June, Djokovic also showed the more playful side of his polarising personality after he subdued the gritty Popyrin.

The Serb, who last won Wimbledon in 2022, mimed playing a violin as he stood on Centre Court in a gesture apparently aimed at his daughter, who has recently started playing the instrument.

READ: Djokovic to play at Paris Olympics, says Serbia

Djokovic will have to stay on song against Rune after the Danish 15th seed mounted an impressive third-round comeback, prevailing over Frenchman Quentin Halys in five sets having trailed by two.

“He looks to me a player that is ready for big things. He’s a spectacular player, no doubt. He’s a very tricky opponent,” Djokovic said.

“When it comes to competing, obviously we both have that fire. I’m sure on Monday we’ll see a lot of fireworks on the court.”

Putintseva set for Ostapenko battle

After ousting world number one Iga Swiatek in the third round, Yulia Putintseva is steeled for another potentially explosive clash when she faces Jelena Ostapenko for a place in the last eight.

The world number 35 fought back to stun Swiatek 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 and end the Polish star’s 21-match winning streak on Saturday.

Putintseva’s victory continued a superb grass-court season for the 29-year-old who won the Birmingham Classic last month.

The Russia-born Kazakhstani has reached the quarter-finals of the French Open and US Open, but had never been beyond the second round at Wimbledon.

“Last year I won no matches on grass. I mean, entering a tournament like Wimbledon, when you have five consecutive wins on grass, it’s pretty good. You feel this surface much better,” Putintseva said.

Putintseva will face the equally emotional Ostapenko next after the Latvian 13th seed’s 6-1, 6-3 win over Bernarda Pera.

Ostapenko won the French Open in 2017 and reached the Wimbledon semi-finals a year later, but has struggled to hit those heights since then.

Aces high for Mpetshi Perricard

Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard thought his Wimbledon campaign was over two weeks ago, but the big-serving Frenchman is now within touching distance of the quarter-finals.

Mpetshi Perricard, who stands a towering 2.03m (6ft 8ins) lost in the final round of qualifying to Maxime Janvier last Thursday.

But the 20-year-old was reprieved when he got the call to replace injured Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the main draw.

Capitalizing on his unexpected opportunity, Mpetshi Perricard defeated Emil Ruusuvuori 4-6, 6-2, 7-6 (7-/5), 6-4 on Saturday to become the first lucky loser to make the Wimbledon last 16 since Dick Norman in 1995.

Fuelled by his mammoth serve — which has produced 105 aces so far in the tournament — Mpetshi Perricard faces Italian 25th seed Lorenzo Musetti as he aims to reach his first Grand Slam quarter-final.

That would be the perfect birthday present for the rising star, who turns 21 on Monday.



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“I’m very proud of myself. How far can I go? I don’t know. I’m just focused on the next one,” he said.

Bronny James ready for pressure after ‘surreal’ Lakers move 

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EL SEGUNDO, CALIFORNIA – JULY 02: Bronny James #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers poses for a photo after a press conference at UCLA Health Training Center on July 02, 2024 in El Segundo, California. The Lakers selected Bronny James and Dalton Knecht in the 2024 NBA Draft.  (Getty Images via AFP)

LOS ANGELES – Bronny James said Tuesday he is ready to deal with the pressure of playing alongside his NBA superstar father LeBron as he was formally unveiled by the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 19-year-old former University of Southern California player, chosen by the Lakers last week with the 55th pick in the NBA Draft, will form the first father-and-son double act in NBA history when he suits up for the Lakers next season.

The Lakers’ move for the teenager has been greeted with skepticism in some quarters, with pundits questioning whether the Lakers would have drafted him if he wasn’t LeBron James’ eldest son

Bronny James, with dad LeBron standing in the background, addressed those criticisms head on in Tuesday’s press conference at the Lakers training facility at El Segundo.

It’s for sure an amplified amount of pressure,” Bronny said.

“I’ve already seen it — social media and … the internet and stuff talking about how I might not deserve an opportunity.

“But, you know, I’ve been dealing with stuff like this my whole life. So it’s nothing different. It’s more amplified for sure. But I’ll get through it.”

James, who was unveiled along with fellow draftee Dalton Knecht, was handed his signature yellow and purple Lakers jersey for the first time.

He will wear a No.9 shirt next season emblazoned with “James Jr.” on it.

“Everything has been surreal, trying to take it all in,” Bronny said about the whirl of emotions he has experienced since being drafted by the Lakers last Thursday.

Bronny said he had not gone into detail about his hopes for his rookie season in talks with his father, who will turn 40 in December in what will be his 22nd season in the NBA.

‘Work ethic’

We haven’t gone too deep into that stuff yet, especially since we haven’t even started summer league yet.

“But just stuff that he’s been telling me my whole life, just having that work ethic and getting your work in and listening to your coaches and being coachable — something he’s driven into my head my whole life.”

Bronny appeared with Lakers new head coach J.J. Redick and general manager Rob Pelinka, and expressed gratitude to the front office for “everything (they) have given to me.”

That drew a clarification from Redick, who himself was controversially appointed to the Lakers head coaching hot seat last month despite never having coached in the league.

“I want to clarify one thing that you just said, which is Rob and I did not give Bronny anything,” Redick said, insisting that the younger James had been recruited on merit.

“Bronny has earned this. Bronny talks about his hard work. Bronny has earned this through hard work,” Redick said.

“We view Bronny as like Case Study 1, because his base level of feel, athleticism, point-of-attack defender, shooting, passing, there is a lot to like about his game.

“He’s going to have a great opportunity to become an excellent NBA player.

“Bronny James, who in July last year suffered a cardiac arrest while practicing with USC in pre-season, said the possibility of playing alongside his father was not a “main focus” of being drawn to the Lakers.

“Rob has told me there’s a great development system here, so I just want to come in and put my work in and get better every day,” he said. “I never really had a thought of me going to play with my dad, but that’s always there … but that wasn’t a main focus.”

He said the health scare last year, which restricted his appearances in college basketball, had made him determined to make a success of his NBA move.



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The time that I had off I feel like I could have been perfecting my game more,” he said. “Yeah, I just feel like I’ve been given an opportunity to showcase what I can really do, because I wasn’t given that much of an opportunity at USC.”

Paris Olympics-bound athletes are ready and equipped–PSC chief

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President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. grants a photo opportunity with officials and Philippine Olympians and Philippine Paralympians as they were sent off for Paris Olympics. –HANDOUT PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—The Filipino athletes competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics are ready and equipped to compete on the world’s biggest sporting stage.

Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Richard Bachmann said multiple sponsors are funding the Paris-bound athletes, boosting their preparations for the quadrennial sporting event.

“The POC (Philippine Olympic Committee) has been getting a lot of sponsors, as well as the PSC and I’m sure all the athletes are happy that all these sponsors and help have been coming in,” Bachmann told Inquirer Sports.

READ: Carlo Paalam ‘feeling better’ ahead of Paris Olympics

“A lot of private companies, senators and other government agencies have full support for the athletes.”

Joining the send-off ceremony was none other than President Ferdinand Marcos, who gave words of encouragement to the Filipino athletes.

In Marcos’ speech, he said he is immensely proud of the Filipino spirit and athletes as they will represent the flag in France in late July.

“My heart swells with pride and optimism. I see before me, men and women who have sacrificed countless late nights in pursuit of perfection,” said Marcos.

The President also said that the government has been heavily investing in Filipino athletes this year alone en route to the Summer Games.

READ: Carlos Yulo focusing on pommel horse as Paris Olympics nears

“We have invested in those dreams and are trying to support the sports movement here in the Philippines. This year. over 1.1 billion has been invested in sports through the PSC in funding athletes,” added Marcos.

Marcos’ appearance in front of the Paris Olympians, according to Bachmann, was huge as they try bring the country to the global stage.

“It’s very huge when the president came over and supported the athletes. It’s very huge,” Bachman said.

Bachmann also revealed that the government will increase the sporting field’s budget next year without disclosing an exact amount.

“I can’t say much now but we’ll be all smiles next year because we’ll have a bigger budget. I can’t tell you the amount but I’m glad we’ll have a bigger budget.”



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Most of the Filipino athletes will be flying to Paris on Saturday in preparation for the Olympics.

Returning Jema Galanza ready for challenge with Alas Pilipinas

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Alas Pilipinas’ Jema Galanza during a VNL meet and greet at Mall of Asia Arena.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jema Galanza embraces the challenge of helping the young guns of Alas Pilipinas as one of the reinforcements ahead of the squad’s campaign in the FIVB Challenger Cup from July 4 to 7 at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“Super excited kasi ngayon na lang ulit ako makakabalik for the national team and makaka-experience ulit ng international games,” said Galanza, who played for the Philippine women’s volleyball team in the past two Southeast Asian Games.

Galanza, the reigning PVL Finals MVP of the Creamline Cool Smashers, is delighted to join a new-look national team composed of the AVC Challenge Cup bronze medalist team, led by tournament’s Best Setter and captain Jia De Guzman and Best Opposite Spiker Angel Canino as well as Sisi Rondina, Eya Laure, Fifi Sharma, Thea Gagate, Dawn Macandili-Catindig, Cherry Nunag, Dell Palomata, Faith Nisperos, Jennifer Nierva, Arah Panique, Julia Coronel, and Vanie Gandler.

READ: Jia De Guzman ‘grateful’ as Alas Pilipinas adds more firepower

The Creamline star was added with her teammate Tots Carlos and National University tandem Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon to the training pool led by coach Jorge Souza De Brito after missing the Challenge Cup due to the Cool Smashers’ long-awaited Spain trip.

“Marami naman talagang nagbago and super happy na mga bata ‘yung kasama ko kasi nacha-challenge ako at marami rin akong natututunan sa kanila. Masaya rin kasi mas relax din kasi ‘yung mga bata ngayon,” said Galanza.

“Marami na rin naman akong laro sa national team na hindi Creamline ‘yung kasama ko so wala namang bago. Maganda siyang challenge for me na iba ‘yung kasama ko so kailangan ko talagang mag-adjust sa sistema ni coach Jorge.”

The do-it-all spiker is grateful to reunite with longtime teammate De Guzman, who has been leading the charge for Alas. 

READ: NU stars, Jema Galanza join Alas Pilipinas training

“Kaming dalawa, hindi na mahirap sa amin ‘yung adjustment. Alam na namin agad ‘yung mga galawan namin sa loob ng court pero super happy kasi alam ko naman din kung paano siya mag-lead sa Creamline pa lang,” Galanza said. “Hindi naman ako mahihirapan gumalaw kasi alam ko na kung paano si ate Jia mag-lead.”

Galanza is also thankful for the warm support she received during the short Alas Pilipinas men’s and women’s teams meet and greet in the VNL on Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

“Kahit saan naman tayo maglaro, laging nakasuporta ‘yung mga Filipino fans ng volleyball. I think ganito na talaga kalaki ‘yung volleyball community at tumataas na ‘yung level of competition kaya grabe na rin talaga ‘yung suporta na natatanggap namin,” she said.



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Kyrie Irving sounds ready to keep chasing NBA titles in Dallas

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Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving pauses on the court in front of Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, left, during the first half of Game 5 of the NBA basketball finals, Monday, June 17, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

DALLAS — Kyrie Irving is a year away from having the option to leave the Dallas Mavericks, and at that point would be closing in on his longest stint anywhere since asking out of Cleveland, where he was drafted, in 2017.

Yet the mercurial guard sounded as if Dallas could be his basketball home well beyond 2025 after losing the NBA Finals in five games to the Boston Celtics in his first full season with co-star Luka Doncic.

“I see an opportunity for us to really build our future in a positive manner where this is almost like a regular thing for us, and we’re competing for championships,” Irving said after Dallas’ 106-88 loss in Game 5.

Irving jilted Boston in free agency in 2019 and has been steadfastly booed by Celtics fans since then. His 3 1/2 seasons in Brooklyn were filled with mostly self-inflicted drama, to the point that he finally asked for a trade after doing the same to break away from LeBron James and the Cavaliers.

When the Mavericks acquired the eight-time All-Star at the deadline last year, Irving’s reputation around the league was in tatters. Things have changed in 16 months.

READ: Doncic, Irving can’t deliver for Mavericks in NBA Finals clincher

“From a spiritual standpoint, I think I enjoyed this journey more than any other season, just because of the redemption arc and being able to learn as much as I did about myself and my teammates and the organization and the people that I’m around,” Irving said. “It’s a lot of good people here, so it makes coming to work a lot of fun.”

Doncic’s player option is a year after Irving’s, following the 2025-26 season. And every other rotation player in the playoffs except for guard Derrick Jones Jr. is under contract next season.

The Mavericks don’t have much room to maneuver under the salary cap, but they will have the nagging question of whether a more dangerous third scoring option is the missing piece.

The 25-year-old Doncic is entering his prime in a difficult NBA Western Conference, with two trips at least to the West finals in the past three seasons.

But Dallas was a surprise team both times, and couldn’t stick around past five games. The next level would be getting this far without being a surprise, perhaps as the favorite to win the title.

Such progress might be required to keep Irving and Doncic together beyond 2025-26, or to keep Doncic in Dallas as long as retired star Dirk Nowitzki stayed — a record 21 seasons with the same franchise.

“When you have one of the best players in the world,” coach Jason Kidd said, “you should be always fighting for a championship.”

READ: NBA Finals: Kyrie Irving says Mavericks change ‘starts with me’

While Irving and Doncic had a full season, the Mavericks like to talk about having just five months together. That’s when trade-deadline additions Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington arrived and helped give Dallas a defensive mindset that became crucial to the deep playoff run.

Last fall, the talk was the full reset for Doncic and Irving. In 3 1/2 months, the talk will be of Gafford, Washington and budding 7-foot-1 star Dereck Lively II, Dallas’ rookie first-round pick, having their first training camp together.

“We did some great moves,” said Doncic, who won his first scoring title. “I would say we’ve been together for five months. We didn’t win the finals, but we did have a hell of a season.”

If the Mavericks don’t add a starter in the offseason, the 32-year-old Irving figures to be the only player older than 26 in the lineup. Lively won’t be 21 until February.

Maxi Kleber, a 32-year-old with seven seasons of NBA experience, is the other 30-something who might be in the rotation. Tim Hardaway Jr. is the same age, but he fell out of the rotation late in the season, leaving his role in doubt with one year remaining on his contract.

“We’re a young team, and so this isn’t a team when you look at do we have to replace some of the older players,” Kidd said. “We have a core, a young core at that, and so this is an exciting time to be a Mavs fan and to also be a coach for the Mavs.”

The “old guy” — Irving — sounds as if he doesn’t want to be replaced in Dallas anytime soon.



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“When you really love something, you really want to win and it doesn’t happen, how do you respond from that?” Irving asked. “I think I could tell you I’m pretty confident that we’ll be back in the gym pretty soon and getting ready for next year.”