Sports
Djokovic Defeats Rinderknech to Make More Wimbledon History
Novak Djokovic continued his remarkable record at The Championships, Wimbledon by overcoming a determined challenge from Arthur Rinderknech to reach the fourth round and add another milestone to his illustrious career.
After producing an impressive display against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the previous round, the seven-time Wimbledon champion faced a much tougher examination on Centre Court before eventually securing a 7-5, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7-4) victory.
The win marked Djokovic’s 105th singles victory at Wimbledon, leaving only Martina Navratilova, with 120 singles wins, ahead of him on the tournament’s all-time list.
The triumph also saw the 39-year-old equal Roger Federer’s record of 18 appearances in the Wimbledon fourth round, another landmark in a career already filled with historic achievements.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic joked about matching Federer’s total of 105 Wimbledon victories.
“I propose a match between me and Roger for 106! Whoever wins it, gets it. Let’s just stop this here and let’s call him down.”
Reflecting on his latest achievement, Djokovic added:
“To be able to make history on this court is a huge honour and privilege. This was always a childhood dream of mine.
“I’m not really thinking about how many more I can get, I’m just really trying to win the match on a given day.”
The men’s record 24-time Grand Slam champion will next face Russian qualifier Roman Safiullin for a place in the quarter-finals after Safiullin produced a dominant 6-3, 6-3, 6-3 victory over Brazilian rising star João Fonseca.
Meanwhile, defending Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner also progressed to the fourth round, defeating American Jenson Brooksby 6-4, 6-3, 6-4.
Djokovic initially appeared to be cruising toward another straightforward victory as he claimed the opening two sets with confident serving and trademark shot-making. During the first set, he delighted the Centre Court crowd with a spectacular full-stretch volley before taking a bow and cupping his ear in celebration.
Although both players exchanged early service breaks, Djokovic gradually established control and looked poised to finish the contest quickly after earning another crucial break in the second set.
However, Rinderknech, who famously eliminated Alexander Zverev at Wimbledon last year, refused to surrender. The Frenchman raised his level significantly in the third set, breaking Djokovic’s serve twice in succession and dominating the set to force the contest back into life.
Encouraged by a lively Centre Court crowd, Rinderknech continued to play with confidence throughout the fourth set, pushing Djokovic into a tense tie-break. But the Serbian’s vast experience proved decisive as he held his nerve to seal victory and continue his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Manchester United midfielder Youri Tielemans has apologised to Aston Villa fans after saying his new club was above his former side.
The Belgium international, 29, joined United from Villa this summer on a five-year contract after the club triggered his £35m release clause.
Tielemans spent three years at Villa Park after joining from Leicester City in 2023, making 134 appearances and scoring 10 goals.
Speaking during United’s pre-season tour, Tielemans praised Villa for helping him return to his best form but then said: “There are clubs above Villa, and Manchester United is one of them.”
His comments drew criticism from some Villa supporters, prompting the midfielder to issue an apology on Instagram.
“Never meant for my words in the press yesterday to offend anyone or the institution of Aston Villa Football Club, which I massively respect and I’m grateful for the past three years,” Tielemans wrote.
“I must however admit my mistake and apologise for my choice of words, will be more careful in the future.
“Wishing the club the best in the future.”
Tielemans, who helped Belgium reach the quarter-finals of this summer’s World Cup, signed for United in July in a deal that keeps him at Old Trafford until 2031.
He described the transfer as “the culmination of years of dedication since I first fell in love with football”, adding that joining “such a special club” was an incredible feeling.
The midfielder endured injury problems last season, suffering separate calf and ankle issues that limited him to 35 appearances in all competitions for Villa — his lowest total in a season since moving to England.
United will face AC Milan in their final pre-season fixture on Saturday, while Villa play Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Premier League season begins next weekend.
Paris Saint-Germain have been given an additional dressing room at the Red Bull Arena after expressing dissatisfaction with their facilities ahead of Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup against Aston Villa.
Champions League winners PSG were initially allocated the away dressing room at the stadium in Austria, while Europa League champions Aston Villa were using Red Bull Salzburg’s home dressing room.
PSG officials raised concerns with UEFA during a pre-match meeting on Monday, saying their allocated dressing room was too small.
UEFA subsequently made a spare dressing room available to PSG, allowing the French side more space and facilities comparable to those provided to Aston Villa.
The additional room is normally used by match officials, but UEFA said no officials were moved to accommodate PSG.
Luis Enrique’s side will face Unai Emery’s Aston Villa in the Super Cup, which brings together the winners of Europe’s two major club competitions from the previous season.
Bruno Guimaraes has completed his move from Newcastle United to Premier League champions Arsenal, saying he felt ready for a new challenge.
The 28-year-old Brazil midfielder has signed a four-year contract with Arsenal, with the option of a further 12 months.
Guimaraes had made it clear earlier in the summer that he wanted to join Arsenal and left Newcastle’s pre-season training camp in La Manga, Spain, earlier this week to complete the transfer after talks between the clubs reached an agreement.
“This move is very tough because Newcastle means so much to me,” Guimaraes said.
“But I wanted to experience something new in my life. I feel ready for a new challenge for myself and my family.”
The midfielder said he had received messages from several of his new team-mates, including fellow Brazil international Gabriel and England midfielder Declan Rice.
Rice, who has previously faced Guimaraes in midfield, joked: “Come here and please no more fights, now we’re friends.”
“I’m at the point of my life, I think I need a challenge like this,” Guimaraes said. “I want to win trophies, I want to make history and I think I’m in the right place to do it. I’m so excited to start.”
Guimaraes joined Newcastle in January 2022 when the club were battling relegation and quickly became an important part of their revival under former manager Eddie Howe.
He was appointed captain and became the first Newcastle skipper in 70 years to lift a major domestic trophy when the club beat Liverpool in the 2025 Carabao Cup final.
Newcastle said they wished Guimaraes and his family well following his departure.
Palestinians Ordered to Leave Homes During Israeli Operation in West Bank Village
South Korea’s Incheon airport becomes world’s busiest for global traffic
Tielemans says sorry after Man Utd comments upset Villa supporters
-
Sports1 week agoReal Madrid make improved contract offer to Vinicius Junior
-
News1 week agoBoat quarantined on DR Congo river amid Ebola scare after five deaths
-
News1 week agoProgressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Democratic Senate primary in Michigan
-
Sports1 week agoNewcastle appoint Matthias Jaissle as head coach
-
News1 week agoUefa says boycott threat remains despite FA withdrawing support for Infantino
-
Sports1 week agoManchester United admit errors in ticket touting investigation
-
Sports1 week agoArsenal in talks to sign Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes
-
Sports6 days agoBruno Guimaraes joins Arsenal from Newcastle