Sports
Emma Raducanu Exits Wimbledon After Loss to Qualifier Lulu Sun
Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon journey came to an abrupt end as she was defeated by New Zealand qualifier Lulu Sun in the fourth round. Despite battling through a back injury in the final set, the 21-year-old British wildcard succumbed to a 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 loss in a gripping match on Centre Court.
Raducanu had managed to level the match and boost her confidence after an impressive performance from the spirited Sun. However, an unfortunate slip on the baseline during the first game of the third set exacerbated her condition. The 2021 US Open champion required on-court treatment for her hip and back but continued to play, much to the crowd’s encouragement.
Despite her determination, Raducanu struggled to regain her footing. She was broken twice in the decisive set, with Sun capitalizing on her opponent’s impaired movement. The world number 135 Raducanu missed her chance to advance to her first Wimbledon quarter-final, marking a significant moment for Sun, who had never previously won a main-draw match at a Grand Slam.
Disappointing End for Raducanu
Raducanu’s early exit leaves no British players in the singles draws at the All England Club. Her defeat followed an impressive start to the tournament, where she sailed through her initial matches without dropping a set. However, Sun’s powerful and confident gameplay ultimately disrupted Raducanu’s momentum and disappointed the hopeful home crowd.
Adding to the dismay, Raducanu’s withdrawal from a mixed doubles appearance with Andy Murray, due to wrist stiffness, drew some criticism. The move denied Murray another chance to play at Wimbledon in what could be his farewell tournament.
Sun’s Rising Star
For Lulu Sun, this victory marks a career milestone. Overwhelmed with emotion, the 23-year-old expressed her elation at reaching the Wimbledon quarter-finals in only her second Grand Slam main-draw appearance. Having defeated Chinese eighth seed Zheng Qinwen in the first round, Sun’s remarkable run continues as she prepares to face Croatia’s Donna Vekic for a place in the semi-finals.
Sun’s resilience and tenacity on the court have made her a standout player in this year’s tournament, and her journey forward will be closely watched by tennis enthusiasts worldwide.
Sports
Brighton Complete Signing of Luka Vuskovic
Brighton & Hove Albion have completed the signing of Croatian defender Luka Vuskovic, with head coach Fabian Hurzeler urging supporters to give the youngster time to adapt to life in the Premier League.
“There has been a lot of external noise about Luka joining us, but he is still a young player who will need time to adjust to the demands of playing for Brighton and in the Premier League,” Hurzeler said.
“We are confident he will take it all in his stride.”
Vuskovic arrives to replace Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, who has joined Tottenham Hotspur in a £52 million move after completing a long-term deal.
Born in Split, Vuskovic came through the ranks at hometown club Hajduk Split, making history as the youngest player to feature in Croatia’s top flight at just 16 years old. He later became the club’s youngest-ever goalscorer.
The highly rated defender enjoyed an impressive campaign in the Bundesliga last season, earning the league’s Rookie of the Season award and a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.
On the international stage, Vuskovic has made six appearances for Croatia, scoring once, and made his FIFA World Cup debut against England during the group stage last month.
Brighton will begin their Premier League campaign at home to Aston Villa on Sunday, 23 August, with kick-off scheduled for 2:00pm BST.
Sports
Manchester United Close In on Youri Tielemans Signing
Manchester United are closing in on the signing of Belgian midfielder Youri Tielemans as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new season.
The Red Devils have made reinforcing the centre of the pitch a priority this summer but have endured a series of setbacks in the transfer market. Their pursuit of Elliot Anderson ended unsuccessfully after the midfielder opted to join Manchester City, while Mateus Fernandes chose to move to Tottenham Hotspur instead of Old Trafford.
United had also agreed a £35 million deal with Serie A side Atalanta for Brazil international Ederson, but that transfer has been put on hold.
Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos is understood to have completed a medical ahead of a proposed £48 million move elsewhere, while United are expected to remain active in the market before the transfer window closes.
With Kobbie Mainoo currently involved in England’s World Cup campaign, United have limited experienced options in central midfield, making the addition of an established player a key objective.
Tielemans, 29, has long been admired by the club, with his extensive Premier League experience viewed as a major asset. The Belgium international played an important role in his country’s run to the World Cup quarter-finals but was forced to miss their 2-1 defeat to Spain after suffering an injury during the pre-match warm-up.
Sports
England’s World Cup Clash with Mexico Delayed by One Hour Due to Severe Weather
England’s 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Mexico national football team has been delayed by one hour because of severe weather in Mexico City.
Heavy rain has fallen throughout the day, while lightning has been detected above Estadio Azteca, where the match is due to be played.
Under local safety regulations, play cannot begin until 30 minutes have passed without any lightning being detected within an eight-mile radius of the stadium.
Earlier, a shelter-in-place order was issued at Estadio Azteca as adverse weather moved through the area, requiring spectators and personnel to remain in safe locations.
Although FIFA oversees the tournament, it must comply with local public safety protocols regarding severe weather and cannot apply separate rules in such situations.
In a statement, FIFA said: “The safety and security of all individuals is FIFA’s priority.”
The delay follows discussions held on Friday between FIFA, The Football Association and the Mexican Football Federation after FIFA proposed moving the fixture to an earlier kick-off time of 19:00 BST (12:00 local time) on Sunday.
However, that proposal was later withdrawn, with the original kick-off time initially left unchanged before the weather ultimately forced the delay.
The Football Association requested additional time to examine detailed weather forecasts before any decision was made.
During the discussions, officials also considered the potential impact that changing the kick-off time would have on player preparation, supporter travel arrangements and the complex logistics involved in staging one of the tournament’s highest-profile matches.
The revised kick-off will now take place once local authorities confirm that weather conditions meet the required safety standards for players, officials and spectators.
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