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
Jack Draper Advances to Japan Open Last 16 with Win Over Bellucci
British tennis player Jack Draper has secured a spot in the Japan Open last 16 after defeating Italy’s Mattia Bellucci in straight sets. Draper, ranked world number 20, claimed a 6-4, 6-2 victory, marking his first win since his US Open semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner earlier this month.
The 22-year-old’s triumph in Tokyo comes as a welcome return to form following a challenging Davis Cup in Manchester, where he lost both of his singles matches to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo and Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, contributing to Great Britain’s failure to reach the knockout stages.
After a tightly contested first set against world number 103 Bellucci, Draper dominated the second set, building a 5-1 lead before closing out the match. He will face Polish second seed Hubert Hurkacz in the next round on Friday.
Sports
Wolves Defender Yerson Mosquera Likely Out for Season with Knee Injury
Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Yerson Mosquera is expected to miss the remainder of the season following a serious knee injury sustained in Wolves’ 3-1 loss to Aston Villa. The 23-year-old Colombian twisted his knee after a collision with Villa’s Morgan Rogers in the 82nd minute and was stretchered off the pitch.
Scans confirmed that Mosquera suffered damage to both the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which will require surgery. Wolves’ head of high performance, Phil Hayward, said, “We will be visiting specialists to finalise the plan for surgery, and it’s highly unlikely he will feature again this season.”
Mosquera had been a key part of Wolves’ defense this season, starting all five Premier League games after returning from a loan spell at Villarreal. His absence further deepens Wolves’ defensive issues, as they did not secure a replacement for Max Kilman following his £40m move to West Ham.
Wolves, currently winless and sitting at the bottom of the Premier League, face Liverpool at home in their next match.
Sports
Ex-Real Madrid & Manchester United Defender Raphael Varane Retires at 31
Raphael Varane, former defender for Real Madrid, Manchester United, and the French national team, has retired from professional football at the age of 31. Varane, who joined Italian side Como in July, sustained a knee injury on his debut, prompting his decision to step away from playing. He will remain at Como in a non-playing capacity.
In an emotional Instagram post, Varane wrote, “It takes a big dose of courage to listen to your heart and your instinct,” explaining his desire to leave the sport on his own terms.
Varane began his career at Lens before a decade-long stint at Real Madrid, where he won 18 major trophies, including three La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He later joined Manchester United in 2021, making 95 appearances and winning the Carabao Cup in 2022.
Internationally, Varane earned 93 caps for France, winning the 2018 World Cup and the 2021 Nations League. Reflecting on his career, Varane expressed pride in both his achievements and staying true to his values.
He hinted at future projects with Como, adding, “Something I am looking forward to sharing more about soon.” Varane has also been vocal about the dangers of head injuries in football, having played through concussions during his career, and he has called for better protection for players.
-
Spotlight4 days ago
Top Legal Pitfalls Employers Must Avoid to Prevent Wrongful Termination Claims
-
Sports4 days ago
‘Haaland throwing ball at Gabriel a coward’s move’
-
Business5 days ago
British Airways Suspends Summer 2025 Flights from Southampton Airport
-
Sports4 days ago
Barcelona’s Ter Stegen to Undergo Knee Surgery After Injury
-
News4 days ago
Japan Battles Devastating Floods Following Record Rainfall, Six Dead
-
Entertainment4 days ago
Deadline Set for Bids on Historic Peter Pan House in Dumfries
-
Sports5 days ago
Stones Snatches Late Equaliser to Deny Arsenal Victory at Etihad
-
News15 hours ago
Israeli Airstrikes Hit Beirut, Hezbollah Leader Targeted Amid Escalating Conflict