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The Decathlon: Kyrgios’s verbal volley at Djokovic, Nadal and Verdasco
Ten things from the world of sport on Thursday 16 May
Speaking on the No Challenges Remaining podcast this week fiery Australian Kyrgios has revealed what he truly thinks about tennis rivals Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal and Fernando Verdasco.
ESPN reports that Kyrgios launched a “spectacular attack” on the trio. Speaking about Djokovic he said: “I just feel like he has a sick obsession with wanting to be liked. He just wants to be like Roger [Federer]. For me personally - I don’t care right now, I’ve come this far - I feel like he just wants to be liked so much that I just can’t stand him.”
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Kyrgios called Nadal his “polar opposite” and “super salty”, but it was another Spaniard who was the main target.
“Verdasco drives me nuts, man,” said Kyrgios. “That guy... I don’t even want to talk about it. It gets me so vexed, I’m like angry now that I just hear that name. He’s the most arrogant person ever.
“He doesn’t say hello, he thinks he’s so good, he thinks he’s God's gift. Dude, your backhand’s pretty average and let’s be honest, you hit a ball over a net.”
2. Teeing off at Bethpage Black
Golf’s second major of the year starts today. The 2019 US PGA Championship features the world’s top players and among the favourites to win at Bethpage Black are defending champion Brooks Koepka, Dustin Johnson, Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods. See our event guide for predictions and today’s tee times.
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3. Euro giants linked with Arsenal strikers
Arsenal stars Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette are both subject to transfer speculation today. Golden Boot winner Aubameyang is a target for Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain while Lacazette is linked with Barcelona.
4. Derby to play Villa at Wembley
Derby County will take on Aston Villa in the Championship play-off final for a place in next season’s Premier League. Frank Lampard’s Derby side hit back to beat Leeds United 4-2 at Elland Road last night and progress 4-3 on aggregate.
5. Sterling’s a man of the people
BBC Sport’s Football Daily podcast asks the question: is Raheem Sterling the most influential sportsperson in Britain? The Manchester City and England star has shone on the pitch but it’s his social activism and fight against racism where he is also getting plaudits off the field. Journalist and broadcaster Musa Okwonga said: “He’s not a traditional spokesman, he’s a regular guy - a man of the people. He’s an everyman and that’s why his messages are so powerful.”
6. Whyte: if Wilder loses I won’t be shocked
British heavyweight boxer Dillian Whyte has told Sky Sports that he would not be surprised if WBC champion Deontay Wilder was beaten this weekend by Dominic Breazeale. Whyte said: “I wouldn’t be surprised if Breazeale beats him, because Breazeale seems to be tough and he seems like he can take a punch.”
7. Latifi denies reports
It was claimed this week that Williams Racing could replace Robert Kubica with test driver Nicholas Latifi. However, Canadian driver Latifi has denied reports that he is set to step up from F2 to F1 during the 2019 season. Latifi told GPBlog.com: “Of course my goal is to get into Formula 1. But my programme this year is focused on Formula 2. That is my priority. I have to concentrate on maintaining my current form there and winning the championship. If I do that, I think I will find myself in a good position to go to Formula 1 next year.”
8. Draft for The Hundred
The Hundred, cricket’s new competition starting in July 2020, will become the first major sporting event in Britain to hold a player draft. BBC Sport reports that the draft will be held on 20 October and The Hundred will feature eight city-based teams playing 100 balls per innings.
9. City fury at Uefa referral
The Guardian reports that Manchester City are furious after the investigation into alleged financial fair play irregularities was referred for final judgment to Uefa’s club financial control body investigatory chamber (CFCB IB). Yves Leterme, head of the chamber, says that City have a case to answer and if found guilty the title winners could face a one-season ban from the Champions League.
A City statement said: “Manchester City Football Club is disappointed, but regrettably not surprised by the sudden announcement of the referral to be made by the CFCB IC chief investigator Yves Leterme.
“The leaks to media over the last week are indicative of the process that has been overseen by Mr Leterme. Manchester City is entirely confident of a positive outcome when the matter is considered by an independent judicial body.”
10. United’s puppet show
Jose Mourinho has taken a swipe at former club Manchester United and his successor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The “Special One” believes that “nice guy” Solskjaer has become a “puppet on a string” at Old Trafford.
