The Decathlon: Nadal, Barty, McIlroy and Ronaldo are the weekend’s big winners
Ten things from the world of sport on Monday 10 June
1. King of clay wins again in Paris
Rafael Nadal won his 12th French Open title yesterday after beating Dominic Thiem in four sets at Roland-Garros.
In a repeat of last year’s final Spaniard Nadal proved he was the “king of clay” after a 6-3, 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 victory over the Austrian.
Nadal now has 18 career grand slam titles and is only two behind Roger Federer’s record of 20.
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Speaking after his win over Thiem, Nadal said: “I can’t explain what I’ve achieved and how I feel. It’s a dream. To play for the first time in 2005 - I never thought in 2019 I’d still be here. It’s an incredible moment and very special for me.”
Australia’s Ashleigh Barty won her first career grand slam title after victory over Marketa Vondrousova in the women’s singles final.
The 23-year-old said in Paris: “It is unbelievable, I’m a little speechless, I played almost the perfect match. It has been a crazy two weeks.
“It is a special place here for Australian players and I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve been able to achieve.”
Djokovic vs. Nadal vs. Federer: the great ‘GOAT’ debate
2. McIlroy confident ahead of US Open
Rory McIlroy will head to this week’s US Open major championship in top form after a stunning seven-shot victory at the Canadian Open. The Northern Irish golfer said: “I played with so much freedom over the weekend. More freedom than I’ve had for a while, which is exciting because I’ve been able to win this tournament, but also exciting for what’s coming up and what’s ahead.” The major starts on Thursday 13 June at Pebble Beach Golf Links in California.
3. Warne’s praise for ‘destructive’ Buttler
Jos Buttler’s displays for Cricket World Cup favourites England have earned him praise from an unlikely source - Australian spin bowling legend Shane Warne. “Buttler is arguably one of the most destructive batsmen who’s played white-ball cricket,” said Warne. “How would I bowl at Buttler? I would happily give him a single and get the other bloke down the striker’s end!”
Morgan: no serious concern over Buttler
4. Ronaldo lifts another trophy
Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal celebrated another European trophy after winning the inaugural Uefa Nations League tournament. The Nations League final victory over the Netherlands means that Ronaldo has now secured three winners’ medals this season. In his first year in Italy Ronaldo’s Juventus won the Serie A title and Supercoppa Italiana.
Ronaldo: I have no plans to retire from international football
5. Ronaldo asks De Ligt to join Juve
Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo has asked him to move to Juventus. After facing Portugal’s Ronaldo in the Uefa Nations League final Netherlands defender De Ligt was approached by the superstar striker. De Ligt said: “I didn’t understand him at first. I was a little shocked, so I laughed, but I didn’t say anything.” The 19-year-old has also been linked with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
Premier League transfer news: Eriksen, Lloris, De Gea, Felix, Bailey
6. Pickford the hero
England secured Nations League bronze after beating Switzerland 6-5 on penalties. After the match finished 0-0 after extra-time England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was the star of the shoot-out. The Everton No.1 scored from 12 yards before saving from Josip Drmic. “The gaffer [Gareth Southgate] in extra time went ‘number five’, and I went ‘oh wow’,” said Pickford. “I’m not a normal penalty taker but I just relaxed and trusted my ability.”
7. Ortiz recovering after being shot
The Boston Red Sox have confirmed that baseball legend David Ortiz, 43, is recovering from surgery after being shot in the back in the Dominican Republic on Sunday. In a statement the Red Sox said of the three-time World Series champion’s condition: “David’s family has confirmed that he sustained a gunshot wound to the lower back/abdominal region. We have offered David’s family all available resources to aid in his recovery and will continue to keep them in our hearts.”
8. Canadian GP controversy
Lewis Hamilton’s victory at the Canadian Grand Prix was secured in controversial circumstances at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Mercedes driver Hamilton actually finished second on the grid behind Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, but the German was given a five-second penalty for almost colliding with his rival. The win in Canada means that reigning world champion Hamilton has extended his lead at the top of the 2019 Formula 1 drivers’ standings to 29 points.
F1: Vettel’s rage, Ferrari’s appeal and Hamilton’s boos
9. 6.1m tune in for England vs. Scotland
England’s 2-1 victory over Scotland yesterday at the Fifa Women’s World Cup attracted a peak audience of 6.1m watching on BBC TV, making it the UK’s most watched women’s football match of all time.
10. Neville: Lionesses can’t let standards drop
England’s Lionesses opened their World Cup account with victory over Scotland but head coach Phil Neville is demanding more from his squad. Neville said: “We set standards and the players have to keep meeting them. We cannot drop below those standards. We have to keep being ruthless. It taught us that every game is going to be hard but I was pleased with the result.”
Today’s back pages: Lionesses fear no one at World Cup
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