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.”
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!”
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.
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.
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.
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.”
Where will Cristiano Ronaldo go next?
Reactions to Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘explosive’ interview with Piers Morgan
Roger Federer and the ‘GOAT’ debate
PGA Tour Championship: Rory McIlroy’s ‘comeback of comebacks’ in Atlanta
Rafael Nadal: is the end drawing near for the ‘king of clay’?
Australian Open: Ash Barty and Rafael Nadal serve up a memorable ending
Australian Open men’s final: Nadal vs. Medvedev preview and predictions
