Asianet Newsable

India Proud: 10-Year-Old Yakshitha Deepakkumar Wins Bronze at Global Karate Championship in Malaysia

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 22 May 2026 15:36:49 +0530

India’s karate community celebrated a proud moment on May 22, 2026, when Yakshitha Deepakkumar, daughter of Deepak Kumar S, Head of Digital Growth of the Asianet News Network, and a 10‑year‑old athlete from Bangalore, secured a bronze medal at the 2S Karate Championship 2026 held in Malaysia. The tournament, focused on kumite (fighting), drew approximately 1,600 participants from six countries, including Malaysia, Singapore, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, and Saudi Arabia.

Yakshitha competed in the girls’ individual kumite category for ages 10 to 11, which featured 32 participants. Representing the National Martial Arts & Fitness Academy (NMFA) under the guidance of her master, R Prabakaran, she fought through multiple rounds to claim third place.

Rising Talent On The Global Stage

The event was notable not only for its scale but also for the diversity of competitors. With athletes from across Asia and beyond, the championship provided a platform for young martial artists to test their skills against international peers. Yakshitha’s performance stood out as she demonstrated composure, technique, and resilience in a demanding category.

Her bronze medal finish is significant given the intensity of competition and the sheer number of participants. For a young athlete, securing a podium finish at such a global event signals both promise and potential.

The NMFA academy in Bangalore has been steadily building a reputation for nurturing young martial artists. Under the mentorship of R Prabakaran, Yakshitha’s achievement adds to the academy’s growing list of international accolades.

A Tournament Of Scale And Diversity

The 2S Karate Championship 2026 was one of the largest gatherings of young karate talent in the region. With nearly 1,600 participants across categories, the event highlighted the growing popularity of martial arts among youth. The inclusion of countries such as Australia and Saudi Arabia alongside Asian neighbors underscored the global reach of the competition.

Yakshitha’s success is expected to inspire other young athletes in Bangalore and beyond. Her journey reflects the importance of structured training, discipline, and exposure to international competition. As she continues to train under NMFA, her trajectory could lead to further achievements in continental and world‑level championships.

5 Ways Seth Rollins Could Shake WWE RAW After The Vision’s Latest Championship Chaos

Vaishnav Akash — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 09:43:56 +0530

Seth Rollins has been wronged by The Vision, but his next moves could change WWE RAW forever.

Rollins could join forces with The Street Profits in their rematch against Bron Breakker and Austin Theory. His involvement might cost the new champions their gold and give him revenge for being robbed of the titles.

With Angelo Dawkins absent, Rollins could partner with Montez Ford. This pairing could earn a World Tag Team Championship match at SummerSlam 2026, where Rollins might finally capture the straps himself.

The Vision’s repeated chaos on RAW has frustrated General Manager Adam Pearce. He could suspend the faction for their actions, punishing them and restoring order to the red brand.

Seth Rollins, devastated after losing his King of the Ring chance, could retaliate with a brutal backstage assault on Breakker and Theory. This would force Pearce to book a tag team showdown with Montez Ford and Rollins against The Vision.

Triple H and WWE’s creative team now hold the cards. Their direction for Rollins could decide whether he regains momentum, challenges The Vision directly, or sets his sights on championship glory once again.

French Open 2026: Alexander Zverev Clinches Maiden Grand Slam Title, Defeats Flavio Cobolli in Final

Asianet Newsable English — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 23:56:30 +0530

Alexander Zverev finally secured his maiden Grand Slam title with a dramatic five-set victory over Italy's Flavio Cobolli in the French Open final on Sunday.

The second seed became the first German man to win a major tournament since Boris Becker at the 1996 Australian Open with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1 win after four hours and 16 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier. It was Zverev's fourth Grand Slam final and second at Roland Garros after some heartbreaking near misses in his career.

THE WAIT IS OVER #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/i1PL0lkgAf

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2026

Cobolli, the 10th seed, was bidding to become the first Italian man to win the French Open in 50 years.

The 24-year-old had never even played a Slam semi-final before, let alone a final, after his last-four opponent Matteo Arnaldi withdrew from the tournament through illness.

A Long-Awaited Breakthrough

Both players appeared to struggle with nerves at various points in the match, especially Cobolli during an error-strewn first set.

But Zverev's greater experience showed in a deciding set that was far tenser than the scoreline suggested, as he managed to get over the line.

The 29-year-old was handed a golden opportunity to break his Grand Slam duck by the injury-enforced absence of reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and surprise early exits for Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.

The world number three was not always in control, making 54 unforced errors, but did enough to finally shed the tag of being one of the best players to have never won a major.

HE DID IT #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/SFJgCRZon0

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2026

Zverev had previously also lost in six Slam quarter-finals and seven semi-finals, alongside his three final defeats.

The most agonising miss of all was his first major final when he blew a two-set lead and failed to serve for the championship against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.

The now-retired Thiem was watching on from the stands at Roland Garros as Zverev belatedly put the memories of that match to bed six years later.

Cobolli's Nervy Start

Cobolli made a nervy start and appeared to be struggling to deal with the occasion as the first set quickly got away from him in 39 minutes, making 16 unforced errors.

He managed to settle into the match with three successive holds of serve in the second set and then made his move out of nowhere to break in the seventh game.

Zverev had been completely untroubled on serve previously, but produced a scrappy game featuring two double-faults and a wild forehand on break point before turning to gesticulate angrily towards his coaching staff.

Winner down the line? Best way to win the set #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/w2HhP7476b

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 7, 2026

Cobolli started to grow in confidence and served out the set to breathe life into the final.

A higher-quality third set disappeared from Cobolli's grasp in the 10th game, though, as from 30-0 up, he lost four points in a row, including a poor forehand that flew well wide on set point.

Cobolli’s Fightback and Tie-Break Heroics

The world number 14, who will climb into the top 10 for the first time next week, hit straight back with a break in the opening game of the fourth set.

He could not pull away in the set, though, as both players ended up being broken twice, including Cobolli when he served for it at 5-4.

But the Italian rallied himself to push it into a tie-break, which he took to force a decider with a blistering forehand winner on his second set point.

Following a delay before the start of the final act after Cobolli left the court, Zverev struck first blood with a break in the first game.

Cobolli's hopes were finally all but extinguished when he missed a break-back point and then dropped serve again to slip 3-0 down.

Zverev staved off three more break points in the fourth game and eased to victory from there, falling to the clay in celebration after Cobolli shanked an overhead on his second match point.

5 Triple H Booking Calls From WWE SmackDown That Delivered Shock, Drama And Pure Wrestling Excitement

Vaishnav Akash — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 13:50:53 +0530

WWE SmackDown delivered surprises, rivalries, and bold moves. Triple H’s decisions shaped the night, leaving fans buzzing about what’s next.

The Queen of the Ring qualifier saw Raquel Rodriguez defeat Kiana James, Bayley, and Jacy Jayne. Allowing Big Mami Cool to move forward was the right call, restoring her powerhouse status and setting up a thrilling semifinal clash with IYO SKY.

Rhea Ripley addressed her victory over Jade Cargill, only to be interrupted by Charlotte Flair. Declaring her intent to win the Queen of the Ring and challenge Ripley, Flair’s bold move teased a blockbuster SummerSlam showdown that fans have long anticipated.

Chad Gable finally appeared on SmackDown in a backstage segment with Nick Aldis. Triple H’s decision to bring him to the blue brand gives Gable a fresh direction, shedding the El Grande Americano gimmick and opening the door for a strong singles run.

The opening segment featured Cody Rhodes, Gunther, and Sami Zayn. Zayn’s involvement in the rivalry added depth, weaving his history with both men into the storyline. This elevated the stakes and showcased Triple H’s knack for layered storytelling.

The alliance between Giulia and Kiana James finally ended. Giulia stood her ground, turning on her former manager to a thunderous crowd reaction. Freeing her from the partnership was the right move, reigniting her momentum and paving the way for exciting new feuds.

Who is Kuldeep Vedwan? National Archery Coach Sentenced to 5 Years Jail Term in POCSO Case

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 21 May 2026 20:37:18 +0530

Indian para-archery coach Kuldeep Vedwan has been sentenced to five years of imprisonment by a Fast Track Special Court in Sonipat, Haryana, following his conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act on Thursday, May 21.

Kuldeep Vedwan was charged under sections 10 (aggravated sexual assault) and 12 (sexual harassment) of the POCSO Act, as well as Section 354 (assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The national para-archery coach was taken into immediate judicial custody following the court’s pronouncements by Additional Sessions Judge Narendra Singh.

Along with five years of rigorous imprisonment, the Special Court has imposed a financial penalty of INR 15,000, bringing a decisive conclusion to a case that has sent shockwaves through the Indian sports fraternity.

Also Read: Ashmita Chaliha beats Goh Jin Wei to enter Malaysia Masters quarters

The Details of the Case

The POCSO case against Kuldeep Vedwan dates back to April 2023, when one of his students filed a complaint detailing the harassment she faced during the junior national selection trials. The incident took place on April 7, 2023, at 4 am, when Vedwan entered the hotel room of the 17-year-old junior national-level archer and subjected her to inappropriate physical advances.

After resisting Vedwan for 20 minutes, the junior archer immediately left the room and took shelter in one of her fellow female players’ rooms to protect herself from the harassment. Despite immense psychological distress caused by the incident, she displayed incredible fortitude by traveling to Singapore shortly afterward to represent India at the Asia Cup.

After returning home following the international tournament, she finally confided in her family and detailed the harrowing ordeal, which led to the registration of an FIR at the Murthal police station in August 2023. The complaint triggered repercussions in the Indian sports landscape, especially given the coach's high profile and his association with elite para-athletes.

THIS IS SUCH A SHOCKING NEWS India's National Archery Coach Kuldeep Vedwan sentenced to 5 year in prison in POSCO CaseVedwan sexually harassed a junior player during Youth Archery C'ship Trial at Sonipat in April 2023[The Indian Express] pic.twitter.com/wRLuROuL1C

— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) May 21, 2026

Following registration of FIR and subsequent investigation, Kuldeep Vedwan was terminated from his services at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, where he was instrumental in setting up an archery academy and training prominent para-archers who went on to achieve historic international milestones.

Now, the three-year legal battle has concluded with Fast Track Special Court in Haryana’s Sonipat, holding the veteran coach accountable for his actions, ensuring that justice is finally delivered to the young athlete.

Who is Kuldeep Vedwan?

Kuldeep Vedwan was born in Dhanaura Tikri village in Uttar Pradesh to a modest agricultural family, where his early interest in traditional sports eventually paved his way into professional archery. At the age of 16, Vedwan joined the Indian Army and served as a soldier for 12 years. With the Army’s institutional support, Vedwan became a National Gold Medalist in archery.

After leaving his career in the Indian Army, Kuldeep Vedwan decided to take up coaching full-time to nurture grassroots talent across the country. In 2012, a former Indian Armyman established Vedwan Archery Academy in his native village of Dhanaura Tikri, where he built a training ecosystem that would eventually produce world-class competitive archers.

Over the years, Kuldeep expanded his reach by setting up several training centres across different regions, including the Ashoka Archery Academy in Puducherry and academies across Uttar Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. He came to prominence when he joined the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board Sports Complex in Katra, where he was tasked with coaching differently abled archers.

This is how Payal Nag used to draw in 2022-23. Since she has no limbs, she would draw by holding a pencil in her mouth.A video of her drawing caught the attention of her coach, Kuldeep Vedwan, and the rest is history.In just 2-3 years, she rose to win GOLD at the World… pic.twitter.com/7vkUPUpiRU

— Manas Muduli (@manas_muduli) April 8, 2026

Under his guidance, the likes of Sheetal Devi, Rakesh Kumar, and Payal Nag emerged as top Indian archers, securing historic international accolades and medals at the World Para Archery Championships and the Para-Asian Games. Vedwan, alongside co-coach Abhilash Chaudhary, turned the Katra sports complex into a powerhouse for Indian para-archery.

However, Kuldeep Vedwan’s efforts and recognition have now been completely overshadowed by the gravity of his actions and the subsequent legal reckoning. The multi-year investigation and trial exposed profound abuse of power and authority, which eventually culminated in his conviction on all counts by the Fast Track Special Court in Sonipat.

Also Read: Reliance Foundation athletes eye Commonwealth Games 2026 qualification

French Open 2026: Why Was Russian Couple Asked to Hide Flag During Mirra Andreeva’s Maiden Victory?

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 20:59:57 +0530

The Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva clinched her maiden Grand Slam title by defeating Maja Chwalinska of Poland at the French Open 2026 women’s singles final on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Saturday, June 6.

Andreeva, playing her maiden Major final, dominated the match from the opening serve, overwhelming Chwalinska with a masterclass in aggressive baseline hitting and tactical precision to secure a convincing 6-3, 6-2 victory and take home the coveted Coupe Suzanne Lenglen, marking a historic milestone in her burgeoning career.

With this, Mirra Andreeva became the first Russian player since Maria Sharapova in 2014 to clinch a Roland Garros triumph. At 19, she also earned the distinction of being the youngest woman to lift the coveted trophy of the prestigious clay court Grand Slam since Monica Seles in 1992.

Also Read: French Open 2026: Cobolli 'Almost Cried' After Friend Arnaldi’s Heartbreaking Semifinal Withdrawal

Couple Forced to Hide Russian Flag

As Mirra Andreeva scripted history at the French Open 2026, her moment of celebration in the stands was briefly interrupted by a security intervention. Just moments after the 19-year-old won the Championship match against Maja Chwalinska, a couple in the crowd attempted to unfurl a Russian flag to celebrate the victory as she secured the final point of the match.

As soon as the couple unfurled the Russian flag, a security personnel member, who was deployed to monitor the stands, immediately moved toward them. He directed the couple to stow the flag away, and then the male spectator was seen keeping the flag inside the bag.

The incident caught the attention of the spectators and netizens briefly, and the video of the same quickly went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter). Though Mirra Andreeva clinched her maiden Grand Slam title at the French Open, the incident took away her moment briefly before she could fully celebrate with the crowd.

FANS pull out RUSSIAN flag to celebrate 19-yo Mirra Andreeva’s tennis winSecurity SWOOPS in immediately and forces couple to hide it pic.twitter.com/LWgBtpNrEL

— RT (@RT_com) June 6, 2026

Mirra Andreeva’s maiden Roland Garros on Court Philippe-Chatrier concluded with a dominant 6-3, 6-2 victory over Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska. The historic moment on the court was briefly overshadowed by a security intervention in the stands when supporters attempted to unfurl a Russian flag to celebrate the teenager's title.

Why the Russian Flag Was Removed?

The security personnel member’s quick intervention to stop the Russian flag from being displayed was a direct enforcement of the French Open organisers’ ‘Individual Neutral Athlete’ (AIN) protocols.

Since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, tennis governing bodies have mandated that athletes from Russia and Belarus compete as neutral participants. As part of this policy, all the official tournament settings, including the court and the spectator areas, strictly prohibit the display of Russian or Belarusian national flags, colors, and symbols.

Even though the players from both countries have nothing to do with the political decisions of their governments, the Grand Slam events, including the French Open, have maintained a strict stance of neutrality to prevent the sporting arena from becoming a site of political protest or nationalistic display.

Any spectator found to be violating these regulations, such as displaying the national flag of Russia or Belarus, is instructed by the security personnel to remove or stow them away, as the display of these national symbols is strictly prohibited under the tournament's neutrality policy. Therefore, there was no exception for Andreeva’s fans, and the couple was promptly asked to hide the flag.

Also Read: Who Is Juan Manuel Cerundolo? Argentine Star Stuns Jannik Sinner in 2nd Round at French Open 2026

4 Longest WWE Title Reigns That Still Define Wrestling History In 2026

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 15 May 2026 13:50:00 +0530

WWE has seen legendary title reigns across decades. From Roman Reigns’ modern dominance to Hulk Hogan’s Hulkamania, here are the four longest championship runs in company history as of May 2026.

Roman Reigns began his reign in August 2020 and transformed into WWE’s centerpiece attraction. Backed by The Bloodline, he defeated stars like Cody Rhodes, Brock Lesnar, Kevin Owens, and Edge. His run lasted 1,316 days, ending at WrestleMania 40 when Cody Rhodes dethroned him. It remains the longest world title reign of the modern era and fourth overall in WWE history.

Hulk Hogan’s reign started in January 1984 after defeating The Iron Sheik. Lasting 1,474 days, it launched Hulkamania and made Hogan the face of WWE’s national expansion. Merchandise sales soared, and WrestleMania became a phenomenon. His reign ended controversially against Andre the Giant, but Hogan’s impact during WWE’s television boom remains one of the most influential in wrestling history.

Bob Backlund won the WWF Championship in 1978 and held it for 2,135 days. Known for his clean-cut persona and amateur wrestling skills, Backlund’s reign showcased endurance and technical mastery. He defended the title against numerous challengers across nearly six years. While later remembered for eccentric character work in the 1990s, his first reign stands as one of the most dominant in WWE history.

Bruno Sammartino’s record reign began in May 1963 and lasted until January 1971 — an incredible 2,803 consecutive days. Fans packed arenas to see him, making him WWE’s first megastar. Beyond that, Sammartino also holds the longest combined reign at 4,040 days. His dominance remains unmatched, with no superstar coming close to breaking his record as of May 2026.

French Open 2026: Novak Djokovic's Peppy Dance for his Daughter Tara After 1st Round Win Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 25 May 2026 17:26:54 +0530

The World No.4 and Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic’s quest for the record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title continues as he won the opening round of the French Open 2026 men’s singles against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard of France at Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday, May 24.

Djokovic lost the opening set 5-7 to Mpetshi Perricard before the former World No.1 bounced back with a dominant display, ultimately securing a hard-fought 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 victory. This was the 102nd victory for the Serbian tennis star at the French Open. Novak Djokovic also shattered his former rival Roger Federer’s record for the most Grand Slam main-draw appearances in the men’s category, taking his tally to 82.

The three-time Roland Garros champion is playing his just second clay tournament this season, after having opted for a limited schedule due to a right shoulder injury that sidelined him for two months earlier this year. His other appearance was at the Italian Open, where he suffered an early exit after losing to Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic.

Also Read: Djokovic survives French Open scare, breaks Federer's Grand Slam record

Djokovic Pays Tribute to his Tara with Dance

Novak Djokovic’s children, Stefan and Tara, were presented at the Philippe-Chatrier court to witness their father’s hard-fought victory. As soon as hitting winning return, Djokovic broke into dance in front of a large crowd, with his body rhythmically swaying and performing the same lighthearted, peppy moves that became a viral sensation alongside Aryna Sabalenka during last year’s tournament.

Dance the night away #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/R7Kr0riPIU

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2026

After shaking hands with his opponent and the chair umpire, Djokovic once again performed a peppy dance near the baseline, with his daughter Tara, who is a dance enthusiast, joining him from the stands, where she and her brother Stefan soon rushed onto the court to share an emotional and joyful family celebration with their father.

Tara and Novak Djokovic, dance partners pic.twitter.com/9KR3ynuoZj

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 25, 2026

Family #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/EKMcMjr4YI

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 24, 2026

Novak Djokovic shares a close bond with his wife and children, as he frequently credits them as his greatest source of motivation and support during the long, demanding tennis season. His relationship with his daughter Tara is particularly special, as the Serbian tennis star has often performed these spontaneous, joyful post-match celebrations that highlight their shared love for music and dance.

Tara’s love for music and dance is well-known, as she often practices different choreographies with her father at home. Her passion has frequently taken centre stage as Novak Djokovic celebrated every match win with a ‘victory dance’, as a tribute to her daughter, who has become a source of inspiration for his playful post-match rituals, turning each win into a sweet, choreographed family moment that highlights their inseparable bond.

Why the Peppy Dance?

Novak Djokovic’s peppy dance with Tara after the first round win at the French Open grabbed the attention of the spectators at Philippe-Chatrier. During the on-court interview, the Serbian tennis star was asked about the Peppy Dance, and in response, he stated that he balances discipline with joy in tennis, smiles to ease pressure, and uses dancing as a way to relax while facing intense matches at Roland Garros.

“Honestly, throughout my career, I have always focused heavily on dedication. I have brought total commitment to my tennis, but I also want to experience joy. I want the joy of playing with patience and experiencing these great matches.” Djokovic said.

"I am always searching for that beautiful sensation, that vibrant feeling on court. It is a wonderful opportunity to play here at Roland Garros, and I am deeply grateful for it.

"But when you are in the heat of a tournament on a big court, it is difficult to process everything. Sometimes I smile simply to avoid heavy emotions and deflect the pressure. Playing against a French player in Paris is always a tough challenge, so instead, I try to dance," he added.

Novak Djokovic will now face World No. 74 Valentin Royer in the second round, as the Serbian tennis star continues to quest for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam triumph.

Also Read: Djokovic hires Troicki as new coach, eyes 25th Slam at Roland-Garros

From Hotel Eviction Fears to the French Open Final: Maja Chwalinska's Unexpected Rise to History

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:05:00 +0530

The World No.114 and Polish tennis player Maja Chwalinska scripted a historic feat following her victory over Diana Shnaider of Russia in the women’s singles’ semifinal at the French Open 2026 on Thursday, June 4.

Chwalinska became the first qualifier to reach the women’s singles’ French Open final, defeating a first-time semifinalist, Shnaider in two straight sets - 7-6, 6-4. Though the opening set was a grueling, hour-long battle that went to a tie-break, the 24-year-old showed enough composure under pressure, producing a stunning turnaround to clinch it 7-6(4) before carrying that momentum into the second set to seal her place in history.

Maja Chwalinska became the Qualifier to reach the Grand Slam final in women’s singles in the Open Era, since Emma Raducanu, who famously won the 2021 US Open as a qualifier. Throughout her campaign so far, the Polish player dropped only one set, a remarkable statistic that highlights her dominance and consistency,

Also Read: Roland Garros: Chwalinska makes history, qualifier in women's final

Chwalinska Faced Eviction for Her Paris Hotel Room

Maja Chwalinska’s path to her maiden Grand Slam final at Roland Garros hasn’t been easy, as she had to go through three qualifying rounds to earn a place in the main draw of the clay court Major. Chwalinska might’ve expected that her stay in Paris wouldn’t extend deep into the second week of the tournament, leaving her in a difficult financial spot.

As she reached the fourth round of the tournament, the reality of her extended stay began to clash with her limited budget. Since the prize money is paid out to the players only after the conclusion of the French Open, the 24-year-old found herself in a position of potentially running out of funds to pay for her hotel accommodation in one of Europe’s most expensive cities.

Before the Roland Garros, Chwalinska had a total career earnings of $864,030, which was not enough to provide her with the financial security many of her peers enjoy, as she arrived in Paris without a sponsor. Soon after, Polish nutrition company Oshee, which also sponsors Iga Swiatek, stepped in to cover her lodging costs, allowing the player to focus on her historic run without the stress of managing her hotel expenses.

Jazda Maja #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/9daStziM7E

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2026

Surviving in a city like Paris for an extended period, especially for a professional tennis player on a limited budget, is a significant financial challenge due to high accommodation costs and the fact that prize money is only distributed after the tournament concludes.

In the case of Maja Chwalinska, things would’ve reached a breaking point had she not secured support, as her unexpected journey through qualifying and deep into the main draw left her without the immediate liquidity needed to sustain her stay in an expensive city like Paris.

A Life-Changing Payday for Chwalinska

Maja Chwalinska entered the Roland Garros with total career earnings of $864,030, a figure that highlights the financial precariousness often faced by players outside the world's top 100. Her deep run into the ongoing edition of the French Open left her in an initially difficult financial position, as the tournament prize money is not distributed until the conclusion of the event.

After reaching her maiden Grand Slam final at the French Open 2026, Maja Chwalinska is guaranteed to earn a prize money of $1,624,000 (approximately €1.4 million), which is more than her entire earnings in her professional career. If she wins the Roland Garros final, Chwalinska will take home the 3,253,600 (approximately €2.8 million).

Maja Chwalinska has changed her life at this year’s Roland Garros. Her total career earnings before Roland Garros:$864,030.What she’s earned at this tournament:$1,624,000. Because the players don’t get the money til after the tournament, she was worried she wouldn’t be… pic.twitter.com/Tcal3EDnwi

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 4, 2026

From her total earnings of $864,030 to a potential total surpassing $4 million, this fortnight in Paris has fundamentally transformed her professional trajectory. For a qualifier like Chwalinska, this windfall is not just money, but also represents financial security to invest in her coaching, travel, and recovery, allowing her to compete with the sport's elite without the constant stress of managing the basic costs of professional tennis.

The intervention of the Polish nutrition company Oshee ensured that Maja Chwalinska was able to clear the immediate hurdle of her hotel expenses, paving the way for her to make history as the first qualifier to reach a French Open final in the Open Era.

Also Read: French Open 2026: Why Was Adolfo Daniel Vellejo Fined $65,000? Reason Explained

‘Don’t Know What’s Going On’

Following her victory over Diana Shainder in the semifinal, Maja Chwalinska couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of her achievement. However, the 24-year-old was quick to shift her focus back to the task at hand, emphasizing her desire to stay grounded and recover physically for the biggest match of her life,

“Like a dream, honestly. I don’t know what’s going on. “I’m just…I don’t know what to say I’m sorry, I’m just very happy,” the first-time Grand Slam finalist said.

“I mean, it’s so challenging to play against the best players in the world day by day, but it’s a Grand Slam, so you’ve just got to give your all and more. Yeah, I’m not complaining at all!” she added.

What a way to qualify for your first Grand Slam final #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/QsZMwVWOGL

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 4, 2026

Maja Chwalinska will face Mirra Andreeva of Russia in the women’s singles at the French Open 2026 on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Saturday, June 6. For the second consecutive edition, the Roland Garros will witness the new women’s singles champion.

French Open 2026: Why Did Sachin's Praise for Zverev's Maiden Grand Slam Title Spark Backlash? Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 15:48:43 +0530

The World No.3 and the German tennis star Alexander Zverev ended his long-awaited dream of becoming a Grand Slam champion, as he defeated Flavio Cobolli of Italy in the French Open 2026 men’s singles final on Court Philippe Chatrier on Sunday, May 7.

The 29-year–old endured a gruelling five-set battle against Cobolli, 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-1, to clinch his maiden Grand Slam title in his fourth Major final appearance. With this, Zverev became the first German man since the legendary Boris Becker at the 1996 Australian Open to win a Grand Slam title.

Alexander Zverev scripted history by becoming the first German male player to win the French Open title in the Open Era, ending a long wait for his maiden Grand Slam trophy with a hard-fought, five-set victory over Italy's Flavio Cobolli.

Also Read: French Open 2026: Cobolli 'Almost Cried' After Friend Arnaldi’s Heartbreaking Semifinal Withdrawal

Sachin Tendulkar Lauds Alexander Zverev’s Maiden Slam Title

As the Tennis world celebrates the historic achievement of Alexander Zverev, the former Indian captain and legendary batter Sachin Tendulkar didn’t hesitate to offer his warm congratulations to the German star for finally capturing his maiden Grand Slam title.

Taking to his X handle (formerly Twitter), Tendulkar called Zverev a ‘special’ player while applauding the German star’s persistence and determination. The former India captain also praised Flavio Cobolli for his performance despite defeat in the French Open 2026 final.

“Sometimes, tennis can take a long time to give back what players keep putting in. Good to see Alexander Zverev win his first Grand Slam at Roland-Garros today. Always felt he was a special player!” Tendulkar wrote.

“Credit to Flavio Cobolli for the way he competed today as well. Both players gave everything to the game,” he added.

Sometimes tennis can take a long time to give back what players keep putting in. Good to see Alexander Zverev win his first Grand Slam at Roland-Garros today. Always felt he was a special player!Credit to Flavio Cobolli for the way he competed today as well. Both players gave…

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 7, 2026

Alexander Zverev dropped only four sets en route to his maiden Grand Slam title at Roland Garros, a remarkable display of dominance and mental fortitude that underlined his status as one of the tour's premier competitors.

Tendulkar Faces Blacklash for Praising Zverev

As Sachin Tendulkar lauded Alexander Zverev for his maiden Grand Slam title, India’s former batting legend received a backlash on social media, especially from a section of users, for praising the tennis player who has been accused of domestic violence by former partners Olya Sharypova and Brenda Patea.

Taking to their X handles (formerly Twitter), fans and cricket enthusiasts criticised Tendulkar for praising Zverev, calling him a “domestic abuser” and questioning why the batting legend would endorse someone accused of harming former partners, with many urging him to retract or reconsider his post.

Others expressed disappointment that Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as a role model, appeared unaware or dismissive of the serious allegations, arguing that public figures should exercise caution before endorsing athletes facing accusations of abuse.

Mr Tendulkar with the utmost respect for you, this is a very disappointing tweet from. Alex Zverev is a known abuser, his ex partners have accused him of domestic abuse and to see you come out in support of such an individual is not expected from you & is extremely disappointing. https://t.co/TpDRiYKrYg

— Skidmak (@Skidmak_) June 8, 2026

Zverev is a domestic abuser mann wtfExpected better knowledge from an icon to see for him who is tweeting https://t.co/corPieVUBy

— Anjanish Tripathi (@Anjanish01) June 8, 2026

My dear Sachin sir, he didn't overcome issues like you in his career. He's an abuser who has wronged 2 women in his life. We're not even expecting you to call him out, at least take down this post. This is literally the bare minimum

— RandomCricketDude (@randomDude0511) June 7, 2026

Conveniently ignoring the fact that Zverev has had domestic abuse allegations by two separate women !!!! You're not even part of the sport. Why are you promoting an abuser??? Stick to the drama in MI dressing room

— Vibeyseagull (@Vibeyseagull) June 7, 2026

He is an abuser boss, domestic violence against a partner. Be better informed.

— Naveen (@naveengmc) June 7, 2026

Serial woman beater. Doesn't behove you to praise him

— The Shah of Blah (@mrgnk) June 8, 2026

Stop this BS..Zverev is a wife beater and woman abuser...he deserves hell not congratulations from the world

— Raj Patel (@RajPatel456816) June 8, 2026

Alexander Zverev was at the centre of a storm when his former partner, Olya Sharypova and Brenda Patea accused him of domestic violence, allegations that have consistently overshadowed his professional career despite his recent historic victory at the 2026 French Open.

However, Zverev has consistently maintained his innocence throughout these proceedings. The German had an out-of-court settlement with Brenda Patea in 2024 to put an end to the legal proceedings without any admission of guilt or a verdict being reached by the court.

Also Read: French Open 2026: Alexander Zverev Clinches Maiden Grand Slam Title, Defeats Flavio Cobolli in Final

French Open 2026: Why Was Adolfo Daniel Vellejo Fined $65,000? Reason Explained

Hrishikesh Damodar — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 21:18:41 +0530

The World No.70 and Paraguayan tennis player Adolfo Daniel Vellejo was handed the heaviest fine in the history of the French Open. Vallejo was knocked out of the ongoing edition of the French Open after losing to Moise Kouame in the second round on Court Suzanne Lenglen on Thursday, May 28.

Despite bouncing back with victories in the third and fourth sets after trailing 0-2, Paraguayan tennis player ultimately faltered in the deciding fifth set, ending his run at Roland Garros. Before losing to Moise Kouame, Adolfo Daniel Vellejo received a walkover in the opening round after Cameron Norrie of the United Kingdom was forced to retire from their match due to a persistent rib injury.

Vellejo’s early exit from his maiden Grand Slam appearance at the French Open was coupled with his controversial remarks regarding chair umpire Ana Carvalho, for which he was subsequently handed a record-breaking $65,000 fine (approximately €60,000).

Why was Adolfo Daniel Vellejo Handed a Hefty Fine?

The fine imposed by French Open tournament organizers was a direct disciplinary response to the sexist comments Vallejo made concerning the competence of chair umpire Ana Carvalho. Following a five–set defeat to Moise Kouame, the Paraguayan tennis player expressed his disappointment over the officiating during the match and the handling of the crowd by Carvalho.

The 22-year-old took an aggressive and dismissive stance, publicly questioning chair umpire Ana Carvalho’s ability to manage the high-pressure environment of the match, while stating that this sort of match should be officiated by a man because it is ‘very difficult for a woman to do it’ when facing a demanding crowd.

“These types of matches have to be officiated by a man. It's very difficult for a woman to do it. It has to be refereed by a man, because it's a very demanding crowd and you need a lot of strength to go against them." Vallejo said.

Daniel Vallejo fined a whopping $65,000 for arguing his match at #RolandGarros would have been better umpired by a man, instead of a woman.

— James Gray (@jamesgraysport) June 1, 2026

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo’s comments sparked criticism from the tennis world, prompting the French Tennis Federation (FFT) to issue a formal condemnation of his remarks. Tournament director Amelie Mauresmo publicly addressed the situation, calling the comments "clearly unacceptable" and confirming that such behavior has "no place" at Roland Garros.

Adolfo Daniel Vallejo Issues Clarification

Before he received the heaviest fine in the history of the French Open, Adolfo Daniel Vallejo issued a clarification on his Instagram story, where he stated that his comments were misinterpreted and apologized to the chair umpire for his remarks, adding that he would learn from this mistake and improve in the future.

“I want to clarify that my comments were not made with the intention with which they have been interpreted. I have respect for the judge and for the work she did. After a 5-hour battle, I was very heated and full of emotions. I apologize,” Vallejo wrote on Instagram.

“I also want to clarify that I did not blame her for the defeat. She did a good job throughout the match. I will learn from this and improve. I also have great respect for Roland Garros, the French Tennis Federation, and everyone involved in tennis," he added.

El descargo de Vallejo:“Quiero aclarar que mis comentarios no fueron hechos con la intención con la que han sido interpretados.Tengo respeto por la jueza y por el trabajo que hizo. Después de una batalla de 5 horas estaba muy acalorado y con muchas emociones. Me disculpo.… https://t.co/Hf2GNGpbJi pic.twitter.com/dCyD3LjpjB

— Gonzalo Ferreyra (@gonzaloferreyr) May 29, 2026

Despite his clarification, the French Tennis Federation did not retract or reduce the penalty, emphasising that the breach of the player's code of conduct regarding discriminatory language was absolute.

Meanwhile, the French Open has entered its second week, with tournament officials and spectators turning their full attention to the remaining quarter-final matchups and the final rounds of the tournament as the competition intensifies at Roland Garros.

French Open 2026: Who Is Marta Kostyuk? Ukrainian Star Seals 1st Round Win Amid Tragic Kyiv News

Hrishikesh Damodar — Sun, 24 May 2026 19:49:37 +0530

The Ukrainian tennis player Marta Kostyuk broke down in tears over the devastating news from Kyiv on the morning of her opening round match against Oksana Selekhmeteva of Spain at the French Open 2026 on Sunday, May 24.

Kostyuk advanced to the second round of the women’s singles with two straight-set victory over Selekhmeteva, who acquired Spanish citizenship four days ago, 6-2, 6-3. Ukrainian star dominated the court with a composed performance, despite the emotional turmoil following the tragic news from the war-torn capital early in the morning ahead of her opening round.

The 23-year-old has made his seventh consecutive main draw appearance at the French Open, marking a significant milestone in her growing career. The emotional toll didn’t affect her performance, as she maintained her focus to secure a decisive victory in front of the crowd at Court Simonne-Mathieu.

Also Read: French Open 2026: Belinda Bencic's Daughter Bella Steals Show as Adorable Practice Partner (WATCH)

Kostyuk Fights Back Tears While Recalling the Morning’s Attack

Marta Kostyuk displayed her mental resilience and unwavering professional focus, refusing to let the day's tragic events derail her pursuit of success at Roland Garros. Following her victory, the 23-year-old revealed the tragic news from Ukraine’s capital that left her shaken ahead of the first round match against Oksana Selekhmeteva.

Speaking during the on-court interview, Kostyuk stated that it was ‘one of the difficult matches’ of her life, as she revealed that a Russian missile had struck a building just 100 meters from her parents' home earlier that morning. The Ukrainian added that she whe was crying part of the morning and did not know how she would handle the match or if she would even be able to play.

“I’m incredibly proud of myself today. I think it was one of the most difficult matches of my career. This morning, 100 meters from my parents’ house, a missile destroyed the building. It was a very difficult morning. I didn’t know how this match was going to turn out for me. I didn’t know how I would handle it,” Kostyuk said while fighting the tears.

“I’ve been crying part of the morning. I don’t want to talk about myself today. I’m very pleased to be in the second round, but all of my thoughts and all my heart goes to the people of Ukraine today,” she added.

Marta Kostyuk gave a moving interview just hours after a missile struck near to her parents' home in Ukraine pic.twitter.com/VBCgGZG1XQ

— TNT Sports (@tntsports) May 24, 2026

Ukraine has been under attack by Russian military forces since 2022, facing a relentless and devastating conflict. In May this year, the nation endured an intensified campaign of aerial bombardment, with the overnight attack on May 24, involving roughly 90 missiles and 600 drones, standing as one of the largest and most destructive strikes against Kyiv and surrounding regions in the past year.

Who is Marta Kostyuk?

Marta Kostyuk was born and raised in Kyiv, Ukraine, into a sports-oriented family. Her mother, Talina Beiko, is a former professional tennis player before becoming her coach, while her father, Oleh Kostyuk, was the technical director of Antey Cup, a junior tennis tournament in Kyiv. Marta began playing tennis at a young age under the tutelage of her mother.

Kostyuk rose up through the ranks of the junior circuit, achieving world-class status by winning the 2017 Australian Open girls' singles title at age 14. The 23-year-old’s major career breakthrough came when she reached the third round of the Australian Open at the age of 15 in 2018, becoming the youngest player to win a main-draw match in Melbourne since 1996.

In 2024, Marta Kostyuk reached her maiden Grand Slam quarterfinals at the Australian Open and her first WTA 1000 semifinal at Indian Wells, helping her break into the world’s top 20. In 2026, Marta clinched her maiden Masters 1000 title at the Madrid Open, which was her first major title as a professional player, and propelled her to a career-high ranking of world No. 15.

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A post shared by Marta Kostyuk • Марта Костюк (@martakostyuk)

Apart from her career, Marta Kostyuk has been advocating for her country's cause on the global stage, using her platform to raise awareness about the impact of the ongoing war on Ukrainian civilians. As a mark of protest, she refused to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players since 2022, with the sole exception of Daria Kasatkina, whom Kostyuk commended for publicly opposing the war and changing her nationality to represent Australia.

Meanwhile, Marta Kostyuk will face Katie Volynets of the United States of America (USA) in the second round of the women’s singles on Wednesday, May 27.

Also Read: French Open Loses Its King! Carlos Alcaraz Fans Devastated As Star Pulls Out of Roland Garros

FIFA World Cup 2026: Why Did Portugal Include Late Diogo Jota's Name in the Squad? Explained

Asianet Newsable English — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 18:44:16 +0530

Portugal's coach, Roberto Martínez, sat before the media to announce his team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He began to speak.

"This final list contains 27 players, plus one..." he said. That one extra name was Diogo Jota, a player whose life and dreams ended too soon. Martínez added him to the dream squad, and for a moment, the football world was overcome with emotion. The coach paused, then continued.

"Jota is our strength and our joy. We are on this journey to fulfil his dream," Martínez finished. And it's true. Jota’s biggest dream was to lift the World Cup trophy alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and the Portugal team. If fate hadn't intervened, he would have surely been in the squad, playing alongside the legend in the forward line.

Also Read: FIFA Rankings: Messi's Argentina Back on Top Just Before World Cup, Spain Slips to Second

A Dream Interrupted: The Day Fate Changed Everything

There was another reason why playing for his country in the United States was Jota's goal. For that, we need to go back a bit. It was October 16, 2022, just a month before the World Cup in Qatar. The Liverpool-Manchester City clash at Anfield was in its final moments.

Even though Liverpool was struggling in the league, a win against City brought immense joy to the Anfield crowd. But that joy was short-lived, all because of Jota. With just minutes left for the final whistle, Jota fell to the ground. It was a calf injury. The next thing everyone saw was Jota being carried off the field on a stretcher.

He needed a month to rest, and many more days to recover. That injury meant Jota had to forget about the World Cup. For any footballer, that's the most heartbreaking moment. The Portuguese star was denied his first World Cup.

Liverpool and Barcelona legends paid tribute to Diogo Jota in the 20th minute during their legends game in Seoul ❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/PWvnrMtepr

— Cleverly (@Cleverlydey4u) June 7, 2026

But life had some good things in store for him too. He won the Premier League title and the 2025 UEFA Nations League with Portugal. He married his long-time partner, Rute, and they had three children. It had only been a few hours since Jota, basking in the love of Anfield, had introduced Rute to the world as his life partner.

And then came that day... the day Jota had to leave the grand field of life without a proper goodbye. The day death came like a flame during a journey with his brother. Even today, one can't think of that day without a shudder.

The Anfield No. 20: A Legacy That Stays on the Pitch

On the lawns outside Anfield, red flowers appeared for Jota. His No. 20 jersey was laid out there. The words on it read: "In loving memory of the lad from Portugal, forever a champion!". That day, the bright English summer day in Liverpool felt unusually dark.

Jota was an incredible dribbler, a finisher who could slice through defences in the penalty box. As a striker, winger, or false nine, Jota's performances in the No. 20 jersey are still fresh in the minds of football fans. He became a key player in Jürgen Klopp's army, and fans even gave him a nickname: Jota the Slotter.

Perhaps, for this World Cup, where Portugal is considered a top contender, Martínez couldn't have found a better person than Jota to score goals. He wouldn't have just been a substitute for the legend; he could have been a regular in the starting eleven. But that unexpected call from destiny changed everything.

Jota is with Portugal in spirit. His No. 21 jersey will be worn by his dear friend, Rúben Neves. "Jota will be a source of strength for us to achieve our big goal," said Neves. Let's hope the team, led by a legend, can gift that moment to Jota.

Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Analysis: Brazil, USA and Mexico in the Spotlight

French Open 2026: Cobolli 'Almost Cried' After Friend Arnaldi’s Heartbreaking Semifinal Withdrawal

Asianet Newsable English — Sat, 06 Jun 2026 01:50:31 +0530

Italy's Flavio Cobolli said he was "sad and happy at the same time" after reaching his first Grand Slam final at the French Open on Friday, following the last-minute withdrawal due to illness of his last-four opponent and compatriot Matteo Arnaldi.

The 24-year-old 10th seed will meet Alexander Zverev in Sunday's final, which will produce a new major champion, after the German second seed earlier moved past Jakub Mensik in the other semi-final.

Also Read: Who Is Juan Manuel Cerundolo? Argentine Star Stuns Jannik Sinner in 2nd Round at French Open 2026

‘Virus’ Ends Arnadli's French Open Run

Just over 20 minutes before Cobolli and Arnaldi were due to take to Court Philippe Chatrier, tournament organisers announced that the 104th-ranked Italian had been forced to pull out with a "virus".

"When he came to me almost one hour ago, I almost cried. You know, it's something that you don't expect at all. I was ready to play this match," Cobolli told reporters during a press conference he held with his close friend Arnaldi, as the pair sat three metres apart.

"When he came to me almost 1 hour ago, I almost cried." Flavio Cobolli shares his reaction to Matteo Arnaldi's shocking withdrawal from the #RolandGarros Semifinals. pic.twitter.com/VZrY2S9Kco

— TNT Sports U.S. (@TNTSportsUS) June 5, 2026

"When he came, I was completely sad for him. But, at the same time, of course, I'm really happy for the result that I reached this week.

"Yeah, now I'm sad and happy at the same time."

‘I Was Feeling Actually Very Good’

For first-time major semi-finalist Arnaldi, withdrawing was "not something that you wish to anybody", but "the right decision for me to take".

"It's tough, because for how the tournament was, for how many hours I've been on the court, I was feeling actually very good," Arnaldi, who had spent the most amount of time on court for a player en route to a Grand Slam semi-final, said.

The 25-year-old added that on Thursday, he was "feeling okay" during practice, but after his dinner he began to feel unwell during the night.

"I started to feel so-so with my stomach. I was, like, 'All right, just didn't digest very well'," he recounted.

"But then I woke up at 1:00 a.m., and I started vomiting, and I wasn't feeling the best. Then I tried to sleep. I couldn't sleep at all. At 6:00, 7:00 a.m. I vomited again.

“We called the doctor into the room. He came, gave me some stuff. I was hoping that it would just be something from dinner or something like that, but then throughout the day, I couldn't eat. Every time we did something or would drink, I would go back to the bathroom.”

Due to a viral illness, Arnaldi has been forced to withdraw from his semi-final match against Cobolli.Get well soon, Matteo #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/SHlbOZvY3i

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2026

Despite his best efforts, his state worsened throughout the day.

"I tried to get ready and tried to stay as much as I could here and tried to see if I could go on court, but every time I get up, I feel dizzy," Arnaldi said.

"It's a virus I think, because I was feeling pretty cold. I think I had a fever, like, during the day. I don't know, to be honest.

"I just know that I can't move, and I can't eat, and I can't drink. So, there was really no way that I will be able to play."

‘Best on the Tour’

Cobolli paid tribute to a tearful Arnaldi.

"Matteo is a big inspiration for all of us. He's an amazing player and amazing professional," Cobolli said.

"He's, I think, the best person outside the court for how his match preparation, focus, cool-down. He's one of the best on the tour, for sure."

After the conference, Cobolli took to the centre court to have a hit watched on by a decent smattering of spectators that had come for the match but stayed to see the world number 14 keep his eye in.

Also Read: French Open 2026: Why Was Adolfo Daniel Vellejo Fined $65,000? Reason Explained

A Plenty of Rest before Final vs Zverev

After his quarter-final victory over Canadian fourth seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on Wednesday, Cobolli will go into the weekend's final with plenty of rest.

"Maybe having almost four days off is a lot, so you lose the rhythm," he said.

"Now I got practice again. I think I will be ready, for sure, for the final, but I also know that I will be fresh, for sure.

"Maybe (the extra time off) will help; maybe not. I'll tell you after the final.

3 WWE Superstars Absent From Clash In Italy Whose Presence Could Have Delivered Historic Main Event Drama

Vaishnav Akash — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 11:50:08 +0530

Clash in Italy thrilled fans, but three major WWE names were absent. Their presence could have transformed the show into an even bigger spectacle. Here’s who missed out and why.

CM Punk’s comeback run had been massive, highlighted by his reign as World Heavyweight Champion and his WrestleMania 42 showdown with Roman Reigns. Despite losing the strap, Punk promised fans he would reclaim gold.

His segment with Cody Rhodes teased a dream clash, but Punk vanished after RAW. A Punk‑Rhodes bout at Clash in Italy could have been a major draw, though WWE may be saving it for SummerSlam 2026.

Drew McIntyre is one of Europe’s biggest WWE stars, and his match against Roman Reigns at Clash at the Castle proved his box‑office appeal. With WWE’s growing European market, his presence at Clash in Italy would have been a profitable move. Fans were left disappointed as the Scottish Warrior’s absence meant a missed opportunity for a marquee European showdown.

The Apex Predator turned heads with his heel turn against Cody Rhodes on the Road to WrestleMania. After being defeated, Orton viciously attacked Rhodes with a Punt Kick, signaling unfinished business. A rematch at Clash in Italy could have been the perfect continuation of their rivalry. Instead, WWE appears to be holding back Orton vs. Rhodes for SummerSlam 2026, leaving fans waiting for the next chapter.

‘They’ve No Respect’: Novak Djokovic’s Tense Face-Off with Paris Crowd at French Open Goes Viral (WATCH)

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 28 May 2026 18:29:53 +0530

The World No.3 and Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic had a turbulent second-round encounter at the French Open 2026, where he faced both local hopeful Valentin Royer and a hostile crowd on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Wednesday, May 27.

Djokovic kept his hopes of clinching his 25th Grand Slam title alive with a four-set victory over Royer to advance to the third round of the men’s singles. The 24-time Grand Slam champion looked in total control during the first two sets, taking them 6-3, 6-2, before the Frenchman staged a gritty comeback with 7-6 to prevent Djokovic from wrapping up a straight-sets victory.

However, the former World No.1 quickly regrouped to take the fourth set, taking it 6-3 to close out the match and secure his spot in the third round. This was his 103rd French Open win for Novak Djokovic, further extending his legendary record in Paris as he continues his quest for history.

Also Read: Djokovic survives French Open scare, breaks Federer's Grand Slam record

Djokovic’s Face-Off with Paris Crowd Goes Viral

As Novak Djokovic battled through his second-round match against Frenchman Valentin Royer, the Court Philippe-Chartier witnessed a hostility towards the Serbian tennis star by a section of the crowd who were rallying behind the local player. The atmosphere became increasingly heated, with spectators repeatedly booing Djokovic and making noise during his service motions.

Tensions peaked after Foyer celebrated the net-cord winner with fist-pumps, which Djokovic found disrespectful. As the crowd continued to jeer the Serbian tennis star, the chair umpire, Renaud Lichtenstein, was forced to intervene and appealed for calm, saying:

“Ladies and gentlemen, please have some respect for both of the players.”

However, Djokovic, as usual, did not shy away from expressing his frustration, quickly retorting:

“They have no respect. No respect.”

The Roland Garros crowd booed Novak Djokovic during his match against Royer. Umpire: “Ladies & gentleman please have some respect for both of the players.”Novak: “They have no respect. No respect.”pic.twitter.com/zTF7tlq31A

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 27, 2026

Novak Djokovic has often been subjected to hostile receptions throughout his storied career, with such crowd dynamics becoming a recurring feature of his matches. Given the Serbian’s history of overcoming adverse environments, the latest incident in Paris adds another chapter to his complex relationship with certain sections of the tennis-watching public

During the Australian Open 2025, Novak Djokovic was mocked and booed to he was forced to retire from his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev due to a muscle injury. Though Djokovic has been used to such treatment, he has frequently transformed these hostile environments into a source of motivation.

‘I Won’t Play Any More French Players’

Following his victory over Valentin Royer, Novak Djokovic was visibly frustrated over the hostile reception. Speaking during the on-court interview, the Serbian tennis legend vowed not to play against the French players, while admitting the challenge he faced right from the start of the match.

“I hope I won’t play any more French players for the rest of the tournament,” Djokovic said while reflecting his frustration with the hostile atmosphere.

“It was a very tough match, a challenge right from the start. I hope I don’t have to play another French player again until the end of the tournament,” he added.

️#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/5uBUp7jKdr

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 27, 2026

Novak Djokovic will next face 28th seed Joao Fonseca of Brazil in the third round. The Serbian tennis star has been aiming for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam since winning his 24th Major at the 2023 US Open, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.

Since the 2024 Australian Open, Novak Djokovic has found the historic 25th crown tantalizingly out of reach despite consistently asserting his dominance on the biggest stages. In the last 9 Grand Slam events, Djokovic reached the final only twice, at the 2024 Wimbledon and the 2026 Australian Open.

Also Read: Because of Kohli, I Follow Cricket’: Djokovic Hails India Star Batter, Plans Tennis-Cricket Meet (WATCH)

Who Is Juan Manuel Cerundolo? Argentine Star Stuns Jannik Sinner in 2nd Round at French Open 2026

Hrishikesh Damodar — Thu, 28 May 2026 22:20:23 +0530

The World No.54 and Argentine tennis player Juan Manuel Cerundolo pulled off one of the biggest upsets in the history of the French Open, defeating World No.1 and Italian star Jannik Sinner on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Thursday, May 28.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo stunningly came from behind to defeat the World No. 1 in five sets, 3–6, 2–6, 7–5, 6–1, 6–1, to qualify for his maiden third round at a Grand Slam tournament. The Argentine player, who defeated Jacob Fearnley in the United Kingdom (UK) in three straight sets in the first round, left the spectators at Court Philippe-Chatrier completely stunned as he completed one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent Grand Slam history.

From two sets down to a historic five-set victory, Cerundolo staged a miraculous comeback to stun the World No.1 Sinner and secure his place in the third round of the 2026 French Open.

Also Read: French Open: 17-year-old Moise Kouame stuns Marin Cilic in upset

From Almost Defeat to Victory

Juan Manuel Cerundolo didn’t have an ideal start to the second round, as Jannik Sinner got into his rhythm and quickly dominated the first two sets 6–3, 6–2, even holding a 5–1 lead in the third set. However, things went haywire for the Italian tennis star after he started to experience severe physical distress, including dizzy spells, nausea, and intense cramping, under the sweltering Paris heat.

Sinner was visibly exhausted and appeared to be completely unable to move freely, and called for a medical timeout to seek urgent treatment for the heat-related symptoms that had brought his dominant performance to a sudden halt. Capitalizing on the Italian star’s sudden decline, Cerundolo seized the momentum to tilt the match in his favour.

In the third set, the Argentine player found a new lease on life, as he successfully neutralized Sinner’s fading serve to grind out a critical 7–5 win. In the final two sets, Juan Manuel Cerundolo dominated in such a way that Jannik Sinner didn’t have any answer for the Argentine’s relentless consistency, as Cerundolo stormed to back-to-back 6–1 set wins to complete the historic comeback and seal his place in the third round.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo is through to the next round after a five-set win over a physically diminished Jannik Sinner!#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/f75HkZrTK1

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) May 28, 2026

Jannin Sinner’s decline in his physical condition due to Paris humidity proved to be a pivotal factor, which handed Juan Manuel Cerundolo’s biggest victory of his Grand Slam career while simultaneously ending Sinner’s 30-match unbeaten streak.

Cerundolo arrived at the French Open as World No. 56, securing direct entry into the tournament's main draw without needing to participate in the qualifying rounds.

Who Is Juan Manuel Cerundolo?

With his stunning five-set victory over World No. 1 Jannik Sinner at the 2026 French Open, Juan Manuel Cerundolo has earned significant recognition. Born in 2001 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Cerundolo comes from a prominent tennis family, with his brother, Francisco Cerúndolo, also a highly ranked player on the ATP Tour.

Juan started playing tennis at a young age and quickly rose through the ranks of Argentine tennis, eventually turning professional in 2018 to pursue a career on the ATP Tour. He shot to fame when he clinched his first ATP title at the 2021 Cordoba Open, having entered the tournament as a qualifier in what was his ATP main draw debut at the age of 19.

Before making his ATP Tour debut, Juan Manuel Cerundolo already earned his name on the Challenger Tour, where he won 12 titles and holds an impressive record of 165-83. In 2022, Cerundolo made his maiden Grand Slam main draw appearance at the Australian Open, where he lost to Tomaš Machac in the opening round of the first Major tournament of the calendar year.

The ongoing French Open 2026 is Juan Manuel Cerundolo’s sixth main draw appearance across Grand Slam tournaments. Following a victory over Jannik Sinner, Juan will next face Martin Landaluce in the third round on Saturday, May 30.

Also Read: Djokovic survives French Open scare, breaks Federer's Grand Slam record

French Open 2026: Who is Diana Shnaider? The 22-Year-Old Stuns Aryna Sabalenka in Quarterfinal

Hrishikesh Damodar — Wed, 03 Jun 2026 21:21:09 +0530

The World No.25 and Russian tennis player Diana Shnaider pulled off a major upset by defeating World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinal of the women’s singles at the French Open 2026 on Wednesday, June 3.

Daina defeated Sabalenka in three sets - 3-6, 7-5, 6-0, to advance to her maiden Grand Slam semifinal. This was her second match in the ongoing edition of the French Open, where he lost a set, with her resilient comeback in the second and dominant performance in the deciding third set marking a career-defining moment for the 22-year-old rising star.

The Russian tennis player was dominated by the four-time Grand Slam champion in the opening set, struggling to find her rhythm as Sabalenka asserted her power and forced the young challenger onto the defensive. However, Diana Shnaider bounced back in the second, leveraging a surge of unforced errors by the Belarusian to break back and eventually turn the tide, ultimately reeling off 12 of the final 13 games to complete a monumental upset.

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‘Honestly, I’m Speechless’

Following a career-defining victory over Aryna Sabalenka, Diana Shnaider expressed her sheer disbelief over defeating the World No.1, admitting that the enormity of the win on such a grand stage had yet to fully sink in.

“Honestly, I’m speechless. I’m super happy. Obviously, today a little tough conditions with the wind. First time playing Aryna. Super nervous. Playing the quarterfinals for the first time,” Shnaider told the crowd at Court Philippe-Chatrier.

“The first set, I was just kind of trying to adjust to her game. Then to the conditions and to the wind. Trying to figure out how to play. I was just trying to focus point by point, not think about the score. I was like, it’s ok, it’s tough conditions.

“She’s the world #1. So I’ll just try to do my best til the end and see how it goes. I just fought for every point. Try to run for every ball and make it extra into the court,” she added.

The moment Diana Shnaider beat the world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to reach the Roland Garros semifinals for the first time. Two points away from being out of the tournament. But instead, she’s a Grand Slam semifinalist. Unbelievable stuff. pic.twitter.com/txCFH8XXYv

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 3, 2026

Aryna Sabalenka had an impressive run at the French Open 2026, having not lost a single set in the first rounds, before her quest for the maiden Roland Garros triumph came to a sudden halt following a dramatic collapse in the quarterfinals against Diana Shnaider. Despite appearing to be in complete control with a set and a double-break lead, Sabalenka was unable to fend off the surging 25th seed, ultimately falling 3-6, 7-5, 6-0.

Who is Diana Shnaider?

Diana Shnaider was born in Zhigulevsk to a lawyer father, Maxim, who is a former boxer, and a mother, Yulia, who is an English teacher. Diana started playing tennis at the age of 4 and began to pursue the sport seriously at the age of 8 by joining a tennis academy in Moscow, where she trained under the coach Samvel Minasyan.

In 2022, Diana moved to the United States of America (USA) and enrolled at North Carolina State University, where she played for the NC State Wolfpack in college tennis. Before moving to the USA, Daina was already a three-time junior doubles Grand Slam champion, having won the Wimbledon and the US Open in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2022.

In May 2023, Diana Shnaider turned professional, and the following year, she achieved a historic feat by becoming the youngest player to win WTA titles on all three surfaces at the age of 20, while breaking into the top 20. That year, Diana won her maiden Olympic medal by winning Silver at the Paris Games.

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Diana Shnaider made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2023 Australian Open and, thereafter, quickly established herself as a consistent presence on the major stage. At the French Open this year, she has achieved her highest Grand Slam milestone to date, reaching the semifinals by defeating Aryna Sabalenka.

Diana Shnaider will look to qualify for her maiden Grand Slam final when she takes on Maja Chwalinska of Poland in the semifinal on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Thursday, June 4.

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3 WWE Storyline Twists That Could Finally End The Judgment Day Faction For Good

Vaishnav Akash — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:33:02 +0530

Judgment Day’s dominance may be nearing its end. WWE could use shocking betrayals and bold turns to dismantle the faction forever.

Tensions between Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan have been brewing despite both qualifying for the Queen of the Ring tournament. Roxanne Perez, frustrated after failing to qualify, teased her plan to push Raquel and Liv into a finals clash. If Perez and Rodriguez betray Morgan, it could fracture the group and bring Judgment Day to an end.

Dominik Mysterio has thrived as a heel since joining Judgment Day, but his upcoming King of the Ring semifinal against Oba Femi could mark a turning point. Dropping his AAA title and embracing a heroic arc would separate him from the faction, potentially dismantling the group entirely.

Liv Morgan has manipulated her way into Judgment Day, even ousting Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest. But with Perez plotting and Raquel growing restless, Liv may decide to turn on the faction herself. Walking away from the group would leave Judgment Day without its leader, ending the faction once and for all.

'We Will Compete': Indian Hockey Star Manpreet Singh Issues Fitness Challenge to Virat Kohli

Hrishikesh Damodar — Fri, 22 May 2026 16:49:55 +0530

Former India hockey captain and veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh has extended a friendly but competitive invitation to the Indian batting stalwart Virat Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for a joint training session and a fitness showdown.

The challenge by Manpreet came after Kohli lauded the fitness standards of the Indian hockey players, candidly admitting that cricketers are "not even 15%" as fit as their hockey counterparts. Speaking at the third edition of the RCB Innovation Lab Summit, the veteran batter bluntly remarked that the hockey players would laugh at watching the training sessions of Indian cricketers.

“If hockey players watched our training sessions, they'd probably laugh because their sport demands far more physically," Kohli said.

Respect coming from King Kohli hits different. ✨Thank you legend!#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/gohBCj9Qhm

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) May 19, 2026

Virat Kohli, who himself is considered one of the fittest athletes in world cricket, has often spoken about how he structures his training to maintain elite endurance. However, the former Team India and RCB captain remains humble about the physical requirements of his sport compared to the high-intensity, end-to-end nature of field hockey, which requires a sustained aerobic capacity throughout a 60-minute match.

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Manpreet Sends Fitness Challenge Invitation to Kohli and RCB

The veteran hockey midfielder, Manpreet Singh, was quite impressed by the sportsmanlike spirit and mutual respect by Indian batting icon Virat Kohli, who lauded the intense discipline and physical benchmarks of the national hockey squad.

In an interview with RevzSports, Manpreet invited Kohli as well as the entire RCB squad to join the Indian national hockey team for a joint training session.

“Obviously. We want to invite Virat and the entire RCB team to come and do a training session with us. We will compete against each other,” a former Indian hockey captain told Boria Majumdar.

Virat Kohli, Supreme Fitness and Hockey’s Recognition Debate• •Manpreet and Hardik credit Virat Kohli for shining the spotlight on the elite fitness standards in Indian hockey• •The duo invite Virat and the RCB squad for a joint fitness session and Yo-Yo test challenge https://t.co/HRLIT1T1cO

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) May 21, 2026

The Indian hockey players undergo certain training sessions and fitness tests, including Yo-Yo, which the Indian cricket team adopted during Virat Kohli’s captaincy stint to establish a new, stringent benchmark for player fitness and selection eligibility.

In cricket, players are expected to score between 16 and 18, while the hockey players regularly clear the 20-point mark, with many outfield players consistently achieving this figure, a benchmark that remains testimony to their extreme aerobic demands required to sustain performance in high-intensity, end-to-end field hockey matches.

‘Cricket Is Also Difficult’

Though Manpreet Singh extended a fitness challenge invite to Virat Kohli and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the former Indian hockey captain admitted cricket is also an incredibly challenging sport that demands its own unique skill set.

"If you look, their game is also difficult. The ball comes so fast. If you ask us to bat, that will be difficult too. The ball comes in at 150 kph speed, and that is also difficult,” Manpreet said.

“His game's requirement is different, and ours is too. His is about eye contact, batting, position, and other things," he added.

During the captaincy tenure of Virat Kohli, Indian cricketers were mandated to clear the Yo-Yo test as a compulsory fitness requirement to be eligible for national team selection, a policy that significantly elevated the physical standards within the squad.

The captain-coach duo of Kohli and Ravi Shastri was instrumental in ensuring that centrally contracted players were required to stringent fitness standards, with the Yo-Yo test becoming a mandatory parameter for selection into the national team.

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