This week, the highest-ranked male tennis players 21 and under have been assembled in Milan to play a year-end tournament. These included the 18-year-old Denis “Shapo” Shapovalov, the flashy, long-locked Canadian who bulldozed into the fourth round of the U.S. Open this year; 20-year-old Russian Andrey Rublev, who became the youngest U.S. Open quarterfinalist in 16 years; and a handful of others. It’s a fine idea for an event: drum up some enthusiasm around a sport that may well suffer a minor PR crisis once Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer eventually slow down in next two decades. But it did not begin on an auspicious note on Sunday night. Prepare yourself to cringe with every part of your body from the ends of your hairs to the tips of your toenails, then take a look: The players were asked to select models, who would then reveal either letter “A” or “B” to indicate what round-robin group they’d compete in. The letters were often hidden on parts of the women’s bodies. The young men—who are, collectively, a good-natured but low-key bunch—appear tense as they are led around by the hand and danced at by the not-very-clothed women. It’s not pictured in the above video, but 21-year-old Korean Hyeon Chung was apparently asked to remove a model’s glove with his teeth; he looked much more comfortable playing Rafa on clay in Spain this spring. After complaints of tastelessness from current players, former players, parents of players, and journalists, the tour issued an apology: ATP and Red Bull apologize for the offence caused by the draw ceremony for the Next Gen ATP Finals. The intention was to integrate Milan’s rich heritage as one of the fashion capitals of the world. However, our execution of the proceedings was in poor taste and unacceptable. We deeply regret this and will ensure that there is no repeat of anything like it in the future. The actual tennis part begins tomorrow.
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Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is to resume group training on Friday, several weeks after suffering an ankle injury, the club said.
The world s most expensive player could therefore be ready to join the squad to face FC Zurich in the Champions League on November 25, before playing in the clasico match at Barcelona four days later.
Real said he underwent tests on Tuesday by the club s medical services and by Dutch doctor Nicholas van Dijk, who previously operated on the Portuguese winger in 2008.
It was decided that Cristiano Ronaldo should continue his recovery protocol until the final pre-established date which is next Friday, at which point he can resume group training, it said in a statement.
Ronaldo injured his right ankle in Real s 3-0 Champion…
Former Czech international striker Jan Koller, out of contract with Russian first division side Samara, said Monday he is in talks with French third division side Cannes.
I m negotiating a transfer to Cannes. Things should become clearer in the first week of December, Kollder told Czech website www.sport.cz.
The record goal scorer for the Czech Republic with 55 goals in 91 matches, Koller played for French first division side Monaco in 2006-2008 and lives in the Principality along the coast from Cannes.
Cannes interests me and I would still like to be useful, said the 2.02m striker. At 36 years, I no longer have big ambitions, I want to play football for fun.
Koller played his last match for the Czech Republic on September 5 in a 2-2 draw against Slov…
Millwall manager Kenny Jackett has resigned from his post to pursue a new challenge .
The 51-year-old moved to the New Den after leaving Swansea in March 2007 and led the club into the Championship via the League One play-offs in 2010.
The London club also made the semi-finals of the FA Cup this season, but were defeated at Wembley by Premier League outfit Wigan.
A statement from Jackett read: After almost six seasons I personally feel the time is right for a new challenge, and also for a new manager to come into Millwall with fresh ideas, to take the club forward towards its long term goal of reaching the Premier League.
I would like to thank the chairman, the board of directors, players, members of staff and supporters of Millwall for their considerable backing.
I have th…
Edinson Cavani is fully focused on Napoli and has dismissed reports linking him with a move to Real Madrid.
The Uruguayan striker has insisted he will not be following Walter Mazzari out of the club after he scored 29 goals in Serie A this season, making him the club s third-highest goalscorer in their history.
Cavani s goals helped Napoli finish second in the league behind Juventus their highest position since 1990 when Diego Maradona inspired them to their second title.
He arrived in Naples in July 2010 having impressed at Palermo and is now coveted by leading clubs from all across Europe.
Cavani s 104 goals for the Napoli leaves him seven goals adrift of Attila Salustro and 11 behind Maradona in their all-time goalscoring charts.
The future of the 26-year-old has been subje…
Juventus are ready to reward Paulo Dybala with a new and improved deal following his fine performances over the past 18 months.
The Argentina international joined Juventus from Palermo in June 2015 and has since developed into a key figure at the Turin giants.
His existing contract with the Serie A champions runs until 2020, but general director Giuseppe Marotta has made it clear the club are keen to offer him better terms.
We have an excellent relationship with Paulo and his representatives, Marotta told reporters.
Upon joining Juventus, he signed a five-year deal and we are now in the renewal phase, a spontaneous process that reflects our acknowledgement for what the player has achieved so far at the club. It is only right that he will be rewarded fro…
The 2019-20 Serie A season will begin on Saturday with a thrilling encounter between the reigning champions, Juventus, and Parma. The Old Lady are aiming for another title run, while Parma will try to extend the solid run of form they showed down the stretch of the 2018-19 season. Undoubtedly, the hosts will attempt to pull the upset in front of their fans. Kick-off for this match will be at 17:00 hrs BST.
Parma
Parma didn t have a good record at home during the 2018-19 Serie A season after notching just five wins in 19 matches (W5, D7, L7), and they also struggled on the final third since they couldn t score entirely in seven outings. However, Parma ended the campaign on a strong note since they were undefeated in their last four league outings (W1, D3) at Stadio Ennio Tardini…
Major League Soccer side DC United confirmed on Wednesday that the club has signed foward Adam Cristman from the Kansas City Wizards.
Cristman joined DC United in exchange for an international roster spot until December 31, 2011.
We are pleased to have concluded a trade for Adam, said United General Manager Dave Kasper.
He is a hard working, athletic striker who will provide solid cover for us. We look forward to having him join us in pre-season camp.
Cristman struggled with a fractured metatarsal last season and featured only in five games for the Wizards.
Cristman scored six goals in 18 games for the New England Revolution in 2008.
[Source: MLSnet.com]
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Disaster for Arteta and Everton
Everton have made a really disappointing start to their season. They sit thirteenth in the Premier League with just three wins out of their first ten league games.
Horrendous
They have had one or two horrendous results such as the 6-1 opening day defeat at home to Arsenal and the 5-0 humiliation at Benfica in the Europa League.
Before the season started many people thought that David Moyes would take his team for another assault on the top four and achieve at least a top six finish.
Creativity
So far it hasn’t worked out that way and not only have results been poor, many people have commented on how dour the side is to watch and the lack of any genuine creativity within the side.
Many of these …
Roberto Martinez has dismissed suggestions Everton are thinking about selling Romelu Lukaku following claims from his agent Mino Raiola.
Lukaku has been a key figure for Everton ever since joining from Chelsea in 2013, with the deal becoming permanent in 2014 after an initial season-long loan.
The Belgium striker has netted 30 goals in 77 Premier League games for the Merseyside club, and his performances have led to speculation that he could leave Goodison Park if the price is right.
But, speaking ahead of this weekend s clash with Sunderland on Friday, Everton boss Martinez said: Lukaku has been a real joy to see developing.
He has had a very important role with us from a young age. He is now in a position to take on more responsibility on the pitch.<…
Cristiano Ronaldo became the leading goalscorer in the history of the Madrid derby with a hat-trick against Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
The 31-year-old struck a deflected free-kick to give Real Madrid the lead midway through the first half before making the points safe with a penalty and a simple finish from a Gareth Bale cross after the break.
Ronaldo now boasts 18 goals against Madrid s city rivals, taking him one above the previous best in this fixture set by Santiago Bernabeu great Alfredo Di Stefano.
His tally in league games at the Vicente Calderon now stands at seven, with only former Brazil star Ronaldo (nine) having scored more for Madrid at the home of their city rivals.
It was a particularly disappointing game for Atleti goalkeeper Jan Oblak, …