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The milestones continue to pile up for Novak Djokovic with the tennis great setting a new record for most wins by a man on Arthur Ashe Stadium with his latest victory at the US Open.

Fresh from completing a career Golden Slam following his gold medal success at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic opened his title defence at Flushing Meadows with a solid 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 victory over qualifier Radu Albot in the first round on the showpiece court on Monday.

The victory was Djokovic’s 89th at the US Open with 78 of those coming on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the latter a new record for most wins on Ashe by a man.

READ: ANALYSIS: The story of Jannik Sinner’s doping scandal as fans and players wait with anger

He also joined Roger Federer in second place for most wins at the US Open with Jimmy Connors’ record of 98 safe for at least another year.

“I wasn’t aware of it [record for most wins on Arthur Ashe] to be honest. It’s the biggest stadium. Definitely the loudest we have in the history of our sport,” the 24-time Grand Slam winner said. “The night sessions are the best in the world on Arthur Ashe. Ever since the roof was introduced it became even louder. Electric atmosphere. Incredible energy.

“Obviously with some new rules this year with the crowd able to move around, there are a lot of things happening on court. We’re clocking midnight right now. I love night seasons, maybe not this late, but nevertheless it was great fun.”

Djokovic broke twice in the first set, three times in the second and once in the third although Albot did get some joy in the second set as he managed one break of serve.

The victory also helped him to extend his streak for most first-round wins at Grand Slams as he now sits on 71 – well clear of Roger Federer on 65 in second place with Chris Evert third on 56.

The second seed, though, acknowledges he needs to brush up on his game as he made 40 unforced errors, served 10 double faults and landed 47 per cent of first serves.

But considering it is his first match on a hard court in months, a win is always welcome.

“I wanted to kick start the tournament in the right way and I think I did,” Djokovic, who faces fellow Serbian Laslo Djere in the second round, said. “Some ups and downs which I think is normal, getting the rust off your shoulders coming off a different surface and the Olympic Games.

“I haven’t played on hard courts for six months, so I’m still finding that groove, finding the tempo on the court.”

BOXING

‘The eyes don’t lie, chico’: Edgar Berlanga predicts 6th-round KO of ‘Canelo’ Alvarez

It’s the first big rodeo for Edgar Berlanga, and he’s digging in his boots and riding high in the saddle as he hopes to rope the super-middleweight king Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.

The bout between Alvarez (61-2-2, 39 KOs) and Berlanga (22-0, 17 KOs) will take place on September 14 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but a precursor clash, albeit verbally, has already taken place during a contentious pre-fight media tour.

Alvarez gave Berlanga pelvic gyrations and spanked the air in front of him during a profanity-laced lashing, while Berlanga whipped back with combinations of expletives, indicating he’d use both brains and brawn to beat the future hall of famer.

JUST IN: Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois could break Tyson Fury record as bid made for heavyweight fight

Berlanga may be biting off more than he can chew for his first world-title shot, but “The Chosen One” has no choice but to roll with the punches during a career-defining fight that has landed sooner than it should have.

“The trash talk is a part of the sport – fuck him,” Berlanga said. “There is no more respect for any opponent once the contract is signed. It’s business. He’s going to try to kill me in front of my family. This is gladiator shit, and I am going to do the same thing to him. On my son, let me drop dead – I never fear no one. I’m going to go out on my shield, and he better go out on his.

“I didn’t like it when he smiled at me at the press conference. I felt like he was taking me as a joke. I know his intentions. I’m from the hood in New York. If you are smiling at my face that is disrespectful.”

Berlanga is portraying a world of confidence despite not having the dossier to justify it against a caliber of opponent like Alvarez. After starting his career with 16 consecutive first-round knockouts, the Brooklyn-based Puerto Rican has fizzled and lost steam while stepping up in competition. With just 72 rounds fought, compared to 496 from Alvarez, he will have a steep learning curve to account for Alvarez’s incredible experience.

“I am training for IQ, intelligence, and being smart,” said Berlanga. “Anyone who beat Canelo had that.

“At the end of the day, I’m a star myself, for real; for real. He was going to fight either me or David Benavidez, or eventually retire, and I was going to come in and take his spot. I have everything. I can fight. I look good. I’m appealing. I’m Puerto Rican with an island behind me. I have the whole package, which is what you need in the sport of boxing to become a star.”

Berlanga says he will not make the same mistakes as Alvarez’s most recent opponent Jaime Munguia, who suffered a knockdown and a unanimous decision defeat in May.

“Munguia is long, big and throws a lot of punches but he fell for a lot of Canelo’s traps,” said Berlanga. “He gave up his height and reach and moved forward a lot. I thought it was going to be a way better fight for Munguia.”

Berlanga then lobbed personal jabs at Alvarez while predicting a sixth-round knockout, a stoppage two rounds sooner than his adversary predicted.

“A lot of Mexicans don’t like [Alvarez],” said Berlanga. “I go to Mexico a lot. They don’t like him. His people are my fans. They like us. Puerto Ricans don’t hate on me crazy like that. He’s a [shit-eating] person. He’s shit. He has money, but money doesn’t make you. It’s about how you treat people. People love me because of that.

“He’s just talking shit [saying the fight is going to be easy]. I don’t give a fuck. He knows what’s up. I looked right through him. Like Tony Montana said in the movie Scarface, ‘The eyes don’t lie, chico’. And you can see it in my eyes, I don’t fear no man.”

BOXING

Anthony Joshua vs Daniel Dubois could break Tyson Fury record as bid made for heavyweight fight

Anthony Joshua’s fight with Daniel Dubois could be about to break a British attendance record.

Joshua will take on Dubois in a huge heavyweight scrap for the IBF world title on September 21 at Wembley Stadium, with over 90,000 fans watching on after the event sold out last week.

Previously in 2021, the heavyweight showdown between Tyson Fury and Dillian Whyte set the British boxing attendance record with 94,000 attending the clash after special dispensation was granted by the local authority.

JUST IN: “It’s criminal Joshua and Fury never faced each other – I don’t see it happening now”

AJ and ‘Dynamite’ were set to fight in front of 90,000 fans, but Saudi boxing chief HE Turki Alalshikh alongside Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren are not done selling tickets just yet.

The Middle East fight maker has revealed a request has been made to extend the capacity.

He wrote on social media: “We have submitted a request to increase the capacity at Wembley Stadium for the highly anticipated Joshua vs Dubois fight at #RiyadhSeasonCard Wembley Edition.

“We are aiming to set a record for the largest boxing attendance in the history of Wembley Stadium.”

It would be a monumental achievement and could push the attendance up to 95,000 or more to ensure it breaks the record.

The request will be subject to security checks and clearances from the local authorities, and will need to be approved before more tickets can go on sale.

It already promises to be a stacked event, with a jam-packed undercard featuring Joshua Buatsi and Liam Smith set to come before the hotly-anticipated main-event.

Liam Gallagher will also perform on the night, which came before the news that he has settled his differences with brother Noel and legendary band Oasis will be back on tour in 2025.

Some huge boxing events have headlined the national stadium since it has been rebuilt including the famous rematch between Carl Froch and George Groves which set the record originally with 80,000 spectators.

Joshua himself has even fought at Wembley since that famous clash, with his two clashes against Wladimir Klitschko and Alexander Povetkin on the hallowed turf surpassing Froch’s record before Fury vs Whyte took the throne.

It promises to be a huge occasion inside and outside of the ring, particularly for Joshua who has the opportunity to become a three-time world champion.

He will go in as a favourite given his recent form under new trainer Ben Davison, having won his last two fights over Otto Wallin and Francis Ngannou with devastating stoppages.

A huge clash with Tyson Fury could be on the table in 2025 if he wins, and the ‘Gypsy King’ is able to get revenge over Oleksandr Usyk in December.

And Fury himself wants to return to Wembley to face AJ in his final bow.

He said earlier this year: “Styles make fights and my style for him [Joshua] is kryptonite.

“I’ve always said AJ is built to measure for me and just because he knocked out that guy, it’s not the same.

“He couldn’t on any of those right hands on Usyk, a way smaller and lighter man. Boxing is a very difficult game. It’s changing all the time.

“When I’ve got through with the rabbit [Usyk] then we go down for AJ. And that’s the fight of Britain.

“Hopefully we do one fight in Saudi Arabia and one fight at Wembley. A showdown forever, a sign-out for the GK.”

BOXING

‘It’s criminal Joshua and Fury never faced each other – I don’t see it happening now’

Ricky Hatton has slammed Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua for failing to step into the ring together – saying it’s ‘criminal’ the fight never happened when the boxers were in their prime

Ricky Hatton has slammed the failure of Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua to fight as “criminal”.

The Hitman has hit out at the two British heavyweight superstars for as of yet not putting on the show that the public want in the ring. Hatton also made his concerns clear about repercussions from Fury and Joshua’s scheduled bouts against Oleksandr Usyk in December and Daniel Dubois in September.

READ: Canelo’s Unfinished Business: A Rematch with Bivol

Hatton admitted that Fury looks past his prime following his performance against Usyk and previously against Francis Ngannou. “It depends on the next performances. Tyson didn’t look great against Oleksandr Usyk,” Hatton told Action Network.

“Don’t get me wrong it was a good fight, I’m being a little bit unfair there because fighters like Usyk only come along every now and again, he’s exceptional.

“But he wasn’t great against Francis Ngannou, I think he would agree with me on that one. We’re all starting to think has Tyson got too many miles on the clock now? It seems to be the case after the last couple of fights.”

The former light-welterweight world champion admitted he fears that both fighters’ best days are behind them, saying it’s “criminal” the two Britons didn’t fight years ago.

“I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in this one. But I don’t see the fight happening now, I think we’ve lost our chance and it was criminal it didn’t happen a few years ago when they were both in their prime,” Hatton continued.

“But I said I think Anthony Joshua beats Daniel Dubois and Tyson Fury has a good chance of beating Oleksandr Usyk if he tweaks a few little things, so it is capable of happening but I just hope we haven’t lost our chance.

“That’s the biggest fight in boxing and certainly British boxing history. If somehow Daniel Dubois ends up winning or Tyson doesn’t win and they don’t end up fighting each other then I think boxing has f***** up.

“It’s heavyweight boxing and the apple cart can get upset with one punch in boxing and then there’s rematch clauses. Sometimes the fights that we want don’t seem to happen but Tyson has a good chance of beating Usyk and I fancy AJ to come through the Dubois fight.

“But I’m more confident of Joshua winning his next fight rather than Tyson. It would be criminal if that fight doesn’t happen. Let’s have our fingers crossed as boxing fans.”

Hatton lauded Saudi boxing boss Turki Alalshikh for his impact on the sport and for hosting some of the biggest fights in recent years. “(What) Turki Alalshikh has done for boxing (is incredible). He’s brought all the big fights together and for everyone to work together which is really good for boxing,” he said.

However, Hatton continued that a Fury and Joshua showdown should not be taken away from the British crowd, he added: “As much as I think our fight fans would appreciate what Turki Alalshikh has done for our sport, as British boxing fans if AJ and Tyson come through, please tell me we’re not expecting Fury and Joshua to fight in Saudi?

“I’m not being disrespectful to Turki Alalshikh, he’s been what our sport has needed.

“No disrespect to them but certain fights need to be in the United States and certain fights need to be in the UK. I’m not saying you can’t have the fights in Saudi but certain fights like AJ and Tyson Fury can only be in one place.”

GOLF

Tiger Woods’ ex-wife Elin Nordegren was ‘deeply unimpressed’ by golf legend’s attempt to woo her

Tiger Woods’ pursuit of his ex-wife Elin Nordegren is chronicled in a new book by author James Patterson, who claims the golfer was ‘deeply unimpressive’ in his attempts to woo her

James Patterson’s latest book delves into the intriguing courtship of Tiger Woods and his ex-wife Elin Nordegren, revealing how the golf legend pursued her in a rather unconventional manner.

Woods, who has been a household name since he burst onto the scene as a teenage golfing sensation, had his personal life, including his marriage to Nordegren, widely followed. The pair met when Nordegren was working as an Au Pair for golfer Jesper Parnevik at the age of 21 in 2001.

READ: Tiger Woods ex-wife Elin Nordegren sent X-rated message to waitress after discovering affair

Patterson recounts that Woods, then 25, was immediately smitten with the Swedish nanny but too bashful to ask her out himself. Instead, he had someone from his team approach her, a move that initially left Nordegren less than impressed.

“That’s the way he’s lived his life,” Patterson told the Daily Mail, comparing Woods’ approach to getting a wife to ordering room service. “Whatever Woods needed, whether it was room service or a wife, his first instinct was to say, ‘Let’s get a manager to do that’.”

Despite having a boyfriend in Sweden at the time, Nordegren eventually agreed to go on a date with Woods, leading to their marriage in 2004. Meanwhile, Woods was on his way to becoming one of the greatest golfers ever, with his 15 major titles trailing only behind the iconic Jack Nicklaus.

Woods, whose illustrious golfing career began in 1995, has not announced his retirement yet. He clinched his 14th major title in 2008 and then had to wait for 11 years before securing the next big win at the 2019 Masters tournament.

In the sporting season of 2024, he took part in all four major tournaments but only made it through the cut at the Masters. Following his much-celebrated 2019 triumph at Augusta, and due to grave leg injuries from a car accident in February 2021, Woods hasn’t managed to finish in the top 10 at any major event.

Before their public and messy split in 2010, Woods was married to Elin Nordegren. Woods’s alleged multiple affairs led to dramatic incidents, including one where Nordegren dialled an accused mistress from Woods’s own phone.

“After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person,” the golfer expressed when the couple separated in 2010.

On one occasion, Nordegren smashed the window of Woods’s SUV near their Florida residence. She is currently seeing former NFL tight end Jordan Cameron.

On July 15, 2024, “Tiger, Tiger: His Life, As It’s Never Been Told Before” by James Patterson was launched and swiftly scaled the New York Times bestseller list.

TENNIS

[VIDEO] US Open 2024: More Pressure on Coco Gauff to Defend

The US Open is here, and with it comes a wave of excitement and anticipation that sweeps through tennis fans worldwide. But with all that excitement, there’s also a hefty dose of pressure, especially for the local favorite, Coco Gauff.

As the American sensation steps onto the court, she’s not just playing for herself—she’s carrying the hopes and expectations of millions. The buzz around her is electric, but with the buzz comes the weight of responsibility.

In a video shared by the official X account of the US Open, several fans can be seen predicting the title winner. On the men’s side, there seemed to be a draw between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic, with several fans supporting either of the two as the probable title contender. But on the women’s side, Gauff emerged as the clear favorite. Although the names of Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek can also be heard in the video, the number of people backing them is very few.

JUST IN: Novak Djokovic sends ‘different mode’ warning as he addresses US Open injury ‘issues’

We asked fans for correct answers only 🤔 pic.twitter.com/yQlLN3XjpA

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 25, 2024

Gauff has not witnessed a remarkable season in the American hard-court swing this year, so far. She was ousted in her second match of the Canadian Open, where she faced a defeat from Diana Shnaider. Similar situations unfolded for the star player at the Cincinnati Masters, where she was baffled in her opening match itself, against Yulia Putinsteva. But despite the setbacks, Gauff has found great support from her fans and well-wishers ahead of the US Open.

For Gauff, this support comes at a time when the star player herself admitted the increased pressure on her shoulders. Remember, the 20-year-old would be entering the US Open as the defending champion and hence, expectations from her to win the title are immense. Gauff reflected upon this and said, “Obviously, coming in as defending champion is a little bit of pressure, but also more of a privilege, because as my new motto is: If you defend, that means you won something before.”

But the major question that emerges amidst the support is: Can Gauff rise to the occasion? While the increased anticipation might result in increased pressure, the American star opened up about her form ahead of the US Open.

Coco Gauff might have underperformed at the American hardcourt swing this season so far, but that does not nullify the challenge that she would be posing for her opponents. Ahead of the final grand slam of the year, Gauff revealed that she is well-poised and is having great practice sessions.

Speaking in the pre-tournament presser, the reigning US Open champion said, “The last couple of practices have gone really well, which before, like, during Cincinnati wasn’t having great practices, in Toronto wasn’t having great practices. Here I’m having great practices, which, you know, doesn’t mean I’m going to go out on the match and play great, but it does give you more confidence when you’re actually practicing great the week before a tournament, yeah.”

With Gauff’s first match less than 24 hours away, it would be interesting to see if her intense practice sessions amalgamated with the support she is receiving help her win big at the US Open. Can she defend her title?

TENNIS

Novak Djokovic sends ‘different mode’ warning as he addresses US Open injury ‘issues’

Novak Djokovic has confirmed he has been dealing with some physical “issues” ahead of the 2024 US Open, but clarified it is “nothing serious in the wider context.”

The 24-time major champion also proclaimed that he possesses a mode inside him “that is different” and that he is “just a different competitor” when big tournaments start.

Djokovic practised with Holger Rune for around an hour on an outside court at Flushing Meadows on Friday and was due to continue training with the Dane on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This is Novak Djokovic's possible draw at the US Open 2024 | Puntodebreak.com

READ: Coco Gauff: Finishing late can really ruin your tournament but US Open taking positive steps

However, despite Djokovic’s bags being brought to the court and members of his team being present, the Serb did not participate in the second part of the session after receiving treatment.

While this raised concerns over Djokovic’s fitness ahead of his US Open title defence, the 37-year-old has since practised on Saturday and Sunday.

In an interview with Serbian media, Djokovic provided an update on his physical condition that will be reassuring to his fans.

“On Friday, I practised for an hour on the outside courts, and then I had some issues, so I didn’t practise any further at Arthur Ashe,” said the world No 2.

“Today (on Saturday), it wasn’t much of an issue, so I practised with [Stan] Wawrinka both on the outside court and on Ashe, where we get an hour per day. So far, everything is fine, it’s nothing serious in the wider context.”

The tennis great was also asked about his lack of hard-court matches heading into the New York major after he withdrew from the Masters 1000 events in Montreal and Cincinnati.

“I’m not in my twenties anymore, I can’t chase the tournaments that are not absolute priority,” Djokovic explained. “As you guys know, those are Slams, Davis Cup and the Olympics.

“Those inspire me to compete, but I also enjoy the process of practice, of building up your form, body, and mind for the biggest challenges, such as this one in New York.

“It would probably be better if I had a few matches under my belt, but that was the calendar this year, the Games were the priority.

“I came to New York on Tuesday, practising every day and raising my level, although, I must admit, I am jet-lagged more than usual. I don’t know what’s going on, it’s like a part of me stayed in Europe.

“I know that, when a tournament this big starts, I have a mode inside me that is different – when the ball starts rolling, when it starts, I am just a different competitor.

“I hope that the first match will go well, that’s always desirable, and then we’ll take it from there.”

Djokovic will start his campaign today against world No 138 Radu Albot, a Moldovan qualifier. It will be the Serbian’s first match since beating Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic gold medal match.

BOXING

“He is Just a Big Old Milk Jug”: Jake Paul drags Tyson Fury into debate over Mike Tyson boxing fight

Jake Paul will take on heavyweight legend Mike Tyson in November in a fight which has divided boxing fans

Jake Paul has compared himself to Tyson Fury ahead of his controversial fight with Mike Tyson.

Paul was due to take on heavyweight legend Tyson last month but the rivals were forced to postpone the bout until November when Tyson suffered an ulcer flare-up. Paul instead took on bare-knuckle fighter and former UFC star Mike Perry, knocking him out in the sixth round.

JUST IN: “He can still knock your head into another dimension”: Jake Paul Should Be Weary Of Mike Tyson

Before losing weight in order to fight Perry, Paul claimed to have bulked up to 230lb in preparation for facing former undisputed world champion Tyson. That led to the ‘Baddest Man on the Planet’ branding the YouTube

“It’s peak male performance bod, and that is fat,” he said on his podcast. “I mean look at Tyson Fury for example. He is just a big old milk jug and look what he’s done.” Fury, whose brother Tommy handed Paul his only career defeat last year, is preparing for his own fight later this year, his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk.

Before Paul’s fight with Tyson was postponed in May, the latter said: “I don’t know if he’s in his prime. He’s fat. He should be lean and mean and he’s fat and funky. I saw him with his shirt off though and he’s fat.”

Paul responded to Tyson’s jibe by saying: “Hey, Buster Douglas was fat. Am I right? I know, but you know Buster Douglas, I’m better. I’m going to end you quicker than he did and you’ll remember that forever. You started me off. I appreciate that. Mike, I love you. I love you like a father loves his son, but I must discipline you. You’re going down, man.”

Tyson has not fought since a bore draw in his exhibition bout with Roy Jones Jr in 2020 while his last professional fight saw him quit on his stool after five rounds against Kevin McBride almost 20 years ago.

At 58, he is 30 years Paul’s senior, but insists he can KO the social media star. “We’ve got a YouTuber fighting the greatest fighter who ever lived. He may have been in the ring with people who have the same intentions, but the actuality, no. As soon as I catch this guy its going to be totally over, he’ going to run.”

BOXING

“He can still knock your head into another dimension”: Jake Paul Should Be Weary Of Mike Tyson

Hollywood star Russell Crowe recently chatted with the infamous Joe Rogan and shared his thoughts on the upcoming clash between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson.

Originally scheduled for July 20, the controversial match between Tyson and Paul was canceled due to a flare-up of stomach ulcers plaguing ‘Iron Mike’. Paul was quick to accept a fight with former UFC fighter turned BKFC star Mike Perry, and Paul would leave the ring as the victor after knocking out his opponent in the sixth round.

Now scheduled for November 15, the Tyson vs. Paul fight remains a spectacle that has divided many fans and fighters alike. Many believe the age gap between the 58-year-old boxing legend and young 27-year-old upstart is too prolific. Others, however, are not ready to count ‘Iron Mike’ out and attest to how much of a different beast the man is.

JUST IN: Canelo’s Unfinished Business: A Rematch with Bivol

Speaking to Joe Rogan, Russell Crowe delved into the enigma that is the legend of Mike Tyson. He spoke on the man’s prowess and admitted that he could still do some damage despite his age.

”58-year-old Mike Tyson is not 50-year-old Mike Jones that lives down the street,” Crowe said. “It’s a different kind of human being. He can still knock your head into another dimension if he can catch you.”

”I was terrified of him as a boxer,” Russell Crowe continued. “He was terrifying. Even when I met him backstage at a stadium one time at a fight, I was like, ‘I’m still terrified of you’…What bothers me with this whole thing is that he’s got to kind of slide back into that warrior, and I’m just not sure that he needed to do it.”

BOXING

Canelo’s Unfinished Business: A Rematch with Bivol

Canelo Alvarez will defend his unified super middleweight world titles against Edgar Berlanga on September 14.

Roughly a month later on October 12, Artur Beterbiev clashes with Dmitry Bivol for the undisputed light heavyweight crown.

While appearing on the “Pound 4 Pound” podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, Alvarez said not only will he be watching that fight but he’s interested in possibly trying to avenge his May 2022 unanimous decision loss to Bivol at 175 pounds.

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“Yeah, if it’s possible one day, it’s the only fight I make one more time at 175 with that rematch with Bivol,” Alvarez told both Usman and Cejudo. “I think it’s the only fight I will [move] up and fight with him.”

Prior to that loss in being drowned out by Bivol’s volume punching, Alvarez had knocked out Sergey Kovalev to win the light heavyweight world championship in November 2019, showing he is capable of winning at that weight.

But how does Alvarez expect Bivol (23-0, 12 KOs) to fare against a battering Beterbiev who counts all 20 of his victories by knockout?

“I think if Bivol has the condition and the very good game plan to go there in and out and do all these things, I think he wins,” Alvarez said. “But if not, if he goes a little bit in the corner or in the ropes, it’s going to be hard for him because Beterbiev is a very hard fighter.”