Rafa Nadal has just won his 22nd Grand Slam, becoming one of the best tennis players in history and the absolute winner of Roland Garros. But every year he battles against hellish pains that almost have left him out of achieving such a milestone.
At Wimbledon, he suffered and stated that he almost could not continue in several matches, but his mentality is superior, and he fights hard to end up winning. His physical power is impressive, but his body is getting more and more affected every day.
Regardless of how he may finish his Wimbledon participation, it is a good idea to enter Betway India to bet on the Spaniard and what he can do for the rest of the season. There you can enter a stake, not only on tennis but also the sport of your choice, safely and securely and with the highest odds.
A never-ending pain.
In almost 20 years of his career, he has had approximately 23 serious injuries that have threatened the Spanish tennis player's adventure.
His first affectation was in 2003 when a cracked elbow that caused him to miss Roland Garros. It was the beginning of his career and although it affected his morale, he knew that in the end, it would help him overcome the injury that made him stronger.
In 2004, just as he was getting into a pretty good rhythm, he missed Roland Garros again, this time with a foot injury. He was starting to worry because he already had several chronic ailments that the doctors could not explain.
The following year was magical for Mallacorí. He won his first Slam and hung 10 titles in his personal museum, he was becoming an invincible force, but the pain did not end, that's when he was detected with the Muller-Weiss syndrome, which gave an explanation for the injuries but put at risk everything planned for his future.
What is Muller-Weiss syndrome?
Explained in crude terms to avoid an unintelligible scientific explanation, it is basically a lack of blood supply to the muscles, and the overwork to which the player is subjected causes small tears that become very painful and if left untreated can be much more serious.
Obviously, this made Rafa change the way he trained and even the way he ate. He had to make a total change in his daily routine if he wanted to compete at the highest level.
The Spaniard managed to change everything and became stronger, but the injuries did not stop. It is complicated to stop the problem that almost retired him at the age of 19. Rafa knew the injuries would not leave him alone, and yet he has pushed his body to the limit.
Injuries and more injuries
There isn't a year in which the tennis player doesn't have a serious setback. He always ends up missing a tournament because he is undergoing rehabilitation or recovery, but when he returns to play, he ends up winning something.
One of the most painful for the Spaniard was in 2012 when he ruptured a tendon on his knee at Wimbledon and was out for eight months. This year, Nadal was at an impressive level and was hoping to play in the Olympics to give Spain the gold medal. What's more, the Spanish Olympic Committee had chosen him as flag bearer because they considered that he would be the standard of an entire country and could get the gold medal. A very complicated year that could not be.
There is no part of the Spaniard's body that has not had an injury, and yet he comes back to win. His pain threshold is very high, and he has played important matches, like in 2014 at the Australian Open.
Rafa was warming up before the final against Stan Wawrinka, at that moment he felt something was wrong and his back started to hurt a lot. He could have retired because the pain was impressive, but he decided to play. Nadal gave a great match that went to 5 sets, but could not win. If he had been healthy, surely the result would have been different.
The age does matter
The Spaniard's age becomes an important factor in these cases. He is 36 years old, and the recovery time for any serious injury increases. Besides, the more time he spends away from the court, the more difficult it becomes for him to reach the same level of demand as younger players.
This year, he has suffered two major injuries and has played almost on crutches. This has not prevented his competitiveness from dropping. He won the French Open, his favourite tournament, and the Australian Open. His level is still very high, and his experience and reading of the game helps him a lot to avoid physical stress that sometimes takes its toll on him.
In Indian Wells, he had problems with a rib during the semifinals, and obviously, his performance declined, and he ended up missing the Monte Carlo tournament. An open he has won 11 times.
In Rome, his left foot kept bothering him, and he lost his Italian title when he was defeated in the third round by Denis Shapovalov.
For Wimbledon, he is playing a very good form, but he has been affected, it is known that his left foot is not at 100% and that sooner or later it can play a dirty trick on him. If there is one thing the Spaniard has, it's his competitive spirit, and he will surely play through the pain and go far on the English courts.
All that remains is to ask: How far will Nadal's physique take him? Will he play for more years?
In many sports, it has been seen that older players remain competitive and even end up as champions. Tom Brady, Zlatan Ibrahimović, Cristiano Ronaldo, Benzema. The list is long.
Advances in sports science, and the way they eat, train and take care of their bodies have changed and guarantee athletes many more years at the top of their careers. But the pain remains the same. Will Rafa last more years in pain? Because we are sure that mentally he wants to keep winning titles. Without a doubt, Nadal is one of the greatest tennis players the world has ever seen.
Shubman Gill reacts to reaching his double hundred on day two of the second cricket test match against England at Edgbaston cricket ground in Birmingham, central England on July 3, 2025. (Photo by DARREN STAPLES/AFP via Getty Images)
SHUBMAN GILL etched his name in cricket history on Thursday (3), becoming the first Indian and Asian captain to score a double-century in a Test match on English soil as he powered India to a commanding position at Edgbaston.
The 25-year-old skipper scored 269 on the second day of the second Test, having shattered multiple records in a masterful innings that has put England to the sword.
Gill not only achieved a career-best knock but also posted the highest ever individual score by an Indian captain in Test cricket, surpassing the great Sunil Gavaskar's 221 at the Oval in 1979.
He reached his first Test double-hundred and walked off unbeaten on 265 at the tea, having taken 311 deliveries to reach the 200-run milestone. His innings, decorated with 30 fours and three sixes, saw him join an elite group of Indian captains alongside MAK Pataudi, Sunil Gavaskar, Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni who have scored double-hundreds whilst leading the side.
The Punjab batsman's achievement is particularly significant as he becomes only the third Indian batter to score a double-century in England, following in the footsteps of legends Gavaskar and Rahul Dravid.
Previously, Mohammed Azharuddin's 179 in Manchester in 1990 was the highest score by an Indian captain in England, while his 192 against New Zealand in Auckland the same year held the record for the highest score by an Indian skipper in a SENA (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia) country.
Gill's innings has been marked by near-flawless execution. After resuming on 114 not out, the skipper continued his assault on England's bowling attack with clinical precision. He was particularly harsh on off-spinner Shoaib Bashir, whom he cover-drove for four and lofted for six.
The India captain also struck two fours in three balls off fast bowler Josh Tongue, showcasing his range with an on-drive followed by a flick off the hip that left fielders Joe Root and Zak Crawley scrambling unsuccessfully to prevent the boundary.
When England desperately introduced part-time medium-pacer Harry Brook in a bid to buy a wicket, Gill responded by striking him for three successive fours, the best being a textbook straight drive that underlined his technical excellence.
This remarkable innings comes just a week after Gill scored 147 in his debut as Test captain at Headingley, where India suffered a five-wicket defeat to trail 1-0 in the five-match series. His consistency at the top level has been extraordinary, with the double-century marking his seventh Test hundred in just 34 matches.
Remarkably, Gill has now scored centuries in each of his first two Tests as captain, joining an exclusive club of just seven players to achieve this feat.
India, who were sent in to bat by England captain Ben Stokes, had resumed Thursday's play on 310-5 after an excellent first day. They were eventually bowled out for 587.
Gill received excellent support from Ravindra Jadeja, who contributed 89 in an outstanding sixth-wicket partnership of 203 runs. When Jadeja was dismissed by Josh Tongue, recalled all-rounder Washington Sundar stepped up to provide further assistance to his captain.
The massive total represents a significant improvement from India's collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 that cost them dearly in the first Test at Headingley, demonstrating the team's determination to level the series.
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Jota scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title. (Photo: Getty Images)
LIVERPOOL forward Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva died in a car crash in Spain early on Thursday, police said. The crash occurred weeks after the Portugal international got married.
The Civil Guard confirmed that a vehicle veered off a motorway and caught fire shortly after midnight in Cernadilla, in the northwestern Zamora province. The crash resulted in the deaths of Jota, 28, and his brother.
"Everything points to the blowout of a tyre while it (the vehicle) was overtaking," the Civil Guard said in a statement, adding that the bodies had been taken to a morgue.
Local media shared footage showing debris and the charred remains of what they said was Jota's Lamborghini by the roadside.
Tributes pour in from players and officials
Cristiano Ronaldo posted a tribute on X, saying Jota’s death “makes no sense” just weeks after his wedding and their UEFA Nations League title win.
“We will all miss you,” Ronaldo wrote.
Pedro Proenca, president of the Portuguese football federation, said he was “devastated”, calling Jota “an extraordinary person, respected by all his colleagues and opponents, someone blessed with an infectious joy and a reference for his own community”.
“We have lost two champions. The death of Diogo and Andre Silva are irreparable losses for Portuguese football, and we will do everything possible to honour their legacy every day,” he said on social media.
Proenca added that UEFA had been asked to hold a minute's silence before Portugal’s Women’s Euro 2025 match against Spain in Switzerland on Thursday.
Liverpool said it was “devastated” by the “unimaginable loss” and would make no further comment out of respect for the family, friends, teammates and staff.
“We will continue to provide them with our full support,” the club said.
British media reported that fans had started placing flowers, scarves and tributes outside Anfield.
Jota remembered by clubs and teammates
Portugal’s Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said Jota was “an athlete who greatly honoured Portugal’s name”, calling it a “sad day for football and for national and international sports”.
Jota’s former clubs Porto, Atletico Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers, as well as the Premier League, the English FA and Prime Minister Keir Starmer also shared condolences.
Porto president Andre Villas-Boas said both brothers “will be commemorated not only for their footballing talent, but also for their personal and human qualities... football has lost two great men”.
“We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him... the memories he created will never be forgotten,” Wolves said.
“They say we only lose people when we forget them. I will never forget you!”, said Jota’s international teammate Ruben Neves in an Instagram story.
Career and personal life
Jota had married Rute Cardoso on 22 June. He posted a wedding video on Instagram just hours before the crash. The couple had three children.
He scored nine goals in all competitions last season as Liverpool won their 20th Premier League title.
Jota was capped 49 times for Portugal. He moved to England in 2017 to join Wolves and signed for Liverpool in 2020 for £45 million. He scored 65 goals during his five seasons with the club and won the League Cup and FA Cup in the 2021/22 season.
His younger brother Andre Silva played as a midfielder for FC Penafiel in Portugal’s second division.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The confirmation from Alalshikh suggests Fury has reconsidered his stance
Tyson Fury to return to the boxing ring during Riyadh Season in 2026.
Confirmation comes from Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh.
Fury has been retired since his second loss to Oleksandr Usyk in December 2024.
Opponent not yet confirmed, though speculation hints at a third bout with Usyk.
Fury to fight again in 2026
Former world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is set to make his return to boxing in 2026, according to Saudi boxing figurehead Turki Alalshikh. The announcement comes despite Fury repeatedly stating that he had no intention of stepping back into the ring after his consecutive defeats to Oleksandr Usyk.
Alalshikh confirmed that Fury had given his word to participate in a future event during the Riyadh Season in 2026. “I talked with him, and I have his word to have him in Riyadh Season in 2026. We have a rabbit to hunt,” he said, referring cryptically to Fury’s prospective opponent.
Opponent yet to be named
Although Alalshikh declined to name the opponent, speculation has grown that the third fight could be against Usyk, whom Fury famously nicknamed an “ugly rabbit”. The pair faced off twice, with the Ukrainian emerging victorious on both occasions. However, with declining fan interest in a trilogy, it remains unclear whether Fury’s comeback will be against Usyk or a new challenger.
Fury’s long-teased British super fight against Anthony Joshua also appears unlikely at present, particularly after Joshua’s knockout loss to Daniel Dubois last year. That defeat ended hopes of a major domestic clash between Joshua and Fury.
Recent public comments and activities
Fury had recently dismissed any return to boxing, stating in May during a trip to Lake Como, Italy, that he was content with his retirement. “I hear a lot of talk of ‘The Gypsy King’ returning to boxing and I ask the question: for what? More boxing belts? I’ve won 22 of them,” he said at the time.
In the same message, he added: “I’m happy, contented with what I’ve done. I’ve got nothing to prove to anybody and nothing to return for.” He described retirement as enjoyable and saw no reason to return to a punishing sport he had already conquered.
Despite these comments, the confirmation from Alalshikh suggests Fury has reconsidered his stance and will make at least one more appearance in the ring.
Fury’s return in 2026 now raises questions about who he will faceGetty Images
Usyk and Dubois set for July clash
In the meantime, Oleksandr Usyk is preparing to face Daniel Dubois in a rematch scheduled for 19 July at Wembley Stadium. The fight could unify titles once again if Usyk claims Dubois’s IBF belt. Dubois, who shocked fans by knocking out Anthony Joshua in September 2024, has emerged as one of the division’s major threats.
Fury was present ringside for that upset, and the result threw a potential Joshua-Fury fight into disarray. Since then, Fury has stayed largely out of the boxing spotlight, making public appearances including managing the England side during the Soccer Aid charity football match at Old Trafford, which ended in a 5-4 loss.
Fury’s return in 2026 now raises questions about who he will face — and whether he will chase one final shot at glory in a shifting heavyweight landscape.
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Gill, 25, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement, has scored back-to-back centuries since assuming the role. (Photo: Getty Images)
SHUBMAN GILL scored his second hundred in as many matches as India captain to help his side finish the first day of the second Test at Edgbaston on 310-5 against England on Wednesday.
Gill remained unbeaten on 114, while opener Yashasvi Jaiswal made 87. India were briefly under pressure after losing two quick wickets to slip to 211-5, but Gill and Ravindra Jadeja, who was 41 not out, shared an unbroken stand of 99 runs.
In the first Test at Headingley, India had five individual hundreds, including Gill’s 147, but lost the match. Batting collapses of 7-41 and 6-31 had cost them before England successfully chased down 371 to win by five wickets and take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.
Gill, 25, who took over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement, has scored back-to-back centuries since assuming the role.
'Amazing Gill', says Jaiswal
“I think he has been amazing the way he has been batting,” Jaiswal said after stumps. “It’s just incredible to see him bat and as a captain also, he has been amazing and I think he is very clear in his head what he needs to do with the team and we are very confident in what we are going to do.”
England captain Ben Stokes again chose to field after winning the toss, repeating the decision he made in Leeds. England had chased down 378 at Edgbaston against India three years ago, their highest fourth-innings total.
KL Rahul, who scored a hundred at Headingley, managed just two runs from 26 balls before dragging a Chris Woakes delivery onto his stumps. Woakes took 2-59 in 21 overs, while Brydon Carse returned 1-49 in 16 overs.
England kept things tight early on, restricting India to 37-1 in the first 13 overs, but Josh Tongue conceded 66 runs from 13 wicketless overs. England were also unlucky with a couple of lbw reviews, both going against them on umpire’s call. Karun Nair was reprieved on five before being dismissed for 31.
“A couple of decisions go our way early doors and then all of a sudden they’re 30-3 and we’re looking at a completely different day ahead,” Woakes told Sky Sports.
Jaiswal misses out on hundred, Gill completes his
Jaiswal reached his fifty off 59 balls, with 40 of those runs coming in boundaries. He looked set for another century following his 101 at Headingley but was caught behind after edging a wide delivery from Stokes, leaving India at 161-3.
Rishabh Pant, who scored twin hundreds in Leeds, took 23 balls to score his first boundary – a six off Shoaib Bashir. Bashir got his wicket soon after when Pant (25) holed out to long-on.
India then slipped to 211-5 when Nitesh Kumar Reddy was bowled playing no shot to a Woakes delivery that nipped back in. But Gill remained steady, reaching his century off 199 balls with 11 boundaries. He swept Joe Root for back-to-back fours before reaching the milestone.
India rest Bumrah for second Test
India made three changes to their playing XI, with Jasprit Bumrah rested as part of a pre-announced plan to manage his workload during the five-match series.
Bumrah is expected to play only three Tests as part of fitness management after his recent back injury.
Akash Deep replaced Bumrah in the playing XI. The third Test at Lord’s begins just four days after the scheduled end of the second Test.
(With inputs from agencies)
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The match was completed under the roof on Court Number One
Taylor Fritz beat Gabriel Diallo 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-3.
The match lasted over three hours.
It was completed under the roof on Court One as other matches were suspended.
Fritz also played a five-setter in the first round.
American fifth seed Taylor Fritz battled past Canadian Gabriel Diallo in a five-set thriller to reach the third round of Wimbledon. Fritz won 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(0), 4-6, 6-3 in a contest that lasted over three hours. The match was completed under the roof on Court Number One, with play suspended on other courts for the night. Fritz had also been taken to five sets in the first round and once again showed grit to advance. The late-night win ensures the world number five remains in contention after a tough opening week at the All England Club.