Monfils says Toronto loss marks his final Toronto visit
The 38-year-old French tennis icon missed out on four match points to exit 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3) to number 142 Tomas Barrios Vera, who won the first Masters match of his career and ended a seven-match loss streak at the ATP level.
Monfils symbolically touched the baseline as he walked off a loser after nearly three hours in torrid summer temperatures approaching 35 Celsius.
"There's no explanation, it's the last one," he said. "It will be two years to play (again) in Toronto, so pretty much I won't be able to play it. Obviously I think the next one is too old for me, so I think it was the last time I'll play here."
He added: "I actually thought at the end, and I was like, 'Well, I think it's, unfortunately, but the last time I think I would play here.'"
Monfils had little good to say about his effort.
"Without taking credit from my opponent, (it was a) bad match from my side, not the quality that I want, not the level that I want to perform," he said.
"(I need to) try to work hard, feel this winning (habit come) back a little bit and try to still believe.
"Keep my head up, even though it's not easy, but I will try my best."
str/js
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
27 minutes ago
- CBS News
After multiple trades, Pirates GM Ben Cherington offers insight into deadline strategy
The Pirates were relatively busy during the MLB trade deadline, trading six players, including Ke'Bryan Hayes, David Bednar, Bailey Falter, Adam Frazier, Caleb Ferguson, and Taylor Rogers. Three of the six players dealt to other clubs were signed through next season and beyond. Cherington told reporters following the 6 p.m. deadline that the team's goal was to add younger talent, create opportunities for younger players, and give themselves payroll flexibility. "We wanted to try to accomplish parts of all three, and we believe we did," Cherington said. Perhaps the most talked about move leading up to the deadline was whether or not the Pirates would trade closing pitcher and Pittsburgh native David Bednar. Ultimately, the Pirates traded Bednar to the New York Yankees in exchange for three prospects. The prospects are Rafael Flores, Edgleen Perez, and Brian Sanchez. According to Cherington, the Pirates had the chance to acquire higher-ranked prospects from New York, but what they ended up getting was the best return. "We had access to players who were ranked higher," he said. "We did, and we preferred this package. It was our estimation and our opinion that this was not just a really strong collection of talent to get for Bednar but also the best one that we had access to in this market." There wasn't much chatter surrounding Pirates pitcher Bailey Falter in the lead-up to the deadline, but minutes before the 6 p.m. deadline arrived, the Pirates announced that Falter had been traded to the Kansas City Royals for a pair of prospects. In exchange for Falter, the Pirates received first baseman Callan Moss and relief pitcher Evan Sisk. The Pirates currently have multiple pitching prospects in Triple-A, including Bubba Chandler, one of the highest-ranked prospects in the MLB. "As we look towards that period of time in August, September, we're trying to set guys up towards going into 2026," Cherington said. "We felt the combination of players we got back and the opportunity it opened up for others made sense." Even with the flurry of moves in the lead-up and at the deadline, Cherington said that the team's roster movement isn't over. He pointed toward the offseason as the next chance for the Pirates to try to improve in 2026. "Certainly, we're not finished," Cherington said. "There's a lot more work to be done, and right now we'll turn our attention to the games on the field and take advantage of every day to help players get better. Then, we'll pick up the player acquisition part of it in November and keep that work going."
New York Times
27 minutes ago
- New York Times
Dak Prescott's memorable offseason conversation helped prepare Cowboys' new LT Nate Thomas
OXNARD, Calif. — Nate Thomas vividly remembers the conversation from back in the spring. He was doing some rehab work at The Star when he had a conversation with Dallas Cowboys franchise quarterback Dak Prescott. Prescott remembers it as well. 'He told me, 'You need to be ready when your number is called,' ' Thomas said this week. ' 'This is not like you're just easing back in.' He told me straight up, 'You need to be ready.' I just took that in stride and just made sure I go about every day knowing that I need to treat this as if I'm a starter, because you never know when your number is called. And here I am right now.' Advertisement Thomas has spent the last two training camp practices as the Cowboys' first-team left tackle, a result of starting left tackle Tyler Guyton suffering a bone fracture and knee sprain during Monday's practice. Guyton could be back just in time for the season opener on Sept. 4. However, if he's not, all signs point to Thomas getting the start that Thursday night against the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Cowboys OL Nate Thomas (71) continues working as the starting left tackle in place of Tyler Guyton (knee) — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 31, 2025 Prescott was around Thomas during the offseason while the 6-5, 330-pound offensive lineman was working his way back from the knee injuries that cost him his rookie season. Thomas had surgery to repair a slight tear of his patellar tendon and knee tendinitis. Prescott was working his way back from his surgically-repaired hamstring. 'Understanding the talent and athleticism that I saw then,' Prescott said, 'I started telling Nate, 'Nate, you can play. You've got the tools. You've got the intangibles.' This game is about confidence. I was trying to pour it into him then, not knowing that he'd have an opportunity a week and a half into camp to start running with the ones and showcasing his ability.' Thomas started 25 games at left tackle during his final two years at Louisiana. He was then drafted in the seventh round by the Cowboys last year, the same draft class that saw Dallas select Guyton in the first round. Dane Brugler, The Athletic's NFL Draft expert, had a fifth-round grade on Thomas entering last year's draft. 'His punch has some heft behind it, and his recoil allows for quick resets to go a few rounds,' Brugler wrote in his annual 'The Beast' draft guide. 'Stays after his blocks and doesn't noticeably take plays off regardless of the situation. Relatively young for his class, and it feels like there is untapped potential still there for a fifth-year senior.' Advertisement The Cowboys initially decided that Thomas would be a better fit as a powerful guard. But that changed this offseason under new head coach and offensive play-caller Brian Schottenheimer. 'Just watching Nate work and prepare this offseason,' Schottenheimer said, 'and seeing him train, and seeing the length and the size he has and his feet for a 330-plus pound man, it was probably the second or third day of OTAs where we were like, 'Hey, we need to put him outside and see what he can do.' 'When we watched him that very first day, we were like, 'Whoa.' It literally jumped off the film. We were like, 'OK, hmm.' And if you talk to Nate he's like, 'Hey Coach, I'll play wherever, but I'm probably most comfortable playing left tackle.' That's kind of what he has the most experience playing. It did jump off the film to us when we moved him out and then we were like let's leave him out there for a while, because sometimes with a young player they're all going to be moved around and have to be put in spots to learn and have to have flexibility. 'But when we moved him out there, we were like let's let him focus on one spot for a while. And I think that helped him with his confidence. Of course now he's getting the opportunity to run with the ones and I think he'll do a great job in that role.' Cowboys LT Nate Thomas working next to All-Pro LG Tyler Smith — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 30, 2025 Thomas' strength has been noticeable. He'll likely get plenty of work in the preseason games to showcase what he can really do in the run game when teams are actually tackling to the ground. 'He's country strong for real,' Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele said. 'He's got some really good power behind him. He wants this. He's hungry.' There was some buzz about Thomas when camp opened. He was a player the team felt was trending in the right direction and could provide valuable depth. When Guyton went down, the organization feared he could be lost for the season with a torn ACL. If that had been the case, maybe they would've gone in a different direction at left tackle. But under the current situation, Thomas appears to be the obvious replacement. Advertisement 'It just takes time,' Thomas said. 'Rome wasn't built in a day. It just took time, constant reps, going through OTAs, minicamp and then doing extra meeting time with the coaches. It just helped me continuously know what I'm doing and then build the confidence day in and day out. Just knowing I can go out there and get the job done.' The coaches didn't officially tell him he was going to be working with the starters. But they had him with the first-team in the mock game before practice Wednesday. He remained in that spot throughout Wednesday's practice in shells and Thursday's practice in full pads. Even with Micah Parsons not practicing because of his contract situation, Thomas should continue to get valuable work against a talented edge rusher group that includes Dante Fowler, Donovan Ezeiruaku, Marshawn Kneeland and Sam Williams. 'Super proud of what he's done and the approach,' Prescott said. 'It goes back to the spring of us training and rehabbing. Some days were tougher, and watching him push through it and give his best to now watch him walk out there confident, make plays, super proud of him. And he's a Louisiana kid, so I'm always going to push for him.'
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Fantasy Baseball Winners and Losers from MLB Trade Deadline: Risers and fallers after wave of deals
The 2025 Major League Baseball trade deadline has come and gone, leaving many changes in fantasy values in its wake. This article will focus purely on the players whose fantasy values have taken a major turn in one direction or another. Players to add Randy Rodríguez, RP, San Francisco Giants (rostered in 34% of Yahoo leagues) If there is one player to add right now, especially in roto leagues, it's Rodríguez. With a 1.20 ERA, a 0.84 WHIP and a 62:9 K:BB ratio, the right-hander has been arguably the best reliever in baseball this year. The trade of Camilo Doval to the Yankees opens the closer's role in San Francisco, and even though Ryan Walker is still part of the relief corps, he has already lost the job once this year and can't match Rodríguez in terms of 2025 skills. Rodríguez could be a top-5 reliever down the stretch. Shane Bieber, SP, Toronto Blue Jays (46% rostered) Bieber may be the best pitcher to stash right now. The right-hander has looked great in four rehab outings, posting a 21:1 K:BB ratio. His long-awaited return from Tommy John surgery should occur by in the next two weeks, at which point he will join a team that leads their division with a 62-46 record. He will also benefit from working in front of a Toronto defensive group that ranks first in baseball in Fielding Run Value, per Statcast. Luke Keaschall, 1B/2B/OF, Minnesota Twins (25% rostered) The departure of Carlos Correa should cause Brooks Lee to slide to shortstop, which opens up second base for Keaschall, who will soon come of the 60-day IL. The prospect has flashed solid plate skills and plus speed, and in this writer's opinion he is more a more appealing option than the other young hitters in this article. [Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season] Tyler Locklear, 1B, Arizona Diamondbacks (5% rostered) Locklear has mashed in Triple-A this year, hitting .316 with 19 homers and a .943 OPS in 98 games. And with 18 steals, the slugger has shown a speed component to his game that fantasy managers will appreciate. Pavin Smith will soon return from the IL, but he shouldn't impact the playing time of Locklear, who is five years younger and much more likely to be part of the team's future. I would add Lockler in 15-team leagues now and keep an eye on him in 12-team formats. Jordan Lawlar, SS, Arizona Diamondbacks (8% rostered) Lawlar is working his way back from a hamstring injury and will likely be Arizona's starting third baseman as soon as he is ready. The 23-year-old had struggled to find a spot within the D-backs effective infield group, but there is now a clear vacancy at third base. And after hitting .319 with a .993 OPS in Triple-A this year, this speedy prospect has clearly shown that he's wasting his time in the minors. Lawlar is a great stash for those fantasy managers who have IL space. Coby Mayo, 1B/3B, Baltimore Orioles (10% rostered) Is it finally time for Mayo to emerge as a fantasy asset? He will certainly get an opportunity to make it happen now that Ryan O'Hearn has been traded to the Padres. I wouldn't add Mayo in standard leagues right now, but he's someone to keep an eye on. Michael Soroka, SP, Chicago Cubs (11% rostered) Soroka could be an interesting starter to add in deeper formats if he gets a spot in the Cubs rotation. The right-hander owns an ugly 4.87 ERA that has been impacted by one of the lowest strand rates in baseball (68.4%). His 3.32 xERA paints an optimistic picture that Soroka has been victimized by the Nats poor defense group. He joins a Cubs team that plays great defense and scores plenty of runs, which will at least make him a streamer in standard formats. Kevin Ginkel, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks (9% rostered) By trading Shelby Miller to the Brewers, the D-backs cemented Ginkel as their stretch run closer. And even though Arizona stripped their roster of a few key players, they still have enough talent to be a respectable team and provide Ginkel with a handful of save chances. Cole Sands, RP, Minnesota Twins (3% rostered) Sands is the last man standing after the Twins dealt most of their key relievers. The right-hander hasn't been special this year (4.11 ERA, 1.22 WHIP), but he is the only obvious fit for ninth inning opportunities. Jose A. Ferrer, RP, Washington Nationals (4% rostered) In deep leagues, Ferrer is worth a shot for those who need saves. The lefty has 19 holds this year, which is 12 more than any other Washington reliever. Based on his high-leverage usage, Ferrer is the most likely candidate to take over the closer's role from Kyle Finnegan. Dennis Santana, RP, Pittsburgh Pirates (27% rostered) Santana has been great this year (1.36 ERA, 0.82 WHIP) and leads the Pirates in holds. He should take over the closer's role from David Bednar, and I would add him over the three relievers who precede him on this list. Players to drop Ryan Helsley, RP, New York Mets Helsley will likely help the Mets in the postseason, but his chances of getting more than a couple stretch run saves are slim now that he is the setup man for established closer Edwin Díaz. Helsley hasn't helped fantasy teams with their ratios this year (3.00 ERA, 1.39 WHIP) and his 10.3 K/9 rate is not special for a reliever. He can be dropped in virtually all mixed leagues. Kyle Finnegan, RP, Detroit Tigers Although he may get some ninth inning opportunities, Finnegan is unlikely to be a full-time closer in a Detroit bullpen that has better relievers. Managers can find a better potential saves source than Finnegan, who poor ratios (4.38 ERA, 1.28 WHIP) this year. Camilo Doval, RP, New York Yankees Doval is yet another closer who lost his ninth inning role by being traded to a contending team. The right-hander has not shown special skills this year (3.09 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 50:24 K:BB ratio) and could be as low as fourth on the Yankees relief depth chart. [Smarter waivers, better trades, optimized lineups — Yahoo Fantasy Plus unlocks it all] David Bednar, RP, New York Yankees Bednar may get save chances before Doval, but he's still waiver wire fodder in most leagues now that he is the setup man for Devin Williams. It's worth noting that Williams blew his last save chance and allowed runs in four of his past six appearances, but he was given a vote of support by manager Aaron Boone. Even if Williams falters, Boone could turn to Luke Weaver or Doval before Bednar. Robert Suárez, RP, San Diego Padres The arrival of Mason Miller to the Padres should push Suárez to a setup role, which takes away most of his fantasy value. It wouldn't be shocking for the Padres to sometimes use Miller in a high-leverage eighth inning role against the heart of a lineup, but the odds are high that Suárez will get fewer than five more saves this season. Value up Jhoan Duran, RP, Philadelphia Phillies Any uptick for Duran will be a small one, but it's worth noting that he switched to a superior team when traded from the Twins to the Phillies. The hard-throwing righty could pick up more stretch run saves thanks to being involved in yesterday's trade, which cements his status as a top-10 reliever. Mason Miller, RP, San Diego Padres Miller is in a similar situation as Duran, as he was already an elite closer but should have more games to save down the stretch now that he is part of a contending team. Carlos Correa, SS, Houston Astros Being traded to Houston isn't a big upgrade for Correa, as the Astros have outscored the Twins by just 22 runs this year. But it's always better for a player to spend the stretch run on a team that is heading to the postseason rather than one that's rebuilding. Value down Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Seatle Mariners I don't want to get carried away with the one, as Suárez will likely be fine at T-Mobile Park. But we know that the venue doesn't always play well for power hitters and didn't bring out the best in Suárez when he was a member of the Mariners in 2023. Still, the Mariners have amassed a potentially excellent lineup with Julio Rodríguez, Cal Raleigh, Suárez and Josh Naylor. I wouldn't panic on Suárez, even though I wish he had been traded to a team that plays their home games in a bandbox. Zack Littell, SP, Cincinnati Reds I wouldn't drop Littell right away, but I'm worried about the combination of his propensity for allowing homers and the hitter-friendly nature of Great American Ball Park. The righty has allowed more long balls (26) than any other pitcher, and just eight of those round-trippers were hit when he was working at home. He has made one career start in Cincinnati and the Reds took him deep three times in that game. It's not a great fit for someone who was already a fringe option in standard leagues. Will Vest, RP, Detroit Tigers I wouldn't drop Vest just yet, as he could maintain a primary saves role over Finnegan. Still, the arrival of someone with ninth inning experience is bad news for Vest, who was already sharing some save chances with Tommy Kahnle. I would keep Vest for now with an eye toward sending him to waivers in 12-team leagues if Finnegan receives save chances. Cedric Mullins, OF, New York Mets Mullins will likely still matter in leagues where he already mattered. But the Mets have more outfield options than the Orioles, which could reduce Mullins playing time down the stretch. Even if Mullins plays regularly, there is no advantage of this trade for him, as the Mets have been outscored by the Orioles this year and call home to a pitcher-friendly venue.
