De Minaur progresses despite interruption by air aces
An overhead in tennis normally means being lobbed but it was a different aerial intervention that troubled Alex de Minaur in Rome.
The Australian No.1 was progressing well towards the last 16 despite the distraction of an unwell spectator when his match with Bolivian qualifier Hugo Dellien was interrupted by a flypast by the Italian Air Force's acrobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour arrows).
The seventh-seeded de Minaur lost focus, and his serve, before getting back on track to win 6-4 6-4.
"I didn't handle it very well, because I got broken straight away," said de Minaur who now plays 12th-seeded American Tommy Paul.
"I did well to bounce back and get the break back, but I've got to be a little bit better mentally to not let those things, outside factors affect me."
Also seeking to regain focus is Jannik Sinner, who is making his comeback after his controversial three-month doping ban.
The world No. 1 overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4 6-2 victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in his second match back on tour in front of his home crowd.
Sinner raced to 4-1 but then lost his serve twice as De Jong evened the set at 4-4.
There were poor drop shots, an inopportune double fault and other errors from Sinner.
But he regained control with his powerful groundstrokes and big serve and extended his winning streak to 23 matches, dating to October.
Just like in his opening win over Mariano Navone on Saturday, the fans at the Foro Italico were fully behind Sinner — Italy's first No. 1.
"It's good to have him back," de Minaur's next opponent Paul said of Sinner, after beating Tomas Machac 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4. "He's such a big figure in the sport. He sets the bar right now."
The last Italian man to win in Rome was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Sinner next faces 17th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-2, 6-4.
Another Italian favourite Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire when 7-5 2-0 down against sixth-seed Casper Ruud.
This followed retiring in Madrid with an abdominal injury. Berrettini had not been fit to play in Rome for four years.
"I feel so bad for him because this is where he's from, his home Masters 1000," said Ruud, who signed the camera 'Sorry Matteo. Feel better!' "I know he hasn't played since 2021 because of other injuries.
There were also wins for Jakub Mensik, Hubert Hurkacz and Jaume Munar.
with AP
An overhead in tennis normally means being lobbed but it was a different aerial intervention that troubled Alex de Minaur in Rome.
The Australian No.1 was progressing well towards the last 16 despite the distraction of an unwell spectator when his match with Bolivian qualifier Hugo Dellien was interrupted by a flypast by the Italian Air Force's acrobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour arrows).
The seventh-seeded de Minaur lost focus, and his serve, before getting back on track to win 6-4 6-4.
"I didn't handle it very well, because I got broken straight away," said de Minaur who now plays 12th-seeded American Tommy Paul.
"I did well to bounce back and get the break back, but I've got to be a little bit better mentally to not let those things, outside factors affect me."
Also seeking to regain focus is Jannik Sinner, who is making his comeback after his controversial three-month doping ban.
The world No. 1 overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4 6-2 victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in his second match back on tour in front of his home crowd.
Sinner raced to 4-1 but then lost his serve twice as De Jong evened the set at 4-4.
There were poor drop shots, an inopportune double fault and other errors from Sinner.
But he regained control with his powerful groundstrokes and big serve and extended his winning streak to 23 matches, dating to October.
Just like in his opening win over Mariano Navone on Saturday, the fans at the Foro Italico were fully behind Sinner — Italy's first No. 1.
"It's good to have him back," de Minaur's next opponent Paul said of Sinner, after beating Tomas Machac 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4. "He's such a big figure in the sport. He sets the bar right now."
The last Italian man to win in Rome was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Sinner next faces 17th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-2, 6-4.
Another Italian favourite Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire when 7-5 2-0 down against sixth-seed Casper Ruud.
This followed retiring in Madrid with an abdominal injury. Berrettini had not been fit to play in Rome for four years.
"I feel so bad for him because this is where he's from, his home Masters 1000," said Ruud, who signed the camera 'Sorry Matteo. Feel better!' "I know he hasn't played since 2021 because of other injuries.
There were also wins for Jakub Mensik, Hubert Hurkacz and Jaume Munar.
with AP
An overhead in tennis normally means being lobbed but it was a different aerial intervention that troubled Alex de Minaur in Rome.
The Australian No.1 was progressing well towards the last 16 despite the distraction of an unwell spectator when his match with Bolivian qualifier Hugo Dellien was interrupted by a flypast by the Italian Air Force's acrobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour arrows).
The seventh-seeded de Minaur lost focus, and his serve, before getting back on track to win 6-4 6-4.
"I didn't handle it very well, because I got broken straight away," said de Minaur who now plays 12th-seeded American Tommy Paul.
"I did well to bounce back and get the break back, but I've got to be a little bit better mentally to not let those things, outside factors affect me."
Also seeking to regain focus is Jannik Sinner, who is making his comeback after his controversial three-month doping ban.
The world No. 1 overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4 6-2 victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in his second match back on tour in front of his home crowd.
Sinner raced to 4-1 but then lost his serve twice as De Jong evened the set at 4-4.
There were poor drop shots, an inopportune double fault and other errors from Sinner.
But he regained control with his powerful groundstrokes and big serve and extended his winning streak to 23 matches, dating to October.
Just like in his opening win over Mariano Navone on Saturday, the fans at the Foro Italico were fully behind Sinner — Italy's first No. 1.
"It's good to have him back," de Minaur's next opponent Paul said of Sinner, after beating Tomas Machac 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4. "He's such a big figure in the sport. He sets the bar right now."
The last Italian man to win in Rome was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Sinner next faces 17th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-2, 6-4.
Another Italian favourite Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire when 7-5 2-0 down against sixth-seed Casper Ruud.
This followed retiring in Madrid with an abdominal injury. Berrettini had not been fit to play in Rome for four years.
"I feel so bad for him because this is where he's from, his home Masters 1000," said Ruud, who signed the camera 'Sorry Matteo. Feel better!' "I know he hasn't played since 2021 because of other injuries.
There were also wins for Jakub Mensik, Hubert Hurkacz and Jaume Munar.
with AP
An overhead in tennis normally means being lobbed but it was a different aerial intervention that troubled Alex de Minaur in Rome.
The Australian No.1 was progressing well towards the last 16 despite the distraction of an unwell spectator when his match with Bolivian qualifier Hugo Dellien was interrupted by a flypast by the Italian Air Force's acrobatic team, the Frecce Tricolori (Tricolour arrows).
The seventh-seeded de Minaur lost focus, and his serve, before getting back on track to win 6-4 6-4.
"I didn't handle it very well, because I got broken straight away," said de Minaur who now plays 12th-seeded American Tommy Paul.
"I did well to bounce back and get the break back, but I've got to be a little bit better mentally to not let those things, outside factors affect me."
Also seeking to regain focus is Jannik Sinner, who is making his comeback after his controversial three-month doping ban.
The world No. 1 overcame a brief lapse during the first set of a 6-4 6-2 victory over Dutch qualifier Jesper de Jong in his second match back on tour in front of his home crowd.
Sinner raced to 4-1 but then lost his serve twice as De Jong evened the set at 4-4.
There were poor drop shots, an inopportune double fault and other errors from Sinner.
But he regained control with his powerful groundstrokes and big serve and extended his winning streak to 23 matches, dating to October.
Just like in his opening win over Mariano Navone on Saturday, the fans at the Foro Italico were fully behind Sinner — Italy's first No. 1.
"It's good to have him back," de Minaur's next opponent Paul said of Sinner, after beating Tomas Machac 6-3 6-7 (5-7) 6-4. "He's such a big figure in the sport. He sets the bar right now."
The last Italian man to win in Rome was Adriano Panatta in 1976.
Sinner next faces 17th-seeded Francisco Cerundolo, who beat Austrian qualifier Sebastian Ofner 6-2, 6-4.
Another Italian favourite Matteo Berrettini was forced to retire when 7-5 2-0 down against sixth-seed Casper Ruud.
This followed retiring in Madrid with an abdominal injury. Berrettini had not been fit to play in Rome for four years.
"I feel so bad for him because this is where he's from, his home Masters 1000," said Ruud, who signed the camera 'Sorry Matteo. Feel better!' "I know he hasn't played since 2021 because of other injuries.
There were also wins for Jakub Mensik, Hubert Hurkacz and Jaume Munar.
with AP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Jones turns up the power in French Open double mission
Emerson Jones has stepped up her mission to win the girls singles at the French Open and regain her junior world No.1 ranking by reaching the last four at Roland Garros. Australia's No.1 seed proved too strong for American opponent Julieta Pareja, the No.9 seed, on court 14, winning 7-5 6-4. The Gold Coast 16-year-old will now take on Austria's Lilli Tagger in Friday's semi-final. Tagger reached the last four by overpowering Germany's 12-seeded Julia Stusek 6-0 6-4. Jones is attempting to become the first Australian since West Australian Lesley Hunt, 57 years ago, to win a girls' singles tournament at Roland Garros. Her victims this week have included Capucine Jauffret, of the US, and Czechia's Vendula Valdmannova, a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year. She needed three sets to progress from those matches but delivered a straight-sets victory over Spain's Charo Esquiva Banuls on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals. The Gold Coast local is also chasing a return to the junior world No.1 ranking at Roland Garros having recently been replaced at the top by Japan's Australian Open 2025 girls' singles champion, Wakana Sonobe. Victory today could pave the way to a final showdown with her doubles partner, Hannah Klugman. The British starlet beat Sarah Melany Fajmonova in three sets and now faces Bulgaria's Rositsa Dencheva. Emerson Jones has stepped up her mission to win the girls singles at the French Open and regain her junior world No.1 ranking by reaching the last four at Roland Garros. Australia's No.1 seed proved too strong for American opponent Julieta Pareja, the No.9 seed, on court 14, winning 7-5 6-4. The Gold Coast 16-year-old will now take on Austria's Lilli Tagger in Friday's semi-final. Tagger reached the last four by overpowering Germany's 12-seeded Julia Stusek 6-0 6-4. Jones is attempting to become the first Australian since West Australian Lesley Hunt, 57 years ago, to win a girls' singles tournament at Roland Garros. Her victims this week have included Capucine Jauffret, of the US, and Czechia's Vendula Valdmannova, a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year. She needed three sets to progress from those matches but delivered a straight-sets victory over Spain's Charo Esquiva Banuls on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals. The Gold Coast local is also chasing a return to the junior world No.1 ranking at Roland Garros having recently been replaced at the top by Japan's Australian Open 2025 girls' singles champion, Wakana Sonobe. Victory today could pave the way to a final showdown with her doubles partner, Hannah Klugman. The British starlet beat Sarah Melany Fajmonova in three sets and now faces Bulgaria's Rositsa Dencheva. Emerson Jones has stepped up her mission to win the girls singles at the French Open and regain her junior world No.1 ranking by reaching the last four at Roland Garros. Australia's No.1 seed proved too strong for American opponent Julieta Pareja, the No.9 seed, on court 14, winning 7-5 6-4. The Gold Coast 16-year-old will now take on Austria's Lilli Tagger in Friday's semi-final. Tagger reached the last four by overpowering Germany's 12-seeded Julia Stusek 6-0 6-4. Jones is attempting to become the first Australian since West Australian Lesley Hunt, 57 years ago, to win a girls' singles tournament at Roland Garros. Her victims this week have included Capucine Jauffret, of the US, and Czechia's Vendula Valdmannova, a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year. She needed three sets to progress from those matches but delivered a straight-sets victory over Spain's Charo Esquiva Banuls on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals. The Gold Coast local is also chasing a return to the junior world No.1 ranking at Roland Garros having recently been replaced at the top by Japan's Australian Open 2025 girls' singles champion, Wakana Sonobe. Victory today could pave the way to a final showdown with her doubles partner, Hannah Klugman. The British starlet beat Sarah Melany Fajmonova in three sets and now faces Bulgaria's Rositsa Dencheva. Emerson Jones has stepped up her mission to win the girls singles at the French Open and regain her junior world No.1 ranking by reaching the last four at Roland Garros. Australia's No.1 seed proved too strong for American opponent Julieta Pareja, the No.9 seed, on court 14, winning 7-5 6-4. The Gold Coast 16-year-old will now take on Austria's Lilli Tagger in Friday's semi-final. Tagger reached the last four by overpowering Germany's 12-seeded Julia Stusek 6-0 6-4. Jones is attempting to become the first Australian since West Australian Lesley Hunt, 57 years ago, to win a girls' singles tournament at Roland Garros. Her victims this week have included Capucine Jauffret, of the US, and Czechia's Vendula Valdmannova, a Wimbledon semi-finalist last year. She needed three sets to progress from those matches but delivered a straight-sets victory over Spain's Charo Esquiva Banuls on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals. The Gold Coast local is also chasing a return to the junior world No.1 ranking at Roland Garros having recently been replaced at the top by Japan's Australian Open 2025 girls' singles champion, Wakana Sonobe. Victory today could pave the way to a final showdown with her doubles partner, Hannah Klugman. The British starlet beat Sarah Melany Fajmonova in three sets and now faces Bulgaria's Rositsa Dencheva.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Sabalenka ends Swiatek reign to reach first Paris final
Four-time champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the French Open after a 6-7(1-7) 6-4 0-6 semi-final defeat by world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, ending her 26-game winning streak in the tournament. Sabalenka's power was too much for the defending champion, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris. The top seed will play either France's wildcard Lois Boisson or second seed American Coco Gauff in Saturday's showcase match. "Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I'm just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere," Sabalenka said. "She's the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match it was a tricky match but I managed." Sabalenka, in her second French open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. Swiatek, who has not won a title this year but reached the semi-finals dropping just one set in five matches, looked completely out of sorts. With seven unforced errors in the first three games she was playing catchup from the start. The Pole, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban, struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game. She gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka's raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point. The Belarusian was furious, angrily shouting to her team in the box, before overrunning her opponent in the tiebreak. The pair traded breaks at the start of the second set before Swiatek earned another to level the match. But Sabalenka again broke the 24-year-old world No.5 at the start of the third to take control and she powered through the decider as the Pole ran out of steam. "It could not be more perfect than that," Sabalenka said of her third set performance. "I'm super proud right now, I'm glad I found my serve (again in the third set)." Four-time champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the French Open after a 6-7(1-7) 6-4 0-6 semi-final defeat by world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, ending her 26-game winning streak in the tournament. Sabalenka's power was too much for the defending champion, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris. The top seed will play either France's wildcard Lois Boisson or second seed American Coco Gauff in Saturday's showcase match. "Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I'm just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere," Sabalenka said. "She's the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match it was a tricky match but I managed." Sabalenka, in her second French open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. Swiatek, who has not won a title this year but reached the semi-finals dropping just one set in five matches, looked completely out of sorts. With seven unforced errors in the first three games she was playing catchup from the start. The Pole, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban, struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game. She gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka's raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point. The Belarusian was furious, angrily shouting to her team in the box, before overrunning her opponent in the tiebreak. The pair traded breaks at the start of the second set before Swiatek earned another to level the match. But Sabalenka again broke the 24-year-old world No.5 at the start of the third to take control and she powered through the decider as the Pole ran out of steam. "It could not be more perfect than that," Sabalenka said of her third set performance. "I'm super proud right now, I'm glad I found my serve (again in the third set)." Four-time champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the French Open after a 6-7(1-7) 6-4 0-6 semi-final defeat by world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, ending her 26-game winning streak in the tournament. Sabalenka's power was too much for the defending champion, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris. The top seed will play either France's wildcard Lois Boisson or second seed American Coco Gauff in Saturday's showcase match. "Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I'm just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere," Sabalenka said. "She's the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match it was a tricky match but I managed." Sabalenka, in her second French open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. Swiatek, who has not won a title this year but reached the semi-finals dropping just one set in five matches, looked completely out of sorts. With seven unforced errors in the first three games she was playing catchup from the start. The Pole, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban, struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game. She gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka's raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point. The Belarusian was furious, angrily shouting to her team in the box, before overrunning her opponent in the tiebreak. The pair traded breaks at the start of the second set before Swiatek earned another to level the match. But Sabalenka again broke the 24-year-old world No.5 at the start of the third to take control and she powered through the decider as the Pole ran out of steam. "It could not be more perfect than that," Sabalenka said of her third set performance. "I'm super proud right now, I'm glad I found my serve (again in the third set)." Four-time champion Iga Swiatek crashed out of the French Open after a 6-7(1-7) 6-4 0-6 semi-final defeat by world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, ending her 26-game winning streak in the tournament. Sabalenka's power was too much for the defending champion, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris. The top seed will play either France's wildcard Lois Boisson or second seed American Coco Gauff in Saturday's showcase match. "Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I'm just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere," Sabalenka said. "She's the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match it was a tricky match but I managed." Sabalenka, in her second French open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. Swiatek, who has not won a title this year but reached the semi-finals dropping just one set in five matches, looked completely out of sorts. With seven unforced errors in the first three games she was playing catchup from the start. The Pole, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban, struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game. She gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka's raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point. The Belarusian was furious, angrily shouting to her team in the box, before overrunning her opponent in the tiebreak. The pair traded breaks at the start of the second set before Swiatek earned another to level the match. But Sabalenka again broke the 24-year-old world No.5 at the start of the third to take control and she powered through the decider as the Pole ran out of steam. "It could not be more perfect than that," Sabalenka said of her third set performance. "I'm super proud right now, I'm glad I found my serve (again in the third set)."
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
Movie giants bring Hollywood stardust to Flying Roos
Australia's ocean dominance has got a Hollywood upgrade as Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds became co-owners of the country's three-times champion SailGP team, now rebranded as the BONDS Flying Roos. The investment adds star power to the Australian outfit who have dominated the global sailing championship, winning a trio of titles in four seasons of the high-speed racing series. "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure," Jackman and Reynolds said in a statement. "Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing." The move comes just days after Oscar winner Anne Hathaway sailed into sports ownership, joining a female-led consortium who acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in what circuit CEO Russell Coutts called "another significant milestone in SailGP's growth as a league". Founded in 2019, SailGP pits national crews in identical 50ft foiling catamarans reaching speeds over 54 knots within metres of shorelines in iconic harbours worldwide. "This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport," said Tom Slingsby, who serves as driver, CEO and co-owner of the Flying Roos. SailGP director Andy Thompson added: "Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally," highlighting the "extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous" the Hollywood duo bring. The newly minted Flying Roos will debut under their star-studded ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7-8, where they aim to defend their position atop the championship leaderboard. Australia's ocean dominance has got a Hollywood upgrade as Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds became co-owners of the country's three-times champion SailGP team, now rebranded as the BONDS Flying Roos. The investment adds star power to the Australian outfit who have dominated the global sailing championship, winning a trio of titles in four seasons of the high-speed racing series. "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure," Jackman and Reynolds said in a statement. "Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing." The move comes just days after Oscar winner Anne Hathaway sailed into sports ownership, joining a female-led consortium who acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in what circuit CEO Russell Coutts called "another significant milestone in SailGP's growth as a league". Founded in 2019, SailGP pits national crews in identical 50ft foiling catamarans reaching speeds over 54 knots within metres of shorelines in iconic harbours worldwide. "This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport," said Tom Slingsby, who serves as driver, CEO and co-owner of the Flying Roos. SailGP director Andy Thompson added: "Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally," highlighting the "extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous" the Hollywood duo bring. The newly minted Flying Roos will debut under their star-studded ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7-8, where they aim to defend their position atop the championship leaderboard. Australia's ocean dominance has got a Hollywood upgrade as Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds became co-owners of the country's three-times champion SailGP team, now rebranded as the BONDS Flying Roos. The investment adds star power to the Australian outfit who have dominated the global sailing championship, winning a trio of titles in four seasons of the high-speed racing series. "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure," Jackman and Reynolds said in a statement. "Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing." The move comes just days after Oscar winner Anne Hathaway sailed into sports ownership, joining a female-led consortium who acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in what circuit CEO Russell Coutts called "another significant milestone in SailGP's growth as a league". Founded in 2019, SailGP pits national crews in identical 50ft foiling catamarans reaching speeds over 54 knots within metres of shorelines in iconic harbours worldwide. "This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport," said Tom Slingsby, who serves as driver, CEO and co-owner of the Flying Roos. SailGP director Andy Thompson added: "Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally," highlighting the "extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous" the Hollywood duo bring. The newly minted Flying Roos will debut under their star-studded ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7-8, where they aim to defend their position atop the championship leaderboard. Australia's ocean dominance has got a Hollywood upgrade as Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds became co-owners of the country's three-times champion SailGP team, now rebranded as the BONDS Flying Roos. The investment adds star power to the Australian outfit who have dominated the global sailing championship, winning a trio of titles in four seasons of the high-speed racing series. "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure," Jackman and Reynolds said in a statement. "Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing." The move comes just days after Oscar winner Anne Hathaway sailed into sports ownership, joining a female-led consortium who acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team in what circuit CEO Russell Coutts called "another significant milestone in SailGP's growth as a league". Founded in 2019, SailGP pits national crews in identical 50ft foiling catamarans reaching speeds over 54 knots within metres of shorelines in iconic harbours worldwide. "This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport," said Tom Slingsby, who serves as driver, CEO and co-owner of the Flying Roos. SailGP director Andy Thompson added: "Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally," highlighting the "extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous" the Hollywood duo bring. The newly minted Flying Roos will debut under their star-studded ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7-8, where they aim to defend their position atop the championship leaderboard.
