Olympic champion Zheng takes break after surgery
She won the women's singles title at the Paris Olympics in 2024 and claimed the last of her five WTA titles at the Pan Pacific Open in Japan in October of that year. Zheng has never won a Grand Slam title, but reached the 2024 Australian Open final, the quarter-finals of the US Open twice and the last eight of this year's French Open.The fourth and final major of the year begins at Flushing Meadows in New York on 24 August.
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The Sun
40 minutes ago
- The Sun
Marcus Rashford's possible Barcelona debut CANCELLED over ‘serious breach of contract' as release 101-word statement
MARCUS RASHFORD'S potential Barcelona debut has been CANCELLED. The Manchester United academy graduate's loan transfer to the La Liga giants was confirmed on Wednesday evening. 5 5 5 The 27-year-old is expected to link up with Hansi Flick 's squad in the coming days after they jetted off to Asia for their pre-season tour. Their first game had been due to take place in Japan against Vissel Kobe this Sunday. However, the club have now revealed in a statement that they have cancelled their trip there due to "serious contractual breaches" by organisers. A statement released shortly after the announcement of Rashford said: "Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter. "Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in South Korea, where two games are scheduled against FC Seoul (31 July) and Daegu FC (4 August), if certain conditions are met by the promotor. "If these conditions are met, then the Club will travel to South Korea in the coming days. "FC Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan." While the move will mean fans hoping to get a first look at Rashford in Barca colours on the pitch will have to wait four more days, it will give the attacker more time to gel with his team-mates on the training ground. Rashford - who will wear the No14 shirt during his loan spell - said he was "very excited" to join the club, adding it felt "like home" already. He also highlighted the hunger of the team and head coach Hansi Flick to win titles, while also reserving special praise for wonderkid Lamine Yamal. Barcelona announce loan signing of Man Utd forward Marcus Rashford The England international told reporters in attendance at a press conference streamed live on Barcelona's YouTube channel: "He's (Yamal) a special talent. "For me, last season he was one of the best players in the world, if not the best. It's exciting. "Everyone in the sport wants to play with the best, and there's a lot of talent in this squad. "I've seen that over the past few days. I'm happy and eager to play with them. Maybe I can help them, and they can help me. It's going to be exciting." Rashford's first competitive game for Barcelona is set to come in La Liga against Mallorca on August 16. Barcelona are understood to be paying 100 per cent of Rashford's whopping £325,000-a-week wages - which he's unlikely to get should he permanently move to the Nou Camp in 2026. Taking Rashford on an initial temporary basis - with a £26million buy option included - helps Barca as they continue to navigate a difficult financial situation, with the player also eager to secure a place in the England squad for the 2026 World Cup. The deal does not allow United to recall the forward and a permanent switch will see Rashford end his 20-year association with United. The Red Devils will save £15MILLION in wages over the next year, which could provide Amorim with vital funds to overhaul his squad. Joining Barcelona has been Rashford's No1 option since he declared in December that he was ready for a new challenge after being iced out by Amorim. He will be the first England international to wear Barcelona colours since Gary Lineker, who played there between for three years between 1986 and 1989.
South Wales Argus
44 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Tennis ace Carlos Alcaraz surprises Madrid runners after Wimbledon
The Spanish ace, 22, lost in a thrilling Wimbledon final against Jannik Sinner earlier this month to end his title defence after lifting the famous trophy in both 2023 and 2024. Alcaraz is a five-time Grand Slam champion having also won the French Open twice and US Open back in 2022. A couple of weeks on from Wimbledon, the world No.2 surprised runners - including many Brits - by taking part in a 5k run through Madrid's largest park, Casa de Campo. In his first public appearance as GetPRO's Chief Progress Officer, Alcaraz appeared in a pop-up office within the park, to cheer on runners and celebrate their progress as they crossed the finish line, including shouting his signature 'Vamos!'. Alcaraz, who's fresh off another impressive season of tennis, said: 'Cheering the runners on and seeing their determination and energy up close reminded me how powerful a progress mindset can be. 'Whether it was someone's first 5K or their hundredth, every runner out there was chasing their own version of growth, and that's what this is all about..' After the run, Carlos handed out mementos to mark their achievements, along with a range of GetPRO's high-protein snacks. From Grand Slam glory to grassroots grit, Alcaraz continues to prove that progress isn't just about podiums. Whether you're chasing a personal best or just getting started, the message is simple: progress is personal, and worth celebrating.
The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Liverpool sign Hugo Ekitiké in £79m deal after fending off late Manchester United bid
Liverpool have completed the signing of Hugo Ekitiké from Eintracht Frankfurt, with the striker rejecting a late attempt by Manchester United to hijack the transfer. The France Under-21 international has joined the Premier League champions for a guaranteed £69m plus £10m in add-ons, having undergone a medical in the UK on Tuesday. He is understood to have signed a six-year contract and will meet up with his new teammates on their pre-season tour of Hong Kong and Japan. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Ekitiké was a longstanding target for Liverpool, despite their interest in Newcastle centre-forward Alexander Isak, and contact was first made with the 23-year-old's representatives in January. Arne Slot then outlined his plans for the striker in a call at the end of last season. Newcastle made a move for Ekitiké last week after missing out on Liam Delap and João Pedro but their £70m bid was rejected by Eintracht and the player made it clear his preference was to join Liverpool. United also received the same information when they made a last-minute attempt to hijack the deal. United's director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, is believed to have contacted Eintracht's sporting director Markus Krosche over a possible transfer but Ekitiké was already set on Anfield. Ekitiké scored 22 goals and made 12 assists in his one and only season at Frankfurt, helping the club qualify for the Champions League, and while primarily a No 9 Liverpool believe he can also operate as a second striker or out wide. He is potentially the third most expensive signing in Liverpool's history behind Florian Wirtz and Darwin Núñez. Anfield officials are confident he can become one of the finest forwards in the game should his recent progress with Eintracht be maintained. The deal for Ekitiké takes Liverpool's summer spending to almost £300m. The former Paris Saint-Germain player is the club's seventh signing of the window, following on from Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and a trio of goalkeepers: Giorgi Mamardashvili, Armin Pecsi and Freddie Woodman.
