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Irish Daily Mirror
01-08-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Eugenie Bouchard weeps as tennis star retires after heartbreaking final match
Eugenie Bouchard was visibly moved as she said her goodbyes to professional tennis at the Canadian Open. The one-time world No. 5, who has stepped back from the limelight in recent years, took up a wildcard entry in Montreal for what would be her swansong, cheekily noting she'd continue if she clinched the title. Bouchard secured a win in her opening match and even had the upper hand against 17th seed Belinda Bencic in the final set before being edged out 6-2 3-6 6-4. Emotions ran high as she prepared to speak to her home crowd during an emotional on-court tribute. "I'll try not to cry," Bouchard promised, despite already having let some tears slip following the match's conclusion. "I think it's so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys. I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day. "I grew up playing on these courts and courts all around Montreal and near here, so it feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here. Tennis has given me so much, I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way." The weight of the occasion was evident as the 2014 Wimbledon finalist struggled to maintain composure while acknowledging her family's role in her career. She added: "I want to thank my family. "Mum, dad, my sisters and brother, for their sacrifice and support. It's only because of that, that I'm standing here today. And I want you guys to know that when this crowd cheers for me, they're cheering for you guys too, because I wouldn't be here without you." Bouchard also took the opportunity to address her supporters in French before being presented with a commemorative photo frame that celebrated her tennis career. Meanwhile, the crowd showed their appreciation with a sign that said 'Merci Genie'. The 31-year-old has been one of Canada's most accomplished tennis players. Her standout year was 2014, when she won her first title in Nuremberg, reached the Wimbledon final, entered the top five in the world rankings and made it to the semi-finals of two other Grand Slams. However, since that peak, which earned her the WTA's Most Improved Player of the Year award, Bouchard has struggled to maintain that level of performance, facing numerous injuries and taking breaks from the sport. The Canadian star has also ventured into the professional pickleball circuit. Earlier in the month, she announced her intention to retire from professional tennis at her home event. Despite her retirement plans, Bouchard jokingly suggested she might reconsider if she won the Montreal tournament. Although she didn't clinch the title, she gave a strong performance against world No. 20 Bencic, nearly causing an upset by taking her to three sets. When questioned about her certainty on retiring after such a display, Bouchard said: "Everyone keeps asking me that. My sister said she started a petition with fans in the crowd, and everyone signed it, so now I have no choice but to rescind my retirement! "But there's a lot of hard work that goes into tennis. It was great to be able to perform well, but you know, it's such a tough life of sacrifice and hard work. "I've given so much to tennis, and it's given me so much, but I do feel ready to move on from that and do other things in life, but I will forever be grateful for what tennis has given me."
Daily Mirror
31-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Eugenie Bouchard can't stop tears flowing as tennis star retires to take up new sport
Former Wimbledon runner-up Eugenie Bouchard, 31, was left in tears after a strong showing in the final match of her tennis career at her hometown tournament in Canada Eugenie Bouchard was overcome with emotion as she bid farewell to her tennis career at the Canadian Open. The former world No. 5, who has been largely absent from the sport in recent years, accepted a wildcard for the Montreal event to make her final bow - albeit claiming she would play on if she won the tournament. Bouchard triumphed in her first match and was leading 17th seed Belinda Bencic in the third set before succumbing to a 6-2 3-6 6-4 defeat. Post-match, tears flowed as she prepared to address the crowd during a poignant on-court ceremony. "I'll try not to cry," Bouchard promised, despite already having let some tears slip following the match's conclusion. "I think it's so special to play my last match here in Montreal on this court in front of you guys. I remember being a little kid, sitting in these stands, hoping and dreaming that I would play on this court one day. "I grew up playing on these courts and courts all around Montreal and near here, so it feels like such a full circle moment to finish my career here. Tennis has given me so much, I am filled with so much gratitude for this sport and for the people who helped me along the way." The weight of the occasion was evident as the 2014 Wimbledon finalist struggled to maintain composure while acknowledging her family's role in her career. She added: "I want to thank my family. "Mum, dad, my sisters and brother, for their sacrifice and support. It's only because of that, that I'm standing here today. And I want you guys to know that when this crowd cheers for me, they're cheering for you guys too, because I wouldn't be here without you." Bouchard also took the opportunity to address her supporters in French before being presented with a commemorative photo frame that celebrated her tennis career. Meanwhile, the crowd showed their appreciation with a sign that said 'Merci Genie'. The 31-year-old has been one of Canada's most accomplished tennis players. Her standout year was 2014, when she won her first title in Nuremberg, reached the Wimbledon final, entered the top five in the world rankings and made it to the semi-finals of two other Grand Slams. However, since that peak, which earned her the WTA's Most Improved Player of the Year award, Bouchard has struggled to maintain that level of performance, facing numerous injuries and taking breaks from the sport. The Canadian star has also ventured into the professional pickleball circuit. Earlier in the month, she announced her intention to retire from professional tennis at her home event. Despite her retirement plans, Bouchard jokingly suggested she might reconsider if she won the Montreal tournament. Although she didn't clinch the title, she gave a strong performance against world No. 20 Bencic, nearly causing an upset by taking her to three sets. When questioned about her certainty on retiring after such a display, Bouchard said: "Everyone keeps asking me that. My sister said she started a petition with fans in the crowd, and everyone signed it, so now I have no choice but to rescind my retirement! "But there's a lot of hard work that goes into tennis. It was great to be able to perform well, but you know, it's such a tough life of sacrifice and hard work. "I've given so much to tennis, and it's given me so much, but I do feel ready to move on from that and do other things in life, but I will forever be grateful for what tennis has given me."
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
How Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals traces back to Paul George trades
The post How Pacers-Thunder NBA Finals traces back to Paul George trades appeared first on ClutchPoints. Paul George has long been one of the best players in the NBA, but playoff success has somewhat eluded him throughout his career. George was able to lead the Indiana Pacers to some deep playoff runs early in his career, but LeBron James and the Miami Heat prevented him from reaching the NBA Finals. After playing for the Pacers, George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder. He formed an incredible duo with Russell Westbrook there, and there is a case to be made that his individual prime was in Oklahoma City. However, the Thunder weren't able to get past the first round with George on the roster. Advertisement Playoff disappointments remained a regularity for the forward whose nickname switched from 'Playoff P' to 'Pandemic P' as he struggled in the postseason with the Los Angeles Clippers. George now suits up for the Philadelphia 76ers, and his former teams have thrived without him. The Thunder and Pacers will face each other in the NBA Finals, and both can look back at trading George as a reason why they got this far. So, what were the moves involving George that led to this NBA Finals matchup? Pacers' Paul George trade leads to a championship-caliber roster Jerome Miron-Imagn Images All in all, George spent seven seasons in Indiana after he was drafted 10th overall in 2010, and he became one of the best players in Pacers history during his tenure with the team. George made four All-Star teams and twice led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals while he was their best player. The forward from Fresno State could truly do it all. He stands 6-foot-8, yet he has a silky smooth game that includes a clean handle and a pure jump shot. George also thrives on the defensive end. Had it not been for an offseason leg fracture in 2014, George likely would have done even more in Indiana. Advertisement PG-13 eventually returned to form after the injury, but the Pacers were forced to trade him, as it seemed clear that he wouldn't stay in Indiana for the long run. George only had one year left on his deal in 2017, the team's playoff core had already started to break up, and rumors suggested George wanted to play in his hometown of Southern California. This led the Pacers to trade their star to Oklahoma City. In exchange, the Pacers added Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo. Neither player is still on the roster, but they both had solid runs with Indiana. How was the Pacers' roster built? Oladipo was a former second overall pick who finally started to live up to his potential in Indiana. He made both of his All-Star appearances with the team. He even won the Most Improved Player of the Year award in a season where he averaged 23.1 points per game. Advertisement Unfortunately, Oladipo tore his quad in his second year with the team, and injuries led to his career demise. Sabonis, who was traded to the Pacers ahead of his sophomore season, also emerged as a star in Indiana. His interior scoring, advanced passing, and rebounding prowess made him a triple-double machine and one of the best big men in the sport. Sabonis also made two All-Star teams while suiting up for the Pacers. Oladpio was eventually included in the James Harden-to-Brooklyn Nets trade, which involved four teams. The Pacers landed Caris LeVert in the trade, and LeVert was eventually flipped again for the picks that became Ben Sheppard and Andrew Nembhard. Both players are a part of Rick Carlisle's playoff rotation, which often runs 11 players deep. Nembhard, in particular, has become one of the most underrated players in the NBA and helped shut down Jalen Brunson in Game 6 against the New York Knicks. Sabonis was also traded, and his move had a more direct impact on the team. The Lithuanian-American was traded alongside Justin Holiday and Jeremy Lamb for Tyrese Haliburton, Buddy Hield, and Tristan Thompson. That trade was questioned at the time from the Sacramento Kings' perspective, and history has justified that the Pacers fleeced their trade counterpart. Sabonis has continued to excel in Sacramento, but Haliburton was an emerging star at the time that he was dealt. He has since become one of the best point guards in the NBA, and his Pacers are now playing in the NBA Finals. The original George trade didn't directly lead to the Pacers reaching the NBA Finals, but it led to a string of moves that built up the roster to what it is today. George was traded for Sabonis, who was traded for Haliburton, who has become the team's best player. Sheppard and Nembhard also suit up for the Pacers because the team was the first to trade George. Thunder create a potential dynasty after trading Paul George Russ Isabella-Imagn Images The Thunder traded for George knowing that he wanted to play in Los Angeles and only had one year left on his contract. He was such a great fit, though, that he ended up signing a long-term deal with the Thunder after his first season with the team. In Year 1, George averaged 21.9 points per game, but he really exploded the following season. Advertisement In Year 2 in Oklahoma City, George was in both the MVP race and Defensive Player of the Year conversations. He finished third in voting for both of those awards after averaging 28 points per game. Despite the massive season from George and Westbrook still being an MVP-caliber player, the Thunder decided to hit the reset button because the duo couldn't get past the first round. George's trade value was at an all-time high, and the Thunder were able to net one of the biggest trade returns in NBA history when they sent their star to the Clippers to team up with Kawhi Leonard. In return for George, the Thunder received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two first-round pick swaps. How has the Paul George trade worked out for the Thunder? At the time, Gilgeous-Alexander was coming off a solid rookie season in which he averaged 10.8 points per game, but nobody knew that he would become what he has become with the Thunder. That is, of course, the MVP of the entire league. Gilgeous-Alexander is arguably the best mid-range shooter, foul-drawer, and rim finisher for a guard in the entire NBA. He has averaged above 30 points per game for three straight seasons now. Advertisement Gilgeous-Alexander wasn't the only star the Thunder would receive in what became one of the biggest trade fleeces ever, though. The Clippers' 2022 first-rounder was used to select Jalen Williams, a forward from Santa Clara who made his first All-Star Game this season. Other draft picks that have already conveyed turned into Tre Mann and Dillon Jones. Mann is no longer with the team, but he was a favorite of his teammates while the Thunder were transitioning from a rebuilding team to contenders. Jones was the team's second first-rounder in 2024, and while a deep roster prevented him from making much of an impact as a rookie, the Weber State product still has tons of potential. Two more of the picks will convey in the 2025 NBA Draft, as the Thunder will select in the Miami Heat's spot at 15, and they are swapping picks with the Clippers to move up to pick 24. Oklahoma City is already heavily favored to win the championship, and the rich will get richer this offseason, especially because the Thunder have thrived in evaluating and developing youngsters. The Clippers still owe the Thunder another pick next year, too. The Thunder have the makings of a dynasty. Because they traded George, they directly added an MVP, his co-star, and a treasure trove of draft capital so deep that they have arguably more trading firepower than any other team in the NBA. It isn't hard to envision this OKC core winning multiple titles.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Sixers Could Make Blockbuster Paul George Trade This Summer
The Philadelphia 76ers were projected to compete for the championship this season after signing Paul George last summer. The team's "Big 3" of George, Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey looked dangerous on paper. However, the Sixers were a walking disaster this season. They won only 24 games and were so bad that they didn't even qualify for the play-in tournament. Advertisement Philadelphia's poor season netted them the third overall pick in this year's draft. ESPN is predicting that the Sixers will draft Airious "Ace" Bailey out of Rutgers with the third pick. However, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN, some teams expect the Sixers to offer George and the third pick for Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant or Utah Jazz big man Lauri Markkanen. "Some teams expect the Sixers to be active in trade conversations, with names such as Kevin Durant (Phoenix) and Lauri Markkanen (Utah) as potential targets in packages that could include Paul George and the No. 3 pick," Givony wrote. "Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has made a career of being active and aggressive on the trade front, but historically, it's rare to see a top-three pick being traded." George appeared in only 41 games in his first season with the Sixers. He averaged 16.2 points while shooting 43.0% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc. The nine-time All-Star will make $51.7 million next season. Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George.© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images After the Suns fired Mike Budenholzer as head coach, Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Durant and the franchise are expected to work together on a trade this summer. Advertisement Durant averaged 26.6 points this season while shooting 52.7% from the floor and 43.0% from 3. The two-time Finals MVP will make $54.7 million next season in the final year of his contract. Like George and Durant, Markkanen missed the playoffs this year as well. He averaged 19.0 points for the Jazz while shooting 42.3% from the field and 34.6% from 3. The 2022-23 Most Improved Player of the Year will make $46.4 million next season. Related: NBA Trade Idea Sends Giannis Antetokounmpo to Sixers, Paul George to Bucks
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA Experts Disrespect Detroit Pistons in Prediction Before Knicks Series
With the regular season over, some teams still await to hear which team they will face in first round of the NBA Playoffs. Other teams, like the Detroit Pistons, have the privilege of knowing which team they'll face and have almost a full week to prepare. Advertisement The Pistons' turnaround is one of historic proportions. After finishing 14-68 and last in the Eastern Conference a year ago, the Pistons improved by 30 wins to go 44-38 and avoid the NBA Play-In Tournament. The improvement of 30 wins ranks seventh among the largest single-season turnarounds in NBA history. Apr 10, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) defends against Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2) during the second half at Little Caesars Arena.© David Reginek-Imagn Images NBA Experts disrespect Detroit Pistons The turnaround started when they hired J.B. Bickerstaff after being fired from the Cleveland Cavaliers. Cade Cunningham was the catalyst on the floor. He averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds and 9.1 assists this season. He was favored for the Most Improved Player of the Year award for much of the season until the odds shifted in favor of Atlanta's Dyson Daniels late in the season. Advertisement The Pistons also owned this matchup this season. In four games, they went 3-1. In those games, Cunningham averaged 30.8 points, 8.3 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game. Despite those factors, it wasn't enough for ESPN's experts to pick against the Knicks, as all 10 picked New York to win the series. Four predicted the Knicks would win in seven games, three in six games, and three in five games. The Pistons have a few edges on the Knicks. The first is on defense. The Pistons finished the year No. 9 in defensive efficiency. The second is on the boards. Detroit was the No. 8 team in total rebounds, while the Knicks were No. 23. New York is a -430 favorite to defeat Detroit, which is an implied probability of 81.13%. Who would you take?
