Latest news with #exhibitionmatch
Independent Singapore
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Independent Singapore
Rafael Nadal to be 'excited' to have a friendly match against iconic rival Roger Federer
Rafael Nadal would be delighted and excited about the idea of playing against his iconic rival, Roger Federer, in a friendly exhibition match, according to Rafael's former coach and uncle, Toni Nadal. Nadal and Federer had one of the most exciting rivalry matches in tennis history as they fought each other 40 times, including 14 Grand Slam matches. Their last official match was in 2019, in which Federer defeated Nadal in the Wimbledon semi-finals. Moreover, both athletes played several exhibition matches during their careers, especially while they were still playing on the tour. The last one was in 2020 in Cape Town, where they played in front of 51,954 people. Federer then retired from professional tennis in 2022, and Nadal recently retired two years later in 2024. Toni Nadal said that he believes that an exhibition match between the tennis stars will happen soon. He stated that fans might not have to wait long to see their tennis greats share the court once again. ' I imagine he would like to play an exhibition match with Federer soon, to give back a little of what tennis has given him and what tennis has meant to him,' Toni expressed. Furthermore, Toni Nadal also admitted that it would be much more 'special' if Nadal and Federer had a chance to play against another long-time rival, Novak Djokovic. Recently, Djokovic defeated Mackenzie McDonald in the first round of the French Open. Toni Nadal also said, 'It would be very special for people to see the three of them playing again. And yes, I think they'll have to do something, because I suppose it will motivate people to see them play again in the future… I think I've been close enough to him to know him a little and know that he would be excited to play Federer.' 'Tennis has been a big part of his life; it has meant a lot to him, and you can't just erase that from one day to the next,' he added. When Toni was asked about when these matches might happen, he did not give an exact date. He stated: 'After these months away from the courts, I think that at some point he will want to get back to training and feel that he is hitting the ball well… I am convinced that he will play again soon, quite soon.' See also Golden gift from Shanti Pereira and Remy Ong to National Museum In this year's French Open, Rafael Nadal was given a special tribute for his legendary contribution to the tournament. In a social media post, the athlete shared, 'I don't know where to start, because after playing on this court for the last 20 years, after enjoying, suffering, winning, losing, and most of all, after being moved every time I've had the chance to be here! (translated)' Nadal added, 'Roland-Garros is unique, not only because he is a fundamental part of the history of tennis, but also thanks to all the people who work there tirelessly, always with a smile, to make this tournament what it is: UNIQUE…. Thank you France 🇫🇷, thank you Paris! (translated)' Netizens flooded Rafael Nadal's social media with messages of admiration and appreciation following his emotional tribute at Roland-Garros. One wrote, 'Thank you for everything, Rafa! You are legend not only in tennis but also in sports. You're an inspiration on and off the court! A tribute to the height of the immense champion that you are.' Another echoed the sentiment, 'It's a testament to how loved and adored Rafa is in the tennis world that his retirement continues to stir so many emotions. We love you Rafa. Thanks for the memories. And dear French People, pure class 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻.' In another social media post, Rafael Nadal posted a photo of himself with Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray with the caption: 'Thank you guys ☺️… From the bottom of my heart!' Fans warmly embraced the moment. 'Legends. The best rivalries! The finest gentlemen! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ How lucky we are to witness this era of tennis! 🎾' wrote one. Another added, 'The greatest era of men's tennis ❤️.'
South China Morning Post
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Watch live: Manchester United press conference after arrival in Hong Kong
Manchester United are holding a press conference in Hong Kong on Thursday after arriving in the city to play an exhibition match. Head coach Ruben Amorim is set to speak about Friday's game against the city's representative team at Hong Kong Stadium – United's first fixture in Hong Kong since 2013. United were jeered after losing 1-0 to Asean All-Stars in Kuala Lumpur on Wednesday. Hong Kong team representatives are expected to speak first at the press conference. The Post's broadcast is scheduled to begin at 6.30pm. Play Advertisement
Forbes
22-05-2025
- Sport
- Forbes
Manny Pacquiao Opens As Significant Betting Underdog To Mario Barrios
Philippine boxing legend Manny Pacquiao warms up for a training session at a gym in central Tokyo on ... More July 25, 2024, three days ahead of his three-round exhibition boxing match against Japanese mixed martial artist Rukiya Anpo. (Photo by Richard A. Brooks / AFP) (Photo by RICHARD A. BROOKS/AFP via Getty Images) Manny Pacquiao will end a retirement of nearly four years on July 19 when he meets WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas. The opening betting odds for the 147-pound title fight have the champion as a heavy favorite over the returning Pacquiao. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 21: Manny Pacquiao gestures to fans after his WBA welterweight title ... More fight against Yordenis Ugas at T-Mobile Arena on August 21, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Ugas retained his title by unanimous decision. (Photo by) ESPN reported on Pacquiao coming out of retirement in early May. The former eight-division boxing champion confirmed his return on Instagram, writing, 'On July 19, I return to the ring to face WBC Welterweight Champion Mario Barrios at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Let's make history! #TeamPacquiao 🇵🇭' The 46-year-old Pacquiao last fought in August 2021 when he dropped a unanimous decision to Yordenis Ugas for the WBA welterweight championship. Not long after that setback, Pacquiao announced his retirement. "Even me, I'm amazed at what I have done," Pacquiao said in a video he posted on social media. "The only boxer to hold world titles in four different decades and became the oldest boxer to win a world welterweight title, an amazing accomplishment." "It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over," he added. "Today, I am announcing my retirement. I never thought that this day would come. As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people, for supporting Manny Pacquiao." Pacquiao (62-8-2, 39 KOs) was the No. 6 ranked welterweight, according to ESPN, when he retired. "Goodbye, boxing. Thank you for changing my life," Pacquiao added. "You gave me the chance to find a way out of poverty. Because of you, I was able to inspire people all over the world. Because of you, I have been given the courage to change more life. "I will never forget what I have done and accomplished in my life. I can't imagine that I have just heard the final bell." ESPN has not added Pacquiao back to its welterweight rankings. However, Barrios (29-2-1, 18 KOs) is the No. 3 ranked 147-pounder according to the site. ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: (L-R) Adel Ramos and Mario Barrios fight during LIVE On Netflix: ... More Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo byfor Netflix © 2024) When the betting odds for the Barrios vs. Pacquiao were first published, Barrios was listed as the -750 betting favorite over the +470 Pacquiao. The champ has stayed at -750, but today, Pacquiao is listed at +370. The 30-year-old Barrios won the vacant WBC interim welterweight title in September 2023 with a unanimous decision over Yordenis Ugás. He retained the belt in May 2024 with a decision victory over Fabián Maidana. The WBC elevated Barrios to full championship status in June 2024. In his most recent outing, which came in November, Barrios fought Abel Ramos to a split draw to retain the belt. We will have more on the Barrios vs. Pacquiao title fight as fight night nears.
