Latest news with #superstars
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Revamped US Open mixed doubles divides opinion
US Open 2025 Venue: Flushing Meadows, New York Dates: 24 August-7 September Coverage: Live radio commentaries across 5 Live Sport and BBC Sounds, plus live text commentaries on the BBC Sport website and app Whether you love it or loathe it, the revamped US Open mixed doubles cannot be ignored. Transforming the event by enticing the superstars to play with huge cash prizes, a shorter format and new slot before the singles start is a bold move by the United States Tennis Association (USTA). It has brought excitement and criticism in equal measure, polarising those who play, watch and love the sport. Some believe it will put more eyes on tennis in an ever-competitive and increasingly saturated market. "We are always trying to find new initiatives to make our sport more interesting for the fans. I think it is fantastic," Daniela Hantuchova, who won the US Open mixed doubles title in 2005, told BBC Sport. But others think it devalues a Grand Slam title and robs doubles specialists of a chance to earn the big prize money. "It's a glorified exhibition in my eyes," said British doubles star Jamie Murray. What is the new US Open mixed doubles format? 'Outbursts are like honking a car horn' - inside Medvedev's mind Raducanu and Draper face each other in US Open doubles More eyeballs and entertainment - the argument for change When the US Open announced it was "reimagining" mixed doubles, the rationale was to "elevate" the event and create "greater focus" on the sport. Interest certainly grew when the first set of star names were announced. Five-time Grand Slam singles champion Carlos Alcaraz teaming up with Britain's Emma Raducanu captured the most attention, while Novak Djokovic, Jannik Sinner, Iga Swiatek and Venus Williams bring further glamour. "For the excitement levels and for getting the fans to pack the stadium, it is a cool idea to have that star power come out," American doubles legend Mike Bryan told BBC Sport. "Fans want to see Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner even if they are brushing their teeth." The 16 entrants comprise of eight teams based on their joint rankings, with the other eight given wildcards by US Open organisers. Twenty-one of the 32 players are ranked in the top 20 in the world in singles. Matches will be played on Arthur Ashe Stadium and Louis Armstrong Stadium - the two largest show courts at Flushing Meadows. American television audiences will also be able to watch on primetime on ESPN, who last year signed a £1.5bn deal for exclusive US Open rights up to 2037. "I think it's cool for the promotion of the game - and I understand the economics of it," added Bryan, who won four of his 22 Grand Slam doubles titles in the mixed. "There are always going to be people upset - and winners and losers - but in the end I think fans will be pleased with the product." USTA chief executive Lew Sherr's assertion that "the players are behind" the revamp is certainly true of the top singles stars. Djokovic understands why there are divided opinions but says he is "excited" to compete in what he thinks will be a "very entertaining" event. Britain's Jack Draper, who will team up with American Jessica Pegula, says the format will act as useful preparation for the singles, while Swiatek believes it will be a competitive test. There is, however, a glaring lack of specialist doubles pairings. Only Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori, who won last year's title and both objected publicly to the change, have been given a wildcard. "I think they should have had a couple more spots for the doubles guys," Bryan added. Lost opportunities and devaluing a Slam - the argument against The eagerness of the leading stars to get involved should not come as a surprise. As well as the shortened format and convenient scheduling, there is also a lucrative prize pot - something that has been particularly galling for the doubles specialists who are missing out. This year's winning pair will earn $1m (£740,000) - five times more than Errani and Vavassori took home last year. "It's frustrating. That money is going to players who are making an absolute boatload anyway," Murray, who has won three US Open mixed titles, told BBC Sport. Appearance fees - which a source told BBC Sport are upwards of $50,000 (£37,000) each - have also been dished out to the stars as sweeteners. Singles prize money also makes up about 75% of the US Open's record $90m (£66m) purse. "They aren't playing because it's an opportunity to win a Grand Slam, they're playing because they're getting a truckload of cash and potentially a pretty cool event," Murray added. Losing a chance for a Grand Slam title is a key source of consternation for the doubles players. When Murray won his third consecutive US Open mixed title with Bethanie Mattek-Sands in 2019, the pair celebrated by drinking champagne out of their trophy at JFK Airport. Many doubles players, including Murray, believe the star-studded event could complement the traditional mixed - but not replace it. "I'm sure it will be an entertaining exhibition - but that's what it will be. I don't see it as winning a Grand Slam," Britain's Joe Salisbury, who reached the Wimbledon mixed doubles final with Brazil's Luisa Stefani last month, told BBC Sport. Another gripe is the lack of consultation. Salisbury and Stefani's understanding is the US Open did not discuss the plans with the players, who are represented by elected Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women's Tennis Association (WTA) councils. Pegula, a prominent member of the WTA council, agreed the USTA went "rogue", adding: "If there was feedback about the format, then the [reaction] would be a little different." "I'm sure there would have been resistance," Stefani said. "But our views wouldn't have mattered anyway. The decision was made and we have to live with it." Could other Slams follow suit? Multiple sources have told BBC Sport they believe the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon are committed to the traditional format. Crucially, they do not have the same financial muscle as the US Open to pay for the prize money and appearance fees. But if the New York event is a roaring success, then it will not go unnoticed in Melbourne, Paris and London. All the majors are increasingly aware of the need to maximise earning opportunities in the week before the main draws, whether it is through qualifying, exhibitions or fan events. Hantuchova suggests the new-look mixed doubles could be introduced at some joint ATP-WTA events. "I think it would be a great initiative in Indian Wells, Miami or Madrid," she said. "We have seen the fans are already talking about the US Open and I think it is a great opportunity for the women's players. "I think it is great we are finding more and more ways to combine men's and women's tennis." Live scores, results and order of play Get tennis news sent straight to your phone
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"I've got rejected a lot" - LeBron admitted many superstars have said no to joining him over the years
"I've got rejected a lot" - LeBron admitted many superstars have said no to joining him over the years originally appeared on Basketball Network. The best player in the world had trouble convincing others to join him. That's the part of LeBron James' career that is not often mentioned when his legacy is laid out. But in 2018, James admitted what many had already begun to see — his recruiting pitch hadn't always worked. "I've always recruited," James said. "I've been trying to get guys to come play with me since, like, 2007. I've got rejected a lot. But I've also not got rejected a lot." The comments came during his first season in Los Angeles, one that unfolded under a cloud of frustration. Bron had just joined the Lakers in the summer of 2018, hoping to establish a new chapter and bring others with him. However, the superstar who once convinced Chris Bosh to leave Toronto suddenly lost some of that influence. Rejection started in Cleveland James first entered the recruiting game during his years with the Cavaliers. Cleveland's lack of appeal to top-tier stars became a regular topic. LeBron knew that was a hurdle. He made overtures to Joe Johnson and Michael Redd. LBJ tried to get Bosh to leave Toronto for Cleveland. None of them bit. "A lot of people didn't want to come to Cleveland," James said. "Let me just throw that out there. I tried to recruit so many guys to come to Cleveland, and we actually had — I had — a couple guys, and it just didn't work out." Back then, the city itself was part of the challenge. James had the game, but the roster and market weren't enough to sway others. Even with the four-time MVP's star power, players looked at Cleveland as a hard sell. Some were intrigued. Others listened. But very few signed. Things changed in Miami.A different story in South Beach James' run with the Heat from 2010 to 2014 was built on influence. Not only did he arrive with Bosh and join Dwyane Wade, but Miami's environment made it easier to sell. Veterans took pay cuts. Role players were eager to sign. "It wasn't hard getting guys in Miami, I'll tell you that," James said. "So now that I think being in L.A., I don't think it would be that hard to get guys here." When he joined the Lakers, Bron thought Los Angeles would sell itself. However, his first summer was a shock. Paul George chose to re-sign in Oklahoma City, even after years of saying he dreamed of playing for the Lakers. James then turned his sights to Anthony Davis. The two shared an agent. They vacationed together. Bron began lobbying publicly. AD wanted to leave New Orleans. LBJ believed a trade would happen quickly. It didn't. The Pelicans kept Davis until the summer of 2019, and in that window came another setback. Kawhi Leonard chose the Clippers. It was the second straight summer that a star had passed on joining James in Los Angeles. By the time AD finally arrived, Bron's recruiting track record had become a real storyline. King James still had a title to chase. He still had L.A. But he had also been reminded of something that had followed him for more than a decade: that being great didn't mean everyone would story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
"It's not about your record, not about your team, but who you are" - Gilbert Arenas explains why LeBron, Stephen Curry and Caitlin Clark are the only superstars in basketball
"It's not about your record, not about your team, but who you are" - Gilbert Arenas explains why LeBron, Stephen Curry and Caitlin Clark are the only superstars in basketball originally appeared on Basketball Network. Every few months in the basketball world, there's a new media-fueled narrative questioning whether the next superstar has arrived. Whether it's Anthony Edwards with his flamboyance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander following his 2025 MVP win, or Tyrese Haliburton after knocking a clutch shot in every playoff series in 2025, the debate keeps cycling. Advertisement However, according to Gilbert Arenas, there are only three certified superstars in today's basketball landscape - and it has less to do with legacy or accolades and more to do with influence, marketability, and drawing power. Arenas on why LeBron, Steph, and Caitlin are the only three genuine superstars Take LeBron James, for example. Even with Luka Doncic joining the Los Angeles Lakers to fuel the franchise's championship chase for the foreseeable future, there's no denying that much of the media frenzy, jersey sales, and absurd ticket pricing surrounding the Purple and Gold stems from The King's presence. Put simply, James remains the main event - whether he is in his rookie year or Year 23. Similarly, even though fans know that Stephen Curry would not go off for 40 points in every game, they still purchase the iconic No. 30 jersey and fill out arenas only to watch the Three-Point King in action. As a result, he's become must-see TV every time he steps onto the hardwood. Advertisement And then there is Caitlin Clark. Her impact on the WNBA is unlike anything seen before. Most recently, when she was sidelined due to a quad injury, it seemed like fans had detached themselves from watching the Indiana Fever and the league in general. But the moment she decided to make her return, a record-breaking 2.2 million viewers chimed in on ABC to see her take the floor against the New York Liberty. Speaking on his podcast, 'Agent Zero' emphasized that whether these players win individual awards or whether their teams are contending for titles is almost secondary. Their drawing power - the fact that fans are willing to join queues to purchase game tickets and willingly pay hefty sums- defines their genuine stardom and superstar status. 'Curry, LeBron and Caitlin Clark,' Arenas on the three legitimate superstars in current basketball. 'What's funny is that I've said this for two years and ya'll fought against it. Now, Magic (Johnson) says it, and it makes sense. It's not about your record, not about your team, but who you are. Allen Iverson came to the city - sold out! Michael Jordan, with the Wizards - sold out! So, the definition of a superstar has nothing to do with your team's success. They don't give no fu–s about 70 wins, that's your team.' There aren't many superstars in the league It's hard to argue against Arenas' claim, especially in the case of Caitlin, who arguably might even become the greatest female athlete when it's all said and done. And while countless stars in the NBA make highlight-worthy reels on a nightly basis, none command attention like LeBron or Curry - two athletes who have transcended the game, dominated the media headlines, and been the face of the sport globally. Advertisement So even if some might see Arenas' take as controversial, when you look at the numbers, the hype, and the crowd reactions, it's hard to counter that this is not the truth. Related: "When did ring culture become a thing?" - Gilbert Arenas agrees with LeBron's notion of the media caring about championships too much This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Daily Mail
20-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Meet the UFC's next generation: Fighter who cheated death and spat out the bullet, a 'Welsh Gangster', the upstart fleeing a military crackdown and Africa's next megastar
A generation of superstars have retired, been broken into obscurity or drifted away from the UFC over the last couple of years. Yes, there are still a handful of big names for Dana White and Co to hang their hat - and pay-per-view cards - on but the world-leading MMA promotion is ripe for a new crop of hotshots to take over.
Telegraph
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Virat Kohli's life is in London, but it has nothing to do with playing cricket
The build-up to India's series against England has focused as much on players who are not on tour as those who are. Two grand old oaks, Rohit Sharma and Ravichandran Ashwin, have retired, and leave a shadow. But those shadows are nowhere as vast as Virat Kohli's – especially as it is cast from so nearby. Kohli is in London, where he is now based with his wife Anushka Sharma, the Bollywood actress, and their young family. Kohli has always liked touring England for the quiet it offers. During a tour of England, they have often been seen dining in the best Indian restaurants in town, largely undisturbed by fans. The couple are thought to reside in Notting Hill where they have taken refuge there for some years, including when Kohli missed the series against England last year for personal reasons. Occasionally, a picture, captured by a fan, pops up of them online, but largely they are left to their own devices. He has even been seen travelling on the tube, reading the newspaper. The idea of Kohli using public transport in India is unimaginable. They are intensely private people, attempting to live a quiet life, which does not sit easily with their status as two of the biggest superstars in India. To put Kohli's level of fame into perspective, he has 274 million followers on Instagram. Just 12 people in the world have more than that, and only two of them are sportspeople in Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. His wife Sharma has 69.7 million, too. The 36-year-old's status in India is in rarefied territory with only Sachin Tendulkar and MS Dhoni, two other former captains, remotely close to the same bracket of significance. So intense is their popularity, that India can be something of a gilded cage for them, with completing daily tasks and travelling around freely incredibly difficult. Even foreign players are often mobbed whenever they are outside the hotels where they stay in. Last year, on England's tour of India, the tourists were in Chandigarh between Tests. I popped into a shopping centre next to the team hotel, and spotted Ben Stokes and Mark Wood in there as well, with caps pulled low over their faces. Within a couple of minutes, they were spotted, and crowded by fans. 'I don't think we can quite understand the level of interest and the stardom these guys have,' said Jos Buttler this week, speaking on his podcast with Stuart Broad, of India's cricketers. And Buttler is well placed to comment, given he is a star in his own right in India due to his IPL achievements but could probably walk anonymously down a high street in the UK without any issue. An extreme and tragic example of India's relationship with cricket came earlier this month. When Kohli's team Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the Indian Premier League title for the first time, so many people turned up to the hastily-arranged victory parade that there was a horrific crush that killed 11 people and injured many more. RCB's popularity is an extension of Kohli's popularity, and, sadly, many of those people will have turned up just hoping to get a glimpse of him. Kohli's next cricketing assignment will not be until August, when India's ODI team - that is the only format he still plays internationally - tour Bangladesh, although Middlesex have publicly expressed interest in signing him given he is in the area and, essentially, free. So, Kohli will have a bizarre relationship with this box office series. So close, yet so far. Available, but absent. And it is made all the stranger by the fact that he retired as Test cricket's greatest advocate, making quite the proclamation upon finally winning the IPL. 'This moment is right up there with the best moments in my career. But it still ranks five levels below Test cricket,' Kohli said, risking the ire of loyal RCB fans. 'If you want to earn respect, take up Test cricket'. On Monday, it was reported that Kohli hosted a number of India players, including the new leadership team of Shubman Gill and Rishabh Pant, at his home. But, largely, he is keeping his head down. Kohli was conspicuous by his absence at Lord's over the last week or so. The great and the good of the global game descended on the home of cricket, including Tendulkar, who also lives in London to get away from the limelight, but not Kohli, who was at neither the World Test Championship final or the MCC's Cricket Connects symposium where the future of the longest format was discussed at length despite being just a couple of miles away. His retirement has naturally piqued the interest of broadcasters including Sky, but it quickly became clear that a significant commentary gig was of no interest. There is still hope that Kohli could be persuaded to do a day, or even just a session, on air before the series is out, particularly at either of the London venues in Lord's or the Oval. If he does make an appearance, it will certainly divert some of the attention away from the cricket, which is something Kohli is all too aware of.
