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Rafael Nadal’s reason to withdraw from the 2024 U.S. Open

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Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal has officially announced his withdrawal from the 2024 U.S. Open, a decision that has shocked the tennis community. On Wednesday, August 7, the 22-time Grand Slam champion took to Instagram to share the news, citing his inability to compete at his highest level as the primary reason for stepping away from the tournament. The decision marks a significant moment in the career of the 38-year-old tennis legend, who has won the U.S. Open four times— in 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019.

Nadal’s decision to skip the U.S. Open comes on the heels of a challenging experience at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where he represented Spain. Despite his career, the tournament proved difficult for Nadal, as he and his doubles partner, Carlos Alcaraz, were defeated in the quarterfinals by the Dutch duo Tallon Griekspoor and Wesley Koolhof on July 30. Adding to his disappointment, Nadal also faced an early exit in the singles competition, losing in the second round to Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, who won the gold medal on August 4.

Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

Hints of Doubt in Paris

While in Paris, Nadal’s participation in the U.S. Open was already in question. During a press conference, when asked about his plans for the upcoming Grand Slam, Nadal hesitated before responding, “Looks like not. But I’m going to let you know soon.” His words, captured by the Associated Press, hinted at the difficult decision he was about to make. “For me, now, I can’t give you a clear answer. I need some time, but for me, [it] looks difficult,” he admitted, reflecting on the weight of his choice.

Fond Memories and a Difficult Goodbye

In his Instagram post, Nadal expressed his deep affection for the U.S. Open, particularly the vibrant atmosphere of the night sessions at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I have amazing memories of the tournament and will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe,” he wrote. Despite his love for the tournament, Nadal acknowledged that he would not be able to give his best performance this time around, a realization that ultimately led to his decision to withdraw.

“Thanks to all my US Fans in particular, will miss you all and will see you another time,” he added, offering his heartfelt appreciation to his supporters. “Best of lucks to all for the always amazing US Open!”

Looking Ahead: The Laver Cup

While Nadal’s absence from the U.S. Open will be felt, the tennis star has assured his followers that this is not the end of his 2024 season. Nadal confirmed that he will next compete in the Laver Cup, set to take place in Berlin from September 20 to September 22.

The event will offer Nadal another opportunity to showcase his skills on the court, and fans can look forward to seeing him compete again shortly.

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TENNIS

Tennis fans heartbroken as Rafa Nadal drops sad announcement after exit from Olympics

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Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz

The realisation Rafa Nadal may have played his final professional tennis match is now sinking in for fans after the Spaniard announced he has withdrawn from the US Open. Nadal was unable to secure a dream medal for Spain alongside Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympics doubles with the duo crashing out in the quarter-final.

Earlier in the tournament, Nadal was also defeated by eventual gold medal winner Novak Djokovic in the singles with the duo competing in the 60th match of their rivalry. The contest against Djokovic was an eye-opener for many fans with the Spaniard only able to match it in short intervals against the No.1 seed.

Last year, the 38-year-old had hinted the Olympics could be the final tournament of his illustrious tennis career as he mapped out his season. And speculation is now growing it was his last professional match after his latest announcement.

Nadal opted to skip the Australian Open as he prepared his body for Roland Garros. He then opted to skip Wimbledon as he prepared for the Paris Olympics on clay. The 38-year-old has been battling injury for the last few years and has struggled to maintain momentum on the tour.

And Nadal’s latest announcement is quickly dawning on tennis fans. “I will miss those electric and special night sessions in NYC at Ashe, but I don’t think I would be able to give my 100% this time,” Nadal wrote. “Thanks to all my US fans in particular. Will miss you all and will see you another time.

“My next event will be the Laver Cup in Berlin.” Nadal confirmed he would play at the Laver Cup, which has only increased speculation he could go out at the exhibition tournament in a similar style as Roger Federer. The image of the legendary duo crying together at the Swiss icon’s retirement will go down as one of the most memorable moments in the sport’s history.

Rafael Nadal

After the Olympics, Nadal was pressed on whether he would appear at the US Open. The Spaniard was not confident he could back-up, which only adds to the speculation the Olympics was his last official event.

“Looks like not. But I’m going to let you know soon,” he said. “For me, now, I can’t give you a clear answer. I need some time, but for me, (it) looks difficult.”

Nadal has battled injuries in recent years and hasn’t seen the success tennis fans are so accustomed to for the Spaniard after more than 20 years in the sport. Nadal’s recent injuries include hip surgery in 2023 and abdominal muscle issues in 2024 that have seen him play only a handful of matches across the past two seasons.

The US Open is Nadal’s second-most successful tournament having won it in 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019. Unfortunately, Nadal has only played the final grand slam of the year once in the last five years.

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TENNIS

Angel Reese set to launch first footwear and apparel collection with Reebok

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Angel Reese

Sky F Angel Reese will have her “first footwear and apparel collection” make its debut when her Reebok line launches on Aug. 23, according to Marcus Shorter of ANDSCAPE. Reebok by Angel “features a full range of performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel” The which will feature three footwear styles will feature “a color palette of Always Blue and Silver Chrome to complement Reese’s style.” The capsule also “introduces new fits such as the black Angel Graphic Tee, the blue and black Angel Vector Track Jacket, and the Angel Lux Bodysuit.” Reese worked closely with Reebok and “put another stamp on the line in the form of her mantra ‘When they sleep on you … tuck them in!’ etched into the sneakers’ insoles and on T-shirts.” She signed her endorsement deal with Reebok in October 2023, citing her desire to be the brand’s female face and her relationship with Basketball HOFer Shaquille O’Neal, who serves as Reebok Basketball’s president. Shorter noted Reebok by Angel “drops at a time when Reese is firmly fixed into pop culture as a player, fashion tastemaker, and all-around needle mover” (ANDSCAPE, 8/8).

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TENNIS

Napheesa Collier Reveals True Reason Angel Reese Joined New Basketball League

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Angel Reese

Minnesota Lynx star Napheesa Collier and New York Liberty standout Breanna Stewart have started a new women’s 3-on-3 basketball league called ‘Unrivaled’ that will feature many WNBA stars.

In late July, the new league revealed that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese is one of the many WNBA players who will be participating in the inaugural season next year.

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TENNIS

Angel Reese Reveals Funny New Nickname For Chicago Sky Teammate

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Angel Reese 

Angel Reese recently commented on a post from the Chicago Sky’s official account on social media, poking fun at her newest teammate, Rachel Banham.

The Sky posted a picture of Banham, quietly comparing the Chicago guard to American rapper Latto.

They made a joke that Banham had dropped her album on Thursday and then showed up to practice on Friday since the rapper from Atlanta released her album less than 24 hours ago.

“Dropped an album last night, then showed up to practice this morning (iykyk),” posted the Chicago Sky.

Angel Reese then responded with the message, “BIG MAMAAAA,” which is a nickname for Latto.

Angel Reese

Latto released her newest album, “Sugar Honey Iced Tea,” which includes 21 songs and remixes with Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B. 

Fans seem to believe the comparison was spot-on, with over 60 comments posting laughing emojis or hilarious responses.

Banham was added to the Sky’s roster via trade during the WNBA’s break in the season for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Chicago traded for Banham, Moriah Jefferson, a 2025 first-round pick, and the right to a 2026 first-round pick swap from the Connecticut Sun. The Sky dealt Marina Mabrey and a 2025 second-round pick in the trade.

Banham has averaged 4.8 points and 1.2 rebounds per game during the 2024 WNBA season. She was previously selected with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 WNBA draft.

Angel Reese, Banham, and the Sky will be back on the hard court, returning from the WNBA’s hiatus on Aug. 15 at 8 p.m. against the Phoenix Mercury.

Banham will make her team debut, while Reese looks to pick up where she left off in the first half of the WNBA season.

The first-year star averaged 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds during her first few months in the league.

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GYMNASTICS

Simone Biles and family celebrate dad’s 75th birthday — and reveal gift from Snoop Dogg

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Simone Biles

Simone Biles’ father, Ronald Biles, got the most amazing gift from Snoop Dogg at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

The elder Biles, who is celebrating his 75th birthday with his family in Paris, was given a Death Row Records chain by the “Drop It Like It’s Hot” rapper, which he proudly displayed around his neck.

Snoop has memorably been living his best life at the Olympics for NBC as a special correspondent and has been spotted dancing in the crowd at competitions and acting as a play-by-play announcer alongside his BFF Martha Stewart.

He also watched track alongside Biles and posted a video to X showing them taking in the competition together.

On her Instagram story, Biles’ younger sister, Adria, shared a picture of their dad rocking the chain while sitting in the stands at the Olympics. Over the snap, she wrote, “snoop gave him a chain now he don’t know how to act 🤣.”

She added, “75 looks great on you! happy birthday i love you 🤍.”

Biles also took to Instagram to give their dad a shoutout. On her story, she shared a picture of her father preparing to blow out the candles on his birthday cake.

At the Olympics, Biles became the most decorated American gymnast in Olympic history, when she won four more medals — three gold and one silver — to add to her stunning collection at home.

Simone Biles 

While speaking with TODAY’s Hoda Kotb after her performance at the Games, the 27-year-old explained that she wouldn’t be where she is today without the support of her father and mother, Nellie Biles.

When Biles was 6 years old, she and Adria were adopted by Ronald Biles, who is their biological grandfather, and his wife, Nellie Biles.

At the time, the girls were living in foster care because their biological mother struggled with drug and alcohol abuse and was in and out of jail.

However, under the couple’s care, Biles found gymnastics and was greatly supported by them to pursue it.

That’s why when Hoda asked Biles what helped her get to where she is today, she thought of her parents, who have been by her side every step of the way.

“If not for my parents and adoption, I wouldn’t be here today,” she said on TODAY Aug. 6.

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GYMNASTICS

With ‘Sprint’ and Simone Biles, Netflix Fills Olympic Content Gap

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Simone Biles

New seasons of documentaries about running, gymnastics and basketball are being filmed this summer as part of a partnership with the International Olympic Committee.

The four-person crew from Box to Box Films, the production company responsible for the hit Netflix motorsports docuseries “Formula 1: Drive to Survive,” has often shot in lavish settings like Monaco and Miami.

But one recent morning, it congregated in a far less glamorous spot: a set of flimsy bleachers next to a running track in the Paris suburb of Eaubonne, where it waited about an hour for a practice session to begin.

“This is our life,” Warren Smith, a top executive at Box to Box, said of the waiting. It could have been worse: Across town, a second crew was filming a runner having a haircut.

The footage from France will eventually be part of the second season of “Sprint,” a Netflix documentary following the American 100-meter stars Sha’Carri Richardson and Noah Lyles and a dozen or so other track athletes.

The series is one of three projects being filmed during these Summer Games as part of a partnership between Netflix and the International Olympic Committee, a latecomer to the sports-documentary genre that is now an eager participant.

Just as “Drive to Survive” forged a deeper connection between fans and Formula 1 auto racing, the I.O.C. hopes these projects will pique awareness and interest among a new (read: younger) generation of Olympic fans. They include the track series, a gymnastics one called “Simone Biles: Rising” and one about the U.S. Olympic men’s basketball team.

So far, the effort has worked: Both “Sprint” and “Simone Biles: Rising” have spent at least two weeks on Netflix’s top-10 most-watched list.

“You cannot be telling these stories only every four years and expect to remain relevant,” said Yiannis Exarchos, the chief executive of Olympic Broadcasting Services, the I.O.C. media arm. “You need to be telling them 24/7 and do it in a compelling way.”

Through gold medal performances or memorable moments, Olympians become national celebrities overnight during this quadrennial three-week stretch. But after brief morning and late-night victory laps on television back in the United States, the athletes, in sports beyond soccer and basketball, are often forgotten for three years as they compete in far less publicized international events. Americans, at least, shift their focus to the major sports, which have round-the-clock coverage even in the off-seasons, with free agency and manufactured prime-time spectacles.

The I.O.C.’s union with Netflix and its coveted base of 278 million subscribers is its attempt to mimic other sports organizations’ frenetic pace of documentary filmmaking, and a partnership it hopes to replicate with other streaming services. It’s also an exercise for Netflix and production companies to explore unfamiliar sports and their characters.

Exarchos, who has worked at Olympic Broadcasting Services for nearly two decades, said this strategy represented a cultural shift. Previously, he said, the industry viewed the four-year gap as an advantage: a period in which to build anticipation for the next Olympic cycle. But engagement on the Olympic social channels and website had noticeably dropped by 2016, he said, and international federations could not compete in promoting their sports against mainstream leagues with billions of dollars.

Simone Biles

There was also confusion over what was even possible. Brandon Riegg, the vice president for unscripted and documentary series at Netflix, said the platform was wary of NBCUniversal’s exclusive domestic broadcast agreement in the United States with the I.O.C.

“We totally respected that, and it never crossed our mind to to engage with them,” he said.

Netflix and the I.O.C. joined the N.B.A.’s entertainment arm and a slew of other entities in 2022 to create “The Redeem Team,” a 97-minute documentary about the 2008 United States men’s basketball team, which won a gold medal after the country placed third at the 2004 Athens Games. The film won a Sports Emmy, which started conversations about making a plan for Paris.

Filmmakers have explored the athletic and geopolitical themes of the Olympics for over a century, but the on-demand presence of many of its sports has lagged. More popular sports have pursued streaming dominance amid the decline of linear television. The N.F.L., for example, announced a joint venture with the Hollywood studio Skydance Media in 2022, resulting in projects on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Roku. The league was partly inspired by the cultural impact of the 2020 documentary series “The Last Dance,” which gave an all-access look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

Fans now crave that format elsewhere. Data from the research division of United Talent Agency, which represents athletes and entertainers, found that 72 percent of potential Olympics consumers aged 15 to 45 said in a survey that they were more interested in behind-the-scenes content from the Paris Games than they were during the Tokyo Games in 2021.

“It’s ripe ground for them to use formats that have worked in the past but for a different event,” Danny Barton, the vice president of sports content at U.T.A., said of streaming platforms and the Olympics.

Simone Biles

Of the more than 30 sports in Paris, Riegg and Exarchos said, they chose ones that they felt offered compelling narratives and recognizable names.

“Sprint,” of which Netflix released six episodes in July, followed runners in the marquee 100 and 200 races at tournaments before Paris. Executives from Box to Box Films said the sport’s simplicity challenged them to focus on story arcs, such as that of Lyles, a brash showman who runs in two events, and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a Jamaican who would compete in her last Olympics at 37 years old. But “Sprint” also included interviews from Allyson Felix, Usain Bolt and other retired Olympic stars to explain the sport’s intricacies, such as the context of the United States-Jamaica rivalry.

“Simone Biles: Rising,” which also had episodes released in July, profiled Biles, the most decorated gymnast ever, as she returned from a disorienting mental block that led her to withdraw from most events in Tokyo. The Religion of Sports production company, which has documented Tom Brady (one of the studio’s founders) and Serena Williams, created the project as an expansion of a shorter series on Facebook in 2021.

Similar to “Sprint,” the Biles documentary used interviews from current and former gymnasts to decipher the sport’s history and jargon.

To help the audience’s understanding, Giselle Parets, an executive producer, said the creators slowed down video of Biles’s dizzying aerobatic movements to show errors.

“Unless she doesn’t land on her feet, you wouldn’t know that she did something wrong in the air,” Parets said. “We leaned a lot on different creative devices for that when something wasn’t right.”

The second seasons for the track and gymnastics documentaries are expected to come out later this year and will show the athletes’ journeys and results from Paris. There was triumph and drama: Biles and Lyles won gold medals; Fraser-Pryce withdrew from her semifinal heat in the 100 with an injury. Riegg, the Netflix executive, said he would be interested in a future swimming documentary, potentially involving Katie Ledecky. Exarchos said the I.O.C. was in advanced discussions with sports federations for potential projects on figure skating and skiing for the 2026 Winter Games in Italy.

Exarchos said that while the I.O.C. wanted to diversify the sports it highlighted, it would evaluate future series judiciously.

“Our vision is to keep expanding, not by checking boxes but finding the right story, the right athletes, the right sports at the right time,” he said.

He said the I.O.C. was in conversations with all of Netflix’s major competitors and would release a behind-the-scenes look at the opening ceremony along the Seine, to appear in the United States on NBCUniversal’s streaming platform, Peacock.

“We don’t want to be exclusive,” he said. “We want to get everybody in to the fold.”

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BOXING

Francis Ngannou Makes Anthony Joshua-Tyson Fury Prediction After Losing to Both…

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TYSON FURY VS ANTHONY JOSHUA AND FRANCIS NGANNOU

Despite still being a novice in the sport, Francis Ngannou has been in the ring with two of the best heavyweights in the division.

JUST IN: Francis Ngannou to make long-awaited MMA comeback against 6ft 8in giant after boxing defeats to Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua…

Tyson Fury and Oleksandr Usyk

French-Cameroonian Ngannou has had just two professional boxing matches. His debut came against Tyson Fury in October of 2023 when he put up a much better performance than many thought he would.

The former UFC heavyweight champion managed to stay at range and box well across the 10 rounds, and famously put Fury down with a big shot in the third. Though he never really got going into his usual rhythm, Fury rallied and did enough to win a split decision on the cards.

SEE MORE: Mike Tyson Tells Tyson Fury Exactly How To Beat Oleksandr Usyk In Rematch…

In March of this year. it was Anthony Joshua‘s turn to take on the former UFC Heavyweight Champion, who has registered the hardest puncher ever recorded. The fight lasted just two rounds with two knockdowns from Joshua before a devastating right ended it in dramatic fashion.

Since then, Fury has gone on to lose his first-ever fight against Oleksandr Usyk, while Joshua is currently in camp for his IBF world title shot at Daniel Dubois.

Anthony Joshua and  Daniel Dubois

Having faced both men, Ngannou was asked by iFL TV who would win should we get the all-British showdown that fans have wanted for so long, and he went with the power of Joshua.

“I would give it to ‘AJ’ right now.”

Ngannou has since made good on his promise to return to MMA and will face Renan Ferreira on his return to the Octagon on October 19.

Joshua has a chance to win the IBF World Title from Dubois on September 21 and Fury rematches Usyk three months later for the three remaining belts. Should both win, the long-awaited fight may finally happen in 2025.

RELATED: Mike Tyson Tells Tyson Fury Exactly How To Beat Oleksandr Usyk In Rematch…

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TENNIS

Angel Reese’s ‘Reebok by Angel’ collection completes her pop culture takeover

By
Angel Reese

“I’ve built a platform outside of basketball and I think that’s why a lot of people love me. I have nails, I have hair, lashes – I’m the Barbie,” said Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

On Aug. 23, she’ll also have her first footwear and apparel collection. Reebok by Angel features a full range of performance and lifestyle footwear and apparel, inspired by Reese’s feminine energy and style on and off the court. The Reese and Reebok collaboration includes three footwear styles, the Premier Road VI, BB 4000 II, and Classic Leather, in a color palette of Always Blue and Silver Chrome to complement Reese’s style. The capsule also introduces new fits such as the black Angel Graphic Tee, the blue and black Angel Vector Track Jacket, and the Angel Lux Bodysuit.

Reese has built a solid first-year campaign for the Chicago Sky, averaging 13.5 points and 12.0 rebounds. She appeared in the 2024 WNBA All-Star Game and became the first rookie to drop a double-double. She signed her endorsement deal with Reebok in October 2023, citing her desire to be the brand’s female face and her relationship with NBA great Shaquille O’Neal, who serves as Reebok Basketball’s president.

Angel Reese

“I wanted to create a collection that allowed women and girls everywhere to embrace their femininity and power in whatever they’re doing,” Reese said. “This collection is for HER to be stylish and fierce on all occasions.”

he WNBA rookie worked closely with Reebok and put another stamp on the line in the form of her mantra “When they sleep on you … tuck them in!” etched into the sneakers’ insoles and on T-shirts.

“Angel’s dedication and hands-on collaboration throughout the collection’s design process was such a special privilege,” Portia Blunt, SVP of Product at Reebok, said. “Angel is inspiring women everywhere to be bold and express themselves, and this collection is a representation of her.”

The Reebok by Angel lifestyle brand drops at a time when Reese is firmly fixed into pop culture as a player, fashion tastemaker, and all-around needle mover. It also makes good on her promise when she signed with Reebok: She’s bringing Reebok back. And in a way that goes beyond the basketball court.

“For me, it’s about showing I’m not just a basketball player. The rappers. The singers. Everyone knows who I am,” said Reese.

The all-new Reebok by Angel collection will be available on Reebok.com and at select retailers worldwide. All footwear is available in adult sizes, with kids’ offerings in the BB 4000 II and Classic Leather silhouettes available.

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TENNIS

Huge Angel Reese Disclosure Triggers Online Buzz

By
Angel Reese 

Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese’s star just keeps on shining – even during the long WNBA break.

While Reese and the Sky prepare for the return of WNBA action, Reebok revealed early Thursday that it will debut her first collection with the footwear and clothing brand on August 23.

Via Boardroom:

“Featuring three footwear styles and seven apparel pieces, the assortment launching on August 23rd features Reese’s unapologetic bold style through metallic ‘silver chrome’ and an icy ‘always blue’ color palette. “

Reese and Sky fans finally have a date to circle on their calendars after waiting for her first Reebok line to drop.

Based on the majority of initial reactions to Reese’s Reebok collection, it seems that stores that will be selling them should prepare for an influx of consumers looking to spend their dollars on the former LSU Tigers star’s apparel and sneakers.

“And yes I’m getting her stuff because I love seeing her win 😌”

Angel Reese

“ABSOLUTELY, I’LL BUY THEM! Glad she went with Reebok 💯”

“Will be buying HURRY”

“You see that wide leg pants???? I am buying it STAT!”

“So cute 😍 I need it”

“She bout to bring REE BOK BACK!!!!”

Reese is more than just about style, though. She is also among the best players in the WNBA in the 2024 season.

So far in her first year as a pro, Reese is averaging 13.5 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game.

The 10-14 Sky will return to action on August 15 for a home game against the Phoenix Mercury.

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