Sports

Ons Jabeur crashes out of French Open after loss to Coco Gauff

Published

6 months ago

June 5, 2024

The quest for a maiden Grand Slam title by Tunisian tennis star, Ons Jabeur, took another hit on Tuesday night as she was knocked out of the French Open quarter finals by American third seed, Coco Gauff, in what turned out to be an absorbing contest.

Gauf who is the current US Open champion, showed her maturity and mentality at Roland Garros to defeat the 8th seeded Jabeur win 4-6 6-2 6-3 and will play Polish top seed Iga Swiatek, who beat her in the 2022 final, in the last four on Thursday.

Court side reports on the match say after a superb opening set which was dominated by Jabeur, the “20-year-old Gauff continued to believe in her game and took advantage of her opponent’s level dipping.”

“Gauff was unable to convert a match point on Jabeur’s serve at 5-2 in the decider, and survived a break point at 5-3, before getting over the line when her opponent dumped an overhead long,” the report said.

“A passionate roar as Gauff celebrated in the middle of the court indicated the magnitude of the test she had come through.”

After the pulsating match, Gauff, however, gave credit to her opponent.

“She’s a tough opponent. I was trying to be more aggressive, she was playing really well and hitting a lot of winners – which I’m not used to.

“I got a little bit tight but I did what I needed to do.

“Whenever I’m not playing, I cheer for Ons too, so thank you guys for making it a great atmosphere. I like playing in atmospheres like this.

“I know you wanted her to win, but even when I was in the bathroom after the first set, I was thinking ‘this is really fun, win or lose’,” she told the crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Jabeur who is a three-time major finalist, has endured a tough season because of a niggling knee injury and struggled for form before rediscovering her level at Roland Garros.

However, the 29-year-old was unable to sustain the pressure she put Gauff under after struggling to land as many first serves, and beginning to make rash decisions in her returning, was costly as Gauff turned the match around.

“The quarter-finals is not bad. I’ll take it,” said Jabeur.

“I’m trying to be less hard with myself and be proud with the way I was fighting.”

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

12 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”