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World number two Aryna Sabalenka reacted to her boyfriend’s death. Andy Murray defeated Italian Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Miami Open 2024 with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. In the world of football, Germany’s Manuel Neuer suffered a thigh injury ahead of the planned comeback. He was set to return to the national team after a leg injury in a skiing accident.
Read below to learn about major sporting events in the last 24 hours.
Tennis
Unthinkable tragedy: Aryna Sabalenka reacts to ex-boyfriend’s death
World number two Aryna Sabalenka reacted to her boyfriend’s death and said that she was heartbroken by the death of her former boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov. Sabalenka said, "Konstantin's death is an unthinkable tragedy, and while we were no longer together, my heart is broken. Please respect my privacy and his family's privacy during this difficult time.” Koltsov died on Monday by jumping from the balcony of a room in a resort.
Andy Murray defeats Dizzy Matteo Berrettini in Miami Open 2024 first round
Two-time champion Andy Murray defeated Italian Matteo Berrettini in the first round of the Miami Open 2024 with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Berrettini sought medical attention after the second set where he almost fainted on the court. After the win, Murray wrote, "There is life in the old dog yet. I created a lot of opportunities and he was struggling for a little bit at the end of the second and beginning of the third. I capitalised on that and got off to a quick start in the third. I served it out well in the end."
Incredible honour to play against her: Naomi Osaka on playing against Elina Svitolina
Naomi Osaka was asked about facing fellow mother Elina Svitolina in the second round of the 2024 Miami Open. She said, "I was watching her [Elina Svitolina] last year and I was admiring all her runs in Wimbledon and it's going to be I guess a really incredible honour to play against her. So I guess, I'll see when that happens.” However, it angered Osaka’s fans and they said that media should stop asking about their motherhood.
Naomi Osaka defeats Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto on return
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6-4, 6-3 on return from maternity leave. Osaka now advanced to the second round of the Miami Open 2024. Osaka took just 1 hour and 18 minutes to defeat World No. 1 Cocciaretto, and in seven appearances at the tournament, Osaka has never lost an opening game. The last game that Osaka played was in the Miami Open 2022, where she defeated Angelique Kerbere, Danielle Collins, and Belinda Bencic and finished as runner-up.
Formula One
Sergio Perez downplays speculations of Max Verstappen switching to Mercedes
Sergio Perez disregarded rumours about Max Verstappen’s switch from Red Bull to Mercedes. He said, “The team is in a very strong position because with the results we’re currently having, the harmony that there is in the team, I think to achieve that it takes a couple of years probably.” He added, “I don’t know what clause Max has in his contract, it’s better if you ask him. I think Max, as far as I know, has a contract with the team and is fully committed with the team.”
Football
Expecting much better Afghanistan side: India coach Igor Stimac on WC Qualifiers clash
Indian football coach Igor Stimac said that the Blue Tigers are expecting a much stronger Afghanistan team. Addressing the press, Stimac said, “We have faced Afghanistan several times in the past. We played three games in the last two and a half years, and it was always tough. But, the team has changed significantly with many changes. They had a three-week camp here during January and February to adapt to the conditions. We are expecting a much better Afghanistan than what we have seen against Qatar and Kuwait. We are very serious about a pro approaching this game.”
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal welcomes Kylian Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid
Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal welcomed Kylian Mbappe's move to Real Madrid and drew a comparison with Robert Lewandowski. He said, "They haven’t told us anything. It seems that it is a possibility that he can come. In Madrid, the best have to come and he is one of the best. For the League and our football, it would be good, just like Lewandowski has gone to Barcelona." He added, "No jealousy, but the people who have been in the club for the longest time are in charge of everyone rowing in the same direction; that when one derails a little, grab him by the ear and put him on the track of our train."
Manuel Neuer ruled out of Euro 2024 warmups due to thigh injury
Ger many’s Manuel Neuer suffered a thigh injury ahead of the planned comeback. He was set to return to the national team after a leg injury in a skiing accident. On Wednesday, he sustained a muscle fibre tear in his left adductor during training. Neure had met with a skiing accident after returning from the 2022 World Cup 2022 and hasn’t played for Germany since then. He was out of the action for 10 months. In his absence, Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Setgen is likely to play for the side.
