Picture Credit: Twitter
Tennis player Simona Halep has been handed a four-year ban in a doping case. Apart from that, World Number 1 tennis icon Novak Djokovic broke down in tears as he received a warm welcome in his hometown. The world of football saw Juventus joining Adidas' LFSTLR collection. In short, the past 24 hours had a lot in store for fans of various sporting disciplines.
Tennis
Two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep gets four-year ban in doping case
Two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep has been handed a four-year ban, until October 2026, in a doping case on Tuesday, September 12. As per the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), Halep has been suspended for two separate anti-doping rule violations.
In a statement, ITIA said, "The first (charge) related to an Adverse Analytical Finding (AAF) for the prohibited substance Roxadustat at the U.S. Open in 2022, carried out through regular urine testing during competition."
Novak Djokovic breaks down in tears after receiving warm welcome in hometown
24-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic broke down in tears after receiving warm welcome in hometown, Belgrade after his win at the US Open 2023. The Serbian was greeted by thousands of fans during a celebration for members of the Serbian national basketball team.
The 36-year-old made a surprise entry on the balcony as several fans gathered in the Serbian capital to celebrate the basketball team on winning silver medal at the FIBA World Cup.
Novak Djokovic is the best tennis player: Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni
Rafael Nadal's uncle Toni claimed that Novak Djokovic is the best tennis player, and his nephew Rafael Nadal would find it difficult to level his Grand Slam count. Notably, Djokovic won his 24th Grand Slam as he took down Daniil Medvedev in the US Open final 2023.
Meanwhile, Nadal has 22 Grand Slam wins, and in a recent interview, the Spaniard's uncle said, "Djokovic is the best tennis player in history." He suggested that equalling the number of Grand Slam wins would be difficult for Rafael, who is currently out of action due to injuries.
Hockey
Pakistan Hockey Federation loses hosting rights of men's Olympic qualifiers
The Intenational Hockey Federation (FIH) withdrew from the hosting rights from Pakistan Hockey Federation of the upcoming men's Olympic qualifiers on September 12, Tuesday. The event was to be held in Pakistan in January 2024. This step has come as a result of the ongoing tussle between the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) and the Pakistan Sports Board.
Football matches recap
Spain took on Cyprus in the UEFA 2024 Qualifier on September 13, Wednesday, where the former emerged victorious 6-0 over their rivals. Other than that, Italy took down Ukraine 2-0 in a thrilling lop-sided match. Not only this, but another fixture of the qualifiers saw Belgium taking down Estonia 3-0.
Speaking of the World Cup 2026 Qualifiers, Cristiano Ronaldo-led Argentina took down Bolivia 3-0, whereas Brazil emerged victorious 1-0 over Peru in another high-octane game. Apart from this, Brazil star Neymar, with 57 assists is now just one assist away from being the player with the most international assists in history.
Juventus become latest club to join Adidas’ LFSTLR collection
Juventus became the latest football club to be a part of the Adidas’ LFSTLR collection. The top athleisure brand Adidas launched its new collection of LFSTLR shirts. The collection composes of third kit shirts which have been redesigned as streetwear and fashion-oriented clothing.
Not only this, but the collection by Adidas aims to rebuild the traditional sportswear, which would enable the fans to root for their favourite club, without them having to compromise their style and fashion.
Also read: Manchester United announce new shirt sponsor to replace TeamViewer
Romania-Kosovo game in UEFA 2024 Qualifiers gets halted for 45 minutes
The UEFA 2024 Qualifying match between Romania and Kosovo saw a halt of 45 minutes in Bucharest on September 12, Tuesday. It happened as fans started chanting pro-Serbian slogans at the visiting team during the game. Romania fans chanted and displayed slogans like, "Kosovo is Serbia."
According to UEFA's report on their website, “Due to discriminatory behavior from supporters, the match has been suspended."
Notably, the UEFA is set to take a disciplinary action against the home team fans.
Badminton
PV Sindhu shares picture with Apple CEO Tim Cook
India's ace badminton talent PV Sindhu shared picture with Apple CEO Tim Cook from the launch of latest iPhone and Apple watches held at the Cupertino headquarters in the United States.
Sharing the picture on her social media, the two-time Olympic medallist wrote, "An unforgettable moment meeting Tim Cook on keynote day at Apple Cupertino! Thank you for having me, Tim. It was a pleasure to see the stunning Apple Park and to meet you! I will gladly take you up on the offer to play badminton when you visit India next."
WWE
WWE joins hands with UFC to form TKO Group Holdings
World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) joined hands with famous mixed martial arts promotion UFC to form a new entity called TKO Group Holdings. WWE, owned by Endeavour Group Holdings, announced their merger through their website.
In an official statement, they announced, " Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. and World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. today announced the close of their previously announced agreement and the launch of the TKO Group Holdings, Inc."
