🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Alexander Zverev wins maiden Grand Slam title at French Open
via The Namibian3 min read
Alexander Zverev secured his first Grand Slam title by defeating Italy's Flavio Cobolli in a five-set French Open final. The second seed became the first German man to win a major tournament since Boris Becker in 1996, with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 5/7, 6-1 victory. This was Zverev's fourth Grand Slam final and second at Roland Garros. Cobolli, the 10th seed, was playing in his first Grand Slam final. Both players experienced nerves during the match, particularly Cobolli in the first set. Zverev's experience proved crucial in the deciding set. The 29-year-old benefited from the absence of reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz and early exits of Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic. Despite making 54 unforced errors, Zverev managed to shed the label of being one of the best players never to win a major. Cobolli made a nervous start, making 16 unforced errors in the first set. He found his rhythm in the second set, breaking Zverev's serve. The third set went to Zverev after Cobolli lost four consecutive points. Cobolli fought back to win the fourth set in a tie-break, forcing a decider. Zverev broke Cobolli's serve in the first game of the final set and again to go 3-0 up, ultimately securing the victory.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Teenage driver Kimi Antonelli secured his fifth consecutive victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, becoming the youngest winner of the event and the first Italian to achieve this winning streak since 1952. Leading from start to finish in a race marked by stoppages, the 19-year-old Mercedes driver now holds a 66-point lead over seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton of Ferrari in the drivers’ championship. Hamilton, who previously held the record for the youngest winner in Monaco, finished second, while Isack Hadjar of Red Bull secured third place despite battling power issues. Antonelli expressed his satisfaction with the car's performance and his confidence, stating that the job is not yet finished for the season. Hamilton congratulated Antonelli and Mercedes, acknowledging their strong performance. Hadjar described his race as incredibly challenging due to power problems but was pleased with his third-place finish. Oscar Piastri of McLaren finished fourth, with Liam Lawson and Arvid Lindblad also in the points. Sergio Perez earned the first point for the new Cadillac team. Several drivers, including Pierre Gasly, received five-second penalties for pit lane speeding. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris retired from the race due to engine and battery problems, respectively.
The African Public Relations Association Apra and China Media Group have become strategic partners with the Namibia Press Agency Nampa for the Effective Communicators Conference 2026. This partnership was announced at the conference's launch in Windhoek. Apra secretary general Omoniyi Ibietan stated that this collaboration underscores Apra's dedication to enhancing communication throughout Africa. He emphasized that the agreement aims to bring together individuals globally to discuss how effective communication can contribute to development processes. Song Jianing, Africa bureau chief for China Media Group, indicated the organization's interest in strengthening media and communication cooperation with Namibia.
Must ReadNamibia's Energy Minister Modestus Amutse has granted an exclusive mandate to Swiss commodity trader Vitol to supply all of Namibia's fuel needs from June to August, a contract valued at an estimated N$2.4 billion per month. This decision has raised concerns about potential capture of the fuel sector, particularly as Vitol has faced bribery allegations in other countries. The move is seen as undermining the Namibian Competition Commission, which falls under Amutse's portfolio. The commission had previously imposed a condition on Nasan Energies, co-founded by Miguel Hamutenya, prohibiting it from sourcing fuel from Vitol for five years after Nasan acquired 52 petrol stations, some from Vitol-owned Vivo Energy. Nasan is appealing this ban through Minister Amutse, yet the minister has simultaneously awarded the national fuel supply contract to Vitol. Miguel Hamutenya's father, Mathews, co-owns Validus Energy with Vitol, holding 35% through Millennium Investments, which also co-owns a farming business with the president’s son, Ndeli Ndaitwah. While Amutse claims the deal will save the government N$1 billion over three months, the lack of transparency regarding Vitol's selection and the financial details has fueled suspicion. Critics argue that this situation mirrors a 2003 petroleum enrichment scandal involving politically connected Namibians and South African energy firm Sasol, which saw regulations changed to favor a consortium that secured a N$4 billion state contract. The cur