🇳🇦NamibiaSouthern Africa
Jannik Sinner calls for Grand Slam respect amid prize money dispute
via The Namibian2 min read
Jannik Sinner has urged Grand Slam tournaments to show tennis players more respect regarding prize money, though he stopped short of advocating a boycott. Last year, most top players sent letters to the four Grand Slam organizers, demanding increased prize money, contributions to a player welfare fund for retirement and maternity benefits, and involvement in decision-making. They aimed for a 22-percent share of tournament revenue, aligning with ATP and WTA 1000-level events. Sinner stated at the Italian Open that players are no closer to an agreement with Wimbledon, French, US, and Australian Open organizers. He emphasized that the issue is about respect, feeling players contribute more than they receive, and expressed disappointment that no resolution has been reached after a year. His comments follow women's world number one Aryna Sabalenka's readiness to boycott Grand Slams to pressure organizers. Players also criticized the French Open's 9.5-percent prize money increase, noting a 14-percent revenue rise only led to a 5.4-percent increase in the total prize purse, reducing the players' share to 14.3 percent. Sinner indicated he understands discussions about boycotts, acknowledging it might be a necessary step given the prolonged lack of progress.
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Belgium played to a scoreless draw against Iran, a match that saw the Red Devils reduced to 10 men and facing potential group-stage elimination for a second consecutive World Cup. Despite controlling possession, Belgium, with players like Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku, struggled to create clear opportunities. Iran, in contrast, had the game's best chances, including a Mehdi Taremi goal disallowed for offside by VAR. Nathan Ngoy of Belgium was sent off in the second half for fouling Taremi after a misplaced backpass. This result means all three games in Group G have ended in draws, leaving Belgium with two points ahead of their final group match against New Zealand. Iran will need at least a point against Egypt. Protesters from Los Angeles' Persian exile community demonstrated outside the stadium against Iran's regime, and the Iranian anthem was met with boos and whistles inside the venue.
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Fifteen-year-old cricket player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi achieved the fastest half-century in List A history, reaching the milestone in just 11 balls during an India A match against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla. The Board of Control for Cricket in India BCCI praised the teenager for his performance. Sooryavanshi scored 94 runs off 29 deliveries, contributing to India A's total of 377-9. This left-handed batsman's 11-ball fifty established a new record for the quickest half-century in the 50-over format. Sooryavanshi was selected for India’s T20 squad for tours to Ireland and England, and the Asian Games, following his success in the Indian Premier League where he was the leading run-scorer for Rajasthan Royals with 776 runs, including one century and five half-centuries.