Rafael Nadal’s ruthless pursuit of an historic fourth straight French Open title is likely to deliver another, possibly fatal blow to Roger Federer’s lingering dream of an elusive Roland Garros crown. The Spaniard boasts a perfect record of three titles and 21 wins in 21 matches since his debut in Paris in 2005.
Back in the wild Sixties and Seventies, a Formula One hotshot would arrive bleary-eyed at his hotel, check out the nearest club and order a large drink or three. In 2008, his corporate-conscious counterpart is more likely to check into the gym and order an early call. ”I have busy testing days, busy marketing days and I have training days,” said Lewis Hamilton.
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/ 10 February 2008
Defending champions America and France, two of the most successful countries in Davis Cup history, will clash in this year’s quarterfinals after cruising through their World Group first-round ties. The United States, the 31-time champions, saw off Austria 3-0 while nine-time winners France also opened up a 3-0 lead over Romania.
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/ 13 December 2007
Glasgow Rangers’ Champions League campaign came to a heartbreaking end on Wednesday when a 3-0 defeat by Lyon meant they failed to complete a British sweep of clubs into the last 16. Rangers were attempting to join city rivals Celtic as well as Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea in the knockout stages.
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/ 10 December 2007
Liverpool and Real Madrid, with an astonishing 13 European titles between them, face the humiliating prospect of being dumped out of the Champions League on Tuesday. Liverpool, who have lifted the continental crown five times, are in the most precarious position, having to travel to France where only a Group A win will suffice against 1993 winners Marseille.
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/ 19 October 2007
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France and Argentina clash on Friday in a World Cup third place play-off overshadowed by simmering French resentment at their opening night shock defeat to the Pumas five weeks ago. That 17-12 embarrassment threatened to send the hosts’ campaign into freefall before they righted their listing ship with a spectacular quarterfinal win over the All Blacks.
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/ 16 October 2007
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In Australia, it’s a term of abuse but in Paris on Saturday night, it’s poised to be the weapon of choice as England and South Africa eye the World Cup title. Never has the much-maligned drop goal been so important and in Jonny Wilkinson, England can boast the king of the kickers.
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When it comes to ritual sporting humiliation, England have more often than not resembled the bloodied corpse and Australia the merciless executioner. The 2005 Ashes cricket success and the 2003 Rugby World Cup triumph have been rare highlights for England’s long-suffering fans, who have grown wearily familiar with the power of the Australian juggernaut.
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/ 24 September 2007
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New Zealand, Australia and South Africa may not have been at their destructive best but all three southern hemisphere giants have kept up their unbeaten World Cup records. Little Tonga pushed South Africa, and scored three tries, before they were edged out 30-25 in a pulsating clash in Lens on Saturday.
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/ 22 September 2007
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Mighty South Africa were given the fright of their lives on Saturday before they made sure of their World Cup quarterfinals place with an error-strewn 30-25 win over Tonga. Springbok coach Jake White almost paid an embarrassing price for making 11 changes to the side who beat England 36-0.