Connect with us

Sports

Federer retires after Laver Cup loss

Published

on

A tearful Roger Federer waved goodbye to professional tennis after teaming up with fellow great Rafael Nadal on an emotional night at the Laver Cup.

The 41-year-old received a long ovation after walking off court for the final time as he retired as a professional.

The Swiss, who won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, is considered one of the best players in tennis history.

“It’s been a wonderful day. I’m happy, not sad. It feels great to be here. I’m happy I made it through,” he said.

Federer cried as he hugged Nadal and other players, then took acclaim from the thousands of fans who chanted his name at the O2 Arena in London.

Nadal also could not hold back the tears. The 36-year-old Spaniard cried as he sat alongside Federer while the pair listened to British singer Ellie Goulding, who rounded off a memorable night with a performance.

Federer and Nadal – for so long rivals at the top of the men’s game – joined forces to play doubles against American pair Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe in the annual team event between Europe and the rest of the world.

Despite Federer not having played competitively for over a year, the veteran duo pushed Sock and Tiafoe before losing 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 11-9 as Team World levelled at 2-2 at the end of play on the opening day.

Federer and Nadal – affectionately nicknamed ‘Fedal’ – almost won it. The pair had a match point at 9-8 in the decider, but Federer could only lunge for a forehand which he pushed into the net.

The defeat brought the former world number one’s 25-year professional career to a close after his 1,750th competitive match across singles and doubles.

“It’s been the perfect journey. I’d do it all again,” said Federer as tried to hold back tears during his on-court speech.

(BBC News)

Sports

Sri Lanka defeats Afghanistan by 2-1

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka comprehensively defeated Afghanistan by 9 wickets to win the third and final One-Day International at the Sooriyawewa International Stadium in Hambantota to seal the series 2-1.

Chasing a paltry target of 117, the Lankans reached the target in 16 overs losing the wicket of Pathum Nissanka.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne top scored with an unbeaten 45-ball 56 while Nissanka hit 51 off 34 deliveries.

The pair put on 84 runs for the opening wicket.

Earlier after opting to bat first, Afghanistan was bundled out for 116.

Former skipper Mohammad Nabi top scored for the Afghans with a run-a-ball 23.

Continue Reading

Sports

Technical Committee appointed for LPL 2023

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed a four-member Technical Committee for the fourth edition of Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 scheduled to commence on July 30.

The Technical Committee members are:

Bandula Dissanayake – Chairman
Shane Fernando – Member
Tharanga Paranavitana – Member
Tyron Wijewardena – Member/Secretary

The role of the technical committee is to ensure that the tournament is conducted according to the rules and regulations set by Sri Lanka Cricket.

Continue Reading

Sports

SL wins another Gold!

Published

on

By

Sri Lanka has won a Gold medal in the 4x400m Mixed Relay event at the 20th Asian U-20 Athletics Championships, being held in Yecheon, South Korea.

Tharushi Karunarathna, Jayeshi Uththara, Vinod Ariyawansha and Shehan Dilranga took part in the event representing Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan team finished first place with a time of 3:25.41 followed by South Korea taking the Silver (3:28.30) and India taking the Bronze (3:30.13).

Earlier today, Tharushi Karunarathna clinched the Gold medal in the Women’s 800m event while Malith Yasiru won the Bronze medal in the Men’s Triple Jump event.

This brings Sri Lanka’s total medals tally to five (2 Gold, 1 Silver & 2 Bronze).

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2022 Sri Lanka Mirror. All Rights Reserved