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Federer retires after Laver Cup loss

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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)

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UAE beat SL in Rugby World Cup qualifier

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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) secured a 29–21 victory over Sri Lanka at the Race Course Ground in Colombo.

In a fierce game, the UAE bagged the win,  strengthening their bid for a spot in the Rugby World Cup 2027 qualification pathway.

The result cements the UAE’s position as the second-best side in the region, trailing only behind Hong Kong in the 2025 Asia Rugby Emirates Men’s Championship standings.

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Liverpool forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash

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Liverpool forward Diogo Jota (28) has died in a car crash in Spain.

The car left the road due to a tyre blowout while overtaking another car, local police say.

His brother, Andre Silva, also died in the crash.

The accident was just two weeks after Diogo Jota’s wedding day to long-term partner Rute Cardoso, which took place on 22 Juneග The couple had three children together.

The Portuguese international was a key part of the Liverpool side that won the Premier League last season, and earlier played for Wolves and Portoග

Liverpool FC say they are “devastated” by what they call an “unimaginable loss”, Cristiano Ronaldo says “it doesn’t make sense”, while the Portuguese federation says Jota was “an extraordinary person”ග

Prime Minister Keir Starmer also pays tribute to Jota, saying “millions of Liverpool fans, but also football fans, and non-fans” will be shocked.

(BBC News)

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SL clinches 1st ODI victory over Bangladesh

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Sri Lanka won the first ODI against Bangladesh by 77 runs yesterday (July 02).

Wanindu Hasaranga took 04 wickets for just 10 runs, while Kamindu Mendis claimed 03 wickets for 19 runs.

Chasing a target of 245 runs, Bangladesh were bowled out for 167.

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