Sports
Djokovic’s Paris quest continues with Royer standing in 2nd round
Novak Djokovic will resume his pursuit of a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title when he meets France’s Valentin Royer in the second round of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros in Paris, a clash that blends championship expectation with rising home ambition.
The 39-year-old Novak Djokovic arrives into the match having already absorbed an early test of both nerve and rhythm in the opening round.
Under the lights on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Djokovic was pushed to four sets by France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, eventually prevailing 5-7, 7-5, 6-1, 6-4 after a match that exposed early rust but also reaffirmed his ability to adjust midstream.
The opening set was a rare warning sign. Djokovic struggled to read one of the most powerful serves in the draw and dropped a Roland Garros opener set for only the second time in his career.
The French crowd added to the tension, sensing an opportunity as the underdog briefly controlled the tempo.
But once Djokovic found timing on return and began extending rallies, the match shifted decisively. His return position deepened, errors dropped, and the baseline exchanges began tilting toward the Serb.
By the third set, control was fully restored. Djokovic’s movement through clay court angles and his ability to absorb pace turned the contest into a test of patience rather than power. It was also a reminder of his durability at Roland Garros, where he has now extended an unbeaten streak in first round matches that spans more than a decade.
The win also carried historical weight. Djokovic made his 82nd Grand Slam appearance, the most in men’s tennis history, and continues to stretch records even while navigating the physical demands of competing at 39. He remains one of the central figures in a men’s draw that is increasingly shaped by younger champions, yet still features his presence deep into major tournaments.
Next comes Valentin Royer, a 24-year-old French player who has quietly climbed into the top tier of the sport’s second wave. Royer, currently ranked in the 70s after reaching a career-high around No. 54 earlier in 2026, advanced with a composed opening win over Hugo Dellien.
It marked his first appearance in the second round at Roland Garros in the main draw, a milestone in front of a supportive Paris crowd.
Valentin Royer brings a profile built on steady progression rather than breakthrough stardom.
At 6-foot-2, he offers a solid serve and an increasingly reliable baseline game, shaped through Challenger-level consistency and gradual adaptation to ATP-level intensity. His game is not defined by explosive shot-making but by structure, court discipline, and patience in longer exchanges.
The challenge against Djokovic, however, represents a sharp step up. The matchup is built on contrast. Royer will look to use home support and early aggression to keep points short, while Djokovic thrives in the opposite environment, extending rallies and dismantling rhythm through return pressure. Few players in the sport have matched Djokovic’s ability to turn neutral exchanges into sustained control on clay.
Physically, the match also carries narrative weight. Djokovic’s recent preparation on clay has been limited due to injury management earlier in the season, which contributed to early-match inconsistency in round one. That pattern often produces a narrow opening for opponents, particularly younger players willing to attack early service games. Royer’s best path likely depends on exactly that, capitalizing before Djokovic fully settles.
Historically, Djokovic has handled this type of matchup with efficiency. Emerging French players in front of home crowds have frequently been absorbed by his return game and mental control, particularly in best-of-five settings where pressure compounds over time. Once matches extend past the early phase, Djokovic’s endurance and tactical adjustments typically become decisive.
The broader draw context adds further weight. Djokovic remains positioned in a section that could require progressively tougher tests in the third round and beyond, with rising talents and established seeds waiting deeper in the tournament.
A clean, controlled win against Royer would serve not only as progression but as a stabilizing performance in a tournament where momentum is critical.
The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be played in Istanbul, bringing four of Spain’s biggest clubs to Türkiye for a six-day tournament in February.
The Spanish Football Federation announced Thursday that the competition will be held at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium from Feb. 2-7, 2027. Barcelona, Real Madrid, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid will compete for the trophy in the four-team format.
Real Sociedad will face Real Madrid in one semifinal, while defending champion Barcelona will meet Atletico Madrid in the other. The two semifinal winners will advance to the final.
The move to Istanbul represents a temporary change of venue for a competition that has been staged in Saudi Arabia in recent years.
The 2027 tournament could not be held in Saudi Arabia because of a scheduling conflict with the Asian Cup, which the country is due to host in January and February 2027.
The Spanish federation, working with SELA, evaluated several bids before selecting Istanbul. Reports said locations including Miami and Qatar were among those considered.
Istanbul will become only the third country outside Spain to host the Spanish Super Cup, after Morocco and Saudi Arabia. The competition is expected to return to Saudi Arabia in 2028.
A major European venue
The Atatürk Olympic Stadium, in Istanbul’s Başakşehir district, has a capacity of about 77,500 and is one of Türkiye’s most prominent football venues.
The stadium has hosted two Champions League finals, including Liverpool’s dramatic comeback against AC Milan in 2005 and Manchester City’s victory over Inter Milan in 2023.
Its selection gives the Spanish Super Cup a high-profile European setting after several years in the Middle East.
The competition has been played as a four-team Final Four tournament since the 2019-20 season, bringing together the winners and runners-up of La Liga and the Copa del Rey.
The format has helped turn the Super Cup into a major international event, with the tournament broadcast in more than 150 countries.
Barcelona return as defending champions
Barcelona will arrive in Istanbul as the defending champions after beating Real Madrid 3-2 in the 2026 final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Raphinha scored twice and Robert Lewandowski also found the net for Barcelona, while Vinicius Junior and Gonzalo Garcia scored for Madrid.
The victory gave Barcelona a record-extending 16th Spanish Super Cup title and a second consecutive championship.
Barcelona now face Atletico Madrid in the 2027 semifinals, while Real Madrid will meet Real Sociedad.
A Barcelona-Real Madrid final would set up another El Clasico on Turkish soil, although both teams must first win their respective semifinal matches.
A boost for Spanish football
The Spanish federation has highlighted the Super Cup’s growing international reach and its financial importance to Spanish football.
Revenue generated by the competition contributes to the wider football structure in Spain, supporting clubs across the men’s and women’s game at different levels.
Taking the 2027 edition to Istanbul allows the federation to maintain that international reach while working around the crowded 2027 football calendar.
For Istanbul, the tournament adds another major international football event to a city that has established itself as a regular host of elite European competition.
Second-seeded Elena Rybakina rallied from a set and a break down to defeat Naomi Osaka 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4 in their Canadian Open quarterfinal in Toronto on Tuesday.
The 2022 Wimbledon and 2026 Australian Open champion will face fourth-seeded Coco Gauff in the semifinals after the American advanced when Belinda Bencic withdrew with a hip injury.
In the first tour-level meeting between Osaka and Rybakina, the Japanese star made a fast start, breaking in the opening game and maintaining her advantage to take the first set.
The four-time Grand Slam champion then surged to a 4-2 lead in the second set, but Rybakina rallied and prevailed in a tiebreaker to force a deciding set.
In the third set, Rybakina saved four break points before breaking Osaka’s serve in back-to-back games to seize control and seal the victory in 2 hours, 33 minutes.
“This first game of the match was really tough because it cost me the set,” Rybakina said. “In the second I was just trying to stay closer to the score, even if I’m losing.
“It’s rare when you don’t play some players for so many years you’re on tour. She’s a great champion. She’s a fighter. I knew it would be a tough match.”
Earlier Tuesday, Gauff advanced without striking a ball after Bencic withdrew from their quarterfinal, giving the American more time to fine-tune her game ahead of the U.S. Open.
The 2023 U.S. Open champion is into the 16th WTA 1000 semifinal of her career as the 22-year-old chases her first title of the year.
Gauff finished runner-up in Miami and Rome before her Wimbledon campaign ended in a tight semifinal defeat. She has introduced new tactical elements to her game and has looked strong in Toronto, where she has not dropped a set.
The only previous meeting between Gauff and Rybakina also came in Toronto, where the American won in three sets in 2022.
Fenerbahçe are closing in on the signing of Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku after reaching an agreement with Napoli on the transfer and personal terms with the 33-year-old forward.
Lukaku is expected to travel to Istanbul to complete his medical examination before signing a two-year contract with the Turkish club, according to reports in Türkiye and Italy.
Reports on Wednesday indicated that only Lukaku’s signature remained before the transfer could be completed.
The Belgian striker is expected to arrive in Istanbul on Wednesday or Thursday to undergo medical checks and then sign the official contract.
Fenerbahçe have reportedly agreed to pay Napoli an initial fee of slightly more than 6 million euros, with the package potentially rising by several million euros through performance-related bonuses and other incentives.
Transfer reports from Italy and Türkiye have also indicated that Lukaku has agreed to personal terms, with his annual earnings expected to be in the range of 8 million to 10 million euros, depending on how bonuses and other elements of the deal are calculated.
The move would bring an end to Lukaku’s two-year spell at Napoli. He joined the Italian club permanently from Chelsea in 2024 for a reported fee of about 30 million euros and helped Napoli win the Serie A title in the 2024-25 season.
His second season in Naples was far less productive, however, with recurring muscle and thigh problems limiting his appearances and affecting his contribution.
For Fenerbahçe, the deal represents a major addition to an attack already being built around high-profile players and ambitions of competing on multiple fronts.
Lukaku brings a physical presence that few forwards in the Süper Lig can match. At 1.91 meters, he offers strength, aerial ability, hold-up play and a proven scoring record, while his experience in the Premier League, Serie A and European competitions could prove valuable as Fenerbahçe pursue success at home and in Europe.
The Belgium international remains his country’s all-time leading scorer, with 93 goals in 132 appearances as of mid-2026. His club career has included spells at Anderlecht, Chelsea, West Bromwich Albion, Everton, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Roma and Napoli.
His most successful period came at Inter, where he played a central role in the club’s Serie A title-winning campaign in 2020-21. He has also enjoyed prolific spells in England, particularly during his time at Everton.
Lukaku’s arrival would give Fenerbahçe another experienced option in a demanding season that includes the Süper Lig and European competition. The club are also pursuing Champions League qualification after advancing past Sturm Graz and moving into the playoff round against Lyon.
Fenerbahçe are scheduled to face Lyon in the playoff round, with the first leg in Istanbul later this month. Qualification for the Champions League league phase could have further implications for the club’s transfer plans.
The Yellow Canaries are also reportedly set to pursue a high-profile left winger if they qualify for the Champions League, suggesting the club’s transfer business may not end with Lukaku.
Beşiktaş will look to complete the job against Hradec Kralove on Thursday when the Czech side visits Istanbul for the second leg of their UEFA Europa League third qualifying round tie.
Beşiktaş hold a 1-0 advantage from last week’s first leg in the Czech Republic and will advance to the playoff round with a win or draw at Tüpraş Stadium.
The winner will move one step closer to the Europa League league phase, while the loser will continue its European campaign in the Conference League playoff round.
Semih Kılıçsoy gave Beşiktaş the advantage in the 80th minute last week, four minutes after coming off the bench. The visitors had already been reduced to 10 men when Kassoum Ouattara was sent off for a second yellow card in the 71st minute, but they defended their lead to secure a valuable away victory and another clean sheet.
The result continued Beşiktaş’s strong defensive start to their European campaign. They have not conceded in any of their three qualifying matches this season, having previously eliminated Midtjylland 3-0 on aggregate with clean sheets in both legs.
Another shutout in Istanbul would put Vincenzo Italiano’s side in a strong position to advance. Beşiktaş also have home-field advantage, having beaten Midtjylland 1-0 at home in the previous round.
With the Turkish Super Lig season set to begin Friday, Italiano can keep his attention on European competition and securing Beşiktaş’s place in the next round.
Hradec Kralove, however, will arrive in Istanbul knowing the first leg could easily have produced a different result.
The Czech side created four big chances and put nine shots on target, but goalkeeper Alexander Nübel made eight saves to preserve Beşiktaş’s narrow advantage.
Hradec responded at the weekend with a 2-1 victory over Banik Ostrava in the Czech First League, with Tom Slončík scoring both goals. The result gave David Horejš’s side seven points from its opening three league matches and offered a boost ahead of the difficult trip to Istanbul.
But Hradec now face a simple requirement: They must score if they are to keep their Europa League hopes alive. Beşiktaş have yet to concede in Europe this season, while Hradec are trying to reach the main stage of a UEFA competition for the first time since their appearance in the 1995-96 Cup Winners’ Cup.
European history
Thursday’s match will be Beşiktaş’s 262nd in European competition. The Turkish club have recorded 100 wins, 50 draws and 111 losses in their previous 261 matches, scoring 352 goals and conceding 395.
It will also be their 131st European home match. Beşiktaş have won 65, drawn 26 and lost 39 of their previous 130 games at home in UEFA competition, scoring 201 goals and conceding 150.
Against Czech opposition, Beşiktaş have won three of their seven previous meetings, along with one draw and three defeats.
Their first meeting with a Czech club came against Slavia Prague in the 2002-03 UEFA Cup. Beşiktaş won 4-2 at home before losing 1-0 away to advance on aggregate.
They faced Sparta Prague in the 2003-04 Champions League group stage, winning 1-0 in Istanbul before losing 2-1 in Prague. In the 2010-11 Europa League qualifying rounds, they defeated Viktoria Plzen 3-0 at home and drew 1-1 away.
Last week’s 1-0 victory over Hradec was their most recent meeting with a Czech opponent.
Team news
Beşiktaş have no fresh injury concerns following the first leg, but Ouattara is suspended after being sent off.
Kılıçsoy could be rewarded with a starting place after making an immediate impact off the bench in the Czech Republic. The forward replaced Vaclav Cerny in the 76th minute and scored the winning goal four minutes later.
Wilfred Ndidi is another player pushing for a starting role after coming on for Orkun Kökçü last week.
Hradec have a longer list of absentees. Tomas Wiesner and Jakub Kucera remain sidelined with knee injuries, while Tomas Petrasek is dealing with a calf problem.
Adam Binar, Viktor Zentrich and Juraj Chvatal are also unavailable. Adam Vlkanova remains doubtful as he continues to recover from illness.
Slončík will be one of Hradec’s biggest attacking threats after his two-goal performance against Banik Ostrava. Mick van Buren and Ondrej Mihalik are expected to provide support in attack.
What is at stake
If Beşiktaş eliminate Hradec, they will face Kauno Zalgiris of Lithuania in the Europa League playoff round.
Kauno Zalgiris reached the playoff round after losing both legs of their Champions League third qualifying-round tie against Dinamo Zagreb, 5-0 and 2-1.
If Beşiktaş fail to overcome Hradec, they will drop into the Conference League playoff round, where they would face Panathinaikos.
Portuguese football icon Cristiano Ronaldo and his longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez tied the knot Tuesday, marking a new chapter in their relationship, his representatives confirmed.
Ronaldo, 41, shared a photo of the couple’s hands with their wedding bands and the caption: “C (heart) G” on his Instagram account.
The ceremony took place in the Portuguese coastal resort of Cascais, near Lisbon, the Brunswick Group managing the player’s public relations told AFP.
Their five children attended the “private and intimate” ceremony, the agency added.
The couple tied the knot exactly one year after Rodriguez, a 32-year-old influencer, announced their engagement on Instagram.
Ronaldo, who played for Portugal at the World Cup this summer, currently plays for Saudi club Al-Nassr.
The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus forward won the Ballon d’Or for the world’s best player five times.
Panathinaikos Basketball Club owner Dimitrios Giannakopoulos wants to bring three-time NBA Most Valuable Player Nikola Jokic to Athens, with the Denver Nuggets superstar potentially joining the Greek club for the 2027-28 season.
Giannakopoulos, whose net worth has been estimated at between $500 million and $1.9 billion, said on the “Euro Insiders” podcast, published Tuesday, that he approached the Nuggets about buying out Jokic’s contract and bringing the Serbian star to Greece.
“People are going to say, ‘OK, now he’s joking,’” Giannakopoulos said. “I did make a very serious proposal this year, both to his team and to him. I got a rejection. I know that he has one more year (on his) contract.”
Technically, Jokic has two years remaining on his contract. According to Spotrac, he is due to be paid $59,033,114 this season and $62,841,702 next season, while the 2027-28 season is a player option.
“When I asked, he had a certain contract running,” Giannakopoulos said. “This was his last year. I tried to buy out his last year. They didn’t even, I mean, it took a few seconds to say, ‘Who? Greece? Where? What? Bye,’ from his team. But … let’s wait until next year.”
Jokic, 31, has spent all 11 of his NBA seasons with the Nuggets and has averaged 22.2 points, 11.1 rebounds and 7.5 assists while leading the franchise to its only NBA championship in 2022-23.
Jokic has averaged a triple-double in each of the past two seasons. Oscar Robertson, who did so in 1961-62, and Russell Westbrook, who accomplished the feat four times, are the only other players to average a triple-double for a full season.
Last season in the EuroLeague, Panathinaikos went 22-16 to finish seventh among 20 teams before losing to Valencia Basket in the first round of the playoffs.
Former NBA players including Jerian Grant, Juancho Hernangomez, Kendrick Nunn and Guerschon Yabusele are listed on Panathinaikos’ preseason roster.
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