Novak Djokovic advanced to the quarterfinals of the Italian Open, but his win over Cameron Norrie certainly didn’t lack drama.
After winning the first set 6-3, Djokovic and Norrie were in a tightly contested fourth game in the second set. After a lengthy rally, Djokovic was barely able to get his racket onto a ball near the net and popped it up into the air. Clearly thinking the point was over, The Joker turned his back, but Norrie didn’t seem to notice, or maybe he simply didn’t care.
READ: NOVAK DJOKOVIC SET TO COMPETE IN U.S.
Author: Michael
Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images
Rainy conditions are in the forecast for F1 this week
Formula 1 fans are hoping to see a little more excitement on the track this week when the teams return to the grid. Thanks to the dominant start to the 2023 season from Red Bull, which has seen either Max Verstappen or Sergio Pérez win each of the season’s first five races, fans are yearning for more action at the front of the field each week.
The PFL announced an “exclusive global MMA strategic partnership” with Francis Ngannou, giving a home to the biggest name on the free agent market.
Ngannou’s MMA career will take place exclusively in the PFL’s new PPV Super Fight Division. The former UFC heavyweight champion adds a massive name to the division, though it will be some time before he makes his debut, as the PFL announced his first fight will take place in mid-2024.
PFL appealed to Ngannou for opportunities outside the cage, too.
Photo by FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images
What’s the best landing spot for Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Draft lottery? Let’s rank all 14 teams.
At minimum, Victor Wembanyama is the best prospect to enter the NBA Draft since LeBron James in 2003. In reality, there’s the case to be made that Wembanyama is the greatest prospect in the history of the sport: no one has ever been this tall (reportedly 7’5 in shoes), this long (8-foot wingspan), this fluid, and this skilled at this size before.
The New York Jets and Giants have both enjoyed what is universally considered an outstanding offseason.
Both have identified and locked up starting quarterbacks, added talent via trades, the draft and free agency. And both are expected to keep improving after making strides last season.
But, well, there’s a but.
Saquon Barkley #26 of the New York Giants runs the ball against Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 11, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The AFC East might be the NFL’s most competitive division in 2023.
After watching the Bills run away with the crown for three straight years, the Jets and Dolphins have made significant upgrades over the past two offseasons. This winter Miami traded for corner Jalen Ramsey to bolster an already tough secondary, while the Jets headlined with the acquisition of Aaron Rodgers.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are trying to avoid missing the playoffs for the third time in four years after qualifying for 10 consecutive seasons under coach Bill Belichick.
We’re going over again in Oakland!
The Athletics have gone over the run total 63.4% of the time this year (26-15-2), and we are going to bet they will continue that trend Tuesday night when they host the Diamondbacks, who have gone over their run totals 52.5% of the time (21-19-2).
Arizona will send Tommy Henry to the bump. The lefty has an ERA of 4.43 this season, and though he doesn’t strike out many batters, he is good at limiting hard contact.
The A’s will use lefty Kyle Muller to start. Muller has an ERA of 7.34 this season with an xERA of 7.75.
It’s not just the entire basketball world taking notice of Ja Morant’s ridiculous gun-waving antics, gang members in Los Angeles are paying attention too, according to ESPN’s Keyshawn Johnson.
In March, Morant flashed a handgun while on Instagram Live inside a Denver-area strip club and was suspended for eight games. This past weekend, less than three months since his first boneheaded decision, the Memphis Grizzlies superstar was spotted on Instagram Live yet again waving around a handgun.
For 20 years, the AFC East was a certainty. The Patriots would win it, and the other three teams would stink.
In 2023, the AFC East is a certainty once more. The Patriots are ticketed for last place, while the other three will all compete for the division crown.
The Bills, Dolphins and Jets are all legitimate contenders, with Buffalo trying to win its fourth consecutive Eastern title. Of course, the division’s biggest offseason story is the addition on Broadway of Aaron Rodgers, a 39-year-old quarterback with four MVPs and a Lombardi Trophy to his name.
No brainer bet: Bijan Robinson the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year | 10-round fantasy mock draft: A rookie goes in Round 1
The NFL has been awarding the Offensive Rookie of the Year since 1967.
In the ensuing 56 seasons, 35 running backs, 11 receivers and 10 quarterbacks have won the award.
However, since 2004, the dynamics have changed. Over the past 20 years, only six running backs have been named Offensive Rookie of the Year, while nine quarterbacks have earned the accolade.