Sport shorts: Nadal, Andreescu, WSL and Ireland are the weekend’s big winners
1. Nadal and Andreescu reign in New York
Rafael Nadal secured his 19th grand slam title after beating Daniil Medvedev in a five-set classic in the US Open men’s singles final last night.
Spaniard Nadal won 7-5, 6-3, 5-7, 4-6, 6-4 in New York to move to within one of Roger Federer’s record tally of 20 slams. An emotional Nadal, now a four-time champion in New York, said: “This trophy means everything to me.”
On Saturday Bianca Andreescu secured her first grand slam title with a stunning 6-3, 7-5 victory over Serena Williams in the women’s final in New York.
The 19-year-old Canadian said: “This year has been a dream come true. I am beyond grateful and truly blessed. I’ve worked really hard for this moment. To play on this stage against Serena – a true legend of the sport – is amazing.”
Djokovic vs. Nadal vs. Federer: will Rafa be the ‘GOAT’?
2. Leclerc and Ferrari celebrate at Monza
Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has made it two wins from two since Formula 1 returned from its summer break.
The Monégasque driver won his maiden race at the Belgium Grand Prix at the start of the month and followed it up with victory at the Italian Grand Prix.
In Ferrari’s home race at Monza Leclerc took the chequered flag ahead of Mercedes duo Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton.
While Leclerc celebrated, his team-mate Sebastian Vettel was left to reflect on a 13th-place finish following another major error on the track.
F1 2019 season guide: standings after the Italian GP
3. Ireland top rugby’s world rankings
After their 19-10 victory over Wales in Dublin on Saturday Ireland will go into the Rugby World Cup as the No.1 team in the rankings.
The tournament kicks off on 20 September when host nation Japan play Russia in a pool A clash in Tokyo (11.45am UK time).
2019 Rugby World Cup fixtures: pool matches and start times
4. England’s £7m win bonus
The Times reports that the England squad will receive almost £7m in match fees and bonuses should they win the Rugby World Cup.
Working out at more than £200,000 a man, it would make Eddie Jones’s squad the best-paid at the tournament.
5. Big crowds for WSL season openers
The 2019-20 Barclays FA Women’s Super League season kicked off at the weekend and the opening round of matches saw nearly 63,000 fans attend.
A WSL-record crowd of 31,213 saw Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 in the derby at the Etihad Stadium. At Stamford Bridge 24,564 attended Chelsea’s 1-0 win over London rivals Tottenham.
WSL results: matchweek one
- Bristol City 0 Brighton Hove Albion 0
- Manchester City 1 Manchester United 0
- Chelsea 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0
- Birmingham City 0 Everton 1
- Liverpool 0 Reading 1
- Arsenal 2 West Ham United 1
6. Rashford a ‘wide raider’ not a No.9
England boss Gareth Southgate believes Marcus Rashford is better playing in a wide attacking role instead of in the No.9 position.
Speaking after England’s 4-0 win over Bulgaria Southgate said: “For a long time we have almost wanted Marcus to be that option as a No.9 but I’m still not certain that is where he is happiest and where he does his best work.
“A lot of his development at United was as a ‘wide raider’ and I think he isn’t as strong as Harry Kane with his back to goal holding play up.
“If he plays as a No.9, he will play it differently to Harry – but a lot of his best work is on the left coming in off the line.”
Tomorrow night the Three Lions face Kosovo in Euro 2020 qualifying at St Mary’s in Southampton (7.45pm).
7. Great times for Farah and Kosgei
British athletics star Mo Farah clocked a half-marathon personal best time of 59min 7secs as he won the Great North Run for a sixth successive time.
Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei broke the world record for the women’s half-marathon. She won the race in a time of 1:04:28.
Farah, who hopes to run the marathon at Tokyo 2020, told the BBC: “I’ve really enjoyed it but the past couple of years has been in the middle of marathon preparation. It was good to test myself. Things are looking good and I’m happy with the win.
“Tokyo is definitely on the cards – as an athlete you always want to represent your country. You just have to take it one year at a time. Hopefully, come Tokyo time, we will be in the mix.”
8. Casey crowned European Open champion
England’s Paul Casey returned to the European Tour winners’ circle for the first time in five years after a one-shot victory at the Porsche European Open.
In Hamburg, Germany, Casey shot a six-under 66 to finish ahead of the pack. He said: “This is an incredibly prestigious tournament. I’m over the moon to be European Open champion.”
9. Juve eye United keeper De Gea
David de Gea has told friends he is willing to snub Manchester United’s latest contract offer.
The Spanish goalkeeper has apparently refused to pen a new £350,000-a-week deal that has been presented to him by the United board, and that’s led to speculation that the 28-year-old has decided his future lies elsewhere.
It’s claimed that De Gea’s most likely destination is Juventus with the Italian champions ready to lure him to Turin.
David de Gea to snub new Man Utd deal
10. Root vows to stay on despite Ashes defeat
Joe Root insisted he remains the right man to skipper England after Australia retained the Ashes at Old Trafford yesterday.
“I have been given a fantastic opportunity to captain the Test side and will continue to work very hard at doing my best at that,” he said.
There was no repetition of the “miracle of Headingley” as the tourists won the fourth Test to take a 2-1 series lead with one match remaining.
As current holders of the old urn the Aussies will hang on to cricket’s most famous trophy regardless of what happens at The Oval later this week.
England have named an unchanged squad for the final Test starting on 12 September.
England squad for fifth Test
- Joe Root (captain), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Craig Overton, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes
Today’s back pages
XXXX it! Australia and Steve Smith toast Ashes win
