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“I take my time,” says Álvarez, speaking entirely in English, when asked of his slow start. “That’s why I have a lot of experience. Jaime Munguía is a great fighter. He’s strong, he’s smart. But I take my time. I have 12 rounds to win the fight and I did. I did really good and I feel proud about it.”

On whether he was sure he’d be able to counterpunch so effectively: “He’s strong but I think he’s a little slow. I could see every punch … That’s why I’m the best. I’m the best fighter right now, for sure.”

Naturally, Álvarez is asked about a potential fight with David Benavidez, the three-time super middleweight champion who has been chasing the Mexican for years.

“I don’t know right now,” Álvarez says. “I’m going to rest, I’m going to enjoy my family. But you know, if the money is right, I an fight right now. I don’t give a shit.”

READ MORE NEWS :Canelo Alvarez Sums Up Gervonta Davis vs. Ryan Garcia Rematch in Four Words

He adds: “At this point, everybody’s asking for everything, right? When I fought Lara, Charlo, Miguel Angel Cotto, Mayweather, Billie Joe Saunders, everybody say I don’t want to fight them. And I fought all of them. So right now, I can ask whatever I want and I can do whatever I want.”

Canelo Alvarez defeats Jaime Munguia by unanimous decision - Los Angeles  Times

Canelo Álvarez beats Jaime Munguía by unanimous decision!

Canelo Álvarez has won a 12-round unanimous decision over Jaime Munguía to retain his WBA, WBC, IBF and WBO super middleweight titles. The official scores were 117-110, 116-111 and 115-112.

Round 12

Munguía needs a knockout and he’s fighting like he knows it. He comes out letting his hands go, but quickly tires as Álvarez coolly picks his shots with an eye on closing in style. Álvarez lands a sharp combination upstairs with about a minute left that briefly wobbles Munguía. Álvarez lands no fewer than five crunching power shots in the final 20 seconds, but Munguía somehow stays upright. There’s the final bell and the scores would seem little more than a formality.

Guardian’s unofficial score: Álvarez 10-9 Munguía (Álvarez 118-109 Munguía)

Round 3

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia: The Big Fight Preview | DAZN News GB

Both men throwing shots with bad intentions early in the third. Munguía keeps dropping his right hand, ominously. But he’s also tagging Álvarez with crisp power shots. Crowd-pleasing bursts of two-way action contested on even terms. Munguía closes the round on a roll, throwing about a dozen unanswered shots, many of which find the target. Álvarez lands a counter left before the bell, but Munguía’s eye-catching flurry in the final seconds was surely enough to win the frame.

Guardian’s unofficial score: Álvarez 9-10 Munguía (Álvarez 28-29 Munguía)

Round 2

Álvarez continues to land shots on Munguía’s elbows, a favorite technique down the years. He’s ramped up his work rate after a more measured opening round. Munguía lands a very nice one-two combo to the head and the body. Álvarez lands an even crisper one moments later on the forehand over Munguía’s lowered guard. Another very close round. We could be in for a special one.

Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia Fight Night Boxing And Betting In Las Vegas

Guardian’s unofficial score: Álvarez 9-10 Munguía (Álvarez 19-19 Munguía)

Round 1

There’s the bell! Munguía plants himself in the center of the ring and looks to establish the jab as Álvarez, who looks a lot smalled in there, circles him. Álvarez lands a right hand. Munguía is throwing jab after jab, then begins throwing punches in combination. The crowd is behind the challenger, chanting Munguía’s name! Álvarez continues walking forward, almost completely disregarding the incoming fire, and landing some thudding body shots when inside. Close round but we’ll shade it to the more effective Canelo over the busier Munguía.

Guardian’s unofficial score: Álvarez 10-9 Munguía (Álvarez 10-9 Munguía)

Mike Tyson will take on Jake Paul in a controversial eight-round professional bout on July 20 in Arlington, Texas. Tyson, once the most feared fighter in the world, is 57 and has not fought professionally since hanging up his gloves in 2005 following his TKO loss to Kevin McBride (his 2020 bout against Roy Jones Jr. being an exhibition) and suffers from many health issues, including shot knees.

This means he is three decades older than Paul, who is in his athletic prime and coming off three wins in the last year alone. This gulf has predicably earned almost universal scorn from the fight world as a mere money grab. But not for Chael Sonnenwho compared Mike Tyson to Conor McGregor in one particular aspect.

READ MORE NEWS :Mike Tyson brawls topless in the street with man once described as boxing’s hardest puncher

At UFC 303 on June 29, Conor Mcgregor will be back in the Octagon against Michael Chandler after three years, following a potentially career-ending injury. As such, many questions are being raised about whether he can even compete against the top guys anymore. One particular cause of concern is his historically poor gas tank, which is likely to have further declined over the past three years.

Mike Tyson warns Conor McGregor $40m fights could make UFC star ‘struggle  to get out of bed’ and destroy his m

Fan favorite UFC analyst Chael Sonnen thinks these concerns about their ability to make it to the final bell are something McGregor and Mike Tyson have in common as they gear up to make their much-awaited comebacks. This, ‘Uncle Chael’ believes, will motivate both men to try to knock out their respective opponents quickly.

“Two-minute rounds is what Mike did when he took on Roy [Jones Jr.]. The same Mike was completely exhausted… A combat’s athlete’s biggest fear is exhaustion. So if you’re a guy like Mike Tyson, right? And it’s the same situation that Conor McGregor is going into with Michael Chandler: ‘I can’t go to a decision and win and I don’t give a damn about moral victories. I’m going to give you everything I got and I’m going to get you out of here, or I’m going to be done, I’m going to be shot,” he said on his YouTube channel.

Conor McGregor announces his UFC return is now officially confirmed for the  summer with a fight against

Sonnen felt that since Tyson and Paul will fight for eight two-minute rounds, with a minute of rest in between, the fears of Tyson getting exhausted are not as severe as would have been, had they decided to go with the standard three-minute rounds. But, given Tyson’s advanced age and health problem, he felt ‘Iron Mike’s best bet was a knockout early, just like McGregor. But despite all the disadvantages, Sonnen is one of the few people in the combat sports world who has picked Tyson to beat Paul.

JUST IN :Mike Tyson Will Set a New World Record When he Fights Jake Paul

Chael Sonnen has maintained that Mike Tyson’s natural size advantage (‘Iron Mike’ is a heavyweight, while Paul has fought between middleweight and cruiserweight in his boxing career), as well as historically great skills and technique in the ring, would be too much for Paul to handle.

Mike Tyson vs. Conor McGregor Fight: Boxer Says the UFC Star Would Lose

This is why the UFC analyst, who grew up in the mean streets of West Lynn, Oregon, is surprised that Paul was going into the bout as the betting favorite. “It makes for a very interesting match when DraftKings gives and nudges Jake Paul slight favorite over greatly experienced and oversized Mike Tyson,” Sonnen mentioned.

RELATED NEWS :A man repeatedly punched by Mike Tyson in a viral video taken on a JetBlue flight is suing the former heavyweight champ — 2 years after the incident

Despite their mismatch, at least on paper, Sonnen felt that the reputation-sullying stakes of the bout made it a “fascinating” affair. “Mike does not want to lose, Jake cannot lose. Mike’s reputation, everything is going to change. Jake’s career comes to a screeching halt… It’s very fascinating,” he added.

Simone Biles is steadily making her comeback in gymnastics. Initially, the seven-time Olympic gymnast was poised to join the US women’s first national team camp of 2024 with a total of 26 participants. In a surprising turn of events, Simone didn’t perform at the Team USA camp. That sparked speculation and curiosity among her fans. Despite missing the USA Camp, a recent social media video of Simone Biles assures that she is ready to showcase her unparalleled talent on the world stage once again.

What Should Fans Expect From the Next Phase of Simone Biles's Career?

Recently, an Instagram handle posted a video of Simone Biles where they showcased some of the stunning shots of Simone performing in various competitions. The original post carried the caption, “Got to shoot one of the greats 📸🌟”. Reposting this video on her story Biles captioned“almost that time again, 😅🤸🎉👀 t-2 weeks.” She further wrote, “I Could Vomit” along with the clip. Apparently, with that comment, she referred to the nervousness of starting the season. And that happens in two weeks, that is May 17th and 18th, when the U.S. Classic in Hartford, Connecticut raises its curtains.

Biles is set to make her Olympic season debut in the U.S. Classic in Hartford. This return to the mat will mark Biles’ first competition since taking herself out of some events at the Tokyo Games in 2021. USA Gymnastics announced the full lineup for the event on April 12 via Twitter. Simone Biles, the world’s most decorated gymnast, will be joined by 2021 Olympic teammates Jade Carey and Jordan Chiles. The participation of 2012 Olympic champion Gabby Douglas is expected to be confirmed later.

Simone Biles | Biography, Olympics, Medals, & Facts | Britannica

This event will serve as a crucial qualifier for the Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships in May and the U.S. Olympic Trials in June, both of which will be essential steps in Biles’ quest to secure a spot on the 2024 U.S. Olympic team. She has been receiving support from her coach, Cecile Landi, as they focus on making her feel comfortable physically and mentally while training for upcoming events. In her recent comments, Biles has emphasized the importance of managing her physical and mental well-being in her training routine and opened up about her struggles.

READ MORE NEWS :“Scary for Women”: Simone Biles Gets Support From Gymnastics Community for Elon Musk’s Platform Bashing

The two-year break Simone took after the 2021 Tokoyo Olympics due to ‘twisties’ had to face a lot of struggles. During the training, she had twisties despite competing in the Tokyo Olympics just for the team’s sake. Simone had said in the popular podcast ‘Call Me Daddy,’  “I’m fighting demons right now, but I’m fighting for you guys.” She didn’t know what she would do at the event, so she prayed to god. After she got over with the performance, Simone wanted to run away from the people. Simone knew that was not her best performance. She shared in the podcast that her first thought after the performance was, “America hates me, the world is gonna hate me, and I could only see what they’re saying on Twitter right now.”

Simone Biles’ Best Moves

Simone was concerned about what the people of America would think about her after her flop performance. Through therapy, her coach, and her close ones’ support, she could come out of such trauma. Simone has been vocal about her coach, Laurent Landi, saying, “Whenever Laurent (Landi) last year, he told me I was competing. I was like, how can I compete? I’m not over the twisties yet. Because every time I went to bars or beam or floor, I was praying that I did the amount of twist I was supposed to.” At the 2023 World Championships in Belgium, Biles won gold medals in the team competition, all-around, balance beam, and floor exercise. She also won a silver medal in the vault final. ​With these wins, Biles became the most decorated gymnast in world and Olympic history, surpassing the previous record of 33 career medals held by Vitaly Scherbo. Surely, the Paris Olympics 2024 will add more notches on her bedpost.

CANELO ALVAREZ retained his titles against fellow Mexican Jaime Munguia in a huge world super-middleweight title clash.

Alvarez put all four of his belts at 168lbs on the line tonight against 43-0 Munguia, who has beaten Brits Liam Smith and John Ryder before.

Canelo caught Munguia with a superb uppercut to send him to the canvas for the first time in his career.

It was a great fight by the champion as he used his experience to pick off the challenger with heavy bodyshots and jabs and was a deserved winner.

The bout takes place on Cinco de Mayo weekend with the champ facing his first Mexican opponent in seven years.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia: Round-by-round live updates - Los Angeles  Times

Canelo shows class with impressive victory

Jaime Munguia threw all that he had at the defending champion this evening in Las Vegas.

Canelo Alvarez sent him crashing to the canvas with an uppercut and constantly rocked the challenger with the power of his punches.

He boxed with experience and just looked to pick off Munguia whenever he came on the offensive.

There is no doubting who is the top dog in this weight division still.

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia (Round 12)

Munguia tries to find the combination to get that knockout blow but cannot find it.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia full fight video highlights - MMA Fighting

Canelo is not looking to settle for the scorecard and tries to land the uppercut as he follows up his body shots.

The fight comes to an end, it has been a great spectacle but surely Canelo has defended his belts.

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia (Round 11)

Munguia starts landing some good combinations.

He is managing to get out of the way of the Canelo counter attacks at the same time.

Canelo keeps working the body and trying to land that uppercut once again.

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia (Round 10)

Canelo lands some good right hands in that round that seem to stun Munguia.

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia LIVE RESULTS: Canelo wins by unanimous  points decision in epic battle | The Sun

He lands some punches himself but they do not seem to be hurting the defending champion.

With two rounds left now, Munguia will get more desperate, needing to attack to try and go for the win.

Canelo Alvarez vs Jaime Munguia (Round 9)

Canelo is working the liver area of the body of Munguia with body shots and when he connects his opponent drops his right hand.

That is a sure sign that he is hurting him.

Munguia lands some good combinations but catches Canelo with a low blow.

Canelo seems to have just more power in his punches.

MMA Fighting has Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia live round-by-round updates for one of the most anticipated boxing fights of the year on Saturday night at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev.

The main event is expected to begin around 11 p.m. ET on DAZN and PPV.com pay-per-view. Check out our Canelo vs. Munguia results page to find out what happened on the undercard.

Alvarez (60-2-2) has reeled off three straight wins since his loss to Dmitry Bivol on May 7, 2022. He has picked up decision wins over Gennady Golovkin, John Ryder, and Jermell Charlo.

Meanwhile, Munguia has yet to taste defeat with a 43-0 record (and 34 knockouts). He knocked out Ryder in the ninth round in his last outing this past January.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia is on deck. The fighters make their entrances next.

After beautiful renditions of the Mexican and U.S.A. national anthems, the fighters are on their way to the ring.

Canelo Alvarez vs. Jaime Munguia start time, full fight card details | DAZN  PPV - MMAmania.com

Munguia out first and then we have a short video before Canelo makes the walk. Incredible atmosphere for this main event matchup of Mexican stars.

Round 1: Munguia takes center. Crowd is buzzing. Munguia testing the range with his jab. There’s one to the body, Munguia the clear aggressor. Canelo with a glancing right to the body. Munguia’s jab looking fast. He jabs the body. Canelo tries to get going, but Munguia ties him up. Left hook to the body by Canelo. Then a right hook to the other side. Munguia lands a left hook. They trade punches and Munguia wants to brawl. Canelo sends him back with a shot to the body. Fun start.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Canelo.

Watch Canelo Álvarez vs. Jaime Munguía Boxing Fight Online: Stream PPV

Round 2: Canelo takes the middle of the ring now. Munguia not impressed, he’s letting his hands go early. Canelo keeps digging to the body as Munguia smacks him with a couple of jabs. Munguia scraping the body now. He sticks that jab right in Canelo’s face. Right hook from Munguia, followed by a hard left to the body. Canelo taking some damage now. Left hook to the body by Canelo. Clean 1-2 by Canelo. Straight punches by Munguia and Canelo has to lean back to take some of the steam off of these shots. Canelo remembering to work the body as Munguia attacks.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Canelo. Overall, 20-18 Canelo.

Round 3: Munguia pumping that jab and he follows with a good right hand. Munguia doubles up on a left hook, cracking Canelo’s midsection. They trade punches, much to the delight of the fans. Canelo back to the body. Right hand up top by Canelo gets through. Munguia with plenty of volume. Counter left by Munguia. Munguia cutting the ring off now. Counter left on the money for Munguia. He’s walking Canelo down and scoring. Big finish to that round.

Live tonight: Canelo Alvarez versus Jaime Munguia for the undisputed super  middleweight title

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Munguia. Overall, 29-28 Canelo.

Round 4: Munguia with some great head movement as he out-strikes Canelo in the middle of the ring. Canelo sticking with that left hook to the body, could pay dividends in the later rounds. Fast combo by Munguia, Canelo’s defense holding up. Straight right gets through for Munguia. Canelo hits Munguia with a right. Munguia tags the body and slips another jab through. Munguia with a flurry of punches, Canelo answers with a right hand. Uppercut drops Munguia! Canelo back on the attack, but the bell rings and we’re headed to the fifth with the crowd roaring.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-8, Canelo. Overall, 39-36 Canelo.

Canelo Alvarez-Jaime Munguia Fight Night Boxing And Betting In Las Vegas

Round 5: Both men taking their time to get going in Round 5, understandably. Canelo wants to land another big shot, Munguia knows he’s down on the cards. They trade stiff jabs. Right hand by Munguia, but Canelo hits him right back. Munguia lunges with a power punch and almost eats an uppercut again. Jab by Canelo. Munguia fighting with great pace, but not great accuracy. Canelo in and out. Left hook, then a 1-2 combo that cracks Munguia. Another uppercut by Canelo. Great rip to the body by Munguia.

Claressa Shields is perhaps in the prime of her career, establishing a big enough name as a two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion in three weight classes to headline the first boxing card in the six-year history of Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena.

The undisputed middleweight champion became the first woman to earn a seven-figure payday in her last two fights and made another $1 million on Saturday night when she beat top-ranked contender Maricela Cornejo at the home of the Detroit Red Wings and Pistons.

Shields grew up poor in Flint, Michigan, and has earned enough money to become rich at 28. Still, she laments the gender inequities in boxing.

READ MORE NEWS :Savannah Marshall signed with PFL for Claressa Shields rematch:The goal is to make a build-up

Shields is boxing in a marquee event in part because sports-streaming service DAZN stepped up enough financially to facilitate the fight.

Women in boxing have shown they can sell out big arenas, as Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano did 13 months ago at New York’s Madison Square Garden, but they’re not compensated as well as men in the same sport.

“It’s like any other profession where the women still haven’t caught up,” said Jackie Kallen, a 77-year-old former boxing publicist and manager who was commissioner of the International Female Boxing Association. “They take a beating just like the men. They bleed just like the men, but they don’t get paid just like the men.”

JUST IN :Claressa Shields Rocks Detroit: Boxing Legend, Michigan Native To Appear At Draft Event As Featured Speaker

Shields is 13-0 with two knockouts. She turned pro in 2016 after becoming the first U.S. boxer of any gender to win consecutive Olympic gold medals and is averaging two fights a year.

Boxer Claressa Shields, a Flint native, wins Sportswoman of the Year award

Shields also is on a mission to be recognized as the “Greatest Woman Of All Time,” or the “GWOAT,” now and in the future.

RELATED NEWS :“What’s the Point of This?”: Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner’s Verbal Altercation Gets Fans Riled Up

“People that say that women’s boxing don’t have fans, well, they’re going to be mad Saturday,” she said.

For the first time in his career, Tiger Woods has received an invitation to a major.

The USGA issued a ticket for the 48-year-old golfer who will return to Pinehurst 2 (North Carolina) to a tournament he has not played since 2020 and which he has won three times, the last time in 2008 in that playoff on Monday when he won with a limp and where all his physical problems began to manifest themselves definitively.

READ MORE NEWS :David Pecker makes shocking revelation about Tiger Woods sex scandal in NY v. Trump trial

The news comes after Woods‘ exemption for the US Open expired last year when his five-year exemption for all majors, achieved thanks to his victory at the 2019 Masters, the 15th major of his career, came to an end.

US Open winners have a 10-year exemption for that tournament. “The history of this tournament cannot be written without him,” said the organisers to justify his invitation and not having to go to the qualifiers, which several of the players at LIV Golf, for example, will have to attend.

Tiger Woods Vows to 'Keep the Motor Going' After 2024 Masters

“I am honoured to receive this exemption and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity to compete in this year’s US Open, especially at Pinehurst, a place that means so much to golf,” said Tiger.

A FRESH spanner has been thrown into the works of a grudge match between Anthony Joshua and Deontay Wilder.

The pair’s long-overdue showdown was on the brink of coming to fruition last December before Wilder suffered a shock loss to Joseph Parker.

AJ, however, refused to close the door on a dust-up with the American and revealed earlier this month that he could potentially fight him at Wembley.

But Saudi boxing chief Turki Alalshikh seemingly has different plans for Wilder, who returns to the ring on June 1 for a do-or-die showdown with Zhilei Zhang.

READ MORE NEWS :‘Fastest heavyweight in the world’ – Anthony Joshua wows fans with blistering hand speed in latest training clip

Alalshikh plans to have Wilder take part in a domestic dust-up against the undefeated Jared Anderson should he come through his Riyad rumble with Zhang.

Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder will be blocked if AJ hires one of three  coaching options | Boxing | Sport | Express.co.uk

Alongside a picture of himself and Anderson, Alalshikh tweeted: “The talented Jared Anderson is with us now on [the] August 3rd Riyadh Season card at LA, against the ‘Bronze Bomber’ Deontay Wilder.

“If he’s ready by then to fight after 1st of June’s fight against Zhilei Zhang.”

Joshua, 34, hasn’t set foot inside the ring since his brutal two-round demolition of former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in March.

But he recently claimed he’s on course to fight either Wilder, Zhang, Filip Hrgovic or Daniel Dubois this September.

JUST IN :Anthony Joshua predicts phenomenal rival to win Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk fight

He told talkSPORT late last month: “Whenever they tell me there’s a date, you know I’ll be ready 100 per cent.

“It’s gonna be in London, Wembley Stadium.

Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder fight date agreed - on two major  conditions - Mirror Online

“This is what I’m being told. If that’s what they say, they normally back their word so let’s go with that.

“Wembley, September 20 or 21.”

The Watford warrior added: “On June 1 in Saudi Arabia they’ve got the 5 vs 5 card.

“You’ve got Filip Hrgovic vs Daniel Dubois, and you’ve got Zhilei Zhang vs Deontay Wilder.

“So providing one of those looks good – the one who looks the best, His Excellency Turki Alalshikh said to me, ‘I want you to fight [him].’

RELATED NEWS :Andy Ruiz Credits Anthony Joshua, Proposes Trilogy Fight After Aug. 3 Date

“I said, ‘Now you’re speaking my language.’

Day of Reckoning as it happened - Anthony Joshua defeats Otto Wallin, after  Joseph Parker shocked Deontay Wilder - Eurosport

“So out of that pool, I believe that’s who I’m gonna be fighting, one of those.

“We’re on the same page and he’s on the same page as the fans as well.

“But Fury’s got his obligations with Oleksandr Usyk so I’ve gotta make sure I stay focused and disciplined.

UPDATE NEWS :Only one thing would hold up an Anthony Joshua vs Deontay Wilder showdown

Tennis legend Paul McNamee has hailed Novak Djokovic’s latest “remarkable achievement,” with the Serbian set to extend his reign as the oldest No 1 in ATP history.

Having recently overtaken Roger Federer as the oldest player to ever be world No 1 – across either the men’s or women’s games – recent results mean his time at the top will continue.

Jannik Sinner’s withdrawal from his Madrid Open quarter-final means it is now all but impossible that he can replace the Serbian at the top spot before the French Open later this month.

While Carlos Alcaraz’s loss in the last eight of his home Masters 1000 event means that he has lost even further ground, with the world No 3 set to be over 2,500 points behind Djokovic when the rankings update next week.

READ MORE NEWS :EXCLUSIVE :Novak Djokovic Records His Second-Longest Trophyless Start To A Season With Madrid Withdrawal

All that means Djokovic will be No 1 on May 22nd – when the 24-time Grand Slam champion celebrates his 37th birthday, just before his Roland Garros title defence.

Novak Djokovic equals record with 58th grand slam quarter-final | beIN  SPORTS

Federer was aged 36 when he was last world No 1 in 2018, while Serena Williams was the oldest WTA No 1 in WTA history, aged 35 in 2017.

A long-time supporter of Djokovic, Australian McNamee – a five-time doubles major winner and former No 1 in that discipline – took to social media to congratulate the Serbian.

He said: “After all Novak Djokovic has been through, including in my country, which would have broken many athletes, let’s give credit where credit is due… being #1 turning 37 years of age is a remarkable achievement.”

JUST IN :Rafael Nadal hints Novak Djokovic has had it easy against new generation

Recent results mean that Djokovic is not only going to be the first 37-year-old to be world No 1 but will also extend his reign as the longest-reigning No 1 in ATP history.

Novak Djokovic achieves new milestone at Monte Carlo Masters - CGTN

He currently has spent 423 weeks at the top of the ATP rankings, first holding the top spot in July 2011, and having spent the last 34 weeks as No 1 after regaining the ranking following his US Open victory last September.

Though there will be rankings pressure on him across Roland Garros and also Wimbledon – where he reached the final in 2023 – it is not impossible to imagine Djokovic reaching 450 weeks as No 1.

With fewer points to defend over the next two months, Sinner has a fairly strong chance of usurping him.

UPDATE NEWS :Novak Djokovic v Alex de Minaur | Monte-Carlo Masters | QF3 | Highlights | ATP World Tour 1000

But doubts currently circle over the world No 2’s fitness after sustaining a hip injury during his Madrid campaign.

With Novak Djokovic, It Is Always a Struggle | The New Yorker

After missing Madrid, Djokovic is set to return at the Italian Open next week, where he reached the quarter-final 12 months ago.

RELATED NEWS :Monte Carlo Masters: Novak Djokovic beats Alex de Minaur to reach semi-finals

It will be his second clay event of 2024, after reaching the last four in Monte Carlo.

Both Simone Biles and LSU’s Konnor McClain found unwavering support and guidance from their coaches during their potentially career-ending gymnastics scare. Simone Biles experienced the twisties in the 2020 Tokyo Games. Amid her recovery journey and beyond, she has been vocal about her coach Laurent Landi helping her overcome it.

READ MORE NEWS :“Scary for Women”: Simone Biles Gets Support From Gymnastics Community for Elon Musk’s Platform Bashing

For Konnor McClain, while her transition to collegiate gymnastics at LSU has been nothing short of remarkable, she had a rocky way to the top marred by a growth spurt. Her LSU collegiate coach Jay Clark has been a rock by her side through these times. These mentors played a pivotal role in preserving their hopes for the Paris Olympics 2024, turning their struggles into stories of success.

The Media Needs to Stop Comparing Konnor McClain to Simone Biles – An Old  School Gymnastics Blog

In an interview with NBC after LSU’s NCAA win, Konnor McClain spoke about her struggles with the full-out dismount off the uneven bars back routine that had been troubling her since an unexpected growth spurt. “I lost it and I just could not get it back,” McClain told NBC. “I got really scared of it. Once I came to school Jay (coach) was like, ‘We’re learning a dismount. That’s the first thing we’re going to do.’ After two weeks of going into the pit, I got my dismount!” McClain competed every weekend for three months, nearly triple what elite gymnasts do in a year. This boosted her confidence and reignited her joy in competing.

RELATED NEWS :America Hates Me Simone Biles Opens Up On Harrowing Twisties Ordeal Two Months Before Paris Olympics 2024

Just as McClain found renewed joy and confidence in competing after an intense schedule, Simone Biles faced a similar resurgence during the 2020 Tokyo Games. She experienced “twisties,” which caused her to lose her sense of orientation in the air during the team’s final competition. Her coach has been instrumental in overcoming the block. On a popular Spotify podcast Call Her Daddy, Simone Biles also elaborated saying, “So whenever they were looking at me and doing it, it just like, it’s so weird. And so we, yeah, we had to go back to the basics.” She mentioned feeling uncertain about competing since she hadn’t fully recovered from the twisties.

Unstoppable Simone Biles wraps up world championships comeback with 2 more  gold medals | AP News

Konnor McClain’s coach Jay Clark emphasizes the importance of getting McClain healthy, happy, and adjusted to the new environment. She endured the loss of her grandmother and father and underwent two surgeries last year to address a cyst and a metal plate in her hand. Now, she is fully healed and ready to focus on her training. From her announcement of joining the Lousiana State University a season early to originally planning to join the squad at the 2024 Paris Olympics, that decision made all the difference. She said, “The light wasn’t there, it was very dim last year.” She wanted to make a huge difference because she wanted to prove what she was capable of saying. “If they say I can’t do something, I want to come back even better,” McClain said.

Inside Gymnastics Magazine | 2023 Xfinity U.S. Gymnastics Championships |  Who To Watch – Senior Women Competitor Play by Play

Similarly, Simone Biles’ coach, Laurent Landi, has played a crucial role in her preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Landi and his wife Cécile have been coaching Biles since 2018. Their approach has focused on prioritizing Biles’ safety and mental well-being, as seen during her struggles with the ‘twisties’ at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. They have encouraged Biles to compete at the upcoming Olympics and consider transitioning into a specialist role focusing on the floor and vault. Biles shared that going to talk therapy was significantly helpful as it allowed her to “process all her emotions.”