Sports
US Open hero Carlos Alcaraz, 19, signed first sponsor deal aged just 10, and dates tennis star Maria Gonzalez Gimenez
THERE is a new hero in the tennis world – and he’s just 19 years and four months old.
Carlos Alcaraz is the toast of Spain after winning the US Open – defeating Casper Ruud to land his first grand slam.
And the man primed to break the stranglehold Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal have over the game has already muscled in on the rankings – rising to No1 after his victory.
Already he was fancied off the court with the likes of Rolex rushing to sponsor the talented teen and magazines including Vanity Fair inviting him for a fancy cover photoshoot.
While in his hometown of El Palmar, Murcia, Alcaraz’s face already adorns a 30-ft mural.
Early bloomer
Born to parents Carlos and Virginia, he began playing tennis at the Real Sociedad Club de Campo de Murcia, where his father was the tennis academy director.
At one point in time, his dad was one of the top 40 tennis players in Spain.
The buzz about Alcaraz began when he was just 16.
He made his ATP main-draw debut at the Rio Open after receiving a wildcard for the singles main draw.
He would lose in the second round to Federico Coria, but people took notice.
A year later he became the youngest ever person to compete in the Australian Open after he qualified for the main draw.
Then by defeating Adrian Mannarino at the Madrid Open he shattered Nadal’s 2004 record of being the youngest winner in the competition.
This year, he has won the Miami Open and Madrid Open, as he has continued his rapid rise.
After his success at Flushing Meadows, Alcaraz wrote: “I never thought I would achieve this kind of things at 19.
“It all happened so fast. It’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid, since I started playing tennis. Lifting this trophy it’s amazing to me.”
Better still, he’s now the youngest world No1 ever.
As Alcaraz began to make his name in sport, the world’s top brands took note.
He signed his first deal when he was incredibly just 10 in 2013, when he agreed to use rackets made by French firm Babolat .
Nike began their association with him in 2015 – and he signed his first professional contract in 2020 reportedly worth £1million.
Watchmakers have long been associated with tennis stars too.
This year, Rolex bought into the hype and made Alcaraz a brand ambassador.
At 19, he’s the youngest athlete they have ever backed.
Other sponsors include BMW, and Spanish food company ElPozo – as money is now thrown at him.
Although he’s dedicated to his tennis, Carlos has room in his heart for a girlfriend.
He reportedly dates 22-year-old Maria Gonzalez Gimenez who also comes from Murcia.
Maria also has the same sporting interest as her alleged lover as she plays for Murcia Club de Tenis – a tennis club located in Spain.
Any details are kept close to their chests though, with the pair refusing to share too much about one another on social media.
But she is beginning to build up a presence on Instagram as her followers jumped up from 2899 to nearly 6,500 in a month.
After he won the Madrid Open he was saluted by the local people of Murcia with a giant mural.
Created by artist Sbah, it was painted on the Calle Mota Regeuron at the entrance to El Palmar district.
It took eight days – with Sbah joined by two women from the Murcia Graffiti Office – working 16 hour days.
Launched on June 6, Alcaraz attended the ceremony himself.
Mayor Jose Antonio Serrano addressed Alcaraz: “You are going to give us a lot of joy and all of Murcia will be with you, encouraging you and pushing you towards success.”
He added: “As Major of Murcia, I can only congratulate you for taking the name of our municipality and your district, El Palmar, around the world. You have become an unbeatable ambassador.”
Alcaraz will be hopeful of continuing to make the people of El Palmar happy by continuing his success on the court.
Source : The Sun
Sports
Harry Maguire accepts Isaac Adongo’s apologies
Harry Maguire, a Manchester United defender, has accepted Hon. Isaac Adongo’s apologies for dragging him through the dirt.
The Ghanaian politician previously rated the former Leicester City captain as the worst player recruited by the Red Devils.
Adongo was discussing the budget when he likened Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia’s economic management to Maguire’s on-field performances.
Mr Adongo, however, apologised to Maguire in Parliament on Tuesday, saying the Manchester United defender now performed better for his club than Dr Bawumia, whom he said had repeatedly supervised the country’s economic incompetence and had subsequently gone to the (IMF) for a bailout.
“I was very quick to compare my big brother Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to Harry Maguire. Mr. Speaker, I now apologize to Harry Maguire…Today Maguire has turned the corner; he is a transformational footballer. Maguire is now scoring goals for Manchester United.”
“Mr Speaker, Harry Maguire is now a key player for Manchester United. As for our Maguire, he is now roaming at the IMF with a cup in hand,” he stated.
Following the apology, Maguire stated on social media, “MP Issac Adongo apology accepted.” “Hope to see you at Old Trafford soon.”
Meanwhile, Everton will play Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday at Goodison Park.
Sports
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has hinted that he may resign
Argentina’s World Cup-winning coach, Lionel Scaloni, has indicated that he is considering stepping down after five years in charge.
Scaloni made the stunning statement following Argentina’s 1-0 World Cup qualifying win against Brazil on Tuesday in Rio de Janeiro.
Before winning the World Cup in Qatar last year, the 45-year-old guided Argentina to the Copa America in 2021.
“Argentina needs a coach who has all the energy possible and who is well,” said Scaloni.
“I need to stop the ball and start thinking, I have a lot of things to think about during this time.
“It’s not goodbye or anything, but I need to think because the bar is very high and it’s complicated to keep going and it’s complicated to keep winning.
“These guys are making it difficult, so I need to think about it for a while. I will talk to the FA president and the players afterwards.”
Messi on fan-police clashes: “There could have been a tragedy.”
After a brief stint in command of Argentina’s under-20 team, Scaloni took over as manager in August 2018.
Argentina’s 2021 Copa America victory was their first major championship in 28 years, and it qualified them for the Finalissima against European champions Italy in June 2022, which they won 3-0 at Wembley.
Later that year, they won their third World Cup in Qatar, and first since 1986.
“We are sure and hope that Scaloni will continue,” said Argentina and Tottenham defender Cristian Romero.
“Let’s see now he will have time to think, he didn’t say anything in the dressing room about it. We will try to convince him.”
Argentina’s victory against Brazil on Tuesday was their first-ever away win over their rivals in World Cup qualification, and it took them two points clear at the top of the table.
The game at Rio’s Maracana stadium was delayed for 30 minutes due to a scuffle during the national anthems.
Sports
2026WCQ: Chris Hughton under pressure after Black Stars defeat in Comoros
Chris Hughton’s Black Stars suffered their first competitive loss as head coach, falling 1-0 to Comoros in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Myziane Maolida’s first-half goal was enough to give the hosts their second straight victory over the Black Stars.
Ghana is now in fourth position, three points behind early group leaders Comoros, who have won both of their initial qualification games.
Following a tense, late win against Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi last Friday, there was some hope that the Black Stars may capitalise on Mali’s slip-up against the Central African Republic to grab the group lead.
Ghana could have grabbed an early lead in Tuesday’s encounter when Inaki Williams set up Antoine Semenyo for a goal, but the Bournemouth striker hit the crossbar.