The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

MTN backs Super Eagles’ 2026 World Cup bid

The Official Telecommunications Partner of the Super Eagles, MTN Nigeria has expressed its support for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they continue in their quest to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Urging the Super Eagles to go for victory, Tobe Okigbo, Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, MTN Nigeria said: “The road to success is not always smooth. We are confident in the ability of the team to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”

The Super Eagles tackle the Cheetahs of Benin Republic today at the Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan after a nail-biting 1-1 draw against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa at the Godwin Akpabio Stadium last Friday. After three consecutive draws against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, the Super Eagles currently sits in fifth position leaving them two points behind table leader in Group C of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The team needs to win their next two matches to boost their confidence and increase their chances of qualifying.

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“This is the time for all Nigerians to come together and support the team as they seek to win the next matches and ultimately qualify for the World Cup. This is Naija where football lives and our Super Eagles are fitting ambassadors, representing our love for the game. MTN will continue to support the team,” Okigbo added.

MTN Nigeria signed a three-year deal with the Nigerian Football Federation in 2021, making the company the Official Telecommunications Partner of all the football teams under the NFF.

MTN’s support for the Super Eagles was particularly visible at the last African Cup of Nations where the Super Eagles lost in the finals to the host country, Ivory Coast. MTN Nigeria was the first company to host the Super Eagles at the Transcorp Hilton hotel in Abuja whilst assuring them of continued support.

June 10, 2024
Wigwe hailed as Access Bank -UNICEF Charity Tourney ends

The prestigious 2024 UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament climaxed at the weekend with exciting victories for Kaduna-based duo of Fifth Chukker and Barbedos.

The event was marked by the inauguration of the Herbert Wigwe Cup and the commissioning of a school project by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani.

Governor Sani who inaugurated the first 60-classroom complex and laid the foundation for an additional 60 classrooms built by Access Bank and its Charity Shield partners at Maraban Jos, Kaduna, praised late Herbert Wigwe for spearheading an initiative that has transformed the lives of orphaned and less privileged children.

He added that Wigwe’s dedication to humanitarian and educational causes, particularly for disadvantaged and out-of-school children is a lasting legacy.

“There is an important need for both private and public sectors to do a lot more in support of the Nigerian child, particularly orphans and vulnerable children, to enable them to look forward to a better tomorrow,” Governor Sani remarked while commissioning the school complex.

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The Fifth Chukker team achieved a double victory, winning both the Charity Shield and the newly introduced Herbert Wigwe Cup, dedicated to the memory of the late promoter of the UNICEF Charity Shield Polo initiative.

Additionally, Kaduna Barbedos triumphed over Lagos MSD BabyBears in a closely contested final to win the Usman Dantata Cup.

The tournament featured over twenty-five teams, with players from Argentina, South Africa, and top Nigerian athletes competing in four exciting finals across low, medium, intermediate, and high-goal categories.

Access Bank Managing Director, Roosevelt Ogbonna, expressed gratitude to Kaduna State for its exceptional charity partnership with Access Bank, Fifth Chukker, and UNICEF. He emphasized that the Charity Shield platform has significantly impacted communities in Kaduna State by providing essential social amenities.

This commitment was further enhanced with the launch of the Give Project, aimed at raising funds to support the educational needs of students at the Access Bank Fifth Chukker School project in Maraban Jos, Kaduna.

Beyond its primary sponsorship, Access Bank Plc, renowned for its longstanding corporate social responsibility strategy, has consistently donated an additional N10 million at each edition of the event to UNICEF for this project.

The 2024 tournament not only showcased the exhilarating sport of polo but also highlighted the power of sports in supporting social causes. Participants, spectators, and organizers collectively contributed to the noble cause of UNICEF, uplifting the lives of children in need.

This edition of the tournament will be remembered for its thrilling matches, outstanding performances, and the charitable spirit that permeated the ten-day event.

June 10, 2024
NPFL: Crowd trouble mars ‘Oriental Deby’ in Enugu

The Oriental derby between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba ended in a stalemate after fans encroachment the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu following late penalty kick awarded to the home team.

The game which started by 5pm and broadcast live was action packed as the first half ended goalless.But with the second half 45 minutes already exhausted, the centre referee added additional eight minutes but the disputed penalty kick came minutes to the end after the referee adjudged that Enyimba defender upended a Rangers player with sight on goal.

Enyimba vacated the pitch to show their anger at the award of the spot kick for close to 10 minutes and it was clear the penalty kick was about to be taken, fans in form of a mob rushed to the pitch carrying different types of dangerous objects and chased anybody on sight.

In the other games, Bayelsa United failed to make home advantage count and had to battle back from 2-0 before getting a draw against Sporting Lagos at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.

Jonathan Alukwu scored a brace for the Noisy Lagosians in the 65th and 70 minutes but Bassey John also got a brace for the Prosperity Boys.

Bayelsa United have slipped back to the relegation zone due to the home draw. They are 17th with 43 points while Sporting Lagos are in the 16th spot also with 43 points.

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In Akure, Sunshine Stars further swam out of the relegation zone following their 2-0 home win over Akwa United. The Owena Whales scored two quickfire goals through Ibrahim Yusuf. They are now in 11th spot with 46 points. Akwa United are in 15th spot with 43 points.

Rivers United pipped Shooting Stars 1-0 through Nyima Nwagua’s 51st minute strike to move to the eighth spot with 50 points. The Oluyole Warriors remain in the top four but their points gap has been reduced to a point. They have 56 points.

At the Lafia City Stadium, Lobi Stars bounced back from successive setbacks to beat Remo Stars 3-2. Christian Aniche, Sunday Chukwu and Stanley Oganbor netted for Lobi Stars while Sikiru Alimi scored his 15th goal of the season for Remo Stars. Sunday Chukwu scored the Sky Blue Stars’ second goal through an own goal in the 88th minute.

Lobi Stars are fifth with 55 points while Remo Stars are in third spot with 59 points.

In Owerri, Heartland FC thrashed Doma United 3-1 to keep their mathematical chance of avoiding the drop.

Promise Anyanwu and Barnabas Ingya’s double were the goals scorers for the Naze Millionaires while Emmanuel Jesam got one back for Doma United.

Doma United have slipped to the relegation zone because of the loss. They are in 18th spot with 43 points. Heartland still remain in 19th spot with 35 points.

While in Umuahia, Abia Warriors were held to a goalless draw by Bendel Insurance. Abia Warriors have gone down to the 14th spot with 45 points. Insurance are ninth with 50 points.

In Kano, Niger Tornadoes grabbed a priceless draw in Kano to boost their chances of avoiding relegation. The Ikon Allah Boys were ahead through Ismail Nasir two minutes into the second half after he diverted the ball into his own net under pressure from the visitors’ attacker.

Kano Pillars equalised almost immediately, a minute later through old war horse, Rabiu Ali. Tornadoes have 45 points from 35 games and are 12th on the log while Sai Masu Gida are with 48 points after the home draw. Kano Pillars are 10th.

Meanwhile,

Tornadoes will welcome Lobi Stars in another North Central derby while Kano Pillars are away to Kwara United. Both games hold on Wednesday

In Jos, Plateau United halted their three game winless streak with a comfortable 2-0 win against Kwara United in the North Central derby. The defeat ended the Harmony Boys seven games unbeaten run.

Alex Enejoh was at the right place to put the Peace Boys ahead in the 29th minute and the points were delivered when Barnabas Daniel scored the second goal in the 90th minute. It was Plateau United’s first win in four games.

Plateau United have moved to 54 points and are in sixth spot following the home win. They will travel to Lagos as guest of Sporting Lagos this midweek while Kwara United that are 13th with 45 pts will welcome Kano Pillars to Ilorin on Wednesday.

Katsina United were truly at home at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, Katsina following a 4-0 thumping of sorry Gombe United to move to the seventh spot with 52 points.

Michael Ibe extended his excellent statistics in front of goal with the opener in the fourth minute while Samson Olasupo doubled the lead five minutes before halftime. Andrew Idoko got his name on the score sheet too just before the end of the first half. Olasupo bagged his brace in the 71st minute for their biggest win of the season.

They will face Akwa United next in Uyo on Wednesday while Gombe United will host Abia Warriors the same day in Gombe.

NPFL Matchday 35 Results

Lobi 3-2 Remo Stars

Bayelsa United 2-2 Sporting Lagos

Rivers United 1-0 Shooting

Abia Warriors 0-0 Bendel Insurance

Sunshine 2-0 Akwa United

Heartland 3-1 Doma United

Katsina United 4-0 Gombe United

Kano Pillars 1-1 Niger Tornadoes

Plateau United 2-0 Kwara United

Rangers vs Enyimba (inconclusive)

June 10, 2024
NOC holds Capacity-building seminars for women

The Women Commission of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) will run capacity-building seminars in six locations across the six Geographical of the country.

A statement released by Tony Nezianya, NOC PRO notes that the events will run between June 10 and June 27 across the zones.

This aims to update female coaches and administrators on women’s inclusion in sports.

The participants are to drawn from female coaches and Administrators, particularly from state Sports Councils or Commissions.

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The seminar will begin in Nasarawa and run from June 10 to June 11;

Jigawa from June 13 to June 14;

Gombe from June 13 to June 14.

Others are, Ogun from June 20 to June 21; Edo from June 24 to June 25 and round up in Anambra from 26 to June 27.

Twenty-five participants each are expected to gather in each zone.

The theme is Capacity Capacity Building in Sports.

Notable speakers at the events include the following: Prof. Florence Adeyanju, Dr. Ademola Are, Ms Bose Kaffo, Dr Richard Alabi, Ms Nneka Ikem and others.

The event is borne out of NOC’s Commitment toward promoting Gen Nezianya der balance, As we strive to achieve this in athletes participation, it is also important in coaching and at administrative levels too.

June 10, 2024
Osimhen, Oshoala, Sanwo-Olu rule 10th Nigeria Pitch Awards

Super Eagles and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen starved off competition from Victor Boniface, Robert Mizo of Bayelsa United and Emeka Obiora of Enyimba to emerge the Striker of the Year and King of the Pitch for the third straight years, making him the first player to achieve this feat on the platform of the prestigious Nigeria Pitch Awards.

Africa Women’s Footballer of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, was voted the Queen of the Pitch ahead of Rasheedat Ajibade of Atlético Madrid Femenino and Chiamaka Nnadozie, the Paris FC Goalkeeper.

The Award Ceremony began with a very colourful, energetic and exciting dance from the Akwabio Cultural Group. Leading the long list of dignitaries were Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the General Secretary of the Federation, CP Patrick Ateyero, the CP Sports of the Nigeria Police Force who was standing in for the Inspector-General of Police, Nigerian Ex-international and the 1997 CAF African Footballer of the Year, Victor Ikpeba, CP Waheed Ayilara, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner of Police, Oluwadare Ojelade, a Director in SIAO Partners, Finidi George and the entire technical crew, all members of the Super Eagles present in Uyo, representatives of MTN Nigeria, GTI and other nominees.

The NFF President reiterated the Federation’s support for the Nigerian Pitch Awards while hailing organizers for the transparency and credibility displayed in the award process. Speaking on Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualification on the heels of the Nigeria – South Africa qualifier match played on the 7th June at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Ibrahim Gusau, while appealing for support and prayers, assured Nigerians of the determination of the Federation and the players to secure a World Cup slot.

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Speaking on the award process, Oluwadare, the SIAO representative, stated that voting for the 2023 edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards commenced on Monday 11th December 2023 and closed on Friday 19th January 2024. ‘The results’, he noted, ‘passed through 3 levels of scrutiny: They were collated and reviewed by a team set up specifically to handle this process … A second level of verification was done by another independent unit and’ thirdly ‘Quality Control’s Arm of the firm completes the rigorous but exciting exercise’.

Organizers honoured IGP Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police who pioneered the introduction of football as an event in the finals of the 14th BIPOGA in Ibadan in February 2024. Also honoured were John Momoh, Chairman and CEO of Channels for the Channels Kids Cup initiative and Ibrahim Gusua, the NFF President.

In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Ojo Olorunleke emerged winner ahead of Amas Obasogie of Bendel Insurance FC and Kayode Bankole of Remo Stars FC.

Ola Aina, Nottingham Forest FC and Super Eagles left full back was voted Defender of the Year to beat his Super Eagles teammates Calvin Bassey of Fulham FC who won it last year and Bright Osayi-Samuel, Fenerbahçe SK.

Alex Iwobi, in form Fulham FC midfielder emerged Midfielder of the Year ahead of Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City FC defensive midfielder and Al Hassan Yusuf of Royal Antwerp FC.

Super Eagles Manager was voted the Coach of the Year 2023 for his exploits while he was Coach of Enyimba International FC where he led the team to finish top of the NPFL league.

MTN Nigeria was voted Best Corporate Sponsor of Football 2023 as the brand saw off competition from GTI Financial and Nigeria’s sports betting giant, Bet9ja.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos State was voted the Football Friendly Governor of the Year while Lagos State emerged the State with the Best Grassroots Football Development Programme in the country in 2023.

The highly competitive Sam Okwaraji Award for commitment to the development of Nigerian football for 2023 went to Hon. Kunle Soname, the chairman of Remo Stars.

FULL RESULT OF WINNERS

Goalkeeper of the Year

Ojo Olorunleke – Enyimba FC

Defender of the Year

Ola Aina – Nottingham Forest FC –

Midfielder of the Year

Alex Iwobi – Fulham FC

Striker of the Year

Victor Osimhen – Napoli FC

Queen of the Pitch

Asisat Oshoala – Bay FC

King of the Pitch

Victor Osimhen – Napoli FC

Team of the Year

Enyimba International FC

Coach of the Year

Finidi George – Enyimba FC

Sam Okwaraji Award

Kunle Soname – Chairman, Remo Stars

Best Grassroots Football Dev’t Programme

Lagos State

Football Pitch of the Year

Godswill Akpabio Int’l Stadium

Football Friendly Governor of the Year

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos State)

Best Corporate Sponsor of Football Award

MTN Nigeria

Sportsmanship Award

Hon. Kunle Soname – Chairman, Remo Stars FC

Football Journalist of the Year – Print

Johnny Edward – Punch Newspapers

Football Journalist of the Year – Tv

Mozez Praiz – Supersport

Football Journalist of the Year – Radio

Anthony Bekederemo – Brila 88.9 FM

Football Journalist of the Year – Online

Tobi Adepoju – Oganla Media

June 10, 2024
Organisers confirm wildcards for WTT Contender Lagos

Organisers have confirmed the host Wildcards and WTT Nominations for the eagerly awaited 2024 WTT Contender Lagos.

Heading the list of wildcards is Manika Batra of India who got the host wildcard entry.

Batra made history as the first Indian player to reach the quarterfinals of a WTT Grand Smash event at last month’s Saudi Smash 2024 and is expected to feature prominently in the Women’s Singles title race at her first WTT Contender Lagos.

Batra’s fellow Indian compatriots Ayhika Mukherjee and Diya Parag Chitale also join the Women’s Singles line-up as Host Wildcard entries, while Jieni Shao of Portugal also qualifies directly for the main draw as the WTT Nomination.

In the Men’s Singles draw, the Indian duo of Manush Utpalbhai Shah and Akash Pal has been named as Host Wildcards for the event. Shah will be on a mission to pick up some points to make a move up the global ladder. It has been two years since the World No.179 has been inside the Top 100 and a wildcard ticket could be just the thing to accelerate his rise back up the ranks.

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For Pal, it is a golden opportunity in Lagos, with it being the 22-year-old’s first WTT Series showing outside of India.

The host country’s attention will be fixed on youth sensations Muizz Adegoke and Abdulbasit Abdulfatai as the local up-and-comers take up positions in the main draw as Host Wildcard and WTT Nomination entries respectively.

Both players made their WTT Series debut in the qualifying rounds at last year’s WTT Contender Lagos 2023, and now get their first taste of main draw action on the Series.

Host wildcards have also been granted in Men’s Singles Qualifying, with Yaroslav Zhmudenko of Ukraine and Mehdi Bouloussa of Algeria prepped and ready.

It’s a second chance for the duo to make an impact in Lagos, after falling in the round of 32 in the 2023 edition of the event.

WTT Contender Lagos 2024 brings the WTT Series to Nigerian shores from June 19 to 23 June.

Joining the WTT Series event calendar in 2023, this is the second-ever WTT Contender event to be staged in Nigeria, hosting table tennis talent from the world over for a week of high-octane action at Sir Molade Okoya Thomas Indoor Sports Hall.

June 10, 2024
Flamingos hammer Liberia to brighten World Cup hopes

FIFA World Cup bronze medallists Nigeria routed Liberia 4-1 in a fast-paced FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter in Monrovia.

The Flamingos got off to a pretty quick start at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex at the Paynesville, but the Liberian girls, who shocked Senegal on the away-goal rule to reach this final round, warded off the early threats.

Nigeria got the ball into the net after 14 minutes, but Chadian referee Lare Lamngar ruled it off. Not to be deterred or discouraged, the Flamingos poured forward once again, and in the 19th minute, Shakirat Moshood opened the scoring from a sweet solo run.

Peace Effiong, who got a brace in the 6-0 defeat of Burkina Faso at the MKO Abiola National Stadium last month, scored in the 29th minute to put a wedge of respect between the two teams.

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Usual suspect Harmony Chidi, scorer of six of the 12 goals that sank the Central African Republic, and who equally netted four in the 7-1 dismissal of Burkina Faso in the last round, headed home her 11th goal of the qualifying series in the 36th minute to put daylight between both teams.

On resumption, Nigeria continued to dominate, and substitute Blessing Ifitezue made it four with 16 minutes left.

Liberia scored a consolation goal with five minutes left, from the penalty spot, through Yassah Gwaikolo, after substitute Onyedikachi Ekezie was adjudged to have committed a foul in the area.

The Flamingos will return to Nigeria on Tuesday, and immediately commence preparations for the return leg encounter scheduled for Friday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

June 10, 2024
NFF shocked, saddened by Domo Okara’s death

The Nigeria Football Federation has described as shocking and very sad, the death on Saturday of Head Coach of Bayelsa Queens Football Club, Domo Okara.

“We are shocked and saddened beyond words. In all sincerity, we are still trying to process the report. I have spoken to a lot of people who said they interacted with him days earlier and he was hale and hearty. This is a very sorrowful development.

“Okara was one of the pillars of women football coaching in the country. Indeed, it is a period of mourning for the women’s game in our country because the man was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a leader and an inspiration to many. We pray that God will give him eternal rest and also grant the immediate family, his friends, Bayelsa Queens FC family and Nigeria football the fortitude to bear this sudden and big loss,” NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, said

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Domo Okara, who led Bayelsa Queens to win the Nigeria Women Premier League title in 2022 and also won the Federation Cup with the team the following year, was reported to have died suddenly on Saturday morning.

He led the team from Yenagoa to win the bronze medals at the 2nd edition of the CAF Women’s Champions League competition in Morocco – the only Nigerian team to have achieved that feat.

June 10, 2024
Pedri tipped to shine for Spain at Euro 2024

Pedri is rediscovering his best form and will have an important role to play in Spain’s European Championship campaign, head coach Luis de la Fuente said after the Barcelona midfielder scored twice in a 5-1 win over Northern Ireland.

The 21-year-old, who struggled with injury problems last season and didn’t play for Spain in 2023, scored his first and second international goals in Spain’s final warm-up match before the European Championship.

“We have been very happy and because he is a very good player and he knows that I have confidence in him and he is going to give us very good things in this competition,” De la Fuente told reporters on Saturday after the win.

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“I have always talked about it from the point of view of the confidence he has to have. I said that ‘Pedri has to meet Pedri’, in the figurative sense of gaining confidence. The best version of Pedri we don’t know where he is, because he’s so good. We expect so much from him that it’s infinite.

“It has to be the player who takes that step forward, as he has done, to be sure and confident to do the things that only he can do.”

Spain start their Euros campaign on June 15 against Croatia in Group B. They will also take on Italy and Albania.

June 10, 2024
Alcaraz beats Zverev to win first French Open title

Carlos Alcaraz fought back to defeat Alexander Zverev in a five-set French Open final and become the youngest man to win Grand Slam titles on all three surfaces.

The 21-year-old battled cramps to recover from 2-1 down in sets and win a gripping contest 6-3, 2-6, 5-7, 6-1, 6-2 after four hours and 19 minutes on Court Philippe Chatrier.

Alcaraz adds the Roland Garros crown to the Wimbledon title he won against Novak Djokovic last year and the 2022 US Open. He will head to the Australian Open next year with the chance to become the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam.

Fourth seed Zverev, who settled a court case in Germany two days ago over domestic abuse allegations, is still waiting for a maiden major title.

He had also lost his only previous Slam final in five sets, when he blew a two-set lead against Dominic Thiem at the 2020 US Open.

Zverev had high hopes of finally getting over the line – he has also lost six Slam semi-finals – but Alcaraz was too strong in the key moments as he levelled their head-to-head record at 5-5.

Alcaraz said before the final he wanted to join the list of men’s players from his country, including his idol Rafael Nadal, to win the Roland Garros title, and he celebrated becoming the eighth Spanish champion by falling to the clay with his head in his hands in disbelief.

Zverev endured a miserable start, double-faulting on the first two points of the match en route to being broken in the opening game.

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But Alcaraz was not immune to the nerves of a maiden French Open final, framing a regulation forehand into the stands and then also double-faulting as he gifted the break straight back.

The Spaniard did not take too long to find his groove, though, breaking to love in the fifth game on his way to pocketing the opener.

The youngster had to save three break points to hold in a 10-minute first game of the second set, but slipped 3-2 behind when he failed to stave off two more break points as another forehand sailed into the crowd.

Suddenly Zverev had a spring in his step and Alcaraz was reduced to scrambling at the back of the court, falling a double-break down with a double-fault.

Zverev wrapped up an ultimately one-sided second set with a hold to love.

The German made it three successive love holds with two more early in the third set, before Alcaraz celebrated coming out of a tricky service game unscathed with a fist pump as he edged 3-2 ahead, despite having been largely on the back foot.

Serving into an increasingly strong breeze, Zverev was caught out by an Alcaraz return that crept over the net and the Spaniard went on to grab a break to love.

But he could not serve out the set as a rasping Zverev passing shot secured a break back.

That failure to take control of the match seemed to temporarily break Alcaraz’s spirit, as he ended up losing five games on the spin to concede the set.

Alcaraz would not go down without a fight, though, breaking for a 2-0 advantage in the fourth with a magnificent curling winner on the run.

Just seconds before, Zverev had been angrily disputing a line call which was clearly correct, drawing jeers from the crowd.

The German was rattled and his serve started to desert him, with Alcaraz racing through the fourth set to force a decider despite having to take a medical time-out to have treatment for apparent cramp at 4-1.

Zverev had won 10 of his previous 11 five-setters at Roland Garros but handed Alcaraz a break on a platter in the third game of the fifth.

Alcaraz stuttered himself, falling 0-40 down in the next game.

He appeared to have double-faulted on the second break point, but the chair umpire overruled the line judge’s call of out, despite Zverev’s angry protests, before Hawkeye replays showed it was out.

Alcaraz went on to hold and it proved to be a pivotal moment in the match.

Zverev fell a double-break down in game seven as Alcaraz delighted the fans with an outrageous flicked winner before crushing a forehand onto the line.

He wrapped up a historic victory with a booming forehand that Zverev could not get back.

June 10, 2024