Mexico wins 45 medals at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games

Djokovic supports Serena after her return to Wimbledon

The 39-year-old Serbian, winner of 24 Grand Slams, knows well the weight of expectations. That is why she came to the defense of Serena Williams, seven-time Wimbledon champion, after she lost in the first round after almost four years without playing singles.

“People always expect you to play at your best level because they are used to seeing you dominate. She is 44 years old, has two children. When she comes back, it is normal that she is not at her best level. People need to calm down with judgments and criticism,” Djokovic declared.

Williams fell on Tuesday to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint with sets of 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3. Although he showed flashes of his power — serves above 120 mph — his mobility was limited. Joint, number 87 in the ranking, took advantage to win the key points.

Djokovic considered that the return of the American is a gift for tennis.

“That she wants to come back is incredible for this sport. Sometimes people don’t value it. Enjoy: you have the best of all time attracting attention,” he added.

Williams received invitations for singles and doubles. It is not yet confirmed whether she will play doubles with her sister Venus. She herself revealed that she felt discomfort in her right knee since the end of the first set.

Djokovic, who advanced to the third round after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas, hopes to see Williams at the US Open.

“I hope, for the sake of tennis, that we see her more. The Grand Slam of her country would be incredible for her and for everyone,” he concluded.

Multi-year agreement and return of Kawhi Leonard

The Toronto Raptors have secured their coach, Darko Rajakovic, to a multi-year contract extension. The announcement came days after the franchise finalized the return of Kawhi Leonard, a key figure in the 2019 title.

Rajakovic led the team to 46 wins last season, qualifying for the playoffs for the first time since 2022. He lost in the seventh game of the first round against Cleveland. Their record in three seasons is 101-105, after two years with 30 wins or less.

The trade for Leonard was closed with the Los Angeles Clippers. Sources indicated that Toronto sent Brandon Ingram, Gradey Dick, two first-round picks, two second-round picks and one pick swap. The operation is subject to approval by the NBA.

Rajakovic, born in Serbia, is the second Serbian coach in the NBA, after Igor Kokosov. He coached in Spain, was a head coach in the G League and an assistant in Oklahoma City, Phoenix and Memphis. This year he led the international team in the All-Star Game.

Leonard, 35, averaged 27.9 points in 65 games last season. He is a seven-time All-Star and two-time NBA champion, as well as an elite defender. His return to Toronto marks an important chapter for the franchise.

Portugal and Croatia faced each other in a duel that defined their place in the round of 16. It was also the last World Cup dance for two legends: Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric. In the end, Portugal won 2-1 and prolonged the hope of their captain, while the Croatian said goodbye to the World Cups.

Development of the meeting

The game started with intensity. Croatia warned in the 3rd minute with a shot by Ante Budimir that the Portuguese goalkeeper controlled without problems. Portugal responded immediately: Bruno Fernandes and Vitinha tested the Croatian goalkeeper, but the scoreboard did not move. During the first half, the Lusitanians took control of the pace, although without achieving anything. Both teams went into the break at 0-0.

In the second half, Croatia struck first. In the 53rd minute, Ivan Perišić controlled inside the area and scored with precision to open the scoring, his first goal in the tournament. The Balkans were close to extending the lead in the 56th minute, but Nikola Vlašić scored from an offside position and the goal was disallowed.

Portugal reacted in the 60th minute with a goal from Cristiano Ronaldo, also disallowed for offside. However, at 68′, the Portuguese took revenge from the penalty spot and made it 1-1. Croatia once again had a goal disallowed in the 80th minute, when Petar Sucic was penalized for offside. Moments later, Ronaldo was replaced by Rúben Neves, visibly upset.

When the game seemed to be heading towards overtime, Gonçalo Ramos appeared at minute 90+3 and, with a header, unleashed the Portuguese celebration. Croatia tried to equalize and Joško Gvardiol scored at 90+12, but the referee annulled the action. Portugal took the victory and sealed its ticket to the round of 16, where Spain awaits.

The night left two faces: the joy of Ronaldo, who continues dreaming, and the farewell of Modric, who closes his World Cup history with the pride of an unforgettable generation.