Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Heartbreak for Salisbury and Stefani
PNC | Friday, 11-07-2025
The 2024 Wimbledon mixed doubles final served up a dramatic conclusion under the Centre Court lights, but for Britain’s Joe Salisbury and Brazil’s Luisa Stefani, it ended in heartbreak. In a contest that thrilled fans until the final shot, Salisbury and Stefani were edged out in two closely contested tie-breaks, falling 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3) to Czech doubles powerhouse Katerina Siniakova and Dutch partner Sam Verbeek.
The loss marked another near-miss for Salisbury, who despite holding six Grand Slam titles in men's and mixed doubles, is still in search of his elusive first Wimbledon crown. “It’s always tough to lose a final, but they played amazing,” Salisbury said in the post-match ceremony. “They were too good in the tie-breaks today.”
The atmosphere was electric as spectators packed Centre Court, staying late into the evening to witness what turned out to be one of the most thrilling mixed doubles finals in recent memory. With both teams holding serve throughout, it came down to the small margins in the tie-breaks, where Siniakova and Verbeek delivered under pressure with precision and calmness.
For Siniakova, who is ranked world No. 1 in women’s doubles, this victory was particularly special. “It’s very special, it means a lot. We had a lot of fun on the court and I really enjoyed it,” she said. This marks her first Grand Slam title in mixed doubles and her 11th overall.
Sam Verbeek, on the other hand, celebrated a career milestone by capturing his maiden Grand Slam title. Their chemistry and aggressive net play proved to be the difference-makers in clutch moments of the match.
Salisbury expressed his gratitude to Stefani, revealing how their partnership came together just days before the tournament. “Thank you to Luisa. You’ve been amazing and thanks for texting me two days before the sign-in to ask to play with me,” he said. “It has been a pleasure and hopefully we can do it again.”
US Open Controversy: Doubles Specialists at Risk
Even as the final wrapped up, the tennis world’s attention turned toward the upcoming US Open — and with it, a controversial change in format that could leave all four Wimbledon mixed doubles finalists sidelined. For the first time, the US Open mixed doubles will be condensed into a two-day event held before the start of the main draw, with just 16 teams competing.
Entry will be limited to eight teams based on combined singles rankings, with the remaining spots given through wildcards. This format favors marquee singles stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka, and Jannik Sinner — all of whom are reportedly on the entry list — and leaves little room for dedicated doubles specialists.
“It’s disappointing, obviously, that we won’t be able to play,” Salisbury remarked. “It’s a shame they don’t have the full event during the two weeks of the main draw.”
Currently, the defending champions, Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori of Italy, are the only recognized mixed doubles pair guaranteed entry under the new format. The exclusion of regular doubles players has raised concerns about fairness and the future of the discipline in Grand Slam play.
British History Beckons in Men’s Doubles Final
While Salisbury’s mixed doubles dreams were dashed, British tennis still had reason to celebrate. Earlier in the day, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool booked their place in the men’s doubles final, defeating the fourth-seeded duo of Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos 6-3, 6-4.
This historic win makes Cash and Glasspool the first all-British team to reach a Wimbledon men’s doubles final since 1960 — a feat that adds significant weight to Saturday’s upcoming clash. They will face Rinky Hijikata of Australia and David Pel of the Netherlands, who stunned top seeds Marcelo Arevalo and Mate Pavic in a tense final-set tie-break.
The men’s doubles final is scheduled to be played before the women’s singles final on Saturday, setting up a potentially memorable day for British tennis.
Root's Gritty 99 Puts England on Top
PNC | Friday, 11-07-2025
In a return to traditional Test cricket grit over Bazball-style aggression, Joe Root delivered one of his most composed performances to anchor England on day one of the third Test against India at Lord’s. The former England captain batted through scorching conditions and resilient Indian bowling to reach a heroic unbeaten 99 as England closed the day on 251 for 4.
Facing India’s potent pace and spin attack, Root exhibited sheer resilience, determination, and unmatched concentration over more than five hours at the crease. His near-century has put England in a commanding position to build a mammoth total on day two and justified Ben Stokes’ bold decision to bat first on a green-tinged yet sun-drenched surface.
Root’s innings was a reminder of his stature as one of India’s greatest modern-day nemeses. He became the first batter to score 3,000 Test runs against India, and his unbeaten 99 was his 23rd half-century in 33 Tests against them, at an average of 58. He now sits on the brink of scoring his 11th Test century against India, a feat that would tie Steve Smith’s record.
Conservative Strategy, Tactical Patience: Bazball Takes a Back Seat
While the "Bazball" brand of fast-paced cricket under coach Brendon McCullum and skipper Ben Stokes has revolutionized England’s approach over the past three years, Thursday’s innings at Lord’s marked a departure from the norm. England adopted a cautious and strategic stance, shaped by a tricky surface and India’s incisive bowling.
Ollie Pope, who partnered Root for a 109-run stand and scored 44, acknowledged the slower approach. “We all know we can score hundreds off 120 balls,” Pope said, “but we need to dig in on this sort of surface.” England’s run rate dropped below 3 per over during the afternoon session, marking one of the slowest scoring days in the Bazball era.
Despite their measured batting, the hosts held firm against Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Siraj, who bowled with remarkable discipline. The spinners, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar, bowled 20 of the 83 overs and helped contain the scoring. Yet Root never looked in danger, offering no chances and showcasing flawless technique.
India's Tactical Wins and Fielding Concerns
India’s bowlers may not have dominated the wicket column, but they dictated large parts of the day with control and economy. However, a few moments of missed opportunity, like Shubman Gill’s failed one-handed catch off Pope, may come back to haunt them.
India’s stand-in pacer Nitish Kumar Reddy also delivered a surprise blow, claiming the wickets of Duckett and Crawley in a single over with clever variations. Reddy had gone for runs at Edgbaston but found his rhythm at Lord’s with precision bowling.
One major concern for India was the injury to wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant, who left the field with a finger injury. In his place, Dhruv Jurel impressed immediately with sharp glove work, including a brilliant stumping to dismiss Pope on the first ball after tea.
Stokes Battles Through Injury as Root Remains the Pillar
Captain Ben Stokes played through visible discomfort after sustaining a groin or adductor strain. His movement was limited in the final session, and though he reached 39 not out, his ability to bowl remains in doubt. Notably, he chose not to take a second run in the final over that would have brought Root his century – a decision sure to be discussed widely.
Stokes and Root currently have an unbeaten 79-run stand that has fortified England’s innings heading into day two. While Root’s 99 off 191 balls, adorned with nine boundaries, was the centerpiece of England’s innings, Stokes’ resilience ensured no further damage was done in the fading light.
Despite the quiet crowd and a slower pace, England’s innings was a tactical success. Root’s form, poise, and strategic patience have not only steadied the ship but also set up a pivotal second day where the hosts can push for a commanding total.
Looking Ahead
Root’s innings, built on experience and flawless judgment, has inspired confidence throughout the dressing room. “Joe Root has inspired everyone in the changing room and in this country,” Pope added. “Fingers crossed he can make it a massive one tomorrow.”
India, meanwhile, will hope to make early inroads and prevent England from running away with the match. The contest remains finely poised, with two heavyweights showcasing skill, strategy, and psychological warfare at the home of cricket.
Chet Holmgren Secures $250M Rookie Max Deal with Thunder
PNC | Friday, 11-07-2025
Chet Holmgren Signs Rookie-Max Extension as Oklahoma City Thunder Build Championship Core
Oklahoma City Thunder have solidified the future of their championship-caliber squad by agreeing to a monumental contract extension with rising star Chet Holmgren, securing his services through 2030. The five-year rookie-maximum extension, reportedly worth up to $250 million, was revealed by ESPN on Wednesday and marks another major investment by the reigning NBA champions.
The deal is fully guaranteed, showcasing the Thunder’s unwavering faith in Holmgren’s potential despite a career initially marred by injury setbacks. The 7-foot-1 center, aged 23, has emerged as one of the league’s most promising young big men, blending rim protection with perimeter shooting in a rare combination that has become critical to the Thunder’s style of play.
Holmgren’s extension comes just days after the Thunder offered a record-breaking $285.4 million supermax deal to NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making him the highest-paid player in NBA history with an average of over $71 million per season. Together, these deals demonstrate Oklahoma City’s aggressive commitment to retaining and rewarding its elite talent in pursuit of sustained dominance.
Holmgren’s Value Grows Despite Injury-Plagued Start
Drafted second overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Holmgren entered the league with enormous hype, but his rookie campaign was lost due to a foot injury. Last season, a hip issue limited him to just 32 regular-season games, but he bounced back to contribute heavily during OKC’s 2025 NBA title run. Across 23 postseason games, Holmgren delivered eight double-doubles, cementing his value as a two-way anchor for the team.
His career averages—16.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game—speak to his steady development, while his impact goes beyond the box score. Holmgren also became just the third player in NBA history to record over 150 three-pointers and 250 blocks in his first two seasons, showcasing a rare blend of interior defense and long-range shooting.
Thunder Continue to Invest in Young Core
Alongside Holmgren, fellow 2022 draftee Jalen Williams—the No. 12 pick—is also eligible for a lucrative rookie extension. Williams is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract, earning $6.6 million in the 2025-26 season. Given his crucial role in OKC’s recent playoff success, Williams could soon join Holmgren and Gilgeous-Alexander as a cornerstone of the Thunder’s long-term strategy.
As the Thunder look to build on their 2025 NBA title, this latest investment in Holmgren reflects the franchise's clear vision: develop young, versatile stars, lock them down early, and build a dynasty from within.
The Thunder’s bold roster management—highlighted by two record-setting deals within a week—signals a new era of ambition in Oklahoma City, with Holmgren now positioned to become a generational force in the modern NBA.