The 11th-seeded Greek, who played Novak Djokovic in the 2023 final at Melbourne Park, crashed out 7-5, 6-3, 2-6, 6-4 to American Alex Michelsen in the first round. "The most frustrating part about losing in the first round of a Grand Slam is that you have way too much time to recover, and I would rather have the other way around where I don't have enough time to recover," he said. "Honestly that's much, much better in terms of problem-solving. "It just sucks in a way that I'll be hanging around... Читать дальше...
Cross-legged with his eyes half-closed in a pose evoking the Buddha, this porcelain version of America's divisive leader-in-waiting is the work of designer and sculptor Hong Jinshi. The Zen-like figures -- which Hong sells for between 999 and 20,000 yuan (about $140 to $2,700) depending on their size -- first went viral in 2021 on the e-commerce platform Taobao, attracting national headlines. And ahead of the real estate magnate's inauguration for a second term, they have become hot property again. Читать дальше...
The Kumbh Mela festival in India opened on Monday, with vast crowds of Hindu pilgrims participating in ritual baths at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Organisers anticipate the world's largest human gathering, expecting about 400 million attendees.
A divide has emerged among South Korea's youth since Yoon Suk Yeol declared a bungled martial law decree last month and hunkered down at his residence resisting arrest. On one side, young conservative men -- including evangelical Christians and those who openly support US President-elect Donald Trump -- are railing against his impeachment. On the other, young women and supporters of liberal causes like the LGBTQ+ community, climate justice and labour rights are calling for his immediate detention. Читать дальше...
Shelley Sykes, a TV production entrepreneur, told Australian media of a desperate battle to save her 32-year-old son Rory, who had cerebral palsy. Wind-fanned wildfires have killed at least 24 people in Los Angeles, consuming communities and destroying homes. Sykes said on social media that she and her son lived on a 6.8-hectare (17-acre) estate in Malibu, a beachside city in Los Angeles County. Rory Sykes, who appeared in British TV show "Kiddy Kapers" in the 1990s, had his own self-contained cottage on the estate, she said. Читать дальше...
Venezuelans protesting President Nicolas Maduro's return to power for a highly contested third term this week said they did not want a "Cuban-style dictatorship." But analysts say Maduro's methods borrow more from another Latin American country whose autocratic leader attended his inauguration Friday: aging Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24's Gavin Lee is joined by Daniel Lansberg-Rodriguez, Founding Partner at Aurora Macro Strategies and... Читать дальше...
Wildfires in Los Angeles have claimed 24 lives, with officials warning of dangerous winds that could exacerbate the situation. The blazes, now in their sixth day, have devastated communities and left thousands homeless. Despite massive firefighting efforts, incoming winds could create life-threatening conditions, particularly on Tuesday.
The world number three, who is unbeaten this year after leading the US to win the United Cup, eased past the 2020 Melbourne Park winner 6-3, 6-3 in 80 minutes. "I knew it was going to be difficult, but you know, I'm happy with how I played," said Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion who admitted to being troubled when serving by the fierce Melbourne sunshine. "I maybe could have had a better second serve, but on that side, I was struggling to see the ball, so I was just happy I was able to manage through that today." The gutsy Kenin... Читать дальше...
Amid Chad's on-going security challenges, FRANCE 24's François Picard welcomes Enrica Picco. Enrica Picco, international lawyer, researcher and Project Director for Central Africa at the International Crisis Group
Taylor holed out a 60-foot eagle chip-in on the 72nd hole of regulation while Echavarria birdied 16 and 18 to force extra holes at Honolulu's windy Waialae Country Club. After trailing almost all day, Taylor then sank a clutch birdie putt on the first playoff hole and landed his third shot inside three feet on the second to set up the winning putt after Echavarria three-putted. "I'm a bit stunned this worked out this way," Taylor said. "To be able to hit a nice pitch, unfortunate for Nico to hit a three-putt there to open the door for me... Читать дальше...
The pods are positioned in two corners on each of the major courts with up to four people allowed, similar to the set-up at team events like the Davis Cup and United Cup. They have access to real-time data on screens for statistical analysis, with coaches having the option to perch there or in their usual place in the traditional player box, where friends and family can also sit. It follows the International Tennis Federation in October relaxing its rules, allowing coaches to communicate with players... Читать дальше...
After beating Sloane Stephens in straight sets, Sabalenka was invited to recreate a Tiktok dance routine with her team by on-court interviewer Jelena Dokic. "I'm not the best dancer, but I'll try my best," a slightly taken aback world number one said after the pre-tournament social media post was played on Rod Laver Arena. "But only if the whole crowd will join in," beckoned Sabalenka. To the delight of a packed Rod Laver Arena the Belarusian two-time defending champion obliged, with some fans... Читать дальше...
Israeli PM Netanyahu discussed Gaza hostage negotiations with outgoing US President Biden, who urged an immediate ceasefire and rapid humanitarian aid alongside hostage release. Biden's office emphasised the necessity of stopping the conflict to facilitate these efforts.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will present an action plan on Monday aiming to position the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence. His strategy intends to revive the economy by deploying AI nationwide, supported by the civil service. Starmer's forthcoming speech will detail Britain's approach to AI amid global regulatory challenges.
Dembele opened the scoring with an individual effort on 13 minutes and then netted a penalty midway through the first half as PSG threatened to run riot against struggling opponents. However a Saint-Etienne side sitting in the relegation play-off place stemmed the tide and managed to pull a goal back through a Zuriko Davitashvili free-kick on 64 minutes. PSG, who won the French Champions Trophy last weekend against Monaco in Doha, nevertheless held on and have won 13 and lost none of their 17 domestic league outings this season. Читать дальше...
Kylian Mbappe put Madrid ahead but a dominant Barcelona hit five in response before their goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny was sent off in the second half. Madrid were hoping to avenge their 4-0 home defeat by Barcelona in October's La Liga Clasico but instead were left battered and bruised by their arch-rivals in Jeddah. After Mbappe's opener, Lamine Yamal levelled and Robert Lewandowski sent Barcelona ahead from the penalty spot, with Raphinha bagging a brace and Alejandro Balde also on target. ... Читать дальше...
The second-seeded Bills underscored their status as the biggest threat to Kansas City's hopes of reaching a fifth Super Bowl in six seasons by producing a dominant performance at Highmark Stadium in upstate New York. Buffalo's wild card game victory sets up a blockbuster AFC divisional round clash next weekend against third seeded Baltimore, pitting Allen against the Ravens' reigning NFL Most Valuable Player Lamar Jackson. "He's a great quarterback obviously with what he's able to do," Bills quarterback... Читать дальше...
Barcelona came from an early goal down to beat Real Madrid 5-2 in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday, scoring four goals in a dominant first half and surviving having their goalkeeper sent off to clinch a record-extending 15th trophy.
The millennia-old Kumbh Mela, a sacred show of religious piety and ritual bathing -- and a logistical challenge of staggering proportions -- is held at the site where the holy Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers meet. Businesswoman Reena Rai's voice quivered with excitement as she spoke about her "religious reasons" that brought her to join the sprawling tents, packed along the river banks in the north Indian city of Prayagraj. "As a Hindu, this is an unmissable occasion," the 38-year-old said... Читать дальше...