American singer-songwriter Michelle Branch and husband Patrick Carney are separating after three years of marriage.
“To say that I am totally devastated doesn’t even come close to describing how I feel for myself and for my family,” the singer, 39, told TMZ in a statement today, Page Six reports.
“The rug has been completely pulled from underneath me and now I must figure out how to move forward. With such small children, I ask for privacy and kindness.”
Branch gave more shocking details about the split in a since-deleted tweet, alleging that she “just found out” her husband had cheated on her “while I was home with our 6 month old daughter.”
The couple shares are Rhys James, 4, and daughter, Willie, who was born earlier this year.
Branch and Carney, the drummer for The Black Keys, first met at a Grammy party in 2015 when she was just finalizing her divorce from ex-husband Teddy Landau. Two years later, they were engaged.
However, while planning their wedding, the singer discovered she was expecting their first child together. Rhys James was born in April 2018.
“Patrick and I are over the moon in love with our son Rhys James Carney,” the everywhere songstress wrote on Instagram at the time.
A year after welcoming their son, the couple finally tied the knot at the Marigny Opera House in New Orleans.
As they tried to expand their family again, the singer revealed in December 2020 that she had suffered a miscarriage.
“I experienced my first miscarriage…” she announced on social media while celebrating the holidays. “But alas, between the crying and binge eating of Christmas cookies, I decided to put on lipstick and a dress.
“We drank champagne alllll day. Made an incredible meal and sang Christmas songs snuggled up by a roaring fire.”
Just a few months later, in August 2021, the couple was expecting again and had their second child together, Willie Jacquet Carney.
Branch also shares daughter Owen Isabelle, 17, with her ex-husband, singer Teddy Landau.
This article originally appeared on Page Six and was reproduced with permission
Nick Kyrgios’ stunning purple patch has continued, with the Wimbledon runner-up comprehensively defeating compatriot Alex de Minaur in the Montreal Masters on Friday morning (AEST).
The Australian, currently sitting at No. 37 on the ATP rankings, topped his Davis Cup teammate in straight sets 6-2 6-3, securing victory in just 62 minutes.
Kyrgios was at his absolute best during the entertaining round of 16 contest, registering 22 winners and only nine unforced errors in front of a packed-out stadium.
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However, he carried on with constant backchat towards his players box, giving almost a running commentary of his state of mind on the court in a display that seems second nature to him.
Minaur’s World No. 21 hardly won a point in the opening four games, fighting back in the second set by breaking Kyrgios twice, but struggling to hold serve himself.
It was the first time Kyrgios and de Minaur had met in an ATP event.
“After yesterday’s big high, today was really hard mentally for me to go out and play Alex,” Kyrgios said.
“We’re such good friends, he’s been having such a good career and carrying the Australian flag for so long. It was just tough mentally, it’s never easy to play a friend like that especially if they’re an Australian so I just got out here and got the job done.
“I played the way I had to play — he’s a hell of a player. If you play to his strengths he’s one of the best players from the back (of the court) in the game and he’s so fast, he’s going to have a hell of a career.
Kyrgios will next face Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in the quarter-finals. The pair faced off two months ago on grass, with Hurkacz the victor on that occasion.
This Montreal Masters campaign will give Kyrgios an important rankings boost ahead of the US Open, which gets underway on Monday August 29.
He is expected to climb 10 spots in the ATP rankings, and could crack the top 15 if he wins the Canadian tournament.
Fresh from winning the Citi Open title in Washington, Kyrgios came back from a set down to top world No. 1 Daniil Medvedev 6-7 6-4 6-2 on Thursday.
It’s the second time in his career he’s beaten a world No. 1 and he now boasts a 3-1 head-to-head record against Medvedev, the 2021 US Open champion.
Since landing in the United States for the American hard court swing a couple of weeks ago, Kyrgios is 16-0 across singles and doubles.
He has now won 15 of his past 16 singles matches, stretching back to his run into the Wimbledon final, which he lost to 21-time grand slam champion Novak Djokovic.
“It’s rewarding to beat the world No. 1,” Kyrgios told The Tennis Channel after the victory over Medvedev.
“It’s a reflection of all the hard work I’ve done in Sydney.
“After Washington I could easily come here and be content with what I did last week, but I wanted to empty the tank these two weeks.
“Obviously my ranking’s not where I want it to be, not getting those points at Wimbledon, but I’ve got to capitalize on this little window.”
If there was any doubt about Nick Kyrgios’ US Open hopes, there is not now.
Fresh from his three-set victory over world No.1 Daniil Medvedev, Kyrgios demolished his Australian compatriot Alex de Minaur in straight sets (6-2, 6-3).
His clinic in Canada, which sees him move into the quarter-finals, didn’t see the volatile Australian turning on his box at times.
As late as the penultimate game, Kyrgios was blowing up at his team for their “lack of support” as he was broken.
But just as quickly he responded, winning in style a game late to progress through to the final eight.
“(Today was) incredibly tough,” he said.
“After yesterday’s big high, after playing Daniil and the crowd was amazing, it’s a day I’ll probably never forget.
“Today was really hard mentally for me to go out and play Alex, we’re such good friends and he’s been having such a good career so far and carrying the Australian flag for so long, it was tough mentally to play a friend, especially if they’re Australian.
“I just got out here and got the job done. I played the way I had to play. He’s a helluva player, if he plays to his strengths from him, he’s one of the best players from the back of the court and he’s so fast.
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Nick Kyrgios is through to the quarter-finals. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP
The win means more than meets the eye because it sees him move back inside the world top 30 in the ATP rankings and crucially a seeding at the US Open, which gets underway on August 29.
With his round of 16 win Kyrgios is now the new world No.27. A win in the quarter-final over Hubert Hurkacz will see him climb as high as No.21.
“It was a goal, more so that I don’t get one of the big titans or gods the first-round, I can actually work my way through the draw, if the draw is kind,” he said on court.
“I always feel as if my game is right there. I feel like no matter who I play, today I felt amazing, and let’s keep it going.”
Indeed, de Minaur appeared “shell shocked” as a “mature” Kyrgios ran riot in the opening set, where the Wimbledon runner-up claimed the opening four games.
De Minaur eventually got on the scoreboard in the fifth game as he managed to hold serve for the first time in the match.
But with his fourth ace of the opening set, Kyrgios moved to a 5-1 lead and soon after claimed the first set 6-2 in just 23 minutes
“As flawless as sets come,” it was said in commentary. “A quite ridiculous level from Nick Kyrgios.”
Alex de Minaur lost in straight sets against Nick Kyrgios. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: AFP
After being on his best behavior during the first set, Kyrgios starting firing up early in the second set.
He actions were described as “pure venting” as he turned on his box in the opening games of the second set.
Nonetheless, Kyrgios took an early break in the second set and never looked back.
Just a few months after Kaley Cuoco shut down the possibility of The Flight Attendant Season 3, it seems she may be changing her mind.
Following the season two finale of her show back in May, the US actress, who plays Cassie Bowden in the HBO thriller series, told People that she wasn’t jumping at the opportunity to renew the series for a third season, adding that it would take a lot of thought on what they could do next before deciding to go back, decide reports.
“Now, I’m like, ‘Well, we did two. We should probably be done.’ And I think I’ve been outnumbered with that thought,” she told the outlet. “I think for me, at this moment, the plane has landed.”
However, in a recent interview with Variety, Cuoco, who also executive produces the show which streams locally on Binge, doubled back on her initial statement, joking: “You’d think after 30 years in this business, I’d learned how to talk in interviews. But no, I still run my mouth.”
She continued, “Look, I’ve learned in my life never say never – that’s my biggest advice. So I’m definitely open to it.”
Cuoco also seemingly (unofficially) confirmed a third season.
According to the Big Bang Theory actress, she was at dinner a couple of weeks ago sitting next to Greg Berlanti, an executive producer of The Flight Attendantwhen she brought up the possibility.
“I whispered to him, and I’m like, ‘Third season?’ And he just thought at me,” she said. “I was like, ‘Wow.’ I didn’t even say anything. He said: Yup!”
Cuoco added that she doesn’t want to “force this down people’s throats” and that she “wants the storyline to be perfect enough”.
“I’ve talked to a lot of the main cast, and they are up for it, too,” she said. “So that’s a great sign. I could see it happening. But probably not anytime soon.”
Though we may be waiting a while before we get to see a new slew of antics from Cassie, there are a couple of upcoming titles slated for Cuoco, including the Peacock original thriller series, Based On A True Storyand role playan upcoming movie in which she stars as an assassin.
This story originally appeared on Decider and was reproduced with permission
One of the stars of a hit British band that produced one of the 1980s most seminal reggae songs has died at the age of 55.
Frederic Waite Jr was the drummer in Birmingham band Musical Youth.
The band performed their defining song, Pass the Dutchiejust days ago at the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games.
In 1982, the cannabis inspired anthem went to number one on the charts in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland and reached the top 10 of the US Billboard chart.
It also had a recent resurgence after featuring in the hit Netflix show Stranger Things.
On Wednesday, the ban announced the death of Waite Jr on social media.
“We are sad to announce the passing of Musical Youth’s drummer Frederick Waite Jr.
“Our thoughts go out to him and his family during this sad time. We have lost a musical legend, who inspired many young musicians over the last 40 years,” the tribute stated.
Rest in Eternal Peace.
Waite, known as “Freddie” died on July 20 in Birmingham with details only being announced now. It is not known what caused his death.
The British-Jamaican band formed in the UK’s second city in 1979.
They first performed for students at their own school, Duddeston High, in the city, reported website Birmingham Live.
Pass the Dutchie was the first single after the group signed to a major label, in their case MCA Records.
Musical Youth was the first black act to have a music video played on the then new music channel MTV.
Debut-album The Youth of Today, also released in 1982, was certified gold in the UK and Canada and spawned a number of further hit singles. Musical Youth were also nominated for a Grammy Award for best new band in 1984.
The band disbanded in 1985. Two of the band members, Dennis Seaton and Michael Grant, resurrected the band as a duo in 2001.
The band came back together for the closing ceremony of the Commonwealth Games in on July 20 as part of a celebration of Birmingham culture alongside singer Beverley Knight, the band UB40 and a TV show Peaky Blinders.
However Waite did not appear with another drummer taking his place.
Tributes have poured in for Waite with people saying it was “beyond sad,” and remembering his youth in Birmingham.
“How incredibly sad, Freddie, you inspired so many black British teenagers in the 1980s and made them realize their dreams could come true,” one said.
Britney Spears’ lawyer, Mathew Rosengart, is coming to his pop star client’s defense after her ex-husband Kevin Federline leaked videos of her allegedly arguing with her teenage sons.
“Britney Spears is a brilliantly talented, extremely hardworking icon, who is rightfully beloved and respected by millions around the world,” the former federal prosecutor exclusively told Page Six.
“The same, unfortunately, cannot be said about Mr Federline, who for reasons that are inexplicable, decided to give a gratuitous interview that has hurt the mother of his children.”
Mr Rosengart adds that the singer, 40, has “faithfully supported” sons Sean Preston, 16, and Jayden James, 15, and “loves them dearly”.
“Whether he realizes it or not, Mr Federline has not only violated the privacy and dignity of the mother of his children, he has undermined his own children, whose privacy he should protect,” the high-powered lawyer, who helped free Britney from her 13-year conservatorship, said.
“Putting aside his ITV interview, Mr Federline’s abhorrent, ill-advised decision to post an old video of his 11 and 12-year-old children was cruel, bottom of the barrel stuff.”
Mr Rosengart has also claimed in his statement to Page Six that Federline, 44, may have broken the law by posting videos in which Spears did not know she was being recorded, since California is a two-party consent state.
“In addition to demeaning himself and violating societal norms, he has now also created various legal issues for himself including, but not limited to, implicating cyber-harassment and cyber-bullying statutes, among other things,” the LA-based lawyer said.
I have told Page Six it has been his “honour” to work with Spears to “suspend her father as conservator, to help her gain her freedom and dignity, and to help protect her from the type of bullying she endured in the past – and we will not tolerate bullying in any area”.
Mr Rosengart also said he is working with Instagram to “ensure” that Federline “adheres to its rules and we are exploring all appropriate relief against him”.
“In the meantime, as Britney herself poignantly said, whatever is occurring between her and her boys should remain private,” he said. “We urge Mr Federline to act with a measure of grace and decency and to cease from publicly discussing private matters, which benefits no one.”
Federline’s lawyer did not immediately respond to Page Six’s request for comment on Mr Rosengart’s statement. Overnight, Federline deleted the three clips from his Instagram of him.
Just hours before, the former backup dancer, who was married to Spears from 2004 until 2007, shared the videos on his platform with the caption, “I cannot sit back and let my sons be accused in this way after what they’ve been through . As much as it hurts us, we decided as a family to post these videos.
“This isn’t even the worst of it. The lies have to stop. I hope our kids grow up to be better than this.”
A source from Spears’ camp exclusively told Page Six in response to the posts at the time, “Kevin is disgusting. He is weaponizing the kids by releasing the videos. But in these clips, Britney is just being a mum.”
The internet widely agreed, with people on social media commenting how Spears appeared to only be trying to discipline her children.
One person wrote, “The fact that Britney Spears has to remind her own kids that she is a WOMAN and she deserves RESPECT tells us all we need to know about Kevin Federline’s parental influence. That man is pure evil and he’s raised those kids in his image of him. Truly tragic.”
Another tweeted, “Dear Kevin Federline. You released a ‘scathing’ video of a mum being a mum. Sometimes mums – gasp – have reactions. They might discipline by taking things away or ask for respect. This is shocking but sometimes mums will argue with their kids.”
Spears herself gave insight earlier this week into how difficult it has been for her to co-parent with Federline after he shared in a preview for an ITV interview that Sean Preston and Jayden James have chosen “not to see” their mother for “a few months”.
The singer called the claims “hurtful” on Instagram, saying it “concerns” her. She added later that her sons de ella would act “hateful” towards her when visiting.
This story originally appeared on Page Six and is republished here with permission
Barcelona’s attempts to establish themselves once again as a force in La Liga and the Champions League this season have seen the heavily-indebted Catalans gamble with their future to enable a striking summer spending spree.
A year after being forced to let Lionel Messi go as eye-watering reported debts of 1.35 billion euros (A$1.96 billion) crippled the club, Barcelona have spent 153 million euros (A$222m) on transfer fees alone to strengthen their squad, with Robert Lewandowski the most notable new arrival.
“This is a really exciting season. Nothing would give me more pleasure than to make all the fans happy,” coach Xavi Hernandez said before last weekend’s 6-0 friendly win over Mexican side Pumas UNAM.
“That means winning trophies. That is our main objective.”
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After three years of struggles, on and off the field, the summer has seen hope return to the Camp Nou, with president Joan Laporta talking of an exciting “new era” when the club unveiled Lewandowski as a Barcelona player.
“Euphoria” was the headline on the cover of local daily Sport the same day. Even partisan Madrid-based sports daily Marca admitted that Barca were “frightening” in the wake of their drubbing of Pumas UNAM last weekend, when Lewandowski scored his first goal since his arrival from Bayern Munich.
Yet how Barcelona have gone about raising the funds to sign Lewandowski, as well as centre-backs Jules Kounde and Andreas Christensen, AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, and Leeds United’s Brazilian winger Raphinha have raised eyebrows.
Faced with severe limits on spending in order to comply with La Liga’s financial controls, Barcelona knew they needed to raise money quickly to be able to invest in any signings and, crucially, to register any new players.
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– PULLING ‘LEVERS’ –
They quickly set about selling off assets to bring in money by activating a series of what have been called economic “levers”.
The club sold 25 per cent of their domestic television rights for the next quarter of a century to US investment firm Sixth Street for some 400 million euros.
Barcelona sold 24.5 per cent of Barca Studios, which manages the club’s digital business and audiovisual productions, to Socios.com for 100 million euros on August 1, and then another 25 per cent to US investment firm GDA Luma for 100 million euros more.
In the space of a few weeks, 600 million euros had been brought in to fill the coffers.
The aim was to clean up the club’s finances, make it possible to increase the salary limit set by La Liga and allow the new signings to all be registered for the start of the season.
On top of that, Barca signed the biggest sponsorship deal in their history with Spotify, bringing in a reported 435 million euros for the music streaming giant to feature on the club’s shirts and to have naming rights to the Camp Nou.
All up, that series of deals totals 1 billion euros – so Barcelona look well placed to become serious title contenders again as they prepare to host Rayo Vallecano this weekend.
Only time will tell if mortgaging part of the club’s assets in exchange for an immediate influx of cash will bear fruit.
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– DE JONG TO LEAVE? –
Yet, Barcelona are still waiting for La Liga to allow them to register their five new signings, although they hope to be able to do so in time for the season starting this weekend.
They are also hoping to further ease their financial problems by reducing their wage bill.
The Catalans have been trying to persuade Frenkie de Jong to leave, with suggestions even made that a contract he signed in 2020 was not legal. The Dutch midfielder says he wants to stay.
FULL STORY: Barca threaten legal action over contract drama — Rumor Mill
Martin Braithwaite, Samuel Umtiti and Memphis Depay are also candidates to depart the Camp Nou, with the latter reportedly a target for Juventus.
On top of that, efforts have been made to persuade certain players, including Gerard Pique and Sergio Busquets, to accept wage reductions.
Barca’s “economic miracle”, as the press have called it, still has to be transformed into a footballing miracle.
The NBA will honor Celtics great and civil rights activist Bill Russell by retiring his No. 6 jersey throughout the league, making him the first player to receive the honor.
A patch commemorating the 11-time champion will be worn on the right shoulder of player jerseys and a shamrock-shaped logo with the No. 6 on courts will be used across the league as well for the 2022-23 season, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association said on Thursday.
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“Bill Russell’s unparalleled success on the court and pioneering civil rights activism deserve to be honored in a unique and historic way,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.
“Permanently retiring his No. 6 across every NBA team ensures that Bill’s transcendent career will always be recognised.”
Russell, the cornerstone of a Boston Celtics dynasty that won 11 NBA titles and a powerful voice for social justice during and after his career, died on July 31 at the age of 88.
US President Joe Biden and former President Barack Obama — who awarded Russell the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 — were among those who paid tribute to Russell’s contributions on and off the court.
NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio said the union was proud to support the “momentous honor” of retiring Russell’s jersey.
“Bill’s actions on and off the court throughout the course of his life helped to shape generations of players for the better and for that, we are forever grateful,” Tremaglio said.
Russell wore the No. 6 for his entire 13-season career from 1956-69. It will not be issued again by any NBA team to any player, although players who currently wear No. 6 — a group that includes Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and the Washington Wizards’ Kristaps Porzingis — can retain it.
The NBA said the Celtics plan to “separate and unique recognition” for Russell on their uniforms, which will be revealed at a later date.
While the league-wide jersey retirement is a first for the NBA, it has happened in other North American leagues.
Major-league Baseball permanently retired No. 42 in 1997 in honor of Jackie Robinson, who broke the big leagues’ color barrier.
The NHL said upon Wayne Gretzky’s retirement in 1999 that his No. 99 would be retired league-wide.
Alpine is reportedly set for a legal showdown with Oscar Piastri amid reports the Australian driver will join McLaren next season.
The 21-year-old was announced last week as Fernando Alonso’s replacement at Alpine only for Piastri to take to social media to declare he would not be driving for the team.
It came amid reports that McLaren had told Daniel Ricciardo he would not have a seat in 2023.
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Alpine team principal Otmar Szafnauer said they could seek compensation, expected to be in the millions.
“Going to the High Court is over 90 per cent certain that’s what we’ll do,” he told Reuters.
“If the [board] says ‘your license is only valid at Alpine’ and then he [Piastri] says ‘that’s great but I’m never driving for them, I’ll just sit out a year,’ then you’ve got to go to the High Court for compensation.”
Szafnauer said Alpine would assess how much money they have invested in Piastri’s development.
This figure would include the costs associated with independent tests as well as thousands of kilometers in the team’s 2021 car.
According to Reuters, one power unit costs as much as $2.55 million (AUD)
“We haven’t sat down with the accountants to figure out everything we’ve spent,” said Szafnauer.
“We will have to do that if we go to the High Court.”
According to TheRace.com, the fact Alpine believe the matter will head to the court implies that the team is resigned to losing Piastri to McLaren with their focus now on compensation rather than holding onto its rising star.
Oscar Piastri has said he will not drive for Alpine in 2023.Source: Getty Images
HAMILTON’S REVEALS BIG HOLLYWOOD BLOW
Lewis Hamilton has sensationally revealed he had to turn down a role as a fighter pilot in Top Gun: Maverick, describing it as “the most upsetting call” he’s ever made.
The seven-time world champion counts himself as a good friend of actor Tom Cruise, who played the lead role in the 1986 original and the recent Hollywood blockbuster that has grossed a whopping $AUD1.8 billion.
Hamilton recalls being invited to the set of one of Cruise’s movies as the starting point of their friendship.
“One of the nicest people you’ll ever meet,” Hamilton told Vanity Fair.
“He invited me to his set years ago when he was doing Edge of Tomorrow, and then we just built a friendship over time.”
Once Hamilton caught wind a Top Gun sequel was in the works, he was desperate to be involved given his love of the film as a child.
“So when I heard the second one was coming out, I was like, ‘Oh my god, I have to ask him,’” Hamilton said.
Tom Cruise bumps fists with Lewis Hamilton before the British GP at Silverstone. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
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“I said, ‘I don’t care what role it is. I’ll even sweep something, be a cleaner in the back.’”
Cruise obliged, but he wasn’t going to give Hamilton a cameo appearance.
Instead, the megastar wanted the Mercedes driver to be one of the fighter pilots.
There was just one catch: filming was set to take place during the back-end of the 2021 F1 season when Hamilton was locked in a tense battle with Max Verstappen for the world championship.
Knowing he had to turn down the chance of a lifetime, Hamilton was devastated when he made the call.
“I’m a perfectionist,” Hamilton said.
“The most upsetting call that I think I’ve ever had.”
F1 TRACK SET TO MAKE APPEARANCE IN … CALL OF DUTY?
Christmas has come early for the cross section of F1 and Call of Duty fans.
Infinity Ward, the developers of the video game, released a trailer that confirmed the Marina Bay Circuit in Singapore will be a playable map in the latest edition of the famous franchise.
In an official statement, Infinity Ward confirmed the map would be playable in the Modern Warfare II Beta for fans to get a taste of what’s to come.
“The Modern Warfare II Beta is set to feature a robust multiplayer experience going beyond the Core 6v6 experience with a variety of meticulously designed maps of various sizes, and an equally impressive set of Modes, Progression experiences, and other aspects that will be more thoroughly revealed at Call of Duty: Next,” the statement read.
“In addition, we revealed a fly-through of Marina Bay Grand Prix, where combat occurs within the main infield of an urban race circuit, one of the 6v6 Multiplayer maps confirmed for the Beta.”
The pit lane in Singapore will look a little different in this year’s Call of Duty. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
There does not look to be any official F1 branding or names of the drivers, suggesting it is not an official partnership between them and Call of Duty.
Funnily enough, the worlds of F1 and Call of Duty have intertwined previously, as Lewis Hamilton was a non-playable character in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare, released in 2016.
LONG LIVE VEGAS! F1’S FIRST DATE IN SIN CITY LEAKED
What happens in Vegas might very well have great implications in the title race as the date for the Las Vegas GP has been leaked.
A Letter of Intent for the race between Liberty Media and the Convention Bureau was posted on Twitter and eagle-eyed fans noted the date.
The Las Vegas GP is slated to take place on November 18 and it would remain on that date until 2027 when the contract expires.
Based on the current F1 calendar, it would mean the race in Sin City would be the penultimate race of the season as the Abu Dhabi GP will take place on November 20 this year.
Serena Williams sounded just the tiniest little bit salty as she reflected on likely finishing her tennis career with one less grand slam title than Australian legend Margaret Court.
Williams’ crusade to win an elusive 24th major title and draw level with Court has been a five-year saga that looks almost certain to end fruitlessly when she retires at this year’s US Open.
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The 40-year-old American revealed her plans to end her career to focus on having another child in an article in Vogue Magazine published on Tuesday night (AEST).
Williams referenced Court twice in the piece, and while she was careful with her words left the impression she should be remembered as tennis’ greatest ever player.
“There are people who say I’m not the GOAT because I didn’t pass Margaret Court’s record of 24 grand slam titles, which she achieved before the ‘open era’ that began in 1968,” Williams wrote.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t want that record. Obviously I do. But day to day, I’m really not thinking about her. If I’m in a grand slam final, then yes, I am thinking about that record. Maybe I thought about it too much, and that didn’t help.
“The way I see it, I should have had 30-plus grand slams. I had my chances after coming back from giving birth. I went from a C-section to a second pulmonary embolism to a grand slam final. I played while breastfeeding. I played through postpartum depression.
“But I didn’t get there. Shoulda, woulda, coulda. I didn’t show up the way I should have or could have. But I showed up 23 times, and that’s fine. Actually it’s extraordinary. But these days, if I have to choose between building my tennis resume and building my family, I choose the latter.”
Williams stepped onto a hardcourt for the first time in a year and a half on Monday in the WTA Toronto tournament where she fought through to the second round with a straight sets victory over Nuria Parrizas Diaz.
It was her first singles victory since the 2021 French Open, some 14 months ago. The former world number one had played her first singles match in a year during a first round defeat at Wimbledon in June.
“I know there’s a fan fantasy that I might have tied Margaret that day in London, then maybe beat her record in New York, and then at the trophy ceremony say, ‘See ya!’ I get that. It’s a good fantasy,” she wrote.
“But I’m not looking for some ceremonial, final on-court moment. I’m terrible at goodbyes, the world’s worst.”
Another Aussie champion, Ash Barty, also got a mention in Williams’ self-penned article as she revealed how hard she was finding it to walk away.
Barty stunned the tennis world by retiring at age 25 earlier this year.
“I know that a lot of people are excited about and look forward to retiring, and I really wish I felt that way,” Williams wrote. “Ashleigh Barty was number one in the world when she left the sport this March, and I believe she really felt ready to move on. Caroline Wozniacki, who is one of my best friends, felt a sense of relief when she retired in 2020.
“Praise these people, but I’m going to be honest. There is no happiness in this topic for me. I know it’s not the usual thing to say, but I feel a great deal of pain. It’s the hardest thing that I could ever imagine. I hate it. I hate that I have to be at these crossroads. I keep saying to myself, I wish it could be easy for me, but it’s not.”
