Jannik Sinner marches through in straight sets to reach Monte-Carlo f…

On a spectacularly sunny Saturday afternoon in the French province of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, the first match on Court Rainier III featured both players contesting their third Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters semi-final.

The victor, Italy’s Jannik Sinner, extended his dominant 8-4 head-to-head rivalry against Germany’s Alexander Zverev, marching through in straight sets, 6-1, 6-4.

Commanding performance

It was a commanding performance, showing the 24-year-old in complete control right from the start. newssport.cv

The Italian history maker made an immediate impact, breaking the 28‑year‑old world No 3 in the opening game.

Setting the tempo early, he controlled rallies with depth and accuracy from the baseline, combining sharp anticipation with precise shot-making.

Zverev was repeatedly denied rhythm, particularly on return, as the Italian dominated his service games.

Facing such a relentless and disciplined performance, the world No 3 struggled to regain momentum and was given little opportunity to mount a recovery.

Masterclass

The second set was a serve masterclass from Sinner, credit to his first serve advantage.

Zverev won 94% of his first serve points, against Zverev’s 65%.

Today’s emphatic victory added to Sinner’s impressive 15-match winning streak in addition to his recent double wins in Indian Wells and Miami without dropping a set.

Today’s win also secured the Italian’s place in the history books, who is now the first man after Novak Djokovic to reach the finals of the first three ATP Masters 1000 events in a season.

Djokovic achieved this in 2015.

In addition, Sinner is now the fourth man to reach the first three ATP Masters 1000 finals in a single season.

Other players who have achieved this accolade are Roger Federer in 2006, Rafael Nadal in 2011 and Novak Djokovic in 2015.

Sinner’s victory was sealed in just 1 hour and 22 minutes.

‘Home event’

Beyond the statistics, there is a unique local flavour to Sinner’s Monte‑Carlo run.

The Italian lives in the Principality and often trains at the Monte‑Carlo Country Club, making this tournament feel like a home event.

Yet when asked at his post-match press conference whether playing at ‘home’ felt different in terms of his usual routine because it’s home, Sinner downplayed the idea: “No, it’s on every other tournament the same.

The only difference is that I come to the hotel and have breakfast there instead of home. That’s the only thing”.

The Italian’s response, underscoring his usual calm, grounded approach was one of humility, even with the possibility of being on the brink of reclaiming the world No 1 ranking.

Sinner’s faces world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday for the final. Their head-to-head favours Alcaraz at 10-6.

Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin.

Brazil take on Morocco in their 2026 FIFA World Cup Group C opener at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Saturday, 13 June 2026, with kick-off at 06:00 SAST. Carlo Ancelotti’s five-time world champions face a Morocco side carrying serious momentum after an outstanding recent run.

Match details

The context: Brazil’s hunger, Morocco’s momentum

It is 24 years since Brazil last won the World Cup. For the most successful nation in tournament history, that is more than a statistic — it is the pressure point behind this campaign.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side arrive with recent encouragement after warm-up wins over Croatia, Panama and Egypt. Brazil scored 11 goals across those three matches and conceded four, showing signs of attacking rhythm before the tournament begins.

There are still questions, though. Brazil’s CONMEBOL qualifying campaign was not entirely convincing, with the Selecao finishing fifth after six defeats in 18 matches. For a nation with Brazil’s standards, that is enough to keep the pressure firmly on, even with the quality available throughout the squad.

Morocco, meanwhile, arrive as genuine contenders rather than romantic outsiders. Since the start of 2023, they have won 33 of 45 matches and lost only twice. They are ranked seventh in the world and remain one of the most consistent international teams of the last few years.

Their run to the semi-finals at Qatar 2022 changed how the football world views them. This is now a side with major tournament experience, defensive discipline, tactical identity and high-level players in key positions.

Achraf Hakimi remains one of the most dynamic fullbacks in world football, while Sofyan Amrabat gives Morocco control and aggression in midfield. Brahim Diaz adds creativity and technical quality in attack.

There are injury concerns, with Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli ruled out before the tournament, while Noussair Mazraoui is a doubt. Even so, Morocco’s squad depth gives them more resilience than most African sides have had at previous World Cups.

This Group C opener sets the tone for both teams. Brazil will want to make a statement early. Morocco will look to frustrate, absorb pressure and punish spaces on the break.

Team news

Brazil are without right-back Wesley, who suffered a muscle injury against Egypt and has been ruled out of the tournament. Ancelotti has tested alternatives in training, with Danilo and Roger Ibanez among the more likely options to cover the position.

Alisson is expected to start in goal, with Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes at centre-back. Casemiro and Bruno Guimaraes should provide the midfield base, while Raphinha, Lucas Paqueta and Vinicius Junior offer creativity and threat further forward.

The main attacking selection question is at striker, where Ancelotti must choose between Matheus Cunha, Endrick and Igor Thiago.

Brazil expected XI: Alisson; Danilo, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Sandro; Casemiro, Guimaraes; Raphinha, Paqueta, Vinicius Jr; Cunha.

Morocco are without Aguerd and Ezzalzouli, while Mazraoui’s availability remains uncertain. Hakimi and Brahim Diaz are expected to be central to Morocco’s attacking approach, with Amrabat anchoring midfield.

El Khannouss, Ounahi and Saibari give Morocco technical quality between the lines, while Yassine Bounou provides experience and authority in goal.

Morocco expected XI: Bounou; Hakimi, Diop, Riad, Mazraoui; Amrabat, El Aynaoui, Ounahi; Diaz, Saibari, El Khannouss.

Key stats

• Brazil are five-time World Cup champions.
• Brazil are ranked fifth in the world.
• Brazil won their three pre-tournament warm-up matches against Croatia, Panama and Egypt.
• Brazil scored 11 goals across those three warm-up matches.
• Brazil’s recent form: W D L W W W.
• Morocco are ranked seventh in the world.
• Morocco have won 33 of 45 matches since January 2023.
• Morocco have lost only twice since January 2023.
• Morocco’s recent form: W D W W W D.
• Brazil are without Wesley through injury.
• Morocco are without Nayef Aguerd and Abde Ezzalzouli, while Noussair Mazraoui is doubtful.
• Morocco beat Brazil 2-1 in a friendly in March 2023.
• Brazil lead the overall head-to-head record 2-1.
• This is the first competitive meeting between Brazil and Morocco.

Head-to-head

Brazil and Morocco have met three times before. Brazil have won twice, while Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023.

This World Cup Group C fixture will be their first competitive meeting. That adds an extra layer of intrigue, especially given Morocco’s recent rise and Brazil’s need to start strongly under Ancelotti.

Our prediction

Brazil have the stronger squad and the greater attacking depth, but this is not a comfortable opening fixture. Morocco are organised, confident and experienced enough to make life difficult for any opponent.

The key battle may be whether Morocco can limit Brazil’s wide threat. Vinicius Junior and Raphinha can turn tight matches with individual quality, while Paqueta and Bruno Guimaraes give Brazil control and invention in midfield.

Morocco will not be passive. Hakimi’s pace, Amrabat’s midfield presence and Diaz’s creativity give them a clear route into the game, especially if Brazil commit numbers forward.

The absence of Aguerd is significant for Morocco’s defensive structure, particularly against Brazil’s movement and speed in the final third. That could be where the game tilts.

Brazil should have enough quality to edge it, but Morocco are capable of making this a close and uncomfortable opener.

Prediction: Brazil to win a tight Group C contest at 1.66.

Frequently asked questions

What time does Brazil vs Morocco kick off in South Africa?

Brazil vs Morocco kicks off at 06:00 SAST on Saturday, 13 June 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

What is the Brazil vs Morocco head-to-head record?

Brazil lead the overall series 2-1. Morocco won the most recent meeting, a 2-1 friendly victory in March 2023. This World Cup Group C match will be their first competitive meeting.

Who is Brazil’s coach at World Cup 2026?

Brazil are coached by Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian manager who has won the UEFA Champions League five times with three different clubs.

Where is Brazil vs Morocco being played?

The match is being played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA.

What group are Brazil and Morocco in?

Brazil and Morocco are in Group C at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Who are the key players for Brazil vs Morocco?

Vinicius Junior, Raphinha, Casemiro and Alisson are key players for Brazil. Morocco’s key players include Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Brahim Diaz and Yassine Bounou.

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En République démocratique du Congo, l'opposition se mobilise contre le projet de changement de la Constitution porté par la majorité présidentielle. Elle accuse Félix Tshisekedi de vouloir se maintenir au pouvoir au-delà de son deuxième mandat qui expire en 2028. Ce vendredi 12 juin au matin, la coalition C64 voulait tenir un sit-in devant le siège du Parlement. Les autorités l’'ont interdit à cet endroit jugé « inviolable » et l'ont délocalisé. Mais l'opposition a tenu tête et les forces de l'ordre sont intervenues.

Nouveau coup pour l’Argentine après le forfait de Leonardo Balerdi, le défenseur de l’Olympique Lyonnais Nicolas Tagliafico s’est blessé à l’entraînement à cinq jours du premier match de l’Albiceleste dans le groupe J contre l’Algérie en Coupe du monde.

Retenu dans les 26 joueurs de la sélection nationale d’Argentine par le sélectionneur Lionel Scaloni pour la Coupe du monde 2026, le défenseur de l’Olympique Lyonnais, Nicolas Tagliafico souffre d’une lésion musculaire, ces dernières heures, lors d’un entraînement avec l’Albiceleste, et avait été touché lors du match amical contre le Honduras. Le joueur de 33 ans va rater les deux premiers matchs contre l’Algérie et l’Autriche dans le groupe J. L’Argentine a déjà subi le forfait sur blessure du défenseur de l’OM de Leonaro Balerdi et remplacé par Marcos Senesi.

Tagliafico, espéré pour le dernier match de poules ou les 16es en cas de qualification

Selon ESPN, la décision n’a pas été prise par le technicien Lionel Scaloni concernant un forfait définitif de Tagliafico. D’après le média argentin, TyC Sports, le staff technique de l’équipe nationale argentine espère que Tagliafico pourra disputer le match retour contre l’Autriche ou au moins être disponible en cas de qualification pour les seizièmes de finale.

The post Algérie – Argentine : Nicolas Tagliafico forfait contre les Fennecs appeared first on AfricaFootUnited.

Stormers loose forward Ruan Ackermann has been suspended for a dangerous cleanout against Leinster.

The 30-year-old has been handed a three-match ban following his red card in the Vodacom URC semi-final in Dublin.

The incident occurred in the 69th minute, with the Stormers trailing just 13-11 and still firmly in contention before they eventually lost 20-11.

DOBBO: For 68 minutes we dared to dream

Referee Hollie Davidson dismissed Ackerman under Law 9.20(a), which relates to dangerous play at a ruck or maul.

The No 8 admitted he had committed foul play that warranted a red card during the disciplinary process overseen by judicial officer Simon Thomas.

Thomas ruled that the offence warranted a mid-range entry point of six weeks before reducing the sanction by 50% due to Ackermann’s acceptance of wrongdoing and previously clean disciplinary record.

The suspension means Ackermann will miss the Stormers XXIII’s opening three Currie Cup matches against Griquas, Boland and the Sharks.

However, the ban could be reduced to two matches if he successfully completes the World Rugby Coaching Intervention Programme.

The post Ackermann cops ban for Leinster red appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.