Oh no! Djokovic looks to have the opening point wrapped up as he moves into the net, but he misses the easy approach! 0-15, and very quickly, it’s 0-30, as he swipes at a forehand, as it lands well long. He’s off kilter at the moment, netting a backhand dropshot attempt, and Wu has a huge three break points!

Jannik Sinner dug deep with a blood-stained white trainer to snap his five-set losing streak and begin the defence of his Wimbledon title with victory over Miomir Kecmanovic.

The 2025 champion in SW19 had not played competitively since a shock second-round loss at the French Open last month and looked in trouble on day one against inspired Serbian rival Kecmanovic, especially after a painful slip in set three on Centre Court.

Sinner battled on despite blood being visible through his right Nike trainer and banished painful memories of five-set defeats to Juan Manuel Cerundolo and Novak Djokovic at majors earlier this year to triumph 4-6 6-3 6-7 (6) 6-2 6-3.

Victory in three hours and 30 minutes will answer some questions of Sinner’s durability after he had lost eight of his previous nine five-set matches, including five in a row before this nervy win.

After Sinner lost a close tight-break in set three, the four-time grand-slam winner rediscovered his best form to win five games in a row and a 31st ace of a gruelling contest helped the Italian get the better of Kecmanovic to progress into round two.

“I was a little tight at the beginning, I didn’t play my very best but I tried to get into it and it was my first official match on grass. I am very happy and a big honour to play in front of you,” Sinner said.

Quizzed on the red on his trainer, Sinner said: “No, I am good. It just seems much worse than it is!

“Actually very surprised they let me keep playing because (normally) all white and (now) a little red, but no I didn’t want to disturb. We both had a good rhythm, it was a great match from both of us and I didn’t want to take any time.

“There is a lot of nerves when you go down the stairs behind the courts and also mentally knowing it is such a prestigious court, a historic court and coming here as defending champion meant a lot. I am very happy to win the first one.”

Novak Djokovic marked his 21st appearance at Wimbledon with a late-night victory over Wu Yibing but only after a brief scare on Centre Court.

Seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic was the final act of day one of the Championships, but looked set to return on Tuesday to complete his match when Wu moved 0-40 up on the Serbian’s serve at 3-2 up in the fourth set.

However, Djokovic displayed his trademark powers of recovery to hold and then break his Chinese rival to close out an entertaining 6-4 5-7 6-4 6-4 victory, which sets up a second-round meeting with Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime raced through his tie with Alexander Shevchenko in straight sets and Daniil Medvedev produced an equally assured display to down Marin Cilic 6-1 6-2 6-4 on Court One.

Tommy Paul wasted little time on court and booked his second round spot after 73 minutes against Alexandre Muller and Joao Fonseca, the 24th seed, eased through with a straight-sets triumph over Roberto Bautista Agut.

Seeds toppled earlier in the day with Andrey Rublev dumped out after a titanic battle with compatriot Roman Safiullin, who triumphed 6-4 6-7 (6) 3-6 6-3 7-6 (12) over the 12th seed during a three-hour-58-minute battle on Court 16.

The 11th seed Casper Ruud exited after a straight-sets loss to 2021 semi-finalist Hubert Hurkacz, but highly rated teenager and 23rd seed Rafael Jodar won his first tour-level match on grass in rapid fashion against British wild card Felix Gill inside two hours.

Denis Shapovalov had to retire after he collided with a fence during his match with Pablo Carreno Busta while Camilo Ugo Carabelli also withdrew as he suffered an ankle injury in a slip versus Daniel Merida Aguilar.

A ‘red plan’ has been activated

There are at least three casualties following an explosion in Monaco on Monday (June 29). A suspect is said to be at large after being seen on CCTV dumping a backpack on Rue du Révérend Père Louis Frolla. The street is located on the border with France.

The blast, which has been described as an ‘attack’, occurred at around 9pm. Three people have been injured, two seriously. Police say the victims are Ukrainian.

Monaco prosecutor Thibault Stéphane told Le Figaro that two of the victims are in critical condition. He added that bomb disposal experts and judicial police officers were called to the scene.

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The blast is said to have happened at a residential building. Pictures and videos shared online showed debris strewn across the ground with the doorway of a building severely damaged.

National Councillor and lawyer Régis Bergonzi shared a photo from the scene saying “we stand with the victims of this tragedy”. Armed police as well as the fire service could be seen in attendance.

He wrote on Instagram: “Big explosion in Monaco tonight near plaza des Moulins, after our legislative session.

“We all stand with the victims of this tragedy, their families, and our emergency services—firefighters and police officers—who responded in record time to provide assistance.”

According to a police source speaking to BFMTV on Monday night, a ‘red plan’ was activated following the incident. Police have also reportedly said a man was seen leaving two bags outside the building at around 9pm before the explosion went off.

It is in place and is “a pre-established action strategy for a sudden event resulting in, or likely to result in, numerous casualties. It allows for a gradual increase in resources depending on the number of victims”, according to the website of the Principality of Monaco.

Charles Ange Ginésy, President of the Alpes-Maritimes Council, wrote on X: “In the face of the attack that occurred in Monaco this evening, I express my deep solidarity with the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco.

“I also extend my support to the security forces and emergency services engaged on the ground.”

A major explosion has taken place in the luxury holiday hotspot of Monaco, with at least three people reportedly injured

A powerful explosion has rocked a luxury holiday hotspot in Monaco, with officials warning that casualties are “likely” after what is being treated as a deliberate attack.

Emergency services flooded the district with reports of a suspect fleeing the scene and still being at large as of Monday evening (June 29), reports the Daily Star.

French media said the blast occurred shortly after a man was seen leaving a backpack on Reverend‐Père‐Louis‐Folla Street at around 9pm local time. Eric Ciotti, the Mayor of Nice, confirmed the incident was being investigated as an attack, describing it as a “tragedy” in a statement on X.

Monaco’s Public Security confirmed that CCTV footage captured a man placing a backpack on the ground before walking away. Members of the public then entered the area moments before the explosion.

The full extent of the injuries sustained in the blast remains unclear. After fleeing the scene, the suspect is said to have made off on foot in the direction of Beausoleil, with Monaco’s security forces now actively pursuing him.

According to AFP, the government has confirmed that at least three people have been injured, two of whom are believed to be in a serious condition. The victims are Ukrainian and Russian, according to French police.

Nice Mayor Eric Ciotti confirmed via social media platform X that the incident is being treated as an attack. He wrote: “The attack carried out this evening is a tragedy that strikes Monaco.

“Thoughts for the victims, their families, and the people of Monaco. Total support for the security forces and emergency services mobilised.”

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David Skaith welcomed former Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham setting out his plans to transfer more power out of Whitehall should he become prime minister.

Mr Burnham, who could become prime minister on July 20 if he is the only contender to replace Sir Keir Starmer, said he will lead a decade-long plan to transform Britain by devolving power to give regions the ability to control essential utilities, transport and housing.

The prospective prime minister promised to set a “new direction” for the UK, with an outpost of 10 Downing Street based in Manchester to drive his plans to rewire the British state.

David Skaith shakes hands with Andy Burnham as he arrives to deliver a speech at the People’s History Museum, Manchester, on Monday (June 29) (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

Mr Skaith said Mr Burnham’s plan “sets out the ambition and scale of change people have been calling for”.

“It’s a vision built on hope. One that puts trust, backed by investment, in the people who know their communities best to tackle the huge challenges we face. That can only be a good thing.

“What Andy has achieved in Manchester, despite resistance from Whitehall, is incredible. We can do the same here in York and North Yorkshire if we’re given the trust, powers, investment and confidence that Andy set out today.”

In his first major speech since Sir Keir announced he would be leaving Downing Street, Mr Burnham promised to give people hope for the future.

Andy Burnham delivers a speech at the People’s History Museum, Manchester, on Monday (June 29) (Image: Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

The Makerfield MP, who gave up being mayor of Greater Manchester to return to Parliament in a by-election earlier this month, said the Westminster system was “broken” and “as a result, the country isn’t where it should be”.

He said the No 10 North operation would be the “nerve centre of a rewired Britain”, redistributing power and resources across the UK.

It would, Mr Burnham said, oversee the “biggest council house building programme since the post war period”.

He also announced plans for regions to take “greater public control of essential services” including water, energy and transport.

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The proposals would bring about the “biggest rebalancing of power our country has seen”, Mr Burnham said as he promised to overcome Whitehall’s resistance to change.

“Let me say this very directly: the days of Whitehall fighting the devolution of power into the regions and nations are over for good.”

In an attempt to reassure the markets that he would not hike borrowing and taxes to pay for his plans, Mr Burnham promised his measures would be based on “the stability that comes from sound public finances” and “the discipline of our current fiscal rules”.

But he acknowledged that taxpayer-funded support would be needed to deal with the cost-of-living pressures facing households.

Promising to support reindustrialisation across the UK’s regions, he said Whitehall would be ordered to back British firms bidding for public contracts – even if this costs taxpayers more.

Local resident says: “This is a huge area to be taken out of commission for recreation”

A controversial plan for fencing around a pitch in a South Belfast park has been approved, despite local opposition.

Elected representatives at the Belfast City Council Planning Committee have agreed to an application by the council itself for works at the existing soccer pitches at Wedderburn Park Playing Fields, Belfast, BT10.

The works will involve the erection of a 2.4 metre high perimeter fencing around one existing soccer pitch and an internal 1.2 metre high spectator rail, as well as additional tree planting. The works are an attempt to enhance one of the pitches to the standard required for IFA intermediate football.

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It is an amended scheme from the initial proposal for high fences around two soccer pitches in the park. The playing fields are a council operated site with two grassed soccer pitches, within a larger area of open space.

The wider Wedderburn Park a bowling pavilion and clubhouse, gravel tennis courts, playground and car parking. The park is surrounded by residential developments.

The council received 262 representations, including 89 objections and 173 letters of support. Council officers recommended the application for approval.

Objectors raised concerns about the visual impact and the impact on the character of the area as well as the loss or reduction of open space. They also objected on grounds of the potential impact on public access and community use.

The council officer report states: “The structures are of a scale and character that would be reasonably expected at a sports pitch. The proposed scale, form, massing, design and materials are considered acceptable and will not adversely impact on local character. On balance, the proposal would not result in adverse impact on the character of the area.

“The area of the pitch site to be fenced off represents approximately 10.5 percent of the overall park. An adequate provision of recreational and open space remains in the park that is accessible to the public, and can be used by the community.”

It adds: “The proposal does not result in a loss of open space. The proposal seeks to enhance the existing recreational use in terms of managing the pitch. The proposal retains the use as existing open space and supports the continued use as a pitch as per (policy).

“The principle of use is therefore acceptable. Fencing off the pitch will not negatively impact the availability of public open space to a great degree – approximately 89.5 percent of publicly accessible open space remains.”

At the June meeting of the council’s Planning Committee, Janice Dobbin of the Wedderburn Resident’s Association said: “This is a huge area to be taken out of commission for recreation, because the purpose of this new fenced pitch is to bring it up where a team can play up to a higher standard. It will only be used for roughly half a year as a result, pushing other games to a small area to the side of the pitch, which isn’t nearly enough to meet demand.”

She said: “As one commenter said (on the Planning Portal) “A public park should not be reconfigured to serve the operational needs of a select few organisations, at the expense of wider community benefit.”

Alliance Councillor Tara Brooks said: “I am discontent with the open space policy. To my mind, when you fence in a space, it is not open, it is by definition, closed.” She said she would not put the matter to a vote, but said she could not support the application.

DUP Alderman Dean McCullough said: “I appreciate there are legitimate concerns from residents. I understand there were two pitches (to be fenced) and that was reduced from two to one, so for me that shows a willingness to compromise and engage.

“It would be very disappointing not to progress local teams to intermediate. The standard is set, and it is not set by us. It is not like the fence will be erected for the sake of it, and it is not unusual compared to other parts of the city.”

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Family-run Cavaliere welcomed its first customers on Monday, June 1, at the Durham Dales Centre in Stanhope.

The bistro café is the latest venture from the team behind Buon Appetito in Wolsingham, which has been serving customers in Weardale for more than 15 years.

After a busy first month of welcoming customers through their doors, the owners have now announced they will be launching their full menu and extending to evening opening hours.

Cavaliere at Durham Dales Centre (Image: Cavaliere)

From today (June 29), the new opening hours will be from 10am til 9pm.

Taking to social media, the owners said: “What an amazing first month. Thank you so much for all your support so far.

“We are happy to announce that from Monday, June 29, we are moving from our temporary menu and opening hours to our full menu and permanent opening hours.

“We hope to see you there.”

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

Not only will they be extending the hours but also be launching their full menu.

Owners Admir Meshi, known as Alberto, and Arsen “Sen” Shehu previously said the move into Stanhope marks the next step for their family business as they bring their brand of authentic Italian food to a new area.

He said: “What we have in Wolsingham has become more like a restaurant, where people come mainly for an evening meal.

“This is more like a bistro coffee, somewhere people can drop in during the day for a drink and a bite to eat, but then again in the nighttime.

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

Cavaliere officially welcomed its first customers on Monday, June 1 (Image: Cavaliere)

“The idea is to give people another option, whether they just want a coffee after a walk or to sit down for a proper meal.

“We want it to be a place where people feel comfortable just popping in, but at the same time we still want to offer good, proper food like we do in Wolsingham.”

During the day, Cavaliere serves a café-style menu with coffee, pastries and light bites, including traditional Italian cannoli and other pastries.

Front-of-house manager Sophie Weir, 28, said the owners saw an opportunity in the village as it is a tourist hotspot.

Cavaliere serves a café-style menu with coffee, pastries and light bites, including traditional Italian cannoli and other pastries. (Image: Cavaliere)

She said: “We realised there is not really anywhere you can go out to eat in the evening in Stanhope. With all the tourists coming in and people staying in caravans, there was a gap.

“We wanted to create somewhere people can come during the day for a coffee or something light, but also have the option of a proper meal once we are fully up and running.

“We have been really busy, with lots of new faces as well as people who know us from the Wolsingham restaurant coming to support us.”

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

Cavaliere (Image: Cavaliere)

The opening comes after the previous tearoom at the venue closed in March.

Cavaliere officially welcomed its first customers on Monday, June 1 (Image: Cavaliere)

Since opening, the new bistro has been a hit with the locals who have tried out the café in its first month.

One customer said: “At long last, Stanhope has somewhere to have great food. Went Wednesday lunchtime, no longer have to go to Wolsingham. Congratulations Cavaliere.”

While another said: “Absolutely gorgeous food when we came yesterday and the house wine was beautiful. Looking forward to sampling the full menu.”

In The Mixer’s World Cup special

Everything you need to know about the World Cup – England updates, the games to watch and stories you missed – in five minutes, at 1pm, every day.

Antalya Shawarma on Linthorpe Road was left devastated after flames ripped through the premises on Saturday, June 20, with crews called at 10.47am.

Cleveland Fire Brigade has confirmed the fire was accidental, and caused by a faulty appliance.

The major fire at Antalya Shawarma on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

The damage was catastrophic, with the site suffering 100 per cent fire destruction, with smoke and flames also spreading to neighbouring properties.

Crews remained at the scene for nearly nine hours, finally leaving at 7.43pm.

Linthorpe Road remained closed for days after while structural engineers assessed the safety of the building.

The burnt-out takeaway on Linthorpe Road. (Image: MIKE BECKETT/NORTHERN ECHO CAMERA CLUB)

In the aftermath, the heartbroken owners spoke of their loss and gratitude that no one was injured.

They said: “To our lovely customers, it’s with a heavy heart we have to share that our restaurant was destroyed by fire yesterday..

“Thankfully, no one was hurt – and that’s what matters most to us.

“Everything we built is gone, but we’re grateful to be safe. Thank you for all the love and support over the years. It means everything right now.

“To every customer who walked through our doors: thank you. For the conversations, the loyalty, the community. You made this place special.

“To every customer, and to every person who came in from the cold – thank you. You made this place a family. You made it matter.

“This place was built with our hard work, feeding people with love, treating everyone like family. The building is gone but those values aren’t.”

fire (Image: PROVIDED)

fire (Image: OLIVIA HOWLETT)

The major fire at Antalya Shawarma on Linthorpe Road, Middlesbrough (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

They added: “But this wasn’t just a restaurant. For years this was more than food and tables. Every day we served our homeless friends too. It was their home. A warm place, a hot meal, a smile, no questions asked. That was as important to us as any paying customer.

“Thank you for every meal shared, every laugh, every “see you tomorrow”. We’ll rebuild from that, one step at a time

“We don’t have answers yet about what’s next. For now we’re just processing and staying safe. We’ll update you when we know more. god bless you all.”

So this was what Brazil hired Carlo Ancelotti to bring. The Italian won the Champions League three times with Real Madrid. Each brought a crucial injury-time goal in either the semi-final or the final; at times more than one.

And so, as Bruno Guimaraes pierced the Japan defence and Gabriel Martinelli angled a 95th-minute shot into the far corner of the net, the manager with the lowest heart rate in football had seen it all before.

Ancelotti can be the king of cool, the man who does not panic. His capacity for calm thinking in pressurised situations nevertheless contributed to a comeback that extends Brazil’s hope of gaining a sixth star on their shirts. Two of his changes had a catalytic effect: first introducing Endrick for Lucas Paqueta at half-time, giving Brazil a greater attacking threat, and then summoning Martinelli to replace Matheus Cunha.

At half-time, when Japan deservedly led in Houston, the danger was that this was remembered as Brazil’s worst World Cup. They have reached the last 16, or equivalent, in every tournament, the knockouts in all bar 1930 and 1966, the final eight on each occasion after 1990. Ancelotti can be the history-maker in cup competitions, but in the right way. He may be again.

His demeanour suggests he is so laidback he is almost horizontal. Dressed in a three-piece suit, Ancelotti looked more like a dapper expert in antiques than a football coach. Yet part of his success lies in an ability to galvanise players decades his junior and with very different characters. Brazil emerged inspired after half-time. Their next quarter of an hour bore comparison with England’s 15-minute surge against Croatia. A managerial team talk led to a battering. And if Brazil then seemed to lose their momentum in the second half’s hydration break, they showed they have acquired the capacity for late drama that many another Ancelotti side has had.

They were aided, though, by Japan’s strange passiveness. The more coherent, more compelling team before the break, they retreated too soon, becoming passive, defending deep, inviting pressure, as though dragged back by an inferiority complex.

When they had a chance to make this a more global game, eliminating the only five-time winners, it instead led to a result in keeping with World Cup. Since going out to Argentina in 1990, Brazil have never lost a knockout tie to any non-European country. They have never lost one to a North American, African or Asian side. They tend to beat football’s new world when it matters.

Japan, meanwhile, are stuck in their version of Groundhog Day. They have never won a knockout tie. They have lost them in five World Cups. Normally that means the last 16; in this format, they it was the last 32. It was regression, in that respect, when the evidence of the first half against Brazil, plus their games against Sweden and the Netherlands is that, at the least, they are one of the top 16 teams and a side who could have been potential quarter-finalists.

A breakthrough result eluded them but they highlighted some Brazilian flaws, even if they were scarcely secrets. While Roberto Carlos watched on from a vantage point behind Gianni Infantino, Brazil showed they now lack high-class full-backs. Danilo gave the ball away in the build-up to Kaishu Sano’s opener. He was later booked for his inability to stop Daizen Maeda.

In midfield, Casemiro had a game of two halves. He hobbled off after 92 minutes when there was a case for substituting him after 45. What followed was redemptive. After showing his worst, he delivered his best.

Before the break, he was booked for clumsily upending Junya Ito, his propensity to go to ground when tackling again appearing a shortcoming. Then he was wading in treacle as Sano surged past him to score. He looked old and immobile: after being taken off at the break against Morocco, there were reasons to think history should repeat itself.

But Casemiro has character. And, for a defensive midfielder, he possesses an extraordinary ability to score goals. He is not merely a fine finisher. He has a striker’s instinct for an opening. He had a header brilliantly, and almost incomprehensibly, cleared off the line. He met Gabriel Magalhaes’ cross with an emphatic header to level.

He can be a big-game player, as Ancelotti knows. Casemiro was part of the team who won his fourth Champions League, in 2022. Ancelotti brought an old ally out of international exile, recalling Casemiro after a two-year absence, and made him integral again.

Compared to some of their predecessors, this Selecao side may not be blessed with options in the centre of the pitch. Ancelotti has paired Casemiro with Guimaraes. The older man scored the equaliser. The younger one set up the winner. As Ancelotti’s decisions paid off, Brazil advanced. And that, they will hope, is a sentiment they can repeat in the next weeks.