Around the Betting Planet: Novak’s walk of shame

US

Djokovic disqualified from US Open

Novak Djokovic was undefeated in 2020 heading into the US Open. However, during the year, he’s faced criticism for multiple incidents. Despite the negativity, he was still ranked no.1 and was the favorite to win the men’s singles title at Flushing Meadows.

To add to the narrative surrounding Djokovic, he’s now been disqualified from the US Open tournament. After losing on serve during his fourth-round match against Pablo Carreno Busta, he hit a ball in frustration that struck a line judge in the throat.

The incident led to Djokovic defaulting from the competition and losing his ranking points. He has also received two fines: one for the incident, and another for not attending his press conference.

UK

Man City players test positive for COVID-19

The much anticipated 2020/21 English Premier League season is due to start on Saturday, September 12, with Manchester City among the favorites to take the crown. However, the team announced this week that two players have tested positive for the coronavirus.

Aymeric Laporte and Riyad Mahrez are both asymptomatic and following the necessary self-isolation protocols. Man City have been permitted to sit out the first week of the EPL due to Champions League commitments that resulted in a late end to the 2019/20 season. The team’s first league game of the new campaign is schedule for September 21.

Africa

Zimbabwean footballer uses degree to land contract

Gabriel Nyoni, a Zimbabwean forward, used his marketing degree to promote himself and land a spot in the Cape Umoya United squad. The youngster tweeted a video of his career highlights and asked fans to share it.

Nyoni gained attention from clubs across Africa and Europe. Prior to his promotional video, he was already in talks with the Cape Umoya team. Despite interest from multiple clubs, he claimed that he prioritizes loyalty and proved it when he signed to the South African second-tier team.

Europe

French underdog wins Italian GP

AlphaTauri driver Pierre Gasly caused a massive upset when he won the Italian Grand Prix at Monza on Sunday. His victory ended the domination of Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, with the latter enduring a torrid season.

After a turbulent 18 months, the driver took some time to reflect on his accomplishments. During the Spa-Francorchamps, Gasly was named the fans’ driver of the day after placing eighth. That was his first official race following the death of a long-time friend, Anthoine Hubert, who was killed at the Belgian track last year.

South America

Trinbago Knight Riders reach CPL final

The Trinbago Knight Riders have made it through the Caribbean Premier League undefeated, winning 10 out of 10 matches played. That table-topping efforts set up a semi-final clash with Jamaica Tallawahs on Tuesday, when TKR took their winning streak to 11.

In the other semi-final, the St Lucia Zouks made a statement when they rolled the Guyana Amazon Warriors for only 55 and chased it down inside five overs. TKR and the Zouks will square off for the title on Thursday, September 10 at Tarouba, Trinidad.

Australia

Bledisloe Cup postponed

As Melbourne battles a second wave of COVID-19, the Bledisloe Cup has been postponed. It seems likely that Brisbane, which was scheduled to host the second match of the Test series, will now host both games.

This isn’t the first event that the Victorian capital has had to cancel this year, and might not be the last. The Australian Grand Prix was axed in March, and it’s unclear whether the Boxing Day Test against the Indian cricket team will go ahead later this year.

New Zealand

Are professional sports at risk?

Top sports administrators in New Zealand have made claims that professional sport will be in serious trouble if the borders don’t open soon. There are fear that if international teams aren’t permitted to tour NZ, the country’s sporting franchises might not survive.

The closed borders have serious financial implications for the sporting industry and the economy as a whole. Executives are concerned that the burden will eventually trickle down to domestic teams and events. Netball, cricket and rugby officials have urged the government to allow international groups to tour the country in 2020’s last quarter.