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Andy Murray’s farewell at Wimbledon begins with loss alongside brother Jamie Murray

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Andy Murray was given an emotional farewell after his final appearance at Wimbledon began with a straight-set defeat alongside older brother Jamie in the men’s doubles.

The two-time singles champion is playing at the All England Club for the last time before retiring later this year.

“It is hard because I want to keep playing, but I can’t,” Murray, who won Wimbledon in 2013 and 2016, told former BBC presenter Sue Barker on Centre Court.

“Physically it’s too tough now. I want to play forever. I love the sport.”

The Murray brothers arrived on to Centre Court – which had not hosted a first-round men’s doubles match since 1995 – to a standing ovation.

Another followed moments after they lost 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 to Australian pair John Peers and Rinky Hijikata.

A video montage of Andy Murray’s career was played on the big screen after the match, leaving the former world number one in tears as the thousands of fans showed their appreciation in an elongated ovation.

Murray’s parents Judy and Willie, his wife Kim and two of their daughters watched on.

The former world number one thanked his family, his team members over the years and the fans for their support over the years.

Fellow Grand Slam champions Novak Djokovic, Martina Navratilova, John McEnroe and Iga Swiatek applauded from the side of the court, alongside British players Dan Evans, Jack Draper and Cameron Norrie.

Murray is set to appear again later this week, having signed up to the mixed doubles with fellow British Grand Slam champion Emma Raducanu.

“It was obviously very special to play with Jamie, we’ve not the chance to do it before,” Murray, who won the first of his three major titles at the 2012 US Open, said.

“It was a race against time to get out here and physically it wasn’t easy but I’m glad we were able to do it one time together.”



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PGA Tour: Davis Thompson wins in Illinois to secure Open spot

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American Davis Thompson carded a closing seven-under-par 64 to win the John Deere Classic in Illinois by four strokes.

His maiden win on the PGA Tour secured a debut in The Open later this month for the 25-year-old.

The overnight leader made eight birdies and a single bogey at TPC Deere Run as he finished on 28 under to seal a commanding victory.

“Qualifying for The Open was just an added incentive to this,” said Thompson.

“The goal was to win the golf tournament after getting off to a great start and I was able to finish it off.”

Chinese Taipei’s CT Pan also claimed a spot in The Open at Royal Troon by finishing joint second on 24 under alongside Michael Thorbjornsen and 20-year-old amateur Luke Clanton.

Pan took the second qualifying place that was available from the John Deere Classic courtesy of his higher position in the world ranking.

England’s Aaron Rai, who was in a share of the lead going into the third round, shot a 69 to finish on 21 under.

Compatriot Harry Hall was one shot further back after a final-round 65.



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Olympics 2024: Giannis Antetokounmpo leads Greece to spot in Paris

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Giannis Antetokounmpo will play in the Olympics for the first time after helping Greece beat Croatia to qualify for Paris 2024.

The Milwaukee Bucks superstar hit 23 points as Greece sealed a 80-69 win in front of their home crowd in Piraeus.

Greece have not qualified for the Olympics since the 2008 Games in Beijing.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” said two-time NBA MVP Antetokounmpo, who was in tears after Greece’s victory.

“Since I was a kid I always wanted to play in the Olympic Games.”

The 29-year-old, who led the Bucks to the 2021 NBA title, had not played since picking up a calf injury in April until Greece’s first match of the qualifying tournament on Wednesday.

The Athens-born power forward helped his country beat Dominican Republic before sitting out their second match as Greece defeated Egypt.

Antetokounmpo returned to help Greece beat a Slovenia side featuring Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic in the semi-final to set up the final against Croatia.

In the finals of the other men’s Olympic qualifying tournaments, Brazil beat Latvia 94-69 in Riga and Spain secured a 86-78 win over Bahamas in Valencia.

The last spot at Paris 2024 is between Lithuania and Puerto Rico, who play in San Juan later on Sunday.



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Michael Olise: Bayern Munich sign Crystal Palace winger

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Bayern Munich have signed winger Michael Olise from Crystal Palace on a five-year deal after paying a release clause of about £60m.

The 22-year-old English-born France Under-21 forward made 90 appearances in all competitions over three seasons with Palace.

He joined the Eagles from Reading for £8m in July 2021.

Chelsea and Newcastle United registered their interest in Olise earlier this summer but the winger has chosen to move to Germany, where he will work under Bayern’s new manager Vincent Kompany.

“I’m very happy to now be playing for such a big club – it’s a great challenge and that’s exactly what I was looking for,” said Olise.

“I want to prove myself at this level and play my part in ensuring we win as many titles as possible in the coming years.”

Olise scored 10 goals in 19 Premier League appearances as Palace finished 10th in the table last season.

He has been selected in the France squad for the Olympics that start in Paris later this month.

“We are hugely proud of what Michael has achieved at Crystal Palace, a club where he has developed greatly as a player,” said Eagles chairman Steve Parish.

“We respect his desire to further test himself at the highest level of world football.”

Bayern are also set to complete the signing of Fulham’s Joao Palhinha in a deal worth £42m plus £4m in add-ons.

The 28-year-old Portugal midfielder was close to joining Bayern last summer but a deal collapsed on deadline day.

England defender Eric Dier has also joined the Bundesliga club permanently after playing for them on loan from Tottenham Hotspur since January.

Bayern’s 11-year hold on the German title was ended by Bayer Leverkusen last season.

Check out our dedicated page for a full list of the summer’s transfers.



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