Blogs

EMMA RADUCANU has opened up on her relationship with Carlos Alcaraz.

Last week it was announced that the superstar pair will be teaming up for the revamped US Open mixed doubles event in August.

Shutterstock Editorial

Raducanu, 22, watched Alcaraz in action at Queen’s on Saturday[/caption]

Shutterstock Editorial

The British No1 beamed as she took in the action[/caption]

Raducanu, 22, set tongues wagging as she headed to Queen’s on Saturday to cheer on her new doubles partner at the swanky West London club.

And SunSport has since revealed that the “spark” between Alcaraz and Raducanu was the “talk of Queen’s” last week.

The British No1 missed the Spaniard’s victory over Jiri Lehecka on Sunday as she had headed to Eastbourne to play in her final event before Wimbledon.

Speaking before her round one match against Ann Li, Raducanu lifted the lid on her partnership with Alcaraz.

After the world No2 joked that Raducanu “took a while” to give him a response, she said: “I mean, of course, I had to ask my team if they wanted me to play.

“But for me, when he asked me, I was going to say yes, I just had to kind of go through the formality of asking my coach, so I didn’t just make the decision.”

When it was put to Raducanu that fans have frequently joked that she and Alcaraz are “destined for each other”, the British star laughed and replied: “I’m glad the internet is having fun and we’re providing entertainment for everyone.”

On how they became friends, Raducanu added: “I’ve known him for years and actually in Wimbledon 2021 it was like kind of the first time I started getting to know him, and I had a good run there and then also again in the US Open in 2021.

BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK

Getty

Raducanu and Alcaraz have long had a good relationship[/caption]

Getty

The British star is in Eastbourne for her final event before Wimbledon[/caption]

“And I remember he was always playing the day before me and I was playing like the second day of the round.

“And I would see him win and then I would have motivation to win and get myself into that position too.

“And I remember he beat Stef [Tsitsipas] in the third round and it was like a big win, his breakout kind of win on a big stage and it was really cool to kind of, I guess, go through that tournament together and then I kept going through the US Open, but we were staying in touch for the whole time and yeah, it’s nice.”

Throughout her career, Raducanu has shown a tendency to rely on people that she knew prior to her US Open success.

This has been particularly notable in her coaching choices, with the world No38 often returning to former trainers and confidantes Mark Petchey, Nick Cavaday and Jane O’Donoghue.

Further lifting the lid on her connection with Alcaraz, Raducanu went on: “We have a good relationship still. He’s obviously overtaken me a lot, but it’s nice that we have that from a while ago.

“I think for all of us, we really kind of value those connections that we had from when we were young because when you become a bit more known or a bit more successful, you just find yourself reverting back to people you knew from a young age because you’re like, that’s a real genuine connection.

“Because it becomes very busy and you have a lot more friends but the ones that you’ve known for a long time mean a lot more to you.”

Raducanu will take on American Li in round one at Devonshire Park this afternoon.

Should she triumph, the home favourite will face Australia’s Maya Joint in round two – with a potential rematch with her Wimbledon conqueror from last year Lulu Sun awaiting in the quarter-finals.

Getty

Raducanu is set to be in Eastbourne action this afternoon[/caption]

AFP

The world No38 has been working with Mark Petcher at Devonshire Park[/caption]

NOTTINGHAM FOREST’S Premier League clash against Brentford on the opening day of the season has been moved.

The fixture list was only announced last week but an amendment has already been made.

Alamy

Nottingham Forest vs Brentford has been moved[/caption]

Brentford’s visit to Forest was originally pencilled in for Saturday August 16, but will now take place a day later.

That is because of a double header of cricket event The Hundred at Trent Bridge, located a stone’s throw from the City Ground.

The decision has been made to move the match to avoid massive crowds descending on the city centre.

THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..

The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.

A JAPANESE manufacturer is set to launch a hybrid version of one of their legendary models, offering a smoother, more comfortable ride with a 48V mild-hybrid system.

Toyota have shared plans for its new electric Land Cruiser, which is set to compete with rival off-road motors.

Jayson Fong

Toyota have revealed plans for the new electric Land Cruiser[/caption]

Jayson Fong

The SUV is ideal for off-roading, being able to wade through up to 700mm of water[/caption]

According to Autocar, the SUV uses the same electrified diesel powertrain as the mild-hybrid Hilux, combining a 2.8 litre four-pot with an electric motor-generator and a 48V battery. 

Toyota said: “The benefits include a smoother, quieter and more responsive engine stop-start system and smooth, linear and powerful acceleration from start-off.” 

The manufacturer continued by explaining that this set-up takes up less room than the full-hybrid arrangement seen in their other models, meaning neither the Land Cruiser’s bodywork nor drivetrain needed significant modification. 

They added: “The system in no way compromises the Land Cruiser’s ability to operate in extreme conditions and rough terrain.

“The all-new Land Cruiser combines the model’s long-established strengths of quality, durability and reliability with new technologies.

“Built on a new Toyota Global Architecture body-on-frame platform, it has even greater strength to tackle challenging conditions while delivering composed, reassuring on-road behaviour.”

It also emphasised that the high-mounted and waterproofed motor-generator means it can still wade through water up to 700mm deep, making the SUV ideal for off-roading.

The motor recuperates energy under deceleration to charge the 48V battery, which can then supplement the engine under acceleration and power the stop-start system. 

According to Toyota, this results in smoother acceleration, improved efficiency and enhanced ability to tackle off-road obstacles. 

While prices are yet to be confirmed, the first examples are reportedly due at the end of the year. 

Toyota explained that all Land Cruiser models will use the new MHEV powertrain in the UK, including the freshly revealed Land Cruiser Commercial. 

The new motor will initially use the non-electrified version of the diesel powertrain and is differentiated from the passenger car only by the absence of rear seats to make way for a 2000-litre load bay. 

The Land Cruiser is set to rival the Land Rover Discovery Commercial, which is set to hit the market in August with a starting price of £52,729.17.

Toyota has also recently hinted that it is finally bringing the long anticipated GR Corolla to the UK. 

The motor is reportedly expected to go into production next year at the manufacturer’s Derbyshire plant, in a bid to satisfy lengthy wait lists.

Jayson Fong

The car will offer an alternative to the Land Rover Discovery Commercial[/caption]

Jayson Fong

Prices are yet to be confirmed[/caption]

Thai police apprehended 43 year old man in Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, and charged with fraud and providing false information to a computer system. The suspect, Patcharat, linked to a call centre gang in Poipet, was preparing to enter the monkhood to evade legal consequences. The arrest yesterday, June 23, followed an …

The story Thai scammer caught before monkhood escape attempt as seen on Thaiger News.

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte’s reply to the articles of impeachment did not appear to be the bloodbath that she was earlier looking for, as the country’s second-highest official wanted the complaint to be declared void, prosecution spokesperson Antonio Bucoy said. Bucoy, in an online briefing on Tuesday said that Duterte’s Answer Ad

A FIRE has ripped through a Jaguar Land Rover factory with eight fire engines rushing to the scene.

Smoke has been seen filling the skies around the site in Birmingham with 50 firefighters from nine different stations tackling the blaze.

BPM

Emergency services rushed to the site this morning following reports of a fire[/caption]

BPM

Smoke from the a Jaguar Land Rover site could be seen from miles around[/caption]

Emergency services were called to reports of a fire in the Castle Vale area early this morning.

The extent of the fire is not yet known and no injuries have been reported at this stage.

West Midlands Fire Service confirmed the fire had been extinguished shortly after 9.30am.

In an update, a spokesperson for the service said: “Firefighters will remain at the scene to extinguish hotspots whilst ventilation takes place.”

Earlier this morning, the fire service posted a statement that read: “Shortly before 8.15am on Tuesday (24 June), we responded to Chester Road in the Castle Vale area of Birmingham.

“Eight fire engines, three 4×4 brigade response vehicles and a hydraulic aerial platform are in attendance, crewed by around 50 firefighters.”

They added: “This is a fire at a vehicle manufacturing plant.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are tackling the blaze.”

A driver passing the site captured images and said the blaze could be spotted from miles away.

“There was a load of smoke coming from the building, going right up into the sky,” they told Coventry Live.

“I noticed it from miles away and then as I got closer realised it was the JLR building.”

West Midlands Police and West Midlands Ambulance Service have been approached for comment.

BRIT drivers are snapping up budget hot hatches that offer big performance for small money – and you can too.

We’ve picked 10 of the best on sale right now for under £5,000, including everything from iconic VWs to snazzy Mazdas and track-ready tearaways..

Citroen DS3 Racing (first generation)

Alamy

This example’s going for only £4,495[/caption]

Originally planned as a 1,000-car special, the DS3 Racing ended up being built in double that number thanks to sky-high demand.

Even so, it’s still a rare find.

With just over 200bhp, firmed-up suspension and carbon fibre accents, it’s a serious bit of kit – and this example’s going for only £4,495.

Volkswagen Golf R32 (Mk5)

Alamy

This one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body[/caption]

A hot hatch legend.

The Mk5 R32 packs a six-cylinder punch and sounds glorious all the way to its 6,800rpm redline.

Expect 247bhp, 236lb ft of torque and 0–62mph in just 6.5 seconds.

Best of all, this one slips under the £5k mark – or go retro with the same engine in a Mk2 body.

Mazda 3 MPS (second generation)

Alamy

HT3W1E 2012 Mazda 3 MPS Artist: Unknown.[/caption]

Loud looks meet serious firepower.

The Mazda 3 MPS comes with a turbocharged 2.3-litre engine chucking out 256bhp.

Add in stiffer suspension, upgraded dampers and a limited-slip diff, and you’ve got yourself a proper street sleeper.

Vauxhall Corsa VXR (E)

As British as a Sunday roast.

This hot Corsa has been slammed to the ground, fitted with aggressive body mods, and wears smoked lights and an Airtec windscreen sticker.

It’s a loud, proud VXR that doesn’t try to blend in – and that’s the point.

Ford Focus ST (third generation)

Getty

The 2011 Amsterdam motorshow was running from April 12 until April 23, in the RAI event center in Amsterdam[/caption]

This metallic blue ST-3 is listed at £4,980 – and it’s a lot of car for the cash.

Inside, you get Recaro leather seats, illuminated buttons and a boost gauge.

It’s covered 112,500 miles but still looks sharp. If you want something even wilder, how about a Martini-liveried XR2 track car?

Renault Clio 172 (X65)

Don’t be fooled by its modest 172bhp.

This featherweight Phase 3 has been stripped, lightened and track-prepped with race seats, harnesses and a fire extinguisher.

At just 900kg, it feels twice as fast as it is – and it’s yours for under £3,000.

Audi S3 (second generation)

YouTube

One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint. Classy and quick.[/caption]

A grown-up hot hatch with serious grunt.

The second-gen S3 puts out 261bhp and 258lb ft from a turbocharged four-cylinder, good for 0–62mph in under six seconds.

One version even comes with a six-speed manual and lashings of silver paint.

Seat Leon Cupra R (second generation)

Handout

Seat Leon Cupra R, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged[/caption]

This one’s got some miles – 153,000 to be exact – but it’s a high-spec gem.

Quilted leather, red calipers, 19in wheels and a 261bhp turbocharged engine make it a compelling pick.

Volkswagen Scirocco R (third generation)

Handout

Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence[/caption]

You’ll need to haggle hard to get it under budget, but the Scirocco R remains one of the best-looking hot hatches of the modern era.

Long bonnet, sleek lines, serious presence.

Wildcard: Vauxhall Astra GSI (third generation)

check copyright

The Vauxhall Astra GSi 16v, has a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp[/caption]

A red-top slice of Nineties nostalgia.

This Astra GSI started life as a lowly Merit but now sports a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated lump putting out 150bhp.

IRISH shoppers are racing to Lidl to get their hands on some must-have gadgets to keep you cool all summer long – and prices start from €5.99.

As temperatures reach 27C across the country, the bargain supermarket has everything you need to keep yourself cool.

Getty

Lidl Ireland has released a range of fans and air condition units[/caption]

Lidl Ireland

These summer staples are perfect for keeping cool as temperatures soar[/caption]

Lidl Ireland

Prices start at only €5.99[/caption]

To start, Lidl is releasing a desk fan for only €19.99.

This compact unit includes three speed settings and an optional 85° oscillation function.

Its adjustable tilt angle lets you direct airflow exactly where it’s needed, while its measurements are 46 x 34 x 24cm, making it suitable for desks, counters or bedside tables.

What’s more, It even comes with a three-year guarantee.

Next up is a 76cm tower fan for €29.99.

It features three fan speeds and a 90° oscillation setting to help cool larger areas.

There are also three different modes: normal, natural and sleep.

Its slim build makes it easy to fit into corners or tight spaces and timer function is included, along with a remote control for your convenience.

This fan is geared toward those looking for a quieter, more versatile cooling option this summer.

Lidl is also offering small portable fans at €5.99 each, or two for €10.

Despite their size, they include three fan speed settings and a tiltable head.

Each one runs on a rechargeable battery and they’re lightweight and easy to carry, making them ideal for use on the go.

Whether you’re travelling, commuting or heading to the beach, they’re a handy option to keep cool as temperatures soar across the country.

A portable air cooler is also available at Lidl, now reduced from €17.99 to €12.99.

It’s designed for personal use, with a 700ml water tank that can run for up to seven hours.

The cooler has three air speed settings and includes a dimmable LED mood light.

It cools and humidifies, offering a different effect from a regular fan and it comes with a built-in carry handle so you can move it between rooms.

Like most of the range, this unit also includes a three-year guarantee.

ON SALE

Finally, Lidl Ireland has released a 65W portable air cooler, now €49.99, down from €59.99.

This model includes three cooling and speed settings, plus a timer function ranging from 1 to 15 hours.

The 4L water tank is removable for easier refilling and cleaning.

It comes with automatic horizontal oscillation, manual vertical tilt adjustment and a remote control – making it suitable for living rooms or bedrooms.

These bargain buys are a big hit, so savvy shoppers must act fast.

Lidl Ireland

Some of the items are now on sale[/caption]

Thailand’s tourism industry is navigating choppy waters yet again as a fresh wave of geopolitical unrest rattles its international clientele. With Israel’s sudden strike on Iran, markets that once promised an influx of sun-seekers and sand-lovers now contemplate whether they might have to shelve their plans. The anticipation of bustling walks through Thailand’s scenic vistas or cultural monuments is threatened with potential dips from key regions like the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. What was once coined as “hope markets” for 2023 may now see a significant retreat in visitor numbers. Thienprasit Chaiyapatranun, the no-nonsense President of the Thai Hotels Association (THA), paints a stark picture: tourist numbers from these regions could falter by as much as 10%. In a more pessimistic turn, we could witness plunges nearing 20%, with the Middle Eastern jet-setters being most affected if the political climate worsens. The High Season, stretching from June…

On a seemingly ordinary day off the coast of Surat Thani, a tragic incident unfolded with heart-wrenching consequences. Picture this: a fishing vessel, filled with the unmistakable scent of salty sea air, fell victim to a fierce conflagration, ultimately claiming the life of a crew member. It all commenced on June 23, at the stroke of 3 PM, when Vice Admiral Nares Wongtrakun, the astute director of the 2nd Naval Area Command, took swift action. He tasked Captain Natthaphon Sinphunphon, the diligent deputy director of the Surat Thani Maritime Enforcement Command Centre, to deploy the high-speed rescue vessel, Sornchon 4003. This rapid response came after a distressing call from the vessel’s owner, reporting that the fishing boat, Chotaphinan 15, had succumbed to a raging fire while operating in tandem with Chotaphinan 56. Imagine the scene: coordinates marked an ominous 9°39.794’N and 99°26.073’E, roughly 13 nautical miles adrift from Tha Chang…