FLAMENGO IDOL, ZICO REVEALS TO ADRIANO HOW HE ALMOST TOOK HIM TO PLAY IN Türkiye

João Fonseca continues to impress the tennis world with his above-average talent and maturity. This Wednesday (2), the 18-year-old beat American Jenson Brooksby 3 sets to 1 , with partial scores of 6/4, 5/7, 6/2 and 6/4, in 3h13min, and advanced to the third round of Wimbledon. With the result, he became the youngest to reach this stage in the men's draw of the English Grand Slam since 2011, when Bernard Tomic, then 18 years and eight months old — two younger than João —, reached the quarterfinals.

STAND OUT AMONG BRAZILIANS

With his victory over the world number 101, Fonseca also became the first Brazilian to reach the third round of Wimbledon since Thomaz Bellucci in 2010. In addition, he equaled his best performance in a Grand Slam, repeating his recent feat at Roland Garros, just over a month ago.

Currently ranked 54th in the world, the Rio native will face Chilean Nicolás Jarry, former number 16 in the ranking and currently 143rd, in the next round. His opponent also won this Wednesday, beating American Learner Tien (62nd) by 3 sets to 0 (6/2, 6/2 and 6/3).

THE GAME

Fonseca began to pressure Brooksby's serve in the first game, but it was the American who held serve. The Brazilian responded aggressively , held serve and, in the fifth game, took advantage of his first break chance to open up an advantage. Even under pressure, the youngster remained calm and saved two break points in the eighth game before closing the set at 6/4.

In the second set, the balance was even greater. João lost two break points in the opening game and the players continued to hold their serves until the score was 5-5 . In the twelfth game, Brooksby had three set points and converted the last one, closing at 7/5 and tying the match.

After a brief trip to the locker room, Fonseca returned refreshed. He broke Jenson's serve in the first game and dominated the set , opening up a 3-0 lead. Despite conceding a break, he regained control and closed it out at 6/2, retaking the lead in the match.

In the fourth and decisive set, the balance returned. Fonseca won a break in the fifth game and opened up a 4/2 lead, but wasted chances to extend his lead. Brooksby took advantage of the moment and returned the break, tying the score at 4/4 . João's response was immediate: another break and victory on his own serve, sealing the 6/4 and an unprecedented place in the third round of the traditional English tournament — in his first appearance on the sacred grass of Wimbledon.

The Brazilian women's volleyball team demonstrated superiority over the United States this Thursday (5), at Maracanãzinho, in Rio de Janeiro, by winning by 3 sets to 0, with partial scores of 25/18, 25/17 and 25/19. With brilliance from athletes from Sesc Flamengo , the match was valid for the second round of the Nations League (VNL), and the individual highlight was the outside hitter Ana Cristina, who scored 20 points. The match marked another positive result for Zé Roberto Guimarães' team, which remains undefeated in the competition.

The game started off evenly, with the Americans reacting to a better start from Brazil. After the United States came from behind to lead 8-7, the Brazilian team showed strength in its defense and took the lead again. The comeback came with a solid performance in blocking , which neutralized the opponent's attacks and provided a sequence of important points, sealing the set at 25-18. The fans present in the gym boosted the Brazilians' performance in the decisive moments of the set.

ANA CRISTINA SHINES AND HOLDS THE ADVANTAGE

With a forced serve and a well-positioned block , Brazil once again opened up an advantage early in the second set. Even with a brief reaction from the Americans, who drew level at 18-17, coach Zé Roberto's timeout was effective in reorganizing the team. Ana Cristina stood out with powerful attacks and secured crucial points. The team extended its dominance and closed the second set with authority, 25-17.

The third and final set followed the same script as the previous ones. Brazil imposed a strong pace from the first minutes and took advantage of the opponent's offensive errors to open up an advantage on the scoreboard. With the team confident and maintaining consistency in the tactical system, the set was conducted calmly until the end. With 25 to 19 on the scoreboard, the National Team confirmed the victory by 3 to 0 , ending the duel without any scares.

BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM FACES GERMANY

The Brazilian National Team's next match in the Nations League will take place this Saturday (7), against Germany, again at Maracanãzinho. The team is looking to maintain its momentum in the competition and secure a good position in the overall standings . With consistent performances and players on the rise, Brazil remains one of the favorites for the title.

The president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), Ednaldo Rodrigues , participated on Wednesday night (14) in the official dinner preceding the opening of the 75th Ordinary FIFA Congress . The ceremony was held at the historic Palacio de los López, the seat of the Paraguayan government, in Asunción, bringing together global football leaders and political authorities.

ILLUSTRIOUS PRESENCES

The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Paraguay, Santiago Peña, as well as delegates from FIFA ’s 211 Member Associations and members of the Council of the world body. Also present were the presidents of the main football confederations: Alejandro Domínguez (CONMEBOL), Victor Montagliani (CONCACAF), Aleksander Čeferin (UEFA) and Lambert Maltock (OFC).

Palmeiras president Leila Pereira and Tocantinense Football Federation president Leomar Quintanilha accompanied Ednaldo at the event . The CBF president also met with members of the FIFA Council, the organization's main executive body responsible for implementing Congress decisions and outlining global strategies for the development of football. Ednaldo has been a member of the Council since 2023.

EVENT SCHEDULED FOR THIS THURSDAY

The 75th Ordinary FIFA Congress will be held this Thursday (15), in Asunción, and marks the beginning of a significant period for the continent, with important events such as the FIFA U-20 World Cup – Chile 2025, the FIFA Women's World Cup – Brazil 2027 and the commemorative games of the centenary of the FIFA World Cup in 2030, which will be held in Uruguay, Argentina and Paraguay.

The Congress will be attended by around 2,500 people, including managers, special guests, leading figures from world football, media representatives and experts.