Sports
French Open 2021: How Novak Djokovic Toppled Rafael Nadal
French Open 2021: How Novak Djokovic Toppled Rafael Nadal
French Open 2021: In arguably one of the best matches of his career, top-seeded Novak Djokovic beat Rafael Nadal 3-6, 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 to end the King of Clay’s bid for a record-breaking 21st Grand Slam title and hand Nadal just his third-ever loss at Roland Garros.
We all know Nadal losing in Paris doesn’t happen often. Along with that 105-3 career record on the Paris clay, Nadal was 26-0 once reaching the semifinals at Roland Garros. But Djokovic is now the only player to beat Nadal twice here.
How did Djokovic do it? We break down the keys to this epic match in French Open 2021:
Djokovic stayed mentally strong during the early Nadal onslaught
After having two break points in the first game of the match in French Open 2021, it was like déjà vu all over again as Nadal raced to a 5-0 lead. Djokovic missed drop shots and Nadal ran everything down, just as he did in last year’s final when he dished out a bagel in the opening set en route to victory. This time, though, Djokovic pulled himself together, and even though Nadal still won the opening set 6-3, Djokovic had served notice he was there to fight.
All about the sharp angles
Djokovic grabbed the early break in the second set, only to be pegged back, but by now the world No. 1 was back into the match in French Open 2021. Using his forehand cross-court on the angle, he began to pull Nadal out of court, testing his agility and speed to the very limit. With Nadal starting to miss, Djokovic held the advantage to level the match.
A stunning third set shifts momentum
The third set in the French Open 2021 between them was absolutely stunning. The level of tennis from both men was high, if not higher, than anything either have managed in their 57 previous meetings. Both men threw themselves around to the extremes of the court. Djokovic led 5-3, but Nadal hit back and, at 6-5, had a set point before a brilliant drop shot from Djokovic to save it. In the tiebreak, Djokovic held firm to win 7-4 after 93 minutes of the most grueling, brilliant tennis.
One of the very best matches I’ve seen. Well done to Novak and Rafa. Brilliant tennis.
Massive props to Nole after digging himself out of a 0/5 hole in that 1st set.
Djokovic vs Tsitsipas for the 2021 RG title 💪
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) June 11, 2021
You cannot play better clay court tennis than this. It’s perfect. 👏
@DjokerNole @RafaelNadal @rolandgarros— Andy Murray (@andy_murray) June 11, 2021
There Is No Doubt Djokovic
Is a major Machine…
Rafa Takes Your ❤️— Cher (@cher) June 11, 2021
Throw out that curfew!
One of the hot topics of the French Open 2021 has been the mandated night curfew due to the coronavirus pandemic. After fan attendance was opened for night matches earlier in the week, officials would make the usual announcement between 10:30-10:45 p.m. local time to spectators to leave so they could make it home before the 11 p.m. cutoff. With the crowd at a fever pitch Friday night, the clock loomed as many anticipated the same call.
But, with the local curfew just minutes away, authorities announced fans would be able to remain in the stands throughout the duration, saying the decision was made due to the “completely exceptional nature of the circumstances.” The play was halted during Djokovic’s quarterfinal match against Matteo Berrettini on Wednesday to accommodate the curfew. Many fans refused to leave and chanted, “We’ve paid, we’ll stay.” Both players were brought off-court as fans were escorted out. The play resumed after a break lasting over 20 minutes in front of a nearly empty stadium.
In awe of what we just witnessed for the past 4 hours @DjokerNole @RafaelNadal forever champs!!
— Maria Sharapova (@MariaSharapova) June 11, 2021
Inspiring me to work out… @DjokerNole @RafaelNadal 👏👏👏👏👏what a match !!! #multitasking pic.twitter.com/Ahudq1LIJ3
— Chris Evert (@ChrissieEvert) June 11, 2021
Djokovic’s serve wore down Nadal
Nadal struck in the first game of the fourth set and held onto the 2-0 lead, but it was a smokescreen, as Nadal showed more fatigue as the set wore on. Djokovic held serve easily, broke back and was then almost untouchable on serve. He dropped just eight points on serve in the fourth set (including the game he lost). Nadal had nothing left, almost cramping in the final stages as his body nearly gave out. Djokovic, somehow, looked almost fresh at the end.
Sports
22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor
*22 Years After: Arsenal Clinch the Premier League Title as Prophesied by Dr Chris Okafor*
When God speaks, none of His words go unfulfilled.
Just a week ago, the Generational Prophet and popular Lagos cleric, Dr Chris Okafor, declared that Arsenal would win the 2025/26 Premier League title. Despite doubts and predictions favoring defending champions Manchester City, the prophet stated clearly that he had received the word directly from God.
On May 19, 2026, that prophecy came to pass.
After Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, Arsenal were confirmed as Premier League champions with one game to spare. It marked the end of a 22-year wait for the Gunners, whose last league title came in the 2003/04 season.
Football fans across the globe are now congratulating Arsenal Football Club on their historic victory. For many believers, it’s another reminder that true prophecy still speaks today.
Dr Chris Okafor is one of the well-known prophets who many say hears directly from God. With this fulfillment, he joins the list of voices whose words have come to pass on the global stage.
By Sunday Adeyemi
Society Herald
Sports
PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*
*PROF. MONDY SELLE GOLD ANNOUNCES SERVICE OF SONGS FOR LATE MOTHER, MA BEDAGBERE JENNIFER GOLD*
_A Life Celebrated: Family and Community to Honor 114 Years of Legacy in Newark, New Jersey_
*NEWARK, NEW JERSEY* — Prof. Mondy Selle Gold, Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, has announced the _Service of Songs_ in honor of his late mother, *Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold (nee Ozikozi), Amaokosuere of Torugbene*, who passed away at the age of 114.
In a public statement, Prof. Gold wrote with a deeply reflective heart to invite family, friends, well-wishers, and members of the Ijaw diaspora community to a sacred gathering celebrating the life, quiet strength, and enduring love of the matriarch.
_“This sacred gathering, set aside to celebrate her life, her quiet strength, and the enduring love she shared so generously, has been scheduled as follows,”_ Prof. Gold stated.
The Service of Songs is scheduled to hold on *Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM* at the *Abundant Grace Christian Center (The Newark Foursquare Church), 708 Bergen Street, Newark, NJ 07108*. And her Burial is slated on 12th -14th July 2026
A reception will follow immediately after the service at the same venue.
The family has indicated that the dress code is optional, suggesting *formal black or white, or all-white attire* in celebration of Ma Bedagbere’s life.
*A Life of Legacy and Cultural Significance*
Ma Bedagbere Jennifer Gold, fondly remembered as _Amaokosuere of Torugbene_, lived 114 years marked by resilience, faith, and generous love for family and community. As a matriarch and custodian of Ijaw cultural values, she was widely respected for her wisdom, humility, and unwavering commitment to her family and people.
Her passing has drawn condolences from across the Ijaw diaspora and beyond, with tributes highlighting her role as a pillar of strength and a unifying figure within the community.
Prof. Gold humbly requested the prayers, presence, and spiritual support of all attendees as they gather _“to celebrate a life well lived and a soul now at rest in the Lord.”_
_“With sincere love and gratitude,”_ Prof. Gold concluded in his announcement.
*About Prof. Mondy Selle Gold*
Prof. Mondy Selle Gold is the Chairman of the Ijaw Diaspora Council and a prominent voice in diaspora advocacy, politics, cultural preservation, and community development for Ijaw people worldwide. He also serves as the Chairman of the Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) in the United States, where he continues to champion engagement between the diaspora and homeland development initiatives.
Sports
University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue
University Farms Urged to Drive Innovation, Boost Revenue
A former Director in the Directorate of Environmental Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Dr. Akinpelu Basiru Ojo has called for the transformation of university farms into centres of innovation and sustainable revenue generation.
Dr. Ojo made this call at the 2026 Pre-Season Farming Seminar organised by the Directorate of University Farms (DUFARMS), held recently at FUNAAB.
While delivering his keynote address on the theme of the seminar, “The University Farm as an Incubation Ground for Innovation and Revenue Generation,” Dr. Ojo noted that university farms have evolved beyond their traditional roles into dynamic hubs for research, entrepreneurship, and industry collaboration.
He identified key areas where university farms could drive innovation, including research and development, student entrepreneurship, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He further urged DUFARMS to explore opportunities in commercial agricultural production, value addition and agro-processing, consultancy services, research partnerships, agritourism, and intellectual property commercialisation.
Highlighting potential challenges confronting university farms, the former Director listed inadequate funding, weak industry linkages, climate change, environmental risks, and limited commercial orientation. He, however, proposed strategies for optimisation, including the adoption of agribusiness models, integration of modern technologies, strengthened partnerships, promotion of student-led enterprises, and the development of sustainable value chains.
Reflecting on the evolution of DUFARMS, Dr. Ojo paid tribute to past Vice-Chancellors, beginning with the pioneer Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nimbe Adedipe, whose vision led to the establishment of the University Farm. He also acknowledged milestones recorded under successive administrations, including the expansion of cashew and oil palm plantations, as well as the establishment of processing facilities for value addition.
He further commended the contributions of past and present staff, alongside former students who have attained notable academic positions, encouraging staff to uphold discipline, integrity, and continuous professional development.
As part of his recommendations for future growth, Dr. Ojo proposed the establishment of crop collection plots, revival of underutilised crops, exploration of cashew nutshell liquid production for revenue generation, and expansion of tree crop plantations such as cashew and oil palm.
Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, who declared the seminar open, emphasised the importance of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in achieving institutional objectives. He described the seminar as timely and essential, noting that the University was established not only for teaching and research but also for meaningful community engagement, particularly in supporting farmers to enhance productivity.
Prof. Kehinde also commended DUFARMS for its efforts, especially its introduction of value addition initiatives, and urged staff, particularly in livestock production, to scale up activities in poultry, beef, pork, and egg production to improve the visibility and impact of the University Farms.
The seminar concluded with a renewed commitment by participants to reposition DUFARMS as a hub for innovation, practical training, and sustainable revenue generation, in line with global best practices.
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