News

Wimbledon returns but for two champs, is this goodbye?

Published

5 years ago

June 28, 2021

After last year’s cancellation Wimbledon is back and there are storylines everywhere.

Topping the list of interest is how different it will look and feel. But the two biggest questions surround the two biggest champions.

The tournament is part of the government’s “Event Research Programme” meaning it will operate at 50 per cent capacity across the grounds, and build to full capacity crowds of 15 thousand on Centre Court for the finals weekend.

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND – JANUARY 03: Serena Williams of USA looks on in her match against Pauline Parmentier of France on day two of the ASB Classic on January 3, 2017 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

All players are in bio secure bubbles with strong protocols and will stay in central London hotels with entourages limited to 3 people.

Britain’s number one female player Johanna Konta is already out after a member of her team tested positive for Covid-19.

WILL ROGER AND SERENA GO AROUND ONE MORE TIME?

So much of the fortnight will focus on the man who’s won the tournament eight times – 39-year old Roger Federer. Will this be his last? Don’t forget he turns 40 this August.

The world number eight warmed up with another cool story. After years of injury, and last year’s cancellation, Andy Murray plays his home slam for the first time since 2017.

On the other side of the event is another 39-year old, who’s lifted the trophy seven times.

Serena Williams. Could this be the swan-song?

The world number eight has already announced she won’t be at the Tokyo Olympic Games. Tight restrictions mean she won’t be able to take her daughter with her and that’s a step too far.

THE HOTTEST PLAYER IN THE WORLD WANTS MORE.

Meanwhile the hottest player in the world Novak Djokovic is aiming to stay on course for a calendar-year grand slam. But that’s not the prize he wants most. If the 34-year old Serbian wins his sixth Wimbledon title he will draw level on 20 majors with Federer and Rafael Nadal, who is missing in London.

The Spaniard has announced he will sit out both this tournament and the Olympics before returning for the US Open in September.

As is tradition, Djokovic, the world number one, will open Centre court action in his first match. His counterpart Australian Ash Barty will hit the grass on day two.

One thing is for sure, both Djokovic and Barty will be back again next year.

But will Federer and Williams join them?

News

OpenAI prepares first consumer device amid revenue boom

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

Published

3 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

OpenAI plans to launch a screenless smart speaker by late 2026, shifting focus to hardware amid significant revenue growth.

OpenAI is gearing up to launch its first-ever consumer hardware device in late 2026. The product is expected to be a screenless smart speaker, signalling the tech giant’s move beyond software and into the world of physical devices.

The device comes after OpenAI acquired a promising hardware startup to accelerate development.

The company is also pushing a strategy to strengthen domestic manufacturing, working closely with U.S. manufacturers to secure efficient production of essential components.

Despite the progress, technical hurdles remain, especially around the device’s listening capabilities, which could delay the rollout.

This development comes on the heels of OpenAI reporting an annualised revenue of over $20 billion in 2025, representing a staggering 233% increase from the previous year. The combination of massive revenue growth and expansion into hardware marks a new era for the AI pioneer.

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#OpenAI #SmartSpeaker #AIHardware #TechNews #Innovation #Manufacturing #AIRevenue #FutureTech

News

Putin invited to Trump’s Gaza Peace Board

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Published

3 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Putin invited to U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza amid ceasefire efforts and reconstruction debates.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly received an invitation to join the U.S.-led ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza, according to the Kremlin. The council, created by President Donald Trump, is designed to maintain a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas while overseeing the region’s reconstruction.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Moscow will review the details of the invitation before responding. The board has already extended invitations to several world leaders, with some nations confirming their participation.

The proposal has sparked debate because the Trump administration reportedly requires participating nations to pay $1 billion to secure a permanent seat. Putin’s potential involvement also raises concerns, given his ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

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News

Trump escalates Greenland standoff as Europe weighs retaliation

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Published

3 hours ago

January 20, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Denmark boosts Greenland troops as Trump pushes U.S. control, prompting European leaders to seek diplomatic solutions amidst rising tensions.

Denmark has deployed additional troops to Greenland after President Donald Trump renewed his push for U.S. control of the island, linking the issue to what he claims cost him a Nobel Peace Prize.

The move has raised alarm across Europe, with leaders scrambling to prevent a fresh transatlantic crisis.

Trump has warned of tariffs against countries opposing American control of Greenland, calling the territory vital to U.S. security interests. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has privately raised concerns with Trump, while EU officials assess potential coordinated countermeasures.

Despite the rhetoric, European leaders remain cautious. With U.S. influence deeply embedded in Europe’s defence and security framework, the bloc is keen to avoid further escalation as diplomatic negotiations continue behind the scenes.

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