Morning Star international editor ROGER McKENZIE reminisces on how he became an Aston Villa fan, and writes about the evolution of the historic club over the years

ELENA RYBAKINA lived up to her billing as favourite to win Wimbledon with a ruthless 6-3 6-2 dismantling of Elina Svitolina today in the quarter-finals on Centre Court.
The 2022 champion produced a fine display of explosive hitting coupled with a rock-solid serve to end Svitolina’s hopes of a maiden grand slam triumph at the 42nd time of asking.
Rybakina struck 28 winners during a one-sided 61-minute battle with Svitolina, who was out-of-sorts two days on from an emotional victory over Wang Xinyu.
Fourth seed Rybakina wrapped up victory just as the sun started to shine with a seventh ace to march into the semi-finals.
“Yeah, really pleased with the way I played today,” Rybakina said.
“It is always tough to play against Elina, she is a great player and fighter. So, no matter the score, it was not as easy as it might have looked.
“I also don’t like it [being favourite] to be honest but definitely I have an aggressive style of play, a huge serve and it is a big advantage.
“Of course I want to go to the end but it is match by match.”