Italy was the scene of some of Europe's biggest protests over last weekend against Israel's continued offensive in Gaza, which was sparked two years ago when Hamas militants crossed the border to attack Israeli communities.

In response, the national rugby unions of Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, England, Scotland, France and Italy said in a joint statement on Tuesday that players who joined the R360 project would make themselves ineligible for national team selection.

Monday's teaser video was a clear reference to James first famous choreographed "Decision" in 2010, when he stoked anticipation about his future before announcing he was leaving the Cleveland Cavaliers to join the Miami Heat in free agency.

The 2021 US Open champion received medical attention five games into the second set.