American tennis icon, 23 major titles, Olympic champion, influential sports figure
Germany’s Alexander Zverev has defeated Ben Shelton to win the US Open men’s final, securing his second Grand Slam title of the year and career. Shelton’s breakthrough run ends in four sets, extending the American men’s Grand Slam drought to 23 years. Zverev’s victory comes after a tense final that saw Shelton force a fourth set before capitulating.
Wimbledon updates unfold as top seeds face shocks and schedule changes. Alexandra Eala has upset Iga Swiatek, Elena Rybakina exits in a tight finish, and Elise Mertens advances, reshaping the women’s draw as Centre Court hosts key matches.
Arthur Fery has advanced to the Wimbledon men’s semi-finals as a wildcard, defeating Flavio Cobolli in straight sets to continue his historic fairytale run. He will face Alexander Zverev in the next round, while British fans celebrate a rare deep run by a homegrown player.
Two Czech finalists are set to compete in Wimbledon 2026 after dramatic semi-finals. Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova have reached the final, with Noskova defeating Marta Kostyuk and Muchova surviving a battle with Coco Gauff to claim a spot in the showpiece. The weekend promises a first-time Wimbledon women’s champion from the Czech Republic.
Linda Noskova wins the women’s singles final, becoming the youngest Wimbledon champion since 2011, as Karolina Muchova pushes her to the limit in a dramatic final. Jannik Sinner also claims the men’s title in a long, grueling 4-set showdown against Alexander Zverev. The event features Arthur Fery’s breakthrough wildcard run and Serena Williams’ return to singles at 44.
Jannik Sinner has retained his Wimbledon men's singles title, beating Alexander Zverev 6-7(7), 7-6(2), 6-3, 6-4 on Centre Court. The world No.1 has claimed his fifth Grand Slam and his second consecutive Wimbledon crown after recovering from a shock French Open exit last month.
Britain’s Wimbledon run is contrasted by a worrying pattern: a wild card’s surprise semi-final runs mask a wider lack of sustained success. The sport’s centre of gravity remains abroad and domestic grassroots funding is under scrutiny.
The White House has released a July Fourth report criticizing the Smithsonian’s portrayal of American history as biased toward activism. President Trump has issued an executive order directing sidewalk signs outside the Smithsonian and a temporary exhibit to present what he calls accurate information, while Smithsonian leadership defends ongoing scholarship and a fuller account of the nation’s story.
Riders have been tested between 11pm and 6am as part of the ITA anti-doping programme, with Pogacar and Vingegaard among those subjected to late-night tests. The practice, described as unusual and disruptive by some, is intended to combat micro-dosing and maintain integrity as the race progresses toward the Alps.
Refugee-hosting states have tightened controls and pushed a limited repatriation plan while Rohingya camps in Bangladesh are reporting worsening conditions. Malaysia has begun screening Myanmar nationals for a 5,000-person return scheme and has detained and processed groups of Rohingya; rights groups warn returns could put people at risk. Cox's Bazar refugees are protesting and aid cuts are worsening hunger.
Valeria Luiselli’s Fourth novel Beginning Middle End follows a narrator touring Europe with her daughter, searching for a narrative arc. Critics note episodic chapters and fragmented structure, yet the work probes memory, myth, and family across Sicily, Germany, and the Netherlands. The narrative struggles to cohere, but it remains a sharp meditation on storytelling itself.
Serena and Venus Williams have received a wild-card entry to compete in the doubles at the Cincinnati Open, marking their first doubles pairing since the 2022 US Open. The event runs in Mason, Ohio, from early next week, with Venus also entering the singles draw.
The WTA has instituted one-off mandatory gene-testing for all players to compete at the 2028 Olympics, aiming to distinguish biological sex from gender identity. Players including Sabalenka have supported the policy, while critics warn of privacy and rights concerns. The policy has drawn comparisons to other sports and sparked debate about transgender athletes in competition.
Beijing 2022 gold medallist Eve Muirhead has revoked her retirement and is returning to curling. She will partner Bobby Lammie in mixed doubles this season as British Curling targets Alpes 2030, after serving as Team GB’s chef de mission at Milan-Cortina 2026.
A BBC Business report notes rising use of weight-loss drugs in 2024-25, with a focus on male users and safety concerns, while other outlets explore personal journeys with GLP-1 medications and gut health trends.
Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula will meet in the Cincinnati women’s final, the first all-American showdown there in 56 years, after Pegula defeats Swiatek and Gauff defeats Bejlek. On the men’s side, Frances Tiafoe faces Arthur Fils in a historic final—the first Cincinnati Masters 1000 final with two Black players. Winners will headline the US Open build-up.
Czech qualifier Sara Bejlek has upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Cincinnati, rallying from 5-1 down in the first-set tiebreak and saving two set points to win 7-6(7) 6-4. The result puts Elena Rybakina’s hold on the top ranking in jeopardy as she can replace Sabalenka at the summit by reaching the final.
The US Open has announced Serena Williams will partner Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles main draw. The pair will compete in the revamped two-day, 16-team format with a $1 million prize. Williams is not planning singles, while Alcaraz is returning from a right wrist injury.
Jannik Sinner has withdrawn from the US Open due to a knee injury. The world No. 1 has not played since Wimbledon and is choosing rest over competing in New York this year. The tournament seeding will shuffle accordingly, with Alcaraz and Zverev set as top seeds.
Carlos Alcaraz has returned from a wrist injury to play in the US Open, teaming with Serena Williams in the mixed doubles. The news follows his four-month absence from singles and Williams’ comeback after a hiatus. The event adds star power to the Open, with other high-profile partnerships and a large field across both singles and doubles.
The Guardian and AP News report that 22-year-old Frenchman Arthur Fils wins the Cincinnati Open, defeating Frances Tiafoe to become the first Masters 1000 final featuring two Black players. Fils overcomes a tense match, dominating late to capture his first Masters 1000 title and rising into the top ranks of the ATP race.
Roger Federer has been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport after a storied career that included 20 Grand Slam titles. In the run-up, he has performed exhibition matches in New York, signaling a lasting legacy beyond competition and underscoring his impact on fans and the sport.
Serena Williams has reunited with Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open for mixed doubles, marking her first appearance on the New York hardcourt since 2022. The revamped format pairs star singles players with doubles specialists, a move that has drawn criticism for prioritising star power over specialists. The pair won their opening match but were eliminated from the later rounds, reflecting both Williams’ comeback and the format’s mixed reception.
At the US Open, Karolína Muchová and Jakub Menšík have won the mixed doubles title, with a renewed emphasis on singles players amid the revamped format. The event drew big crowds and featured high-profile appearances, including Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz, though several doubles specialists exited early.
The Williams sisters have been granted a wildcard to compete in the US Open doubles, reuniting after their last New York appearance in 2022. Serena has returned to tennis this summer and will not play singles, while Venus is entering singles and doubles as she pursues a continued comeback. The duo will begin their campaign in New York in early September, with the doubles final scheduled for 11 September.
Wawrinka has been granted a wild-card entry to the 2026 US Open after Patrick Kypson withdrew, allowing the 41-year-old to bid farewell on tennis’ biggest stage in New York.
Muchova and Mensik clinch the mixed doubles title at the US Open, beating Bencic and Cobolli in a deciding 10-point tiebreak after saving two match points in the semi-finals. The duo wore matching maroon outfits and celebrated a first Grand Slam title for both players, continuing a strong pre-US Open run in women’s and men’s events.
A wave of updates surrounds the US Open: Aryna Sabalenka seeks to regain form after a string of early exits; Coco Gauff defends a high ticket demand situation; Eala’s rise continues as she headlines Philippines fans’ support in New York.
Sabalenka has expressed concern over the smell of cannabis drifting onto Louis Armstrong Stadium during her third‑round win at the US Open. She has called for greater awareness around the stadium area as players continue their campaigns for a third consecutive title. Other top players are also advancing, with Alcaraz and Medvedev confirming progress to the fourth round.
The 17-year-old Frodin, who has a background in film as Serena Williams’ body double, is making her US Open singles debut after earning a wildcard via the USTA Girls’ 18s National Championships. She is facing Elena Rybakina in New York, with prior matches in qualifying and on the doubles side.
Carlos Alcaraz has overcome a wrist injury to win his match in four sets, switching to a skin-tight vest to fix a wardrobe malfunction. He advances to the next round, with Medvedev, Pegula, and others also progressing; Djokovic suffers a shock first-round exit.
Aryna Sabalenka has retained focus at the US Open, addressing questions about off-court activities while stressing that training and mental strength drive her. She is preparing for the next rounds after a dominant performance, with analysts noting the evolving landscape as rivals push for top rankings.
Coco Gauff has reached the fourth round in New York while Iva Jovic eyes another deep run, with both Americans standing in the way of a potential quarterfinal clash and a growing U.S. tilt at the tournament.
Aryna Sabalenka has signaled a smoking incident at the U.S. Open, saying “Someone is smoking weed,” as she faced Kamilla Rakhimova. The moment occurred with Sabalenka up 2-0 in the first set; play continued after the umpire’s response. The incident highlights ongoing concerns around smoke near the site amid a smoking-prohibited environment.
Serena and Venus Williams, aged 44 and 46, have fallen short in a dramatic first-round doubles match at the US Open, losing 6-3 6-7 (6) 7-6 (7-6). The return, highly anticipated, showcased their enduring talent and sparked questions about their futures. Joint and Chan Hao-ching edged them out in a nail-biting decider at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The reports synthesize coverage of Sydney Sweeney’s Novig ad campaign and the ensuing criticism from female athletes. The ads feature Sweeney in minimal clothing with sports props, aiming to promote Decisive Sports betting platform Novig. See coverage from the Independent, CNBC, CNBC and the New York Post for reactions and context.
Carlos Alcaraz has reached the US Open fourth round after beating Tommy Paul in straight sets, extending his majors winning run to 18. He faces Ben Shelton or Stefanos Tsitsipas next as he continues his comeback from a four-month wrist injury.
Coco Gauff has reached the US Open quarter-finals after a gripping comeback over Mirra Andreeva, extending her current winning streak and moving closer to a fourth major semi-final before potential world No. 1 status.
The Independent reports Clarkson has announced remission after aggressive prostate cancer treatment with high-intensity ultrasound. He says he will continue checking annually, but he is choosing joy and life’s small pleasures. He also recently won a TV award for Clarkson’s Farm.
England's rugby union head coach Steve Borthwick has had his contract extended past the 2028 Six Nations to provide certainty ahead of next year’s World Cup in Australia. The RFU says the move will allow time to decide leadership beyond the tournament while backing the team if they perform well in Australia.
Sabalenka has reached the final seeking a third straight US Open title, while Rybakina eyes a first, after Ripyabkina victory over Gauff. The final will test Sabalenka’s dominance and Rybakina’s continued rise as rankings clash.
Keely Hodgkinson wins the 800m at Athlos London in 1:56.40, wearing Nike’s all-black speed suit designed to reduce drag and regulate temperature. The event, outside New York for the first time, features an all-women format with a Tiffany crown and a $65,000 prize for winners. The season-ending meet aims to spotlight female athletes and redefine track and field’s spectacle.
The US Open is drawing attention for more than tennis this year as influencers in the stands are transforming the spectator experience. Longtime fans accuse content creators of disrupting play with ring lights and live filming, while organizers note growing engagement and a changing marketing landscape.
Alexander Zverev has won his second major, defeating Ben Shelton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 5-7, 6-2 to deny Shelton a maiden US Open title and keep American men without a Grand Slam since 2003. Zverev seals the year’s major haul after a breakthrough season that included the French Open title.
Elena Rybakina has moved to world No. 1 after defeating Aryna Sabalenka en route to winning the US Open final. Rybakina seals the top ranking while Sabalenka ends the year without a Grand Slam title, after a season of high drama and new milestones.
Elena Rybakina has won the US Open, defeating Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 5-7 6-2 to become the new World No. 1. The victory caps a breakthrough year that included an Australian Open title and a Wimbledon triumph, while Sabalenka ends the season without a Grand Slam title. The outcome also ends Sabalenka’s long run atop the rankings and sets up a fresh chapter in their rivalry.
Novig’s Sydney Sweeney campaign has triggered a wave of criticism from athletes and commentators who say the nude-to-minimal advertising sexualises women’s sport. The campaign is defended by Sweeney and Novig, who say it focuses on sport, not bodies, and leverages the attention for the platform’s bets on outcomes.
Sydney Sweeney’s latest campaign for a sports-predicting site has sparked outrage over the objectification of women in sports marketing. Critics say the ads monetize the female body, while supporters argue the star’s branding boosts engagement and dollars for the rapidly growing prediction market sector.
Swiss brand On has entered football, signing Kylian Mbappé and appointing Thierry Henry as football director. The deal comes as Nike ends its long-running association with Mbappé. On plans its first football boots next year and mbappe will be an equity holder; the move signals a strategic diversification for the running-focused brand.