A global racket sport played in singles or doubles
Pope Leo has been maintaining a weekly tennis routine as part of his Augustinian devotion to physical activity and interior life. Reports highlight his Castel Gandolfo retreats, Africa trip in April, and public message promoting sport as a tool for peace and personal growth, while colleagues note the stamina needed for his global duties.
Players continue their protest at Wimbledon, pushing for a bigger share of tournament revenues. Wimbledon has announced a 20% prize-money increase to 364.2 million pounds, while players seek 22% by 2030 and a welfare fund. Protests include restricting pre- and post-match media duties during the first week.
Wimbledon debentures guaranteeing a Centre Court seat for five years have surged, selling for up to £380,000 in April. The market reflects growing demand and the tournament’s financing model, with buyers seeking long-term access as public demand remains strong.
A bipartisan House hearing examines private equity's role in the growing U.S. youth-sports market, warning that consolidation could raise costs for families. Lawmakers urge transparency and antitrust enforcement, while some witnesses argue capital can expand access when aligned with the mission of youth sports.
A roundup of health stories from UK outlets highlights new PSA testing insights, cancer treatment milestones, and personal journeys of patients and public figures, with emphasis on early detection, treatment progress, and resilience.
Athletes from tennis to football are expanding into business ventures after retirement. Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal are building portfolios in health, hospitality and education, underscoring a trend of athletes leveraging fame into long-term ventures. Nadal's Zel Hotels and Sharapova's Sugarpova highlight a shift toward diversified brands.
Updated Wimbledon coverage shows notable moments: Muchova advances to a potential final, Schuurs collides with a ball girl but remains in match, and de Minaur opens up on the mental toll after a loss, with Cobolli advancing further; Sabalenka exits in straight sets to Osaka.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has increased Samuel Bensoussan’s ban from one year and 11 months to three years for involvement in fixing matches in lower-tier tennis events. ITIA says investigations linked him to a Belgian crime syndicate that corrupted at least 181 players and affected 375 matches. Bensoussan’s ranking peaked at 405 in 2018 and he has not played since 2019.
The WTA has updated its women’s eligibility policy to require a one-time SRY gene test to determine biological sex. The policy, effective 2026, aligns with IOC standards and follows similar measures by World Athletics and World Boxing. No transgender players are known to compete on the WTA Tour.
Three new indoor padel facilities are underway in Scotland: Crieff Hydro’s Padel Barn opens in September; Galashiels Academy hosts a TSIT project with two covered padel courts; Cromlix Hotel features historic tennis facilities renewed for guests. The developments aim to broaden access to racket sports year-round across communities.
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.
Draper has suffered a 6-3 2-6 6-2 loss to Terence Atmane in Montreal, crying on court as arm injury recurs. He has been given a wildcard to Cincinnati and is eyeing the US Open, with his form and fitness under intense scrutiny.
The four majors have unveiled a record prize pool and new player welfare measures, including a Grand Slam Player Council and a dedicated funding stream, in response to player protests over remuneration. The US Open will host the first implementation, with substantial increases across categories, and a $2 million allocation to a new player support programme.
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.