James O'Brien 
Coco Gauff said her game has transformed since hiring coach Gavin MacMillan, crediting him for restoring confidence in her serve and forehand and for mental shifts that let her play without regrets. The changes have propelled her to a ninth consecutive straight‑sets win and a US Open quarter‑final appearance, marking her 12th major quarter‑final.
World number one Zhao Xintong was beaten 4-2 by England’s Oliver Lines in the opening round of the English Open, despite making two century breaks. Lines compiled breaks of 77 and 84 to clinch the match and will face Yuan Sijun in the last‑32. The result was highlighted as a major upset in the tournament.
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone was halted by Portuguese police at an airport in Cascais after arriving with a shotgun for a clay‑pigeon competition. He said he was not arrested, handed over the gun, and praised the officers for their help.
American tennis player Ben Shelton celebrated a straight-sets win over Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open and immediately headed to the practice courts to fine‑tune his game. He discussed his preparation ahead of a high‑profile quarter‑final clash with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Taylor Townsend was eliminated in the fourth round of the 2026 US Open by Aryna Sabalenka, falling 6-4, 6-3. In the post‑match press conference she lauded Sabalenka as a phenomenal competitor and said the experience motivates her to keep improving. Townsend remains in the women’s doubles draw, aiming for a career Grand Slam.
World number one Luke Littler claimed the Czech Open title in Prague, overcoming defending champion Luke Humphries in a 7-6 final. The 19‑year‑old also defeated Krzysztof Ratajski, Danny Noppert and Michael van Gerwen en route, earning £35,000 and a spot at the European Championship in Dortmund.
The Women’s Super League has launched an investigation after Crystal Palace Women used four substitution windows in their 1-0 victory over Everton at the Borough Sports Ground, breaching the league’s limit of three. The league will work with both clubs and the referee body Pro Ref, and any sanctions could range from a warning to a points deduction.
Britain’s Gemma Stevens claimed her first victory at the prestigious Burghley Horse Trials, the biggest win of her career after 31 attempts at five‑star level. Riding Chilli Knight she posted a faultless show‑jumping round and finished on a dressage score of 29.6, beating a field that included Katie Magee and Caroline Pamukcu.
Great Britain and Ireland staged a dramatic comeback at Lahinch, Ireland, overturning a 4‑0 deficit after the morning foursomes to beat the United States 13.5‑12.5 in the Walker Cup. The victory marked GB&I’s first Walker Cup win since 2015 and featured decisive singles performances from Josh Hill and Stuart Grehan.
Everton rallied from behind twice to draw 2‑2 with Manchester United at Goodison Park. The comeback was completed in stoppage time when Ainsley Maitland‑Niles netted a dramatic equaliser, earning a point for the home side.