Marco Bianchi 
World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka opened her US Open defence with a straight‑sets win over Colombia’s Camila Osorio, silencing criticism and keeping her three‑peat hopes alive. The victory, achieved at Arthur Ashe Stadium, puts her on track to become the first woman since Serena Williams to win three consecutive US Open titles.
Argentina legend Lionel Messi, 39, confirmed he is retiring from the national team. The captain, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup triumph, said he has given everything to the side and now has nothing left to give.
Serbian star Novak Djokovic was eliminated in the first round of the US Open by Argentina’s Mariano Navone. The loss left Djokovic visibly emotional, as he broke down in tears on the court.
Pakistan’s Saud Shakeel played a brilliant innings of 97 runs in the second Test against England at Lord’s, but was dismissed caught by Harry Brook off Josh Tongue’s delivery, missing out on a century. England edged closer to victory as the partnership fell short of the milestone.
Ballyspallen hosted Eglinton in a Premier League fixture when rain halted play. A broken printer meant the DLS calculation could not be completed, and under NWCU rules the home side had to concede, giving Eglinton the win. The incident highlights the importance of proper technical equipment for match officials.
Pakistan’s men’s Test cricket team will meet King Charles in the gardens of Clarence House between the second and third Tests of their England tour, after the Pakistan Cricket Board threatened to cancel the series over a controversial interview with Imran Khan’s sons. The meeting follows government advice and comes as the team continues the series despite the dispute.
MotoGP world champion Marc Marquez secured his third straight victory at the Aragon Grand Prix, extending his championship challenge. The win moved him to second in the standings, 19 points behind leader Jorge Martin, and highlighted a high‑speed overtake on Marco Bezzecchi.
Filip Hrgovic captured the world heavyweight title after an extraordinary ninth‑round knockout of Britain’s Moses Itauma at the O2 Arena in London. The victory marks a historic moment for the Croatian boxer, who became the new world champion.
Viktor Hovland leads the Tour Championship after a stellar 65 in the third round, holding a one‑stroke advantage over Ryan Gerard. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler and former champion Rory McIlroy also posted low rounds, keeping the competition tight as the event moves toward its final day in Atlanta.
Tadej Pogacar, the three‑time Tour de France champion and race leader, crashed on the eighth stage of the Vuelta a Espana, suffering a broken collarbone, concussion and other injuries. The UAE Team Emirates medical team confirmed he will need surgery and has been forced to abandon the Grand Tour, ending his bid to win all three major tours in a single season.