Marco Bianchi 
Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime suffered a second‑round defeat at the US Open, losing to unseeded Karen Khachanov in four sets. The Canadian, a two‑time US Open finalist, was knocked out after a strong first set but could not recover, following the earlier exit of Novak Djokovic. Khachanov credited the win to his performance and suggested Auger‑Aliassime may have been dealing with physical issues.
Naomi Osaka overcame a second‑set slump to beat Katerina Siniakova in three sets at the US Open, securing a place in the third round and setting up a clash with Elise Mertens. Meanwhile, former champion Iga Swiatek comfortably advanced after defeating Nadia Podoroska, while other notable matches saw Madison Keys survive a scare against Anna Bondar.
Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli has left Arsenal after seven years to join Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal on a £60m guaranteed transfer. The move comes after manager Mikel Arteta told him he was not in the club’s plans, and Martinelli expressed pride in his new club during the unveiling video.
Carlos Queiroz returned to lead the Ghana Black Stars after a short stint away, with the Ghana Football Association confirming his re‑engagement. He will now prepare the team for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Women’s boxing legends Claressa Shields and Amanda Serrano honoured the career of Irish boxer Katie Taylor, who is set to retire after her scheduled bout with Flora Pili. The tribute highlights Taylor’s impact on the sport as she prepares for her final fight.
During his second‑round match at the US Open, Daniil Medvedev was briefly delayed when two birds perched on the net. He shrugged off the incident and comfortably beat American wildcard Sebastian Gorzny to advance to the third round.
Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill expressed optimism that the Irish Football Association’s planned national training centre at Galgorm, near Ballymena, will move forward and be ready by 2028. He also addressed the ongoing knee injury of Liverpool defender Conor Bradley, indicating a realistic return for the Nations League could be the March 2027 international break. The article highlights the potential benefits of the facility for all national teams, including senior, under‑age and women’s squads.
The International Equestrian Federation announced that it will no longer require Russian and Belarusian riders, horses and officials to compete as neutral athletes, ending a ban imposed after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The decision also allows future FEI competitions to be staged in Russia, opening the path for these athletes to represent their country at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Former Down hurler Stephen Keith suffered a cardiac arrest while training at a gym in Portaferry. Quick CPR and defibrillation by his training partners, including Barry Milligan, saved his life. Keith now urges communities to learn CPR and install defibrillators.
Scotland striker Ross Stewart has suffered a quad soft‑tissue injury that will keep him out of Swansea City’s next four Championship matches. The 30‑year‑old has only made one substitute appearance since joining the club on a three‑year deal, and head coach Vitor Matos hopes he could return during the international break.