World number one Aryna Sabalenka offered to share her £844,000 prize money with Jessica Pegula after defeating the American in the Miami Open final.
The Belarusian secured a straight-sets 7-5 6-2 victory to claim the prestigious title in Florida.
It marked her third consecutive championship win over the hometown favourite following recent victories at the US Open and Cincinnati Open.
Displaying remarkable empathy during the trophy presentation, the reigning women’s champion apologised to her defeated rival.
A dominant rivalry
“First of all Jess, I’m so sorry, for real,” the four-time Grand Slam winner said post-match.
“If I could share the trophy with someone, trophy, prize money, points, everything – I would definitely share it with you.”
The 27-year-old went on to praise the world number five for consistently elevating her performance during their encounters.
“You’re an incredible player, you always push me so hard to play my best,” she added.
“Continue doing what you’re doing and I’m pretty sure we’re going to play many more finals.”
Pegula praises world’s best
Despite enduring another final defeat on home soil, the American runner-up was quick to commend her conqueror.
“Three finals, it’s… I really, really don’t want to like you right now,” she joked during the ceremony.
“But you’re the best player in the world for a reason.”
The world’s top-ranked player has enjoyed a phenomenal start to the current season.
She reached the Australian Open final in January before lifting the Indian Wells trophy earlier this month.
Meanwhile, her Florida-based rival recently bounced back by claiming the Dubai Championships title in February.
Three Tottenham Hotspur fan groups have urged the club to abandon any potential appointment of Roberto De Zerbi due to his previous public support for forward Mason Greenwood.
Spurs are currently navigating a severe slump, suffering five defeats in their last seven matches to leave them threatened by Premier League relegation.
Interim head coach Igor Tudor remains under mounting pressure, though no final decision has been made on his future as he deals with the recent passing of his father.
Speculation has increasingly linked the permanent managerial vacancy to the 45-year-old Italian tactician, who departed Marseille in February.
Fan backlash over Greenwood comments
The strong opposition from supporter groups Proud Lilywhites, Women of the Lane, and Spurs Reach centres entirely on the former Brighton manager’s time working with Greenwood in France.
The English attacker was charged with attempted rape, controlling and coercive behaviour, and assault occasioning actual bodily harm in October 2022.
Those charges were subsequently dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service in February 2023 after key witnesses withdrew their involvement.
During their time together at the Ligue 1 club last November, the coach controversially described the player as a “good guy” who had paid a “heavy price” for his situation.
Values and identity in question
LGBTQI+ supporters network Proud Lilywhites issued a strong statement declaring that appointing the out-of-work manager would fundamentally contradict the core values of the North London institution.
“When someone in that position publicly defends a player like Mason Greenwood, and frames it in a way that downplays the seriousness of what happened, it matters.”
The group emphasised that off-pitch integrity and inclusivity cannot be compromised or treated as secondary to footballing results.
“We are asking for accountability, transparency and leadership that reflects the values this club claims to stand for.”
Women of the Lane echoed these sentiments, highlighting the severe distress the managerial speculation is causing among female supporters and allies within the fanbase.
Summer assessment remains likely
Despite the growing ‘No to De Zerbi’ campaign, an immediate arrival in the capital appears highly improbable for logistical reasons.
It is understood the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss is unwilling to accept a mid-season rescue mission and intends to evaluate his options during the summer transfer window.
Manchester City face the daunting prospect of replacing influential captain Bernardo Silva this summer, as speculation mounts over the long-term futures of both the 31-year-old and manager Pep Guardiola.
The Catalan manager has orchestrated an unprecedented era of dominance at the Etihad Stadium, with his most trusted lieutenant remaining a constant presence throughout.
When the skipper lifted the Carabao Cup following a brilliant victory over Arsenal at Wembley on Sunday, it marked his 18th piece of silverware since arriving from Monaco in 2017.
While he may lack the traditional spotlight of club icons like Sergio Aguero or Vincent Kompany, his remarkable achievements will undoubtedly cement his status as a legendary figure upon his eventual departure.
An unbreakable managerial bond
A profound mutual respect exists between Guardiola and his captain, which proved instrumental in the Portuguese midfielder being handed the armband following Kevin de Bruyne’s exit.
Guardiola openly expressed his admiration for the 31-year-old earlier this campaign, admitting he holds a distinct weakness for a player who remained dependable even during a difficult previous season.
That challenging period saw the Premier League champions finish third in the table, failing to secure a major trophy for the first time in nearly a decade.
“He has had a massive influence on my career, and he has a special affection for me.” – Bernardo Silva
Unmatched reliability and elite work rate
The former Monaco playmaker is just one game shy of reaching 450 appearances across all competitions for the club.
Remarkably, every single one of those matches has come under Guardiola, making him the most selected player by the ex-Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.
Although his attacking output stands at a modest three goals and five assists this term, his relentless work ethic and elite leadership qualities remain invaluable to the team.
The tireless midfielder has covered a staggering 304.9km in the top flight this season, alongside an unmatched squad-high carrying distance of 5,094m with the ball at his feet.
Earning praise from peers and pundits
Of all top-flight players to register over 1,200 minutes this campaign, only four can better his relentless average of 12.17km covered per 90 minutes.
Even a recent dismissal for a deliberate foul against Real Madrid in the Champions League failed to draw criticism from his manager, who simply defended the red-card offense as a purely instinctive reaction.
Former City midfielder Michael Brown highlighted the veteran’s crucial impact following the recent cup triumph over Arsenal.
“He is a brilliant player; infectious, clever and cute.” – Michael Brown
Sixth-seeded Tennessee produced a dominant rebounding display to upset second seeds Iowa State 76-62 in Chicago and reach their third consecutive Elite Eight on Friday.
Nate Ament spearheaded the scoring with 18 points, while Ja’Kobi Gillespie added 16 to keep their team’s Final Four dreams alive.
A formidable performance on the glass proved decisive as the Volunteers ruthlessly outrebounded their opponents 43-22.
Absence of Jefferson proves costly
Iowa State clearly struggled to fill the void left by injured star Joshua Jefferson.
The All-America forward, who averaged 16.4 points and 7.4 rebounds this season, sustained a tournament-ending injury during their March Madness opener against Tennessee State.
Despite his absence, Nate Heise and Tamin Lipsey fought valiantly to keep the Cyclones competitive by contributing 18 points each.
A tense first half concluded with Rick Barnes’ side clinging to a narrow 34-33 advantage after Felix Okpara converted two late free throws.
Carey powers second-half surge
The contest broke open following the interval when the sixth seeds orchestrated a decisive 13-4 scoring run.
Jaylen Carey emphatically capped this momentum shift with a crucial three-point play off a tip-in.
The imposing 6ft 8in forward turned to the roaring crowd and flexed before sinking his free throw to establish a commanding 14-point lead with 11 minutes remaining.
Okpara provided essential support in the paint, chipping in with 12 points and 10 rebounds to secure a crucial double-double.
Wolverines await in regional final
Victory moves the university within just one win of a historic first Final Four appearance.
They will face top seeds Michigan in Sunday’s Midwest Region final after the Wolverines comfortably dispatched Alabama 90-77.
Los Angeles Lakers star Luka Doncic faces an automatic one-game suspension after picking up his 16th technical foul of the NBA season during Friday’s game against the Brooklyn Nets.
The MVP candidate was penalised following a third-quarter physical altercation with Nets forward Ziaire Williams.
Crew chief Sean Wright assessed double technical fouls after an offensive foul was called with just over five minutes remaining in the period.
Video replays showed the Lakers playmaker pushing Williams, who subsequently retaliated by swiping at his opponent’s face.
Pending appeal and recent reprieves
If the NBA upholds the decision, the mandatory ban will be served when the Washington Wizards visit Los Angeles on Monday.
An overturn appears highly unlikely given that officials reviewed the baseline incident extensively before confirming the penalties.
The reigning Western Conference Player of the Week recently escaped a similar suspension last weekend.
League officials rescinded a technical awarded for a verbal altercation with Orlando Magic centre Goga Bitadze following a successful Lakers appeal.
Costly absence during stellar run
Any enforced absence would severely disrupt a phenomenal run of form for the Los Angeles talisman.
He has averaged an astonishing 39.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over his past 11 appearances.
This prolific scoring streak has driven a dominant sequence of results, with the franchise winning 10 of those recent matchups.
Second-seeded UConn survived a dramatic Michigan State fightback to secure a 67-63 victory in Washington and set up a blockbuster Elite Eight clash against Duke in the NCAA tournament.
Tarris Reed Jr scored 20 points and Alex Karaban added 17 as Dan Hurley’s side navigated a tense finish in Friday’s Sweet 16 encounter.
The Huskies squandered an early 19-point advantage but held their nerve from the free-throw line during a frantic final minute.
Karaban calmly converted a crucial one-and-one opportunity with 22.5 seconds remaining to establish a three-point cushion.
Spartans fall short after spirited comeback
Michigan State had trailed 25-6 in the opening stages after succumbing to a devastating 15-1 run fuelled by the perimeter shooting of Malachi Smith, Solo Ball and Jaylin Stewart.
However, the third seeds demonstrated remarkable resilience, eventually taking a 45-44 lead midway through the second half following a Jaxon Kohler three-point play.
The East Lansing outfit’s momentum was ultimately undermined by their struggles from distance, shooting just four of 16 from beyond the arc.
Carson Cooper missed a vital late free throw for the Spartans with under five seconds remaining, allowing Reed to secure the rebound and seal the contest from the charity stripe.
Heavyweight showdown awaits against Duke
Victory ensures the defending national champions will face top seeds Duke in Sunday’s East Region final.
The Blue Devils booked their place in the regional showpiece following a narrow 80-75 triumph over St John’s in Friday’s opening matchup.
Sunday’s highly anticipated encounter brings together two of college basketball’s most storied programmes and will carry the intensity of a Final Four showdown.
It will also serve as a rematch of the iconic 1999 national championship game, which saw the Connecticut-based institution claim their first national title.
Newcastle United plan to sign a new striker in the upcoming summer transfer window despite spending £125m on forwards Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade last year.
Manager Eddie Howe was forced to overhaul his attacking options after the £130m departure of star striker Alexander Isak.
The Magpies subsequently recruited Wissa and Woltemade, but both players have experienced mixed fortunes during their debut campaign on Tyneside.
According to recent reports, the North East outfit will now re-enter the market for a traditional centre-forward at the end of the season.
Mixed fortunes for recent arrivals
The club’s hierarchy anticipates that both current forwards will remain at St James’ Park for the next campaign.
Wissa’s progress was severely hampered by a knee problem that kept the DR Congo international sidelined for the first half of the season.
Meanwhile, Woltemade initially impressed in front of goal before frequently being redeployed into a midfield role in recent weeks.
Coaching staff reportedly intend to restore the versatile forward to a central attacking position next season.
Howe backs attacking duo
The club are also understood to be evaluating the market for a new goalkeeper to further reinforce their defensive ranks.
Despite the impending search for reinforcements, the Newcastle boss remains publicly supportive of his current attacking contingent.
Speaking prior to a recent Tyne-Wear derby defeat to Sunderland, Howe explained why he expects both players to prove crucial in the closing stages of the season.
“Every player wants to play the biggest games.”
“Nick has had a lot of football this year. I thought he played really well against Chelsea.”
“They’re in different circumstances. I wouldn’t put them together. Yoane has had a big injury and I’ve said many times here I don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.”
The Los Angeles Dodgers were presented with their 2025 World Series championship rings during a pregame ceremony on Friday to celebrate the franchise’s first back-to-back titles.
The historic rings commemorate their recent triumph over the Toronto Blue Jays, which culminated in a thrilling Game 7 victory.
This latest achievement marks the Californian powerhouse’s third major league championship in the span of just six years.
Ohtani and Betts lead the celebrations
Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani led the festivities, removing his new piece of jewellery from a high-tech blue box that played video highlights of last year’s postseason run.
The acclaimed designated hitter then placed the ring on his finger and raised a triumphant fist to the cheering home crowd.
Shortstop Mookie Betts, who now boasts four championship rings across his spells with Los Angeles and Boston, jogged down a blue carpet with a beaming smile.
Kershaw returns for emotional tribute
World Series MVP Yoshinobu Yamamoto received the loudest ovation of the night, while Freddie Freeman was serenaded with chants by the passionate home support.
Franchise legend Orel Hershiser initially took the mound for the ceremonial first pitch before stepping aside for the recently retired Clayton Kershaw.
The legendary pitcher, who called time on an 18-year career with the organisation last season, tossed the first pitch before receiving his ring from former teammates.
Intricate details of the championship rings
The stunning 14-karat yellow gold bands are studded with diamonds and sapphires, notably featuring a unique ring-within-a-ring design.
Each bespoke piece even contains actual dirt gathered from the home plate during that decisive Game 7 victory over Toronto.
The classic interlocking LA logo is crafted from 17 blue sapphires, purposefully matching the exact number of postseason games the squad won en route to glory.
An engraving of “Back 2 Back” sits proudly on the right side, while the exterior band displays the number 4,012,470 to signify the club’s phenomenal 2025 home attendance.