World number one Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the Cincinnati Open fourth round in just 54 minutes, while fourth seed Daniil Medvedev lost his cool during a shock defeat.
The Belarusian top seed did not face a single break point during her emphatic 6-1 6-3 victory over China’s Wang Xinyu.
She dropped just six points across eight service games and fired 17 winners during a flawless performance on the hard courts.
It represents her most comfortable victory in recent weeks following an early exit in Canada and a fourth-round departure at Wimbledon.
“To get this win in under an hour is an insane result and I’m so happy to be through,” the 28-year-old said.
“I think I really trusted myself and I was going for my shots without overthinking.”
Ranking battle and major preparations
The world number one will now face Czech player Sara Bejlek for a coveted spot in the quarter-finals.
Her commanding form arrives at a crucial time as she prepares to defend her title at the upcoming US Open.
However, her position at the summit of the women’s game remains under intense pressure from Elena Rybakina.
The Australian Open champion must reach the Cincinnati final to maintain any hope of surpassing her rival in the global standings.
Medvedev unravels after missed chances
In the men’s draw, Daniil Medvedev failed to capitalise on a commanding position against American Brandon Nakashima.
The Russian fourth seed squandered three vital match points at 5-4 in the second set before completely unravelling.
Nakashima survived the late onslaught to snatch the tie-break before dominating the deciding set to seal a shock 6-7 (3-7) 7-6 (7-4) 6-1 triumph.
Frustrations quickly boiled over for the defeated star, who aggressively hurled his racquet at the electronic advertising boards.
He proceeded to kick a courtside screen and knocked over several broadcast microphones to compound a dismal display featuring 51 unforced errors.
“Down match points, I was just trying to tell myself to keep fighting for every point,” Nakashima said.
“I’m super happy with the level in the third.”
The Milwaukee Brewers equalled Major League Baseball’s modern-era record for the largest shutout victory by dismantling the Seattle Mariners 22-0 on Tuesday night.
The major league-best Brewers matched their own franchise record for runs scored in a single game.
Since 1901, only two other teams have achieved a 22-0 win, with Cleveland last managing the feat against the New York Yankees in 2004.
The 1975 Pittsburgh Pirates are the only other franchise to share this remarkable milestone following their thrashing of the Chicago Cubs.
Home run barrage overwhelms Seattle
Jake Bauers sparked the scoring in unconventional fashion against starting pitcher Bryce Miller during the first inning.
The first baseman doubled and subsequently survived a close play at the plate when Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh dropped the ball on a slide.
Christian Yelich then extended the advantage to 6-0 with a towering three-run homer in the fifth inning.
The offensive onslaught continued relentlessly into the sixth as David Hamilton delivered another three-run blast.
Bauers swiftly followed with a two-run shot of his own to stretch the lead to 11-0.
Position players forced to pitch in late rout
Milwaukee capitalised further in the eighth inning when the struggling visitors resorted to putting infielder Leo Rivas on the mound.
The National League Central leaders piled on nine more runs against the makeshift pitcher.
That late rally included a memorable milestone for Luis Lara, who launched the first home run of his major league career.
On the mound, starting pitcher Kyle Harrison secured his tenth win of the season by restricting the Mariners to just two hits over five innings.
Brewers catcher Gary Sanchez even completed the combined five-hitter by pitching a scoreless ninth inning with deliveries clocking under 40 mph.
A competitor has died following a two-bike crash during Tuesday’s Manx Grand Prix qualifying session at Cruickshanks on the Isle of Man.
The incident occurred on the opening lap of the evening run, prompting organisers to immediately red-flag the event at 18:50 BST.
A second rider involved in the collision suffered minor injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Noble’s Hospital.
Neither individual involved in the Ramsey accident has been publicly identified by race officials.
Multi-agency investigation launched
The road between Ramsey Bus Station and Lheaney Road remained closed for more than three hours while emergency services attended the scene.
Event organisers confirmed the tragedy with profound sadness, stating that standard operating procedures had been enacted.
“In accordance with the event’s standard operating procedures, a multi-agency investigative process is now underway.”
“Our thoughts are with the competitors, family and friends of those involved, who have asked for privacy at this time.”
Weather disruptions and earlier incidents
Tuesday’s schedule represented only the second day of track action for the mountain course event, which runs in parallel with the Classic TT.
Heavy rain showers had previously forced the complete cancellation of Monday’s planned practice sessions.
The prestigious motorsport gathering had already experienced significant disruption during Sunday’s opening runs.
That initial session was cut short following a red-flag incident involving Italian racer Salvatore Sallustro, who was taken to hospital for treatment.
Qualifying on the historic 37.7-mile circuit is scheduled to continue daily until Saturday, with racing slated to conclude on 28 August.
Chelsea defender Benoit Badiashile has arrived in Italy to undergo a medical ahead of a loan move to Serie A side Napoli.
The 25-year-old is nearing a temporary switch that includes a £23m option for the Italian club to make the deal permanent next summer.
The Blues are expected to receive an initial loan fee of £2.5m for the centre-back.
Footage broadcast by Sky Italy captured the former Monaco player leaving Naples airport in a taxi to complete his mandatory health checks.
Struggles for form and fitness
He had earlier been photographed travelling on a private jet alongside his agent, Mounir Sidhoum.
Since arriving at Stamford Bridge in 2023, the Frenchman initially impressed before falling down the pecking order due to recurring fitness issues.
He has not made a competitive appearance since completing extra time during an FA Cup victory over Wrexham in March.
Chelsea defensive reshuffle continues
It has been a busy transfer window for the West London club, who have bolstered their backline by signing Maxence Lacroix, Marcos Palestra and Pep Chavarria.
The outgoing defender follows in the footsteps of former team-mate Trevoh Chalobah, who recently sealed a transfer to Serie A rivals Como.
Napoli will be hoping their new acquisition can help bridge the gap to reigning Italian champions Inter Milan.
The Azzurri finished 11 points adrift of the title winners as runners-up during the previous league campaign.
Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Jamal Musiala has collapsed on the pitch for the second time in a week after being substituted on during a pre-season friendly against Heidenheim.
The 23-year-old fell to the floor just minutes after entering the field and was immediately escorted away by medical staff.
This alarming incident follows a similar scare during a recent fixture against Bundesliga rivals RB Leipzig.
Initially, club officials had attributed that first withdrawal to the soaring summer temperatures in Munich.
Concerns mount for talented playmaker
The attacking midfielder had recently resumed individual training following medical tests conducted earlier this week.
Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl addressed the initial scare before this latest setback occurred.
“The most important thing is that he is well. There’s nothing more to say about anything else.”
Club captain Manuel Neuer also expressed support regarding his team-mate’s unexplained condition.
“It will become clear what it was. But of course we are keeping our fingers crossed.”
Previous injury struggles provide difficult context
These recent health scares compound a frustrating period for the German international.
He previously missed the opening six months of the last campaign after sustaining a broken ankle at the Club World Cup.
Despite that severe injury, the creative talisman recovered sufficiently to represent his country at the 2026 World Cup.
Die Mannschaft ultimately suffered a disappointing exit from that tournament, crashing out in the last-32 against Paraguay.
Patrick Vieira has been appointed as the new head coach of the Senegal national team, replacing Pape Thiaw following a disappointing World Cup campaign.
The 50-year-old takes charge of his birth country just months after being dismissed by Serie A side Genoa last November.
He succeeds Thiaw, who was sacked after the West African nation suffered a round of 32 defeat against Belgium at the recent World Cup.
Return to the dugout
The former Arsenal captain brings extensive managerial experience to the role, having previously managed in England, France, Italy and the United States.
Following a two-year spell with Crystal Palace, the French World Cup winner managed Strasbourg before a brief 12-month stint in Italy with Genoa.
His playing career was incredibly highly decorated, yielding three Premier League titles during his legendary time in north London.
The combative midfielder also earned 107 caps for Les Bleus, lifting both the 1998 World Cup and the European Championship in 2000.
Navigating national turmoil
The Senegalese football federation confirmed the high-profile appointment across their official social media channels.
“Mr Patrick Vieira is the new coach of the Senegalese national A team.”
“The date of the official presentation and the next steps in its installation will be communicated at a later date. Welcome to Senegal, coach.”
The incoming manager inherits a squad recovering from a highly controversial period in African football.
Senegal initially won the Africa Cup of Nations in January following a dramatic extra-time victory over hosts Morocco.
Afcon controversy and World Cup struggles
However, that final was overshadowed by a 20-minute walk-off protest from the Senegalese players after Morocco were awarded a penalty in normal time.
While Brahim Diaz ultimately had his spot-kick saved upon the restart, the Confederation of African Football later overturned Senegal’s victory due to the protest.
Morocco were subsequently awarded a 3-0 forfeit win and the continental title, with the case now heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in October.
That off-field drama heavily impacted the team’s subsequent World Cup performance.
The national side ultimately crashed out after losing three of their four tournament matches against France, Norway and Belgium.
Tottenham Hotspur are racing against a Friday deadline to register Manchester City winger Savinho in time for their Premier League opener against Brentford.
Negotiations for the 22-year-old Brazilian have reached an impasse despite him expressing a clear desire to leave the Etihad Stadium.
The wantaway attacker was notably omitted from Enzo Maresca’s squad during Sunday’s 3-0 Community Shield defeat by Arsenal in Cardiff.
If a transfer is not formally agreed before 12:00 BST on Friday, the South American will be ineligible to feature at the Gtech Community Stadium this weekend.
Moore waits in the wings
Head coach Roberto De Zerbi faces a severe shortage on the right flank as discussions for his priority target drag on.
Mohammed Kudus remains sidelined with a serious quad injury and missed the entirety of the club’s pre-season campaign.
Consequently, teenage academy prospect Mikey Moore could be handed a starting role when the North London side face Keith Andrews’ Bees at 17:30 BST on Saturday.
The 19-year-old is still widely expected to secure a loan move to Bundesliga outfit Cologne this summer.
However, the promising forward impressed significantly by scoring a second-half brace in last weekend’s 3-0 friendly victory over Hoffenheim.
De Zerbi demands further additions
The Lilywhites have already spent a staggering £237m on six new players during the current window.
Despite this massive financial outlay, their Italian manager insists that two or three more attacking reinforcements are urgently required.
The club is desperate to kick-start a successful new era following a dismal run of successive 17th-place finishes in the English top flight.
Securing a dynamic forward remains the ultimate objective before the transfer market officially closes on 1 September.
England captain Harry Kane has held preliminary discussions over a transfer to Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal as he enters the final year of his Bayern Munich contract.
The 33-year-old striker’s future in Germany remains uncertain despite recently returning to the club following his international duties at the World Cup.
Representatives for the former Tottenham Hotspur forward have reportedly engaged in dialogue with Al Hilal regarding a potential move to the Middle East.
It remains unclear whether the Saudi Pro League outfit intend to pursue a deal immediately or wait until the player becomes a free agent next summer.
Saudi interest targets Europe’s elite
Al Hilal have reportedly placed the prolific goalscorer at the very top of their recruitment shortlist.
The Riyadh-based club are actively seeking elite reinforcements to strengthen their centre-forward position.
Their ambitious transfer targets also include Galatasaray loanee Victor Osimhen and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins.
However, the England international is understood to be open to the prospect of concluding his illustrious playing career in Saudi Arabia.
Contract negotiations pending in Munich
Despite the mounting speculation surrounding his next destination, the Bayern Munich star maintains a composed outlook regarding his immediate future.
He recently addressed the ongoing contract situation, confirming that formal extension discussions with the German giants are imminent.
“We obviously said we wanted to talk after the World Cup and after my holiday.”
Kane told German publication Kicker.
“So I’m not sure exactly when, but they’ll start this week, next week… we’ll start those talks.”
The talismanic frontman emphasised that neither he nor the club hierarchy are currently feeling pressured by the dwindling timeline on his existing deal.
“Like I’ve said before, we’re calm, I think they’re calm with the situation. Obviously now is the time to start talking, because there’s only a year left.”
He added that both parties remain entirely relaxed as they prepare to open dialogue in the coming days.