Serena Williams will continue her return to professional tennis by partnering Karolina Muchova in the Berlin Open doubles this week.
The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion re-enters the doubles rankings at 593rd following her recent resumption of competitive play.
Her initial comeback attempt at the Queen’s Club Championships was cut short when partner Victoria Mboko withdrew with a knee injury.
Now, the 44-year-old American great shifts her focus to Germany, where she will face Giuliana Olmos and Erin Routliffe on Tuesday at the Steffi Graf Stadion.
Building momentum for Wimbledon
A potential victory in the opening round would set up a clash against either third seeds Melichar-Martinez and Sara Errani, or the Chinese pairing of Jiang Xinyu and Xu Yifan.
However, the ultimate goal for the former world number one may be a wildcard entry into the upcoming Wimbledon championships.
Neither the All England Club nor the veteran star have officially confirmed her participation at SW19 later this month.
“It’s just a day at a time,”
Williams stated regarding her potential entry into the season’s third major.
“I still have a little time to decide, and they have been great about giving me that space and time to decide.”
Impressive return to the court
The tennis icon originally stepped away from the sport in 2022, but has returned motivated by the desire for her two children to watch her compete.
Tennis coach Judy Murray recently praised the returning star’s form, noting she played at an incredibly high level during her brief appearance at Queen’s.
“She has her two children now, but she’s been playing a load; she’s obviously got herself into really good shape, fit, ready to compete again,”
Murray observed when discussing the comeback.
The mother of two expressed deep excitement about the current grass-court swing and the opportunity to perform in Europe.
“Every tournament I add to my schedule right now feels special, and Berlin is no exception,”
the American declared ahead of her opening match.
“I’m excited to compete in front of the German fans and continue building momentum throughout the grass-court season.”
Top NBA draft prospect Darryn Peterson has exclusively visited the Washington Wizards ahead of next week’s draft, declining meetings with all other franchises.
The former Kansas guard’s decision guarantees that only the team holding the number one overall pick will get an in-person assessment.
Rival lottery teams have reportedly taken note of this resolute stance by the freshman standout.
Meanwhile, fellow top-pick contender AJ Dybantsa has completed visits with both Washington and the Utah Jazz, who select second on Tuesday, 23 June.
Battle for the number one pick
Both highly rated youngsters firmly believe they will hear their names called first when the draft gets under way.
Dybantsa has long been considered the presumed favourite for the top spot after a stellar campaign at BYU.
The 6ft 9in forward averaged 25.5 points per game, becoming the first freshman to lead the country in scoring since Trae Young in 2018.
However, Peterson also boasts a formidable collegiate record, setting a Kansas freshman milestone with an average of 20.2 points.
Overcoming injury concerns
The talented playmaker’s season was partially derailed by a mysterious injury that forced him to miss 11 games.
Doctors later concluded that debilitating cramping issues were caused by his use of high doses of creatine.
Despite his refusal to visit Utah, rival executives do not believe this will deter the Jazz from selecting him if he remains available.
General manager Austin Ainge selected Ace Bailey fifth overall last year without a pre-draft workout, establishing a clear precedent for the franchise.
Rebuilding franchises seek a saviour
Washington desperately need an injection of elite talent after finishing last season with a dismal 17-65 record.
The capital city franchise has not tasted a playoff series victory since the 2017-18 campaign.
Wizards top basketball executive Michael Winger believes securing the first overall selection is a long-overdue reward for their loyal fanbase.
“It’s our fans that have endured the most, and to me, this No. 1 pick is for them.”
Michael Winger
“It’s a reward to continue to support us despite sometimes really bad basketball.”
France captain Kylian Mbappe has vowed to improve his defensive work rate ahead of their opening World Cup fixture against Senegal on Tuesday following recent criticism.
The 27-year-old Real Madrid forward has faced intense scrutiny regarding his leadership and overall performances for both club and country.
International team-mate Ousmane Dembele recently defended the forward, stating that the public backlash had gone too far.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Parisien, the prolific attacker was teased about his defensive output by his younger brother Ethan, who plays for Lille.
‘Ready to do whatever’ to win
Acknowledging the need for improvement, the former Paris St-Germain star admitted that he must contribute more without the ball.
“I need to take the extra step [with my defensive work] because it’s something important for the team and I have to do it,” he said.
“It will start this time because we want to win, and to win, I’m ready to do whatever because I want to win at all costs.”
Real Madrid struggles and stark statistics
The global superstar endured a challenging second season at the Bernabeu amid fan frustration and rumours of dressing-room unrest as Los Blancos failed to secure a trophy.
Despite finishing as La Liga’s top scorer, Opta data highlighted a significant lack of defensive impact from the lethal marksman.
Out of 1,490 players in Europe’s top five leagues with a minimum of 19 appearances, he ranked a lowly 1,350th for combined interceptions, blocks, tackles, and possession won.
Furthermore, the French international managed just 0.14 tackles per 90 minutes, ranking as the fifth lowest across the continent’s major competitions.
Chasing Giroud’s goalscoring record
Despite his defensive shortcomings, the lightning-fast striker has consistently delivered on the biggest stage, netting 12 times in 14 previous tournament appearances.
This phenomenal record includes a memorable hat-trick during the 2022 final defeat against Argentina.
Just one more goal will see him draw level with Olivier Giroud as his nation’s all-time leading scorer.
Leading his country into a major global tournament for the first time since succeeding Hugo Lloris as captain in 2023, he will also face Iraq and Norway in the group stage.
Manchester United have agreed a record-breaking deal with Amazon Prime Video to film a behind-the-scenes ‘All or Nothing’ documentary during Michael Carrick’s first full season in charge.
Filming for the access-all-areas series will commence during pre-season ahead of an anticipated broadcast in the summer of 2027.
The cameras will capture the 20-time English champions as they return to the Champions League for the first time since the 2023-24 campaign.
Record fee for unprecedented access
Amazon reportedly offered a lucrative sum that significantly surpasses the amounts previously received by other Premier League clubs.
The production will chronicle what club officials have described as a transformative summer at Old Trafford.
Viewers will be granted unrestricted entry into the dressing room and the newly developed Carrington Training Complex.
“Now is the right time to open our doors, so that for the first time our fans around the world can see behind the scenes of a club which means so much to so many people.”
Toby Craig, the club’s chief communications officer, believes the project will highlight the unique ambition and culture within the institution.
“We will share some of the stories of this historic club both with our fans and new audiences around the world as we compete at the highest level, both domestically and in the Champions League.”
Overcoming initial hesitations
The streaming giant initially held discussions with the Red Devils regarding filming during the current season.
However, former manager Ruben Amorim believed that allowing production crews complete access would prove too distracting for his playing squad.
Club executives ultimately delayed the project until the former Old Trafford midfielder had firmly established his permanent coaching regime.
Following domestic rivals
The acclaimed sports documentary franchise has an established history of following major English institutions.
Arsenal featured during a tumultuous 2021-22 season that showcased Mikel Arteta’s unusual motivational methods and intense training ground disputes.
That North London focus followed earlier productions tracking Manchester City’s historic 100-point campaign under Pep Guardiola and Tottenham’s dramatic tenure under Jose Mourinho.
England defender John Stones has overcome recent thoughts of retirement to secure his place in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup squad ahead of Wednesday’s tournament opener against Croatia.
The 32-year-old admitted he had to dig deep mentally after a string of severe injuries nearly forced him to quit the game last October.
Despite playing just 439 minutes of Premier League football for Manchester City last season, the experienced centre-back retained the unshakeable faith of his national team manager.
He is now in strong contention to start alongside Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa when the Three Lions begin their campaign.
Tuchel shows faith in tournament veteran
The Yorkshire-born defender was selected ahead of established internationals Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill for the 26-player travelling party.
His inclusion marks a sixth major tournament appearance, having previously helped his country reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the last two global finals.
Tuchel gave his public backing to the returning star, insisting he remains a crucial part of his plans and has built up plenty of credit in the bank.
“It was a difficult period when I said that [about retiring] and I hope I don’t get to that again,” Stones told BBC Sport.
“And I really had to dig deep and I am proud of myself for being so mentally strong throughout and coming out the other end of those scenarios or situations.”
Ending a difficult club chapter
The ball-playing defender announced in April that he will depart the Etihad Stadium this summer after struggling for consistent match fitness.
A severe thigh issue kept him sidelined for two months, while a separate calf injury forced him out of the recent international friendlies.
However, the soon-to-be free agent insisted he has been largely fit throughout the campaign and felt pure elation upon receiving his international call-up.
“When I got the call off of the manager, I think he saw the kid inside of me, how I reacted where I couldn’t really control myself,” he added.
Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has expressed his profound relief after firing Norway to the 2026 World Cup, ending his country’s 28-year absence from international football’s biggest stage.
The prolific forward secured his nation’s spot with a remarkable 16 goals in just eight UEFA qualifying matches, culminating in a dramatic 4-1 victory over Italy in Milan.
Despite accumulating a vast collection of domestic and European honours, the lack of major international tournament football had remained a glaring omission in his glittering career.
Carrying the weight of a nation
“It felt missing in 2022 in Qatar and also in the Euros in 2024, so now it finally happened, and it was about time.”
“It was a lot of pressure; I could feel it ever since I started with the national team, the pressure to get to a World Cup.”
The Norwegian talisman admitted that expectations upon his shoulders had steadily increased during successive failed qualification campaigns.
Inspiring a new generation
Norway have not featured at a World Cup since 1998, meaning an entire generation of supporters has never witnessed their national team compete on the global stage.
Operating alongside Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard and Atlético Madrid attacker Alexander Sørloth, the former Borussia Dortmund star is determined to forge lasting memories for those fans.
“I never experienced Norway being at a World Cup in my lifetime.”
“I’m just happy now that we qualified, and all the young Norwegian kids can experience how it is to have their country there.”
The 24-year-old vividly recalls watching iconic moments from previous tournaments, such as James Rodríguez’s spectacular exploits for Colombia in 2014, and now aspires to emulate that widespread impact.
“I want to create something special there together with the whole nation, and hopefully we can make that happen.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel faces ultimate pressure to justify his appointment by delivering tournament glory as the team plays Croatia in their World Cup Group L opener in Dallas on Wednesday.
The German tactician was appointed by the Football Association with the sole objective of ending the nation’s 60-year wait for men’s international silverware.
Despite recently signing a contract extension before the tournament began, the former Chelsea boss has no margin for error in the United States.
Expectations remain exceptionally high for the Three Lions following a prolonged period of consistency under previous manager Gareth Southgate.
Building on Southgate’s foundations
Southgate guided the national team to two consecutive European Championship finals alongside deep runs in back-to-back World Cups.
However, the 54-year-old ultimately fell short in crucial moments, notably losing to Wednesday’s opponents Croatia in the 2018 semi-finals.
England also suffered a painful quarter-final exit against France in 2022 when captain Harry Kane missed a decisive late penalty.
Tuchel has been specifically tasked with navigating these high-pressure scenarios that have historically proved costly for the team.
Dismissing the doubters in Dallas
Critics have pointed to potential struggles with the intense North American climate and a perceived over-reliance on their record goalscorer.
However, tournament history heavily favours European nations, who have claimed four of the last five global titles.
The current squad also brings immense defensive stability into the competition following a flawless qualifying campaign.
The European heavyweights secured their place at the tournament by winning all eight qualifying matches without conceding a single goal.
World-class talent available
While some pundits continue to question the overall depth of the squad, the starting line-up possesses undeniable elite quality.
Midfield dynamo Declan Rice and Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham would command starting roles for almost any team in world football.
Furthermore, Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins provides a proven, high-calibre attacking alternative if their Bayern Munich talisman requires rest.
The stage is now set for Tuchel to prove his tactical pedigree and overcome the immense expectations placed upon his shoulders.
Premier League champions Arsenal have made a new left winger their primary transfer target this summer as manager Mikel Arteta seeks ambitious squad improvements.
The club’s hierarchy are currently focused on securing a new long-term contract for their Spanish manager, whose current deal expires next year.
Arsenal executives are confident an agreement will be reached that could potentially double his current salary.
Following their recent Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, the 42-year-old has publicly urged the board to act aggressively in the market.
Search for attacking reinforcements
Sporting director Andrea Berta has identified the left side of the attack as the crucial area needing a significant upgrade.
Current wide options Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard both endured lengthy goalscoring droughts during the title-winning campaign.
Aston Villa standout Morgan Rogers has emerged as a prime candidate for the north London club.
However, the West Midlands side will reportedly demand a fee exceeding £100m to part with their highly coveted forward.
Alternative targets and tactical flexibility
Bournemouth sensation Eli Junior Kroupi is also highly appreciated by the Gunners’ recruitment team after a stellar debut season in England.
The South Coast outfit remain firmly opposed to a sale and have told the Frenchman he would benefit from remaining at the Vitality Stadium.
A significantly cheaper alternative is Club Brugge attacker Christos Tzolis, who is currently valued at approximately £35m.
The Greek international is reportedly eager to make the switch, and his arrival would not prevent the club from pursuing a marquee addition elsewhere.
Monitoring defensive and midfield depth
Beyond the attacking lines, the reigning English champions are actively scouting the market for a central midfielder to dictate play.
Berta is equally open to signing a versatile full-back capable of operating on both flanks due to recurring injury issues in the defensive ranks.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola remains a player of interest as contract talks stall in the French capital.
A renewed move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez appears highly unlikely, with Barcelona currently leading the race for the Argentine.