Matteo Berrettini has seen his French Open campaign end in heartbreak after a hip injury forced the Italian to retire during his quarter-final against compatriot Matteo Arnaldi.
The former world number six was trailing 5-2 in the second set, having already dropped the opener, when he called a premature halt to the contest.
He had previously taken a medical timeout but pulled up sharply while chasing down a ball in the final game of the match.
A disconsolate look washed over the 2021 Wimbledon finalist as he sat in his chair before embracing his opponent at the net.
A career plagued by physical setbacks
Physical issues have relentlessly disrupted the career of the powerful right-hander since his memorable run to the grass-court final at SW19.
He had missed the previous four editions of Roland Garros entirely because of persistent injury woes.
This latest setback follows earlier tournament withdrawals, including a mid-match retirement at the 2023 US Open and pull-outs in Madrid and Rome last season.
“It was really hard to retire because I thought that wasn’t the right thing, mostly because I have done it many times and I’m tired of retiring,” said Berrettini.
“I didn’t want the tournament to end like this.”
Arnaldi makes historic semi-final run
Despite the devastating conclusion, the currently 105th-ranked player remained determined to focus on the positives of reaching a seventh Grand Slam quarter-final.
“I have to take the good stuff that I did in this tournament, because a few weeks ago or a few days ago, it would have been crazy to think about me in the quarter-finals, and so I’ll try to go back home with a smile on my face.”
His advancement means Arnaldi, currently ranked 104th in the world, becomes the lowest-ranked male player to reach the singles semi-finals in Paris since Filip Dewulf in 1997.
The 25-year-old will now face 10th seed Flavio Cobolli on Friday for a coveted place in Sunday’s showpiece final.
“He did an amazing tournament. I am sorry for him and I hope he recovers because soon it is the grass and he is going to be very tough to play.”
Former Georgian striker Jaba Dvali, who scored the first hat-trick in Uefa Europa League history, has died at the age of 41 following a reported heart attack.
The 41-year-old carved his name into European football folklore during the inaugural season of the revamped continental competition.
Numerous former clubs have paid tribute to the veteran forward following the tragic news of his sudden passing.
European record-breaker
Dvali secured his place in the history books while playing for FC Zestafoni in July 2009.
The prolific attacker netted three times in the opening period of a comprehensive 6-0 victory over Northern Irish side Lisburn Distillery.
Reflecting on his landmark achievement at the time, the player expressed his delight at the team’s commanding performance.
“We really wanted to win and also to score more than in the first encounter, and we succeeded.”
That historic match contributed to an 11-1 aggregate triumph, establishing a benchmark for the largest winning margin in the tournament.
Tributes from former clubs
Dinamo Tbilisi, one of Georgia’s most prominent domestic teams, released a statement honouring their former star.
“Dinamo Tbilisi expresses its deep sorrow over the death of our former player, Jaba Dvali. We extend our condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Tottenham Hotspur supporters may recall facing the Georgian international when he featured against the London club in 2013.
FC Zestafoni also honoured a player who contributed significantly during one of their most prosperous eras, sharing a highlight video with a simple message to rest in peace.
A distinguished domestic career
Despite earning just a single cap for his national side, the well-travelled forward is a member of the Georgian league’s exclusive 100-goal club.
He experienced a brief stint in Azerbaijani football with Qarabag in 2014 before eventually finishing his playing days in 2022.
Following his retirement, the former professional transitioned into a director general role at Zestafoni while simultaneously lending his expertise to their youth coaching setup.
Former Manchester City midfielder Bernardo Silva will delay deciding on his next club until after this summer’s World Cup in North America.
The 31-year-old recently called time on a glittering decade at the Etihad Stadium after opting against signing a new contract.
Initially expected to announce his next destination imminently, the Portuguese playmaker has now chosen to focus entirely on international duty.
His agent Jorge Mendes confirmed the sudden change of plan to reporters, stating: “Bernardo will decide after World Cup.”
An emotional Etihad exit
The versatile attacker enjoyed an emotional send-off on the final day of the Premier League season.
Admitting he struggled to sleep before the fixture against Aston Villa, the former Monaco man revealed the extent of his emotions behind the scenes.
“I wasn’t really in very good condition to play, I started crying a lot in the dressing room, which for a game isn’t very good,” he admitted.
Despite the bittersweet nature of the day, the match ultimately served as a heartfelt celebration of an era-defining squad under Pep Guardiola.
What we were part of was something truly special and this will forever be my family, my second home and I’m just really grateful that I was a part of it.
Bernardo Silva
Weighing up future options
Barcelona retain a long-term interest in acquiring the free agent, while a romantic return to his boyhood club Benfica has also been touted.
However, those European suitors must now wait as the five-time Premier League winner turns his attention to securing a first-ever global triumph for his nation.
Earning 107 caps for his country, the veteran is eager to improve upon a frustrating record that has seen him fail to progress past a major tournament quarter-final.
Tampa Bay Lightning head coach Jon Cooper has won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s coach of the year for the first time in his 14-season tenure.
The 58-year-old guided his franchise to third place in the Eastern Conference with 106 points.
That success came despite significant absences to key players, including star defencemen Victor Hedman and Ryan McDonagh.
Top centre Brayden Point also missed extended periods of the regular campaign.
Overcoming adversity to reach the postseason
The league’s longest-tenured boss successfully navigated those injury crises to secure a ninth consecutive playoff appearance.
However, the Florida-based outfit ultimately fell in the first round of the postseason to the Montreal Canadiens.
Buffalo Sabres coach Lindy Ruff and Pittsburgh Penguins rookie boss Dan Muse were the other finalists for the prestigious accolade.
Members of the NHL Broadcasters’ Association vote annually to decide the winner of the coaching prize.
A decorated career finally recognised
Cooper becomes only the second coach in Tampa Bay history to claim the honour, following John Tortorella’s triumph in 2004.
This season marked his third time being named as a finalist for the individual trophy.
The Canadian tactician had been the heavy favourite throughout the campaign.
He had previously established himself as one of the most successful managers in modern hockey without ever winning the coach of the year prize.
The veteran has already secured two Stanley Cup titles with the Lightning and guided them to two further Finals.
Historic milestones and international success
Among active coaches, the two-time champion ranks seventh for total wins with 622 victories.
His impressive .639 points percentage places him second only to Carolina Hurricanes boss Rod Brind’Amour.
Earlier this season, he became the second-fastest coach in NHL history to reach 600 wins during a dominant victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
It has been a landmark year for the widely respected leader, who also managed the Canadian men’s national team to an Olympic silver medal.
The award was presented during a special event for paediatric cancer patients at Tampa General Hospital.
Green Bay Packers star Micah Parsons has confirmed he will not make his 2026 debut until at least mid-October as he continues his recovery from serious knee surgery.
The former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher is currently five months into his rehabilitation following operations to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus.
He originally hoped to be fit for the start of the campaign but has now accepted that his initial timeline was completely unrealistic.
The defensive standout will not be cleared for full practice until the nine-month mark, comprehensively ruling him out of early-season fixtures.
Strict rehabilitation timeline
This prolonged recovery period means the pass rusher is almost certain to begin the upcoming season on the physically unable to perform list.
Being placed on this inactive roster mandates an automatic minimum absence of four games for the injured player.
“The goal for me is to complete the season — not no relapse — and playoffs and pushing towards a championship,” Parsons stated.
“The goal isn’t for me to go out there and re-hurt myself trying to force myself to get back the first few games.”
Focus firmly on the postseason
The prominent defender sustained the severe left knee injury against the Denver Broncos last December before undergoing reconstructive surgery two weeks later.
He revealed the Green Bay franchise strictly adheres to a nine-month recovery protocol for such extensive ligament damage to protect player welfare.
“Through the research and the data, there’s no good outcomes with players coming back early from an ACL, especially if you had other things that had to get fixed up,” he explained.
A mid-October return could perfectly align with the influential defender making his comeback against his former employers when Green Bay host Dallas in Week 6.
Co-ordinated approach to recovery
Recent positive steps forward in his intense rehabilitation programme have included running on an anti-gravity treadmill.
The dynamic edge rusher confirmed he remains in constant communication with general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur regarding his methodical progress.
“I don’t think Gutey or Nate or Matt wants me to go out there if I’m not at 100% and risk reinjury and lose me for the year and it’s just a waste of a year,” he added.
Management and medical staff are clearly prioritising his long-term availability for a late-season championship run over rushing him back for the opening month.
Undisputed super lightweight champion Katie Taylor is set to face unbeaten French fighter Flora Pili in a farewell bout expected to take place at Croke Park in Dublin.
The 39-year-old Irish icon will officially announce her final fight on Friday as she aims to unify all four major division belts once again.
Ahead of the formal declaration, the WBC appears to have inadvertently confirmed the opponent by ordering a clash with the mandatory challenger.
Chance for third undisputed crown
Pili boasts a flawless 12-0 professional record and is currently the top-ranked contender for the vacant WBC title.
That specific belt became available after reigning champion Sandy Ryan announced her pregnancy and was subsequently named ‘Champion in Recess’.
The 2012 Olympic gold medallist previously held the WBC strap but vacated it in 2025 during a brief hiatus from the sport.
Regaining the title would allow the Bray native to become an undisputed champion for an unprecedented third time before retiring.
Croke Park dream edges closer
While the exact date and venue await final confirmation, immense momentum is building behind an 80,000-capacity event in the Irish capital.
Staging a bout at the historic Gaelic games stadium has long been the ultimate ambition for the two-weight undisputed champion.
Promoter Eddie Hearn admitted that negotiations for the venue are not entirely finalised but stressed the collective determination to overcome any remaining hurdles.
“This moment of watching her walking through the tunnel of Croke Park, in front of 80,000 people, would the biggest female event of all time,” Hearn said.
“The absolute pinnacle of this woman’s life, who has given every ounce of her soul to her country, to her sport, to break down barriers and to pave the way for every female fighter of her generation.”
An official press conference is scheduled for Friday where the final details of the historic showcase are expected to be revealed.
The Santa Clara County District Attorney’s office has issued an arrest warrant for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a misdemeanour speeding charge following a viral video he posted online.
The warrant stems from a December YouTube upload showing the American driving well over the 40mph limit outside Levi’s Stadium.
Shortly after the footage gained traction, the wideout issued a public apology for his actions behind the wheel.
“Sorry ya’ll, my car content won’t come with speeding anymore,” he wrote on YouTube.
“Was praying with my son tonight and wouldn’t want anybody else to miss out on an opportunity to do the same with their loved ones! My apologies.”
The Santa Clara Police Department launched an investigation into the incident before forwarding the case to prosecutors in mid-January.
Future in California remains uncertain
This legal development compounds a turbulent period for the talented playmaker.
He has not featured for the franchise since suffering a devastating knee injury in October 2024.
The severe setback included tears to his ACL, MCL and meniscus.
Tensions escalated late last season when the team placed him on the reserve list for failing to attend mandatory rehabilitation sessions.
Consequently, the NFC West organisation voided nearly $27m (£21.2m) in guaranteed money from his contract.
Trade negotiations hit a stumbling block
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan publicly confirmed in January that the receiver had played his final down for the team.
Despite actively shopping the alienated star, San Francisco has failed to secure a viable trade partner this off-season.
Passing the crucial 1 June deadline now allows the team to spread the remaining financial hit over two years if they choose to release him.
However, the front office remains reluctant to let a high-calibre asset depart without receiving compensation in return.
“We’re available,” Lynch previously stated regarding potential trade discussions.
“He’s an extremely talented player. The situation didn’t work itself out here. That’s not to say it can’t be rekindled somewhere else.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has confirmed the club will unveil a major summer signing this Thursday ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The 79-year-old incumbent is running for re-election this Sunday and has strategically timed the announcement to bolster his campaign.
Having presided over the Santiago Bernabeu outfit since 2009, the Spanish businessman is eager to rebuild following a difficult domestic and European season.
“This Thursday I’ll announce my first big signing for next season,” Perez told El Espanyol.
“Everyone knows my sporting project: having the best players, and carrying on winning.”
Mourinho poised for managerial return
Speculation is mounting that Jose Mourinho is waiting in the wings to be unveiled as the new permanent head coach.
The Portuguese tactician is expected to leave his current role at Benfica to replace interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa’s short-term tenure concluded without silverware after Los Blancos lost the La Liga title to Barcelona and suffered a Champions League quarter-final exit against Bayern Munich.
A return for the former Chelsea manager would mark his second stint in the Spanish capital.
His previous reign ended bitterly in 2013 following a trophyless season which he famously described as the worst of his career.
Defensive reinforcements on the horizon
Alongside a new manager, the Spanish giants are reportedly closing in on crucial defensive additions.
Liverpool centre-back Ibrahima Konate is understood to be available as a free agent after contract negotiations collapsed at Anfield.
Meanwhile, Inter Milan full-back Denzel Dumfries is also heavily linked with a switch to Spain.
Madrid are believed to have triggered a cut-price €20m release clause in the Dutch international’s contract.