Former Tennessee football defensive end James Pearce, entering his second year with the Atlanta Falcons, will serve an eight game suspension to begin the 2026 NFL season for violating the league's personal conduct policy.Pearce did not appeal his suspension, NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said Aug. 14.He will be eligible to return to action when the Falcons play the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain, on Nov. 8.Pearce, 22, is facing multiple felony charges for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, fleeing police and resisting arrest, plus a misdemeanor stalking charge. They stem from an incident on Feb. 7 involving former girlfriend Rickea Jackson, a forward for the Chicago Sky who starred for the Lady Vols during her college career at Tennessee.What led to Pearce's arrest in FebruaryPearce was arrested in Doral, Florida, on Feb. 7, according to the police report obtained by Knox News. Jackson told police that that Pearce had followed her in his car and, at a red light, got out of his vehicle and attempted to open her car door.Jackson drove away and toward the Doral Police Department. She told police Pearce followed her and collided with the back of her car, then struck the front as she attempted to get away. Doral police responded to a call for help from Jackson. An officer drew a gun on Pearce and ordered him to get to the ground, but Pearce got back into his car and closed the door and drove away. His car struck an officer in the knee as he drove off. Pearce crashed his vehicle while being chased by police after he fled the scene. Pearce crashed his car and fled on foot, but police eventually caught up with him, resisting arrest when officers caught up to him. Rickea Jackson feared for her life following incidentJackson and Pearce had been in a relationship during their time at Tennessee but it had ended before the incident, she told police.Jackson said in a notice filed in Miami-Dade County Court by her attorneys on Feb. 10 that she was willing to testify if the case against Pearce goes to trial. On March 11, Jackson filed a petition for protection against Pearce, saying "James will kill me," if the court didn't intervene. The court granted Jackson's request for protection, ordering Pearce not to contact Jackson or come within 500 feet of her home or place of employment or within 100 feet of her vehicle.Pearce entered a six-month diversion program. If he stays out of legal trouble for one year and stays away from Jackson, the charges will be dropped.Appearing in 39 games over three seasons played from 2022-24 for the Vols, Pearce recorded 19.5 sacks and 29.5 tackles for loss and an interception.Pearce had 10.5 sacks last season and finished third in AP Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.Stephen Thompson covers Tennessee Volunteers men's basketball. Email him at stephen.thompson@knoxnews.com and follow him on X @stephenethom.This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Former Tennessee star James Pearce suspended eight games by NFL related to arrest

Exclusive: Sensational Manchester United star backed to break into Michael Carricks PlansExclusive: Lee Sharpe Provides Manchester United Preview Ahead of 2026/27Manchester United head into the new season with a renewed hope one that feels different to previous years.After an impressive run in the second half of the season, Michael Carrick has now landed the head coach role on a permanent basis.His squad has been further bolstered by a handful of signings such as Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans being the two biggest names.Former Manchester United star Lee Sharpe spoke exclusively to EPL Index,and shared his thoughts on the upcoming seasonCan Michael Carrick Continue His Impressive Form in the Dugout?I think hes a class act, he knows how to treat people and how to get the best out of people. He knows what Manchester United fans, the board, and directors expect from him and he genuinely wants it, said Sharpe.Hes brought in some brilliant signings as well as the players who were already there, and they are motivated. It seems like a much more positive environment, with the players prepared to run through brick walls for him. Hes shown the players a lot of love and theyll show that back.Photo IMAGOI think theyll be challenging on every account. Some people may call me stupid, but they finished 3rd last year behind Arsenal and City sides that ran away with it, with Carrick only joining halfway through the season, continued Sharpe.Amorim was close to getting them where they needed to be, they were one of the best teams in terms of chances created under him, but they just werent scoring. Carrick has come in and brought with him bits of what Amorim did.I think Amorim brought a lot to the club, perhaps more on the under-belly, and Carrick has come in and put the icing on the cake. They went out and beat the best teams last year, so I think theyll be challenging again, and there is no reason why they cant do that.Ones to WatchWhen asked which players to look out for, Sharpe picked an interesting nameMason Mount has looked sensational in preseason, alongside Santos and Tielemans coming in, who is a thoroughbred by the way. Things are looking rosy, but there will always be sticky spells. I am very optimistic and positive going into it though, said Sharpe.Photo IMAGOMount has massively struggled for both form and fitness since his arrival at Old Trafford. Sharpe thinks he could be about to finally prove his worth under Carrick.All will be revealed when Manchester United face an away trip to Hull City on the opening weekend of the Premier League.Further signings are expected, but as it stands, youd still fancy Man United to make a serious push at the top end of the table this season.

Most of the New Orleans Saints' starters are expected to sit out Saturday's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. That will give the team's reserves and roster-bubble candidates an extended opportunity to make their cases. Some players have more riding on the game than others. Here are seven Saints under the most pressure to perform in the preseason opener.QB Zach WilsonSpencer Rattler has strengthened his hold on the backup quarterback job throughout training camp. Wilson needs to operate the offense efficiently and avoid costly mistakes to begin closing the gap. The Saints brought in a fourth training camp quarterback, Hunter Dekkers, who is expected to play at some point on Saturday.RB Kendre MillerProvided his back injury doesn't keep him out of this game, Miller needs to prove he still belongs in the Saints' crowded backfield. The former third-round pick is returning from a torn ACL and entering the final year of his rookie contract. If he cannot perform, Miller could be a cut candidate.WR Bub MeansMeans has made plays in camp and he made a big one in the joint practice with the Jaguars but rookies Barion Brown and Bryce Lance have generated more momentum thus far. He needs to produce offensively while also demonstrating that he can contribute consistently on special teams.K Charlie SmythSmyth made 12 of 16 field-goal attempts after taking over the starting job last season. Still, the Saints brought in competition. Every preseason kick will matter as he attempts to hold off UFL standout Tanner Brown.K Tanner BrownBrown earned his opportunity after a strong UFL season. A few missed kicks from Smyth in recent practices have opened that door for Brown. Can he capitalize?EDGE Tyree WilsonThe Saints acquired Wilson during April's NFL Draft to give the former top-10 pick a fresh start. Saturday's preseason game should give him plenty of snaps and opportunities to show that his physical tools can produce consistent pressure.WR Brock RechsteinerIf Rechsteiner cannot produce in the preseason after already facing a six-game regular-season suspension, he'll face an incredibly difficult path to make the initial 53-man roster. The undrafted rookie must now convince the Saints that he's worth keeping around and developing into a future offensive weapon.This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 7 Saints players under pressure in first preseason game vs. Jaguars

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 14: Matthew Liberatore #32 of the St. Louis Cardinals reacts after being removed from the game against the Chicago Cubs during the sixth inning at Wrigley Field on August 14, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesMatthew Liberatore was his best self Friday afternoon as the St. Louis Cardinals entered the gauntlet of Wrigley Field to play the Cubs for the start of a crucial weekend series. The problem was that Cubs starter Clay Holmes was even better. The first 2/3 of the game was a scoreless and nearly hitless duel. Wheels would start to come off for the Cardinals in that last third of the game, though. There are no offensive highlights to share with you from the first half of the game. However, there were a couple of defensive gems provided by the middle infield of the Cardinals. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong was robbed by Masyn Winn. ROBBED!The very next batter Suzuki was also denied base access, this time by future Gold Glove second baseman JJ Wetherholt. ROBBED AGAIN!The Cubs would threaten to break through the scoring drought in the bottom of the 6th inning when Liberatore handed out a leadoff walk to Taylor. Dansby Swanson singled to center which gave Chicago runners at first and third with no outs. Matthew was able to get PCA to foul out to third for the first out, but that would be the end of Liberatores strong outing Friday. George Soriano was brought in to face Suzuki. During his at-bat, Swanson stole second giving the Cubs two runners in scoring position. The stolen base wouldnt matter as Suzuki connected on an 88 mph changeup as it cleared the wall in left field traveling 390 feet and giving Chicago a 3-0 lead.The Chicago Cubs 6th inning wasnt over yet as Soriano followed the Suzuki homer with a walk to Alex Bregman and a single to Michael Busch still with just one out. Fortunately, JJ Wetherholt and Masyn Winn combined on a double play on a grounder from Nico Hoerner to end the inning with the damage already being done. The final stat line for Matthew Liberatore would look less impressive than the eye test where he looked extremely sharp for the first 5 innings. Matthew tossed 5 1/3 innings striking out 6 and only walking 1, but those 2 earned runs that crossed the plate along with the 1 Soriano was responsible for were a killer. Peter Strzelecki handled the Cubs in the bottom of the 7th after the Cardinals failed to generate an offensive threat in the top of the inning. He pitched around an infield single by Carson Kelly to keep Chicago from adding to their lead. Ryan Zeferjahn was the Cubs solution for the top of the 8th inning. He struck out Masyn Winn, but Bryan Torres managed to pull a single into right field to give St. Louis a tiny bit of hope. Jos Fermn fought through a tough at-bat to draw a walk to give the Cardinals runners at first and second with just one out and the potential tying run coming up. Csar Prieto was that potential tying run, but all he could manage was a flyout to center for the second out. That brought up JJ Wetherholt who has had a solid season against Chicago pitching. Could he come up with a clutch hit? Nope. JJ struckout to end the Cardinals 8th. Wetherholt was 0-4 Friday. Peter Strzelecki remained in the game to deal with the Cubs in the bottom of the 8th inning, too. He allowed a one-out double to Suzuki and also a two-out walk to Bregman to give Chicago runners at first and second for one more scoring chance. Fortunately, Strzelecki got Hoerner to ground out to keep St. Louis within 3 runs. The St. Louis Cardinals top of the 9th inning would start with Ivn Herrera. He would face Cubs reliever Jacob Webb who he would rip a single off of. Alec Burleson was next and he grounded into a fielders choice where Swanson and Bregman forced Herrera at second for the first out. It was Jordan Walkers turn next. He quickly struck out on three pitches. Last hope for the good guys was Nathan Church. He flew out to end the game as the Cubs grabbed the victory. Its game 2 of the weekend series tomorrow as the St. Louis Cardinals battle the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field Saturday afternoon. Cardinals will give the ball to Michael McGreevy while the Chicago Cubs will start Matthew Boyd. First pitch is set for 1:20pm central time with the game broadcast available through Cardinals.tv.

Bruno Genesio reveals Marseille hierarchy forced Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg captaincy decisionOlympique de Marseille manager Bruno Genesio has revealed that the clubs hierarchy ordered him to strip Pierre-Emile Hjbjerg of the captaincy following the midfielders refusal to join Newcastle United.Hjbjerg started Friday nights 2-1 friendly defeat against Atltico de Madrid at the Stade Vlodrome, but it was Timothy Weah who wore the captains armband for the encounter.Speaking after the match, Genesio made clear that the decision had not been his own and openly admitted that he disagreed with the move.Its a decision that was dictated to me by the clubs management. If I want to be completely frank, and I will be, its not a decision that I agree with. But Im an employee, I have to comply with certain obligations. We did it, Genesio told reporters following the game.The change comes amid tensions between Hjbjerg and Marseilles hierarchy over his future at the club. As reported byRMC Sport, OM were angered by the Denmark internationals decision to reject a move to Newcastle United earlier this week.An agreement worth around 15m had been close between the two clubs, with Marseille keen to sanction the departure as they continue attempts to raise funds and reduce their wage bill this summer.Hjbjergs refusal ultimately saw the deal collapse, depriving Marseille of both the prospective transfer fee and significant savings on one of the clubs larger salaries.Genesios comments now underline the extent of the disagreement behind the scenes, with the Marseille coach publicly distancing himself from the hierarchys decision to hand the armband to Weah.GFFN | George Boxall

MASON The often-overlooked doubles draw at the Cincinnati Open got plenty of attention when it was released on Friday, Aug. 14. That's because the blockbuster duo of Serena and Venus Williams will team up for the first time since the 2022 U.S. Open in New York.The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and will face Cincinnati native Peyton Stearns and partner Marta Kostyuk in the first round at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Both doubles teams received wild cards to the event. The doubles draw begins on Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, though the order of play for doubles has yet to be announced. More: How did tennis star Daniil Medvedev become a die-hard Reds fan?More: Follow live | ATP, WTA 1st round results at the 2026 Cincinnati OpenStearns, the WTA No. 53, won her first-round singles match in straight sets over qualifier Harriet Dart on Friday. She is scheduled to play No. 27 seed Clara Tauson in the Round of 64 on Center Court to open the night session on Saturday, Aug. 15. Stearns, who is No. 94 in doubles, reached the Cincinnati Open doubles quarterfinals last year alongside Marketa Vondrousova. Serena is on the comeback trail as she heads to her first Cincinnati Open appearance since 2022. The 44-year-old came out retirement earlier this summer and played doubles in the HSBC Championships in London with partner Victoria Mboko and in the VANDA Pharmaceuticals Berlin Open alongside Karolina Muchova. At Wimbledon, Serena suffered a knee injury in her first-round loss to Maya Joint. That setback forced her and Venus to withdraw from Wimbledon doubles. Serena and Venus have never played doubles in Cincinnati.Venus, 46, lost her first-round Cincinnati Open singles match in straight sets to Emiliana Arango on Friday, Aug. 14. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Williams sisters will face Peyton Stearns in Cincinnati Open doubles

MASON The often-overlooked doubles draw at the Cincinnati Open got plenty of attention when it was released on Friday, Aug. 14. That's because the blockbuster duo of Serena and Venus Williams will team up for the first time since the 2022 U.S. Open in New York.The Williams sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and will face Cincinnati native Peyton Stearns and partner Marta Kostyuk in the first round at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Both doubles teams received wild cards to the event. The doubles draw begins on Sunday, Aug. 16 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, though the order of play for doubles has yet to be announced. More: How did tennis star Daniil Medvedev become a die-hard Reds fan?More: Follow live | ATP, WTA 1st round results at the 2026 Cincinnati OpenStearns, the WTA No. 53, won her first-round singles match in straight sets over qualifier Harriet Dart on Friday. She is scheduled to play No. 27 seed Clara Tauson in the Round of 64 on Center Court to open the night session on Saturday, Aug. 15. Stearns, who is No. 94 in doubles, reached the Cincinnati Open doubles quarterfinals last year alongside Marketa Vondrousova. Serena is on the comeback trail as she heads to her first Cincinnati Open appearance since 2022. The 44-year-old came out retirement earlier this summer and played doubles in the HSBC Championships in London with partner Victoria Mboko and in the VANDA Pharmaceuticals Berlin Open alongside Karolina Muchova. At Wimbledon, Serena suffered a knee injury in her first-round loss to Maya Joint. That setback forced her and Venus to withdraw from Wimbledon doubles. Serena and Venus have never played doubles in Cincinnati.Venus, 46, lost her first-round Cincinnati Open singles match in straight sets to Emiliana Arango on Friday, Aug. 14. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Williams sisters will face Peyton Stearns in Cincinnati Open doubles

The Atlanta Falcons received some big news ahead of Friday's preseason opener against the Denver Broncos. Edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended for the first eight games of the season for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy, the league announced on Friday.While the suspension was expected, it's still a major blow to an Atlanta defense that just lost Jalon Walker for the season with a torn ACL. Pearce is still allowed to play in all three preseason games, and is expected to be out there for Friday's opener against the Broncos."James Pearce Jr. of the Atlanta Falcons is suspended for the clubs first eight regular season games without pay for violating the NFLs Personal Conduct Policy," the league wrote in a statement. "The suspension will begin on August 30 and he will be eligible for reinstatement on Monday, November 2."NFL world reacts to James Pearce's suspensionLet's take a look at how those around the NFL reacted to Pearce's suspension on social media.Posts by AdamSchefterJames Pearce Jr.s suspension details: Eight regular games, can participate in preseason activities/games, eligible for reinstatement the week of the Falcons trip to Spain. https://t.co/pZ562KSEEg Tori McElhaney (@tori_mcelhaney) August 14, 2026James Pearce Jr. is expected to play tonight against the Broncos in the #Falcons preseason opener. His suspension does not begin to Aug. 30 and he's eligible for all preseason games. Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) August 14, 2026The Falcons after having their best and most promising pass rush in forever:Jalon Walker: tears ACLJames Pearce Jr: suspended half a year https://t.co/UpXkcK8C0r Rise Up Bijan (@RiseUpReader) August 14, 2026Falcons fans who are legitimately mad at this as if this is somehow way too heavy is genuinely mind-numbing, fandom really does warp the brain man.Dude stalked and then rammed his car into his gf and fled the scene, half a season and a simple intervention program is nothing. https://t.co/WhQylSDQlJ Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) August 14, 2026James Pearce Jr. did not appeal his suspension and the eight-game ban is final, per NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy. Pearce, as all players do, have a right to appeal. But Pearce did not in this case. #Falcons Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) August 14, 2026We talk about how grim the Falcons QB situation is now, but they just might fall into a solution next April https://t.co/gIwcaaLam7 Nico (@elitetakes_) August 14, 2026Falcons now out their two first-round picks from 2025 for the start of the year. Jalon Walker out for the season with an ACL https://t.co/E5Klnx8aE8 Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 14, 202617 games woulda been suffice https://t.co/YBpCd71fJD Boppa (@ihatebbls) August 14, 2026Steelers won't face Falcons top two pass rushers Jalon Walker (torn ACL) or James Pearce Jr. (suspended) in Week One. #Steelershttps://t.co/xmiMi8pSl7 Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 14, 2026Honestly I thought the NFL would ignore what he did and let him play https://t.co/DQlG6H2NXu BearsShowYo (@BearsShowYo) August 14, 2026Half a season suspension and no real legal trouble is hilarious. Rich people live by an entirely different set of rules/laws https://t.co/dvRCUZoeQh 7219 Perry Road (@RyanDay2Heaven) August 14, 2026Falcons schedule Weeks 1-8 features multiple top-10 offenses from 2025 and they'll be without both James Pearce Jr. and Jalon Walker https://t.co/gH8h0USoSypic.twitter.com/BLvdlOVPfp Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 14, 2026Called it https://t.co/PWSSsPyZ31 A M B E Z Y (@bezy_bby) August 14, 2026James Pearce Jr.'s 8-game suspension from the #Falcons will cost him $446,664 in base salary. Atlanta can also recoup $982,528 of signing bonus per the conduct violation.Additionally, the guarantee on the remaining $6.65M through 2028 is now voided. Spotrac (@spotrac) August 14, 2026Makes sense nfl https://t.co/ZMyQcnSR7ppic.twitter.com/u1SmiQOLrw jjthecuh (@jjthecuh) August 14, 2026Tune in to see Pearce play in Friday night's preseason game against the Denver Broncos. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET and will air locally on FOX. Follow along HERE for live updates.This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL world reacts to Falcons DE James Pearce being suspended

Tickets for Europa League play-off on open saleDecisive second leg at homeThe battle for a place in the UEFA Europa League group stage takes us against Swedish club Mjllby. The decision about who advances will be made on Thursday, August 27th at 19:00 CEST in the second leg at our home ground and we need every single one of you!Tickets for the match are now available on open sale online in our ticket shop.to the online Ticket ShopFurther information for season-ticket holdersExisting Basic season-ticket seats are reserved until Tuesday, August 18th at 23:59 and can be booked with a 10% discount via the respective account until then.Premium season-ticket holders will have the amount for their seat automatically debited from their account with a 20% discount starting Monday, August 17th. If you don't yet have a season ticket, you can still secure one and attend our home games at the best price! You can find all the information atwww.dauerkarte.at.Premium season-ticket holders will find a separate ticket for the play-off game in their account before the match. Stadium access is only possible with this ticket, not with the season ticket itself.Categories & pricesReduced price: For schoolchildren, apprentices, students, pensioners, military recruits and those performing community-based national service, youngsters (aged between 14 and 17) and disabled people.Teenscard: For those aged between 14 and 17, valid only in the North Curve Salzburg& Bullidikidz Curve.Children's price: Valid from the age of 6 up to the age 13.Familiy card: Valid for all adults and children up to and including 13 years of age listed on the family pass. Not bookable online; if interested, please contact us by email ontickets@redbullsalzburg.atFor reduced tickets and children's tickets, ID must be shown on entering the stadium!All prices are in Euro and include taxes.to the online Ticket Shop

MASON, Ohio (AP) Venus Williams' losing streak in singles play has reached 13 matches.The seven-time major champion was defeated 6-2, 6-2 by Emiliana Arango on Friday in the first round of the Cincinnati Open.The 46-year-old Williams received a wild-card entry to the WTA 1000 event. She has not won a singles match since July 2025.Arango, a 25-year-old qualifier from Colombia ranked 95th, needed 1 hour, 5 minutes to defeat Williams on the grandstand court at Lindner Tennis Center.Williams had her serve broken in the first game of the match and faced an uphill battle the rest of the way. Arango was 4 of 5 on converting break points and won 71% of her first-serve points.Williams was unable to convert on her lone break opportunity and was only 41% on first-serve points.That kind of eased my nerves a little bit of having maybe a little bit of breathing room. And then I think I just did a good job of staying on it, trying to make her play as much as possible, Arango said about getting ahead early.Arango will face No. 7 seed and defending Cincinnati champion Iga Swiatek in the second round.Williams' last singles victory came last year in Washington, when she defeated Peyton Stearns.I think that at all times I was really controlling the point, but unfortunately didnt finish it the way I wanted to, said Williams, who is making her 11th appearance in the tournament. The encouraging part is that Im controlling the shots, but I have to just get a little more consistent on that last part.Williams will remain in Cincinnati to play doubles with her sister, Serena, after they received a wild-card entry. They last played doubles together at the 2022 U.S. Open.The Williams sisters were slated to play doubles at Wimbledon before an injury to Serena. They will play Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in the first round.The doubles portion of the tournament starts Sunday.Im excited and hope that we can both go into it fresh, on our toes and ready. Ill be preparing for that, Venus Williams said.Venus is also slated to play mixed doubles at the U.S. Open later this month with Alexander Bublik.___See APs full tennis coverage here

Venus Williams of the United States plays a forehand during her match against Emilia Arango of Colombia on Friday at the Cincinnati Open.Photograph: Dylan Buell/Getty ImagesColombian Emilia Arango handed Venus Williams a 14th straight loss dating to July of last year, defeating the fading seven-time grand slam champion who is currently ranked 615th in 66 minutes by 6-2, 6-2 at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.The 46-year-old Williams was given a wild card entry at an event where she reached a semi-final a dozen years ago. She has played and lost 11 times this season while competing on organizer free entries.Related: Iga Swiatek takes swing at critics after ending title drought in CincinnatiCzech Sara Bejlek allowed compatriot and 2016 titleholder Karolina Pliskova only two games in a first-round 6-0, 6-2 rout.With 64 seeds in the mens and womens draw of the last major warm-up prior to the 30 August US Open only going into action from Saturday, interest focused on the fate of 2017 winner Grigor Dimitrov and 2022 runner-up Stefanos Tsitsipas.The popular Dimitrov was unable to hold onto a 4-1 lead in the third set against Argentine Sebastian Baez, exiting in the first round 1-6, 6-3, 6-4 as he lost the last five games of the encounter.The 35-year-old Dimitrov, his ranking down to 138 and playing on a wild card, was bidding for his first Cincinnati victory in five years.Baez goes on to next play American Learner Tien, a semi-finalist this week in Montreal.Tsitsipas, a one-time world number three now standing 49th after a months-long slump in form, got past Valentin Royer of France 7-6 (7/4), 7-5 after struggling somewhat to close out the victory, which sent him into a match with second seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.The Greek led a set and 5-2 but was broken as he served for victory, with Royer saving two match points on the way to 5-all.Tsitsipas managed a late break two games later on his sixth match point to advance in two hours.Im trying to come to the net as much as possible, Tsitsipas said. Whenever a ball is short I try to capture it inside the baseline. Thats where I shined the most.I felt confidence running through my veins. My offensive strategy helped me today, my composure was excellent.Tsitsipas admitted he was tested at the end as he tried to close out against Royer, and found himself stalling as he missed conversion on winning chances.It was nerve-wracking at the end with those match points I was not able to capture, the Greek said. It would have been easy to get tight.I had to remind myself to stay loose and play aggressive. If I was going to miss, at least I knew I had done the right thing.Tsitsipas, now several months into his coaching split with his father, has lifted his ranking to 49th after coming through qualifying at the Montreal Masters, where he lost in the second round.Hubert Hurkacz, a 2023 semi-finalist, advanced 6-2, 6-4 over qualifying lucky loser Sho Shimabukuro while Italian Matteo Berrettini defeated Thomas Droguet 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, playing only his second match since Wimbledon due to injury.

NEW YORK Butch Huskey, who was the penultimate Mets player to wear the No. 42, has died at age 54, the club announced on Friday on social media."We are saddened to learn about the passing of former Met Butch Huskey," the Mets said in a statement.A cause of death has not been announced.Huskey, who wore No. 42 to pay tribute to Jackie Robinson, was drafted by the Mets in the seventh round of the 1989 MLB Draft out of Eisenhower High School in Lawton, Oklahoma. He made his debut in 1993 before seeing his first major action in 1996 when he slashed .278/.319/.435 with 15 home runs, 60 RBI and 43 runs. Huskey, who played parts of five seasons with the Mets, logged his most productive campaign one season later in 1997 when he posted an .822 OPS with 24 home runs, 26 doubles, 81 RBI and 61 runs. He spent the majority of his playing career in right field, with spurts at first base and third base. "I just want to acknowledge this solemn day with the passing of Butch Huskey this morning," Mets interim manager Andy Green said Friday. "Just want to send prayers and thoughts to his family. I know all of our Mets family is thinking of him and the people who love him today."Huskey was traded to the Mariners before the 1999 season and played with four separate teams before his major league career ended one year later in 2000.Huskey finished his career with 86 home runs, 336 RBI and 259 runs in 642 games across seven seasons.Mo Vaughn would later become the final Mets player to don No. 42.This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Former Mets outfielder Butch Huskey dies at 54