Serena Williams of the US (L) speaks with Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka after victory during their women's singles match on day seven of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 14, 2021. (Photo by David Gray / AFP via Getty Images) / IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE AFP via Getty ImagesWhen Serena Williams accepted a wildcard to play doubles with sister Venus at Wimbledon, her return to tennis felt more like a novelty and a well-received jolt to the game. Now that shes entering the Wimbledon singles draw, Serenas legacy and the credibility of womens tennis are up for debate. Will Serenas return reveal more about her excellence, or overshadow Aryna Sabalenka's dominance? If a 44-year-old mother of two who hasnt played a singles match in four years can defeat players young enough to be her daughter, what does that say about the quality of women's tennis?During a press conference at the French Open, Sabalenka welcomed the news about Serenas return to doubles and possibly singles at Wimbledon. Yeah, I mean, thats fun, thats cool. She has a really cool personality. Shes fun, and shes a legend. Its inspiring to see," said Sabalenka. "Im actually excited to see her play and probably face her, so it's very cool. It's very good news for tennis."Sabalenka will arrive at Wimbledon having been the top-ranked player on the WTA Tour for more than 85 consecutive weeks. After failing to return to the French Open finals and with semifinal points to defend at Wimbledon, Sabalenka's No. 1 ranking is in jeopardy. Her legacy could take a hit, too. Despite maintaining a grip on No. 1, Sabalenka has yet to distance herself from the field. Shes tied with Naomi Osaka with four Major titles and trails Iga Swiatek, who has five Grand Slam titles, including wins on grass, clay and hard courts. Meanwhile, Serena has little to lose. If she gets bounced in the first round, shes 44 and hasnt played in four years. Her status doesnt change. She remains the GOAT. Returning to tennis is a win-win for her. If Serena advances to the second week, it elevates her standing and diminishes Sabalenka's. Sabalenka turned 28 in May. In an era when women are playing professional tennis in their late 30s and returning from maternity leave, Sabalenkas career is far from over. Yet, with Serena back in the mix, the comparisons and questions are coming. Could Sabalenka ever reach GOAT status? Is she playing in a weak era? How would peak Serena perform against today's competition? Serena And Sabalenka At Grand SlamsMELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 28: Serena Williams poses with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after winning the Women's Singles Final against Venus Williams of the United States on day 13 of the 2017 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 28, 2017 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)Getty ImagesSerenas 23 Major titles are the most by any female player in the Open Era. Sabalenka has four, all on hard courts. By Spring 2009, Serena, then 27, had won 9 Grand Slam singles titles. This included wins on every surface. Sabalenka has reached the final of every Major except Wimbledon.In 2025, Sabalenka was the first woman to defend her U.S. Open title since Serena in 2014. Serena is the last woman to defend her title (2015, 2016) at Wimbledon. Consecutive Weeks Serena And Sabalenka Spent At No. 1RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA NOVEMBER 1:Aryna Sabalenka poses with the WTA Chris Evert World No. 1 trophy after securing the year-end WTA top ranking, during a ceremony on Day 1 of the WTA Finals Riyadh at King Saud University Indoor Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on November 1, 2025. (Photo by STR/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesIn April, Sabalenka passed Martina Hingis (80) to climb to the Top 10 of consecutive weeks at No. 1 list. If she leaves Wimbledon, still ranked No. 1, Sabalenka could climb to No. 9. Shed still need nearly 100 more consecutive at No. 1 to catch Serena and Steffi Graf. Serena and Graf are tied at 186 for most consecutive weeks at No. 1. Sabalenka reclaimed the No. 1 ranking in October, 2024 and hasnt let go, yet. Consecutive Weeks at No. 1 (since 1975)186 weeks: Steffi Graf (1987-91)186 weeks: Serena Williams (2013-16)156 weeks: Martina Navratilova (1982-85)114 weeks: Ashleigh Barty (2019-22)113 weeks: Chris Evert (1976-78)94 weeks: Steffi Graf (1995-97)91 weeks: Monica Seles (1991-93)90 weeks: Martina Navratilova (1985-87)87 weeks: Steffi Graf (1993-95)85 weeks: Aryna Sabalenka (2024-present)Serena And Sabalenkas Impact On Tennis Style NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 01: Serena Williams of the United States serves to Kaia Kanepi of Estonia during their women's singles fourth round match on Day Eight of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 1, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)Getty ImagesEven before Williams signed with Nike, she wore iconic custom tennis outfits. Her 2002 Puma catsuit landed in a museum. Sabalenka loves fashion on and off the court, but has yet to land the type of custom kits that Osaka has. Earlier this year, at the 2026 Australian Open, Sabalenka wore a semi-custom look designed as a tribute to Williams and Maria Sharapova. After a reporter asked her about her Nike wardrobe, Sabalenka gave an underwhelming response but was optimistic about next year. "Maybe we should just start messaging Nike on Instagram and like putting some pressure on, but lets wait for 2027 because that year is going to be sick," she said. Sabalenka finally got her wish at the French Open when she wore a different, but not exclusive, kit. Bling is more her thing. Sabalenka routinely walks on the court with more than $200,000 dangling from her neck. Despite efforts to brand herself as a fashionista, Sabalenka hasnt had much impact on tennis style. Serena and Sabalenkas Success On GrassLONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 09: Serena Williams with the winners trophy after defeating Angelique Kerber in the women's final of the Wimbledon Tennis Championships at Wimbledon on July 09, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Karwai Tang/WireImage)WireImageWhen it comes to grass-court success, Sabalenka is no match for Serena. Few women are. Graf also has seven. Navratilova is the only player in the Open Era with more Wimbledon singles titles (9) than Serena. Sabalenka reached the semifinals three times but has yet to reach the final at Wimbledon. "I am a little concerned about Sabalenka, to be honest with you," said ESPN commentator and former pro Mary Joe Fernandez during an online press conference. "Because she was coming in playing really well, and I feel like her game translates to all the surfaces, and it should translate to the grass, with you know, how powerful she hits the ball, and she's got a weapon in the serve and weapon the returns."Fernandez is less concerned about Serena's chances at Wimbledon. But Serena, at first, I kind of question why she would come back on the grass, because I think it's a tough surface, you know, right away to do well on," said Fernandez. But I guess thats where she feels at home. She's won it seven times.Serena is 98-14 at Wimbledon. Shes reached the final 11 times, including twice after returning from maternity leave. She also has six Wimbledon doubles titles. She and Venus are 6-0 in doubles finals at Wimbledon. They also won a gold medal on the grass at Wimbledon during the 2012 Summer Olympics. Earlier this month, when Serena returned to doubles at the Queen's Club Championships, she told reporters, "I don't need to win." However, now that she's playing singles, she won't be able to avoid being compared to her contemporaries, no matter their age. Serena went 1-1 against Graf in the brief time they were both on the tour. Graf retired in 1999. Had she returned 10 years after retirement, age 40, Graf would have landed during the resurgence of Serenas career. That didnt happen, so tennis fans are left to speculate. Serenas return will provide evidence, even if only anecdotal, as to how bygone and present eras compare. If Sabalenka is the standard-bearer of todays WTA, Serena might serve as a barometer of the state of the game. This article was originally published on Forbes.com

Veteran forward Alex Tuch is getting an eight-year extension averaging $10.5 million a year from the Capitals after a trade with the Sabres, sources told ESPN.

The Socceroos are hoping to take a major step towards the FIFA World Cup knockouts as the final round of group stage play begins.

DANIEL MATTHEWS IN LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Sebastian Berhalter was talking to a wall of microphones when, a few yards away, Gio Reyna began holding court, too.

Francisco Lindor is ready to rejoin the New York Mets just as Juan Soto deals with a back injury that may sideline him beyond Wednesday.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said he couldnt rule out a trip to the injured list for Soto, who exited a 9-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs after the fourth inning Tuesday night because of a tight back.Mendoza said Soto, who was pictured on SNY wearing a wrap around his back in the dugout Tuesday, was getting checked out before Wednesdays doubleheader, though he said following a 10-3 loss in the opener that Soto hadn't undergone imaging yet.Mendoza said Wednesday morning he hoped Soto could be available at some point in the day but acknowledged a level of concern for the superstar outfielder, who is in the second season of a 15-year, $765 million deal.Weve got to wait, Mendoza said. Obviously not ideal when a player like him come out of a game. Those guys are tough and they know how important they are and they take pride on being in the lineup everyday and posting.I just didnt like how he looked yesterday. Weve got to wait.Sotos injury may delay his reunion with Lindor, who will be activated prior to Wednesdays nightcap. The 32-year-old shortstop has been sidelined since suffering a strained left calf while running the bases against the Minnesota Twins on April 22 the same day Soto returned from an 18-day stint on shelf due to a strained right calf.Lindor played in his third rehab game Tuesday, when he was 2 for 5 while scoring twice for Triple-A Syracuse. He made the four-hour trip back to New York following the game, which factored into the Mets decision to hold off on activating him.Everything checked out well after the game last night but he got in late, so we told him to kind of recover this morning, Mendoza said. We anticipate him being in the lineup.Mendoza said the Mets will proceed cautiously with Lindor following the longest injured stint of his 12-year career. Lindor, who missed just 15 games the previous four years, will likely sit out Thursdays game and will also see more time than usual at designated hitter.Lindor and Soto have played just nine games together this season for the last-place Mets, who havent recovered from the 12-game losing streak they endured during Sotos absence. New York, which hasnt finished in last place since 2003, is seven games out of the final National League playoff spot.Im just worried about Soto, Mendoza said. Im not thinking about Lindor back, Soto out. It is what it is, right? Hopefully we can get those two in the lineup for a long time here for the rest of the season and we can make a run at it.Mendoza also announced beleaguered starter Kodai Senga has been shifted to the bullpen. Senga gave up seven runs over 3 2/3 innings Tuesday as his ERA rose to 10.08. He hasnt earned a win since June 12, 2025, when he suffered a hamstring injury covering first base against the Washington Nationals.Senga, a noted creature of habit, has made just one relief appearance for the Mets. He threw the final 1 2/3 innings of Game 6 of the 2024 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.Were going to adjust his routine, hes going to have to adjust his routine, Mendoza said.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Francisco Lindor is ready to rejoin the New York Mets just as Juan Soto deals with a back injury that may sideline him beyond Wednesday.Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said he couldnt rule out a trip to the injured list for Soto, who exited a 9-6 loss to the Chicago Cubs after the fourth inning Tuesday night because of a tight back.Mendoza said Soto, who was pictured on SNY wearing a wrap around his back in the dugout Tuesday, was getting checked out before Wednesdays doubleheader, though he said following a 10-3 loss in the opener that Soto hadn't undergone imaging yet.Mendoza said Wednesday morning he hoped Soto could be available at some point in the day but acknowledged a level of concern for the superstar outfielder, who is in the second season of a 15-year, $765 million deal.Weve got to wait, Mendoza said. Obviously not ideal when a player like him come out of a game. Those guys are tough and they know how important they are and they take pride on being in the lineup everyday and posting.I just didnt like how he looked yesterday. Weve got to wait.Sotos injury may delay his reunion with Lindor, who will be activated prior to Wednesdays nightcap. The 32-year-old shortstop has been sidelined since suffering a strained left calf while running the bases against the Minnesota Twins on April 22 the same day Soto returned from an 18-day stint on shelf due to a strained right calf.Lindor played in his third rehab game Tuesday, when he was 2 for 5 while scoring twice for Triple-A Syracuse. He made the four-hour trip back to New York following the game, which factored into the Mets decision to hold off on activating him.Everything checked out well after the game last night but he got in late, so we told him to kind of recover this morning, Mendoza said. We anticipate him being in the lineup.Mendoza said the Mets will proceed cautiously with Lindor following the longest injured stint of his 12-year career. Lindor, who missed just 15 games the previous four years, will likely sit out Thursdays game and will also see more time than usual at designated hitter.Lindor and Soto have played just nine games together this season for the last-place Mets, who havent recovered from the 12-game losing streak they endured during Sotos absence. New York, which hasnt finished in last place since 2003, is seven games out of the final National League playoff spot.Im just worried about Soto, Mendoza said. Im not thinking about Lindor back, Soto out. It is what it is, right? Hopefully we can get those two in the lineup for a long time here for the rest of the season and we can make a run at it.Mendoza also announced beleaguered starter Kodai Senga has been shifted to the bullpen. Senga gave up seven runs over 3 2/3 innings Tuesday as his ERA rose to 10.08. He hasnt earned a win since June 12, 2025, when he suffered a hamstring injury covering first base against the Washington Nationals.Senga, a noted creature of habit, has made just one relief appearance for the Mets. He threw the final 1 2/3 innings of Game 6 of the 2024 NLCS against the Los Angeles Dodgers.Were going to adjust his routine, hes going to have to adjust his routine, Mendoza said.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

Observant viewers of England's World Cup clash with Ghana may have spotted an oddly asymmetrical supporters' flag in the stands.A contingent of Barrow AFC enthusiasts found themselves compelled to obscure part of their St George's Cross with tape, leaving one quarter conspicuously bare.The issue centred on their flag's design, which incorporated the club's crest alongside a submarine outline an image deeply associated with the Cumbrian coastal town.FIFA, the tournament's governing body, insisted the maritime vessel be concealed.The CENSORED Barrow flag has made it in for tonights @England match!Predictions for the game, Bluebirds?#WeAreBarrow pic.twitter.com/F2B7nkWs9e Barrow AFC (@BarrowAFC) June 23, 2026 The world football authority cited its prohibition on military and weapons-related imagery as justification for the ruling.The dispute escalated to such an extent that it prompted intervention in the House of Commons.Supporters John Little and Lewis Watts expressed their frustration at what they considered an overly severe ruling, though both indicated they would endeavour to meet the requirements.Watts articulated the sentiment shared by many from the area: "It's just basically representing the town, we take pride from where we're from."He added: "For me [the submarine] it's not offensive."The submarine silhouette holds particular significance for Barrow-in-Furness, where shipbuilding and submarine construction form the backbone of the local economy.For these travelling fans, the emblem speaks not to military might but to community identity and the proud industrial heritage of their hometown.Michelle Scrogham, the Labour MP for the area, brought the matter before Parliament through an early day motion prior to the fixture.She argued forcefully that the symbol had been fundamentally misinterpreted by football's governing body."The submarine is not a political statement it reflects the generations of skilled workers who have built a world-class industry here in Barrow-in-Furness," the MP declared.The shipbuilding sector employs some 14,000 people in the town, representing a cornerstone of the local economy.FIFA's written response to Watts, which the BBC has obtained, stated plainly that the application failed because the design contained "imagery of weapons or military."The organisation indicated it would grant approval should the fans resubmit with the offending image covered.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter

The Baroness and her husband Doug Barrowman are among individuals being sued in a bid to recover some of the money owed to the government by the business.

Dreimal so viele Leute wie 2022 wollen das weie DFB-Trikot haben. Nathaniel Brown fehlt im Mannschaftstraining der DFB-Auswahl. Fr die Startelf des DFB-Teams gibt es gleich mehrere Kandidaten.[mehr]

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - This past Sunday, the Memphis Redbirds claimed their first-ever International League title in any form since joining the league ahead... - IL Memphis Redbirds