Aryna Sabalenka edges Linda Noskova to keep alive hopes of a 3rd straight US Open title
NEW YORK (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka kept alive her hopes for a third straight U.S. Open title by fighting off Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of major champions. Sabalenka finished off the match with a second-serve ace to turn back the Wimbledon champion and reach the semifinals in Flushing Meadows for the sixth straight year. Sabalenka — who needed to win to maintain any hope of keeping the No. 1 ranking — will face No. 3 Jessica Pegula on Thursday in the semifinals.
Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers agree on a $165M, 3-year extension, AP source says
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed on a $165 million, three-year contract extension, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team hasn’t announced the contract extension. Mayfield revived his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. He was entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal. Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by Cleveland. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Tampa while leading the Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles.
LIV Golf files for bankruptcy protection as it tries to survive in a smaller version
LIV Golf has filed for bankruptcy protection in a New Jersey court. The move was widely expected after Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund abruptly cut off support. The fifth year of the breakaway league ended last month. LIV says part of its plan moving forward is to restructure with BC Partners as its lead investor. CEO Scott O’Neil says the plan is to expand the field to 75 players and have a 36-hole cut for the first time. LIV estimates some $500 million in debt. Still to be determined is whether LIV will keep some of its biggest names.
Southeastern Conference leaders to discuss expelling LSU, which backs off rostering pro players
The Southeastern Conference plans to meet Thursday to discuss possibly expelling LSU over a dispute over whether the school can use players who signed with NFL teams as undrafted rookies. An LSU official confirmed the final roster excludes these players. LSU’s membership is under scrutiny due to alleged violations of conference rules. Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the importance of adhering to SEC principles. The meeting will address concerns about LSU’s leadership and potential rule breaches.
Aaron Judge goes 0 for 3 with 2 Ks in return to Yankees after 99-day absence caused by broken rib
NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge struck out twice and flied out as he returned to the New York Yankees after a 99-day absence — a gap that matched his uniform number. Recovered from a broken rib, Judge started in right field and batted third Tuesday night in a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies that drew a sellout crowd of 46,211. Judge swung under a four-seam fastball from rookie right-hander Gabriel Hughes in the first inning and flied out to deep right-center in the fourth, then took a called third strike on a full-count pitch from rookie left-hander Mark Manfredi in the sixth.
Dodgers sit Shohei Ohtani to ‘build him up slowly’ after 2-strikeout return
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Shohei Ohtani was out of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ lineup on Tuesday. He returned from a four-day break on Monday, going 0 for 3 with two strikeouts in a 6-3 win over the Cincinnati Reds. Manager Dave Roberts says Ohtani came out of the game well, but after consulting with the training staff, they decided to build him up slowly. Ohtani will be available to pinch hit against the Reds, and Roberts expects him to return to the lineup on Wednesday. Tommy Edman was starting in center field, while Freddie Freeman was the designated hitter.
Frances Tiafoe comes from 2 sets down to beat Michelsen and reach the US Open semifinals
NEW YORK (AP) — Frances Tiafoe kept coming back until he had reached his third U.S. Open semifinal, beating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6) on Tuesday. Tiafoe, who lost the first two sets and then trailed 3-0 in the fifth, finally ended the match in 4 hours, 38 minutes. He then jogged over to the other side of the net, where the 22-year-old Michelsen cried on his shoulder after a devastating end to his first career major quarterfinal. The No. 11-seeded Tiafoe, who reached the final four in 2022 and 2024, awaits the winner of the late match between defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and No. 8 Ben Shelton.
NCAA says it can’t overturn Michigan’s win over Western Michigan after MAC appeals outcome
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (AP) — The Mid-American Conference wants Western Michigan recognized as the winner over Michigan after a controversial game. The NCAA said Tuesday the result stands, citing no protocol for overturning outcomes. Michigan won 13-12 on a Hail Mary pass after officials added a second to the clock. The MAC argues the prescribed replay protocol wasn’t followed, which led to Michigan’s win. The NCAA’s rules state the team with the most points at the end is the winner. The controversy has sparked debate in college football circles.
Nelly Korda and Charley Hull bring their own styles to the Solheim Cup
Nelly Korda and Charley Hull are two of the biggest stars in women’s golf and feature prominently in the Solheim Cup. There already have been two moments that capture the essence of them. Korda has found a way to go from being No. 1 in the world to one of 12 players. During sightseeing in Amsterdam she was seen taking a photo of a couple who apparently had no idea who she was. Hull is the free spirit from England. So it was no surprise she was late to the tee for practice at Bernardus Golf.