Mirra Andreeva overcame testing conditions and the burden of years of expectations to defeat qualifier Maja Chwalinska for her first grand slam title, becoming the youngest women’s champion at the French Open since 18-year-old Monica Seles in 1992.

19-year-old Andreeva announced her enormous potential on the clay with a storming run to the French Open semi-finals two years ago. Despite her young age she had long been tipped to convert that into titles – and two years on, the vastly experienced teenager fulfilled that potential, maintaining her focus despite a difficult, windy court and a highly partisan crowd to win Roland Garros 6-3 6-2.

The eighth seed collapsed to the clay and covered her face in disbelief as a smash, with Chwalinska rooted to the spot, sealed the first of what many believe will be several major titles. It brought an end to Chwalinska’s stunning fairytale run, as she attempted to become only the second qualifier to ever win a major, after Emma Raducanu at the US Open in 2021.

Andreeva paid tribute to Chwalinska in the podium ceremony, joking: “You are a very tricky opponent, I wouldn’t want to play against you another time… okay, it’s fine, I hope we play many, many more finals together in the future.

“I cannot believe I’m holding this trophy right now. Paris is going to have a very special place in my heart.”

She thanked the tournament directors, ball kids, and her team, before adding: “Last but not least, I want to thank myself for believing in myself and always giving 100 per cent, even when it is tough. I try every day to be better as a person and as a player, and fight so many demons inside of me. Only I know how tough it was for me these two weeks – so thanks to myself.”

Andreeva had said after her semi-final win over Marta Kostyuk that a change in her perspective over the course of this season has allowed her to stay calm in situations that previously would have derailed her.

While her increased maturity has been evident the question remained of how she would fare in a cauldron of support for her opposition. Her impetuousness and temper have often worked against her, while she wilted against home favourite Lois Boisson at the semi-final stage last year, unable to cope with the emotion of the situation.

And she was facing a similarly one-sided crowd on Saturday, with chants of “Maja, Maja, Maja” erupting during the warm-up, as world No 114 Chwalinska stepped up to serve, and at every changeover.

But the key to Andreeva’s run in this tournament has been her ability to adapt, whether that be to different opponents or rapidly changing conditions, and to keep calm, to the extent that she told press after the semi-final that she was so focused she could see “the little hairs on the ball”. She needed every bit of that focus on Sunday. Chwalinska was a difficult opponent, but in many ways this was Andreeva’s Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen to lose.

Against Kostyuk Andreeva had seemed scarcely bothered by the wind, although she later admitted it had made for tough conditions, changing direction and speed unpredictably. The conditions were similar on Saturday, swirling and kicking clay up into the players’ faces. But they troubled her more, while the nerves of a first slam final were compounded by being the expected champion against a free-swinging underdog with nothing to lose.

Nerves were evidently a factor for both, however; Chwalinska, choosing to serve first, opened with a double fault, and there were four consecutive breaks of serve. The Pole’s unorthodox game style posed immediate problems as she chopped and changed pace and direction, with her heavy spin and lefty forehand, and the sheer variety and inventiveness of her game, frustrating Andreeva.

Chwalinska’s love of moonballs and ability to switch with ease between baseline exchange and clever drop shot paid off as she went toe to toe with the Russian, who struggled on serve and with her choice of shot.

But Andreeva’s ability to focus despite the many distractions – particularly as the wind continued to pick up – was on show as, from 3-3 and after four straight breaks of serve before Chwalinska held for the first time, she locked down. She broke the 24-year-old’s serve again before backing up the break for the first time, digging out a drop shot that very nearly died in the service box before planting a smash into the open court.

That was the catalyst she needed; she went 0-40 up in Chwalinska’s next service game and fired a beautiful backhand cross-court winner to take the set, celebrating with a fist pump and determined smile. She looked like a slam winner-in-waiting.

Andreeva’s first serve percentage, having hovered in the low 40 per cent in the first half of the first set, improved to the high 70s, while she showed more conviction in her clean, destructive groundstrokes. Chwalinska, who was playing in her 10th match in a row after winning three in qualifying, began to look mentally drained and to leak errors.

There was more fight down the teenager’s side of the court: a sloppy service game as she led 2-0 saw her slip to 0-40 down, but she reeled off five points in a row, getting to deuce with a tidy backhand winner before Chwalinska hit long, to stave off trouble and extend her lead to 3-0.

She broke to love immediately after, with the Pole slipping glumly to the court as she watched a forehand trail long, her chances of a slam title carried away on the Parisian wind. In the ceremony, she joked: “You’re so young and talented, it’s so annoying.” To the crowd, she added: “I wish you could see a better match today but Mirra was just too good, so it’s her fault.”

Andreeva made a colossal hash of a net smash at 40-15 in her next service game, but didn’t blink, and a battering ram of a backhand down the line put her a game away from the title, 5-0 up. But as Chwalinska held for the first time in the set, the pressure was once more all on the teenager’s shoulders.

It told: a miss on a routine net volley brought up 30-30 and she swung long on a forehand to gift Chwalinska a rare break point, but although she saved the first, two clunking errors – the second another poor forehand long – handed over the break and set off another chorus of “Maja, Maja, Maja”.

But in the greatest test of her life the teenager held firm and Chwalinska buckled. Andreeva earned three match points and only needed one, shifting from baseline to net to hammer away the winner.

She dropped to the ground in joy before embracing Chwalinska and heading up to her box, celebrating with coach Conchita Martinez, who has been integral to her rise.

After two weeks of intense focus, the teenager could allow herself a beaming smile, while having worked so hard on her composure, it was telling that there were no tears and she seemed relaxed. Like this was simply inevitable, the culmination of years of work that would always end with her lifting the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen aloft.

Choosing the best three players in Europe is never an easy task. Football is full of outstanding talents, and every fan will have their own opinion. Your top three may be completely different from mine, and that is what makes football discussions interesting.

One thing that stands out about my selection is that I have included a goalkeeper. Too often, goalkeepers and defenders do not receive the same level of recognition as attacking players. While there are special awards for them, I believe they deserve to compete for the biggest individual honours as well.

After watching the season unfold across Europe, my top three players are David Raya, Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane. For me, the player who deserves the number one spot is Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

1. David Raya – Arsenal

When Arsenal finally ended their 22-year wait for the Premier League title, many people praised the goalscorers and attacking stars. But behind that success was a goalkeeper who quietly delivered week after week.

David Raya was one of the main reasons Arsenal lifted the trophy. During the most important stage of the season, he produced four consecutive clean sheets, giving his teammates the confidence and platform to secure crucial victories.

The Spanish goalkeeper finished the campaign with 19 clean sheets in 37 league appearances, matching a club record previously set by Arsenal legend David Seaman. Although they share the same first name, Raya has created his own place in Arsenal’s history.

What makes his season even more impressive is his consistency. He made only one mistake that directly led to a goal throughout the entire campaign and did not miss a single minute of league action.

Raya was also a key figure in Arsenal’s unbeaten run to the UEFA Champions League final. Although the Gunners eventually lost to Paris Saint-Germain, his performances throughout the competition were outstanding.

For his leadership, consistency and ability to deliver when it mattered most, David Raya is my Player of the Season in Europe.

2. Ousmane Dembele – Paris Saint-Germain

Ousmane Dembele’s season was a story of resilience and determination.

Injuries slowed him down during the first half of the campaign, and many believed his chances of defending his Ballon d’Or title had disappeared. However, once he regained full fitness, he reminded everyone why he is one of the most dangerous attackers in world football.

Dembele finished the season with 19 goals and 12 assists while helping Paris Saint-Germain win the UEFA Champions League, Ligue 1, Trophee des Champions, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

His performances in the Champions League knockout stages were especially memorable. He delivered match-winning displays against Liverpool and Bayern Munich before finding the net again in the final.

While his overall season may not have reached the incredible heights of the previous campaign, he still played a vital role in another historic year for PSG. His return to form has also boosted France’s hopes ahead of the upcoming World Cup.

For his influence in PSG’s success and his ability to shine on the biggest stage, Dembele earns second place on my list.

3. Harry Kane – Bayern Munich

There have always been debates about Harry Kane, but one thing nobody can question is his ability to score goals.

Now that he has finally ended the long wait for major trophies, the Bayern Munich striker looks more motivated than ever. The burden of constantly being criticised for not winning titles has disappeared, and Kane has responded with one of the finest seasons of his career.

The England captain scored an incredible 65 goals and added seven assists as Bayern Munich won the Bundesliga, DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup.

However, Kane’s contribution went beyond goals. His passing, movement, link-up play and leadership were all crucial to Bayern’s success. He showed that he is much more than a traditional striker.

As the World Cup approaches, England fans will hope he can carry this remarkable form onto the international stage and help the Three Lions end their long wait for major silverware.

His goal-scoring numbers alone make him impossible to ignore, and that is why he completes my top three.

Final Thoughts

Football fans will always have different opinions when it comes to individual awards. Some may choose other stars who enjoyed excellent seasons across Europe.

However, for me, David Raya deserves special recognition for proving that goalkeepers can be just as influential as the players who score the goals. Alongside him, Ousmane Dembele and Harry Kane produced outstanding campaigns that helped their clubs win major trophies.

That is my top three players in Europe for the 2025/2026 season. You may agree or disagree, but one thing is certain, all three delivered performances worthy of being remembered.

The Nationwide League One (NLO) has slammed Green Beret FC with a ₦1.5 million fine and suspended the club and its officials for two seasons following an assault on match officials after their game against Zamfara United.

The league announced the disciplinary measures on Friday after reviewing the incident, which reportedly left one referee injured and bleeding.

In a statement, the NLO strongly condemned the violence, describing it as a serious offence that damages the image of football and threatens the safety of those involved in the game.

According to the league body, Green Beret FC had previously been linked with a similar incident last season, making the latest case even more concerning.

As part of the sanctions, the NLO overturned the result of the match and awarded Zamfara United a 3-0 victory instead of the original 2-0 scoreline.

The league also ordered Green Beret FC to pay ₦1 million for misconduct and an additional ₦500,000 to cover the medical treatment of the injured referees. Both payments must be made within seven days.

In addition, the club and all its officials have been banned from taking part in Nationwide League One activities for the next two seasons.

The NLO further directed Green Beret FC to identify and submit the names of the individuals accused of attacking and stabbing the referee within 48 hours.

The league reaffirmed its commitment to discipline, safety and fair play, warning that any act of violence will continue to attract severe punishment.

SoFi Stadium workers have voted to authorize a strike just a week before hosting the United States Men’s National Soccer Team for the World Cup.

The UNITE HERE Local 11 union has been negotiating with Legends Global amid a stalled deal, and a large concern remains U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s role at the stadium during World Cup games.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said this week the U.S. Department of Homeland Security told him federal authorities would be at the matches to assist with security but not civil immigration enforcement.

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SOFI stadium workers protest outside the FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles office calling for ICE to be banned from the World Cup on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are planned for SOFI stadium during the summer tournament. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

“Any of that is subject to change, but I have trust that they’re giving me the appropriate information because if that starts occurring, we’re going to have a whole new host of problems,” he added.

“What good is the World Cup for Los Angeles when workers don’t earn enough to pay the rent and must choose between showing up and being kidnapped by ICE?” said Kurt Petersen, co-president of UNITE HERE Local 11. “If we’re forced to strike, those $100,000 FIFA suites will have nothing but bottled water and Doritos.”

A press release on Friday, according to The Athletic, said negotiations are expected to continue Monday.

“Workers must have the right to walk off the job if federal immigration enforcement enters the stadium and creates a reasonable fear for their safety — no worker should have to choose between their job and their freedom,” the release said.

The union also wants “pay that reflects the true cost of living in Los Angeles, including premium pay for World Cup and other mega-events, and payment to a housing fund to build housing for hospitality workers.”

Protesters hold “Kick ICE Out” signs on an inflatable rat outside SoFi Stadium during a demonstration against ICE at the FIFA World Cup 26 Los Angeles Office on May 1, 2026. Eight World Cup matches are scheduled at SoFi Stadium this summer. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

MEXICO GOLD CUP SOCCER GAME IN LOS ANGELES SEES ANTI-ICE PROTESTERS DEMONSTRATE OUTSIDE STADIUM

Legends Global, which handles hospitality at SoFi, said the company has a long-standing relationship with the union and is committed to reaching an agreement through contract negotiations.

“We look forward to delivering an outstanding hospitality experience for fans at the FIFA World Cup matches at SoFi Stadium,” the company said in a statement Wednesday.

The union issued a complaint to the California attorney general, stating that workers could be at risk of being targeted by ICE due to FIFA’s accreditation process.

ICE acting director Todd Lyons has said that it would play a “key part” in ensuring security during the tournament, something Luna confirmed.

Community groups in other World Cup host cities such as Atlanta and Miami also have called for a halt to U.S. immigration enforcement during the matches, fearing arrests near stadiums and watch parties could dampen the festivities.

SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles is one of 16 stadiums selected to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including 11 in the U.S. (Getty Images)

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SoFi Stadium will host eight matches.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Not all golfers enjoy getting tips from family members, however well-intentioned they may be. But Nelly Korda, the best player in women’s golf, used a swing tip from her sister to recover from a rough start and charge into contention at the 2026 U.S. Women’s Open.

It heps that Korda’s sister, Jessica Korda, isn’t some amateur swing guru. She’s a six-time LPGA winner herself, with two career U.S. Open top 10s.

When Nelly was struggling to find answers following a poor opening round, Jessica swooped in with a simple tip that righted the ship for the World No. 1.

Korda shouts out sister for key swing help at U.S. Women’s Open

Korda, of the Nelly variety, came into this week’s major at Riviera with sky-high expectations. She’d already captured the first major of the year, the Chevron Championship in April, along with two other wins and three runner-up finishes.

It seemed like this was the year she would finally win her first U.S. Women’s Open.

Then came Thursday.

Korda fought her swing throughout Round 1, a poor strategy for a difficult course like Riviera. She made four bogeys and only two birdies to finish with a two-over 73.

It seemed like instead of contending for the lead, Nelly would be fighting to make the cut on Friday.

But in a post-round range session Thursday night ahead of Round 2, Korda found what she was looking for. Or, more accurately, Jessica did.

“It was weird because I was striking it so well Monday through Wednesday, and all of a sudden I just really didn’t — I had no idea what was going on yesterday with my driver,” Korda said on Friday. “So tried to figure it out on the range after the round and kind of got a little bit of something kind of going.”

The swing fix came after Korda had struggled with “laying it off at the top,” which resulted in inconsistent strikes and wayward drives to the right. Jessica’s simple tip? Strengthen your grip.

“Actually, a big shout out to my sister because she helped me. I just tried to strengthen my grip a little bit,” Korda explained on Friday. “I just kind of keep laying it off at the top and I’ve been working on it, gosh, grinding on it for five weeks, and I can’t get it. I don’t know what I’m doing in my swing, so I just try to strengthen my grip.”

While the new grip didn’t feel natural to Korda in Round 2, she was determined to keep at it anyway.

“It felt super funky today, but I just trusted and went with it,” Korda said.

After seeing the results in Round 2, Nelly might be looking for advice from Jessica more often. The younger sister drained five birdies against a lone bogey to shoot a four-under 67, despite switching golf shoes mid-round.

Harbhajan Singh questioned the Indian selectors for overlooking Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England. He felt that it was unfair to snub the batter despite his impactful performances in the recently concluded IPL 2026.

Patidar had a memorable IPL campaign. He became only the third captain after MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma to win back-to-back titles. The 33-year-old did a commendable job with the bat as well, aggregating 501 runs across 14 innings at a strike rate of 192.69.

Unimpressed by Patidar’s omission, Harbhajan wrote on X after the squad announcement:

“Sad no Rajat Patidar in the indian squad. What else he needs to do ? Scored 501 runs strike rate almost 200 . Unfair. Easily the best middle order in India . Proper striker with good technique.”

While Rajat Patidar failed to find a spot in India’s T20I team, Shreyas Iyer returned after over two years and took over the captaincy reins from Suryakumar Yadav. Hard-hitting opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi and fast bowler Prince Yadav earned their maiden T20I call-ups.

“There will always be players who miss out, but you can only pick 15” – Ajit Agarkar opens up on India’s T20I squad

India’s chief selector Ajit Agarkar revealed that several players were discussed during the selection meeting. He noted that India have a big talent pool, with many names meriting a place in the side.

He remarked that a few names are bound to miss out, as they can only pick 15. Agarkar said (via India Today):

“We discuss a host of players. You don’t just sit there and put down 15 names. There are a lot of good players in India. If you’ve watched the IPL or followed domestic cricket, there are plenty of players who look good enough to walk into the team. But the players already in the team are doing well too. We won a World Cup not too long ago. We think we’ve picked a really good squad. There will always be players who miss out, but you can only pick 15 and we’re very happy with this group.”

Patidar has 3389 runs to his name from 106 T20 innings at an average of 35.30 and a strike rate of 160.08. He is currently captaining Gwalior Cheetahs in the ongoing Madhya Pradesh Premier League 2026.