Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, competes against Oleksandra Oliynykova, of Ukraine, during the second round of the U.S. Open tennis championships Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

MANILA, Philippines — They’ve had their fun on the court in New York to kick off the US Open, and now it’s time for the real battle.

Alex Eala and Iva Jovic hurdled separate opponents in straight sets Friday and set up a clash in the third round of the US Open.

The two rising tennis stars shared the court with their fathers days before the main draw in the “Stars of the Open” exhibition at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Since then, Eala has had a dominant run in her second US Open main draw, beating Mary Stoiana, 6-1, 6-2, in the opening round before following it up with a 6-1, 6-4 victory over Oleksandra Oliynykova.

The 18-year-old Jovic, meanwhile, labored against Magdalena Fręch, 7-5, 6-3, in the first round before dispatching Francesca Jones, 6-4, 6-4.

Head-to-head

Alex Eala vs Iva Jovic: Head-to-head information.

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Eala, the No. 17 seed, expects a grind-out showdown against the higher-ranked Jovic, seeded 14th in the tournament. After all, she has yet to win a set against the American in their two meetings.

“She [Iva Jovic] is an amazing player, young, very talented and very intelligent. Of course, she’s a high-ranking player and very accomplished. And I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges against her this year,” Eala said.

Eala fell to Jovic in the first round of the French Open in late May, 6-4, 6-2, then again at the HSBC Championships in London just 15 days later, 6-2, 6-2.

But they have not battled on hard courts, where Eala has been thriving, bolstered by her first WTA title at the Mubadala DC Open.

Eala and Jovic have also paired up in a couple of doubles runs, reaching the semifinal of the ASB Classic in January but bowing out in the first round at Indian Wells.

Jovic said she is looking forward to facing Eala much deeper in a Grand Slam tournament than in their first meeting.

“I’m super excited. The atmosphere is going to be amazing. She’s been playing some great tennis. It’s nice to be playing each other third round, deeper into the Slam. Hopefully we can all keep going on runs like this,” Jovic said.

No information on the scheduled time or venue has been released yet for their match.

Throughout the 2026 college football season, I’ll be giving you my just-for-fun picks for contests involving the best teams in the West across five conferences.

I started the season 2-1, correctly picking USC to defeat San Jose State and Stanford to beat Hawai’i, but missed on UNLV, which fell to Memphis.

This week, I am making picks for the following 10 games:

• San Jose State at Eastern Michigan
• Fresno State at No. 14 USC
• No. 7 Miami at Stanford
• Oregon State at No. 23 Houston
• Boise State at No. 2 Oregon
• Wyoming at Colorado State
• UNLV at Hawai’i
• Central Michigan at New Mexico
• UCLA at California
• Washington State at No. 17 Washington

You will also want to read Stephen Vilardo’s Big Ten Previews, Dane Miller’s Big 12 column, and my Pac-12 Previews.

Let’s get on to my picks!

Writes about football and basketball as a Senior Writer and hosts “The Nick Bartlett Show” for SuperWest Sports.

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With Oleksandr Usyk’s time in the sport coming to an end, the heavyweight division is seeking a new fighter to take over and establish themselves as the man to beat, and Matchroom Promoter Eddie Hearn believes one of his contenders is capable of taking over.

This time last week, the general consensus was that the Moses Itauma era was upon us and that the Brit would defeat Filip Hrgovic to become boxing’s second-youngest heavyweight world champion, before unifying against his fellow titleholders.

As is so often the case in boxing, those plans were derailed as Hrgovic pulled off a mammoth upset and handed the 21-year-old a first career defeat; capturing the IBF title and becoming Croatia’s first ever heavyweight world champion.

During his post-fight interview, Hrgovic laid out his own desires for unifications, either in a rematch with Daniel Dubois (WBO champion) or against Agit Kabayel (WBC champion), despite being mandated to next defend his belt against Cuba’s Frank Sanchez.

With the landscape wide open, contenders and past champions are expected to manoeuvre themselves into contention.

Speaking to Pro Boxing Fans, Hearn said that former unified heavyweight world champion Andy Ruiz Jr could be the fighter to take control of the division.

“Andy Ruiz is a massive problem, if he is on it this Friday. If he looks great this Friday, give me Hrgovic, give me Itauma, give me Dubois, Kabayel – he can beat all of those guys.”

Ruiz recently joined forces with Hearn, as he looks to return to the form that saw him stop Anthony Joshua in 2019 to become world champion.

He returns to action against Poland’s Damian Knyba on Friday in at the Prudential Center in Newark, in search of a first win in exactly four years.

The former unified world champion has fought on just four occasions since beating ‘AJ’.

He lost the immediate rematch, by his own admission overweight and under prepared, before being sidelined for 18 months.

Wins over Chris Arreola and Luis Ortiz followed, but a high-profile 2023 clash with Jarrell Miller ended in a controversial draw after Ruiz broke his hand during the fight.

Now back with trainer Manny Robles, who masterminded the Joshua win, Ruiz has weighed in his lightest since 2018 and promised fans he taking this comeback seriously.

With the belts perhaps more accessible than ever, and without the pound-for-pound threat of Usyk, Ruiz could well find himself challenging for a title soon.

Top-seeded Alexander Zverev kept his bid for a first US Open title on track with a gritty five-set victory over Quentin Halys, staying the course as a spate of upsets rocked the men’s draw on Thursday.

A trio of former women’s champions — Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka — booked third-round berths, along with reigning Grand Slam champions Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva.

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But men’s third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime tumbled out, along with sixth-seeded Alex de Minaur and 13th-seeded Lorenzo Musetti.

Zverev labored util 2:15 am Friday on Arthur Ashe Stadium to shake off 52nd-ranked Frenchman Halys 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.

The four-hour 33-minute marathon followed his wild first-round five-setter against 89th-ranked Lorenzo Sonego that kept Zverev at it until shortly before 2 am on Wednesday.

“The performance was quite shit to be honest, but I won, that’s the most important thing,” Zverev said afterwards.

“Physically, I feel fine. I am proud, I think, to be physically quite strong. I just hope at some point I’ll start playing better tennis.

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“I’m winning ugly right now. It’s also a skill to win ugly and when you’re not playing great tennis. I think I’ve mastered that right now.”

While Zverev survived, Auger-Aliassime fell 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, to 50th-ranked Russian Karen Khachanov, pulled away relentlessly from the physically ailing Canadian, who said he was “dizzy and seeing spots.

“I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn’t,” a dejected Auger-Aliassime said.

Khachanov took full advantage of 47 unforced errors, with eight double faults, from Auger-Aliassime, who struggled particularly on serve.

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“I thought maybe he had some physical issues, it’s part of our sport,” Khachanov said. “From my side I tried to give my best performance, fighting, fighting.”

De Minaur fell to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 while 123rd-ranked Australian Dane Sweeny shocked 13th seed Musetti 3-6, 6-1, 6-2, 6-2 to reach the third round of a major for the first time.

It’s not the first time Van de Zandschulp has sprung an upset at Flushing Meadows, where he shocked Carlos Alcaraz in the second round in 2024.

Meanwhile top women contenders marched on.

Fourth-seeded Gauff, the 2023 champion, thrilled the Ashe night crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain.

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Swiatek sailed through with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Nadia Podoroska while Osaka survived a second-set swoon to beat Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.

Australian Open winner Rybakina, the world number two who is closing in on Aryna Sabalenka’s number one ranking, saw off Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 6-2, 6-4, and Andreeva rolled over Germany’s Eva Lys 6-0, 6-2.

Gauff, 22, had lost five of her eight prior meetings with Badosa, so she was ready when the Spaniard piled on the pressure in the second set, regaining a break to force the tiebreaker.

“I knew she would raise her level. She’s capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners,” said Gauff, who was pleased she kept her composure.

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“I think I need matches like this to build my confidence,” the 2023 US Open winner said.

Swiatek, whose six Grand Slam titles include the 2022 US Open, had things mostly her own way against Podroska, a former top-40 player now 449th in the world.

She fought off four break points at 5-3 in the first set then pulled away to polish off the win in little more than an hour.

Japan’s Osaka, who counts two US Open titles among her four majors, looked in total control against Siniakova as she raced through the first set and to a 4-2 lead in the second without facing a break point.

But the Japanese star’s unforced errors began to pile up and doubles world number one Siniakova pounced to climb from 5-3 down and take the set.

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Osaka regrouped in the decider, riding a quick break to a 3-0 lead and fending off a pair of break points on the way to victory.

“I just felt like I had to fight,” she said.

So did former Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved five match points to beat Anna Bondar 4-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10/5).

There was a bittersweet goodbye on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where 20-year-old American Learner Tien ended 40-year-old Gael Monfils’s Grand Slam career with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory.

“It’s been a long ride,” Monfils told an adoring New York crowd. “You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can’t top Paris, but you are up there!”

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NEW DELHI: Smriti Mandhana has already established herself among the finest batters in women’s cricket, but on Thursday she reached a new pinnacle — becoming the most prolific run-scorer in the history of the women’s game.

During India’s Women’s Asia Cup 2026 clash against Hong Kong China in Dubai, the Indian vice-captain surpassed legendary former captain Mithali Raj’s tally of 10,868 international runs to become the highest run-scorer in women’s international cricket across all formats.

And she did it in spectacular fashion.

Mandhana produced a breathtaking 124 off 64 balls, smashing 14 fours and seven sixes at a strike rate of 193.75 as India posted 193/5 after being asked to bat first. Her record-breaking innings not only took her past Mithali but also established a series of new milestones.

Mandhana goes past Mithali in style

Mandhana entered the match knowing she was closing in on Mithali’s long-standing record. Having already overtaken New Zealand great Suzie Bates to move into second place during the Asia Cup opener against Thailand, the 30-year-old needed one more major push to rewrite the all-time record.

She delivered far more than that.

Ahead of the clash between PSG and Monaco, Ligue 1 has a new leader. After beating Toulouse 1-0, Lille have provisionally moved into first place, ahead of Monaco.

In New York, Gaël Monfils played in his final Grand Slam match, while Félix Auger-Aliassime was stunned in the second round of the US Open. The world number 4 lost to Russia’s Karen Khachanov. In the women’s draw, Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka have reached the third round. The same cannot be said of the French women, all of whom have already been eliminated after two rounds.

In Spain, at the Vuelta, Enric Mas has extended his lead in the general classification. The red jersey gained 27 seconds on Primoz Roglic and Felix Gall.

The Gujarat High Court on Monday dismissed as withdrawn an appeal filed by former India cricketer and Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan against a single-judge order that had described him as an “encroacher” on a piece of government land in Vadodara.Pathan’s lawyer, Shalin Mehta, sought permission to withdraw the plea before a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray. The lawyer told the court that Pathan’s claim over the land was still being pursued under a state government policy.The division bench subsequently dismissed the appeal as withdrawn.

Pathan had challenged land allotment rejection

The 43-year-old had approached the High Court challenging a single-judge order that upheld the Gujarat government’s decision to reject his request for allotment of the 978-square metre plot owned by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC).Pathan had claimed the land under a state policy applicable to international cricketers.During an earlier hearing, Pathan had told the court that he was pursuing his claim under a state government scheme and was given four weeks to pursue the matter. The High Court had also warned that he could face higher payment of damages if he took longer to vacate the plot.During Monday’s proceedings, Mehta said they were awaiting a response from the VMC but had not received one.“Because we are saying that there is a circular which allows international cricketers to be given a plot. I think I will withdraw because I haven’t heard anything from them (VMC). I have taken instructions from my client…if it is to happen, it will happen outside the court; otherwise it won’t happen,” Mehta submitted.With the appeal withdrawn, Pathan’s attempt to challenge the earlier court order through the division bench has come to an end.

VMC had asked Pathan to vacate plot

The dispute dates back to 2024, when the Gujarat government rejected Pathan’s request for allotment of the plot. Despite the rejection, he continued to occupy the land.After Pathan was elected from the Baharampur Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal on a Trinamool Congress (TMC) ticket in 2024, the VMC issued him a notice asking him to vacate the land. Pathan refused and challenged the matter in court.The High Court had previously taken a strong view of his occupation of the plot. During a hearing on June 8, the court came down heavily on Pathan over the alleged “encroachment” and orally questioned how he could enter and occupy the land without completing the required formalities.The matter now moves outside the court as Pathan continues to pursue his claim under the state policy.

Ask Nolan Teasley. He’ll say that the Vikings’ QB1 has gotten better at the line of scrimmage.

When talking to reporters yesterday, Teasley explained that Kyler Murray has improved in this facet of his game: “I think Kyler has really grown in his ability to manage the line of scrimmage. I think we’ve seen constant improvement throughout the preseason, throughout training camp.”

More from the GM: “And, again, I’ve said this from the beginning, I’m really bullish on where he’s headed in playing in this system with this level of coaching from KO, to Josh McCown and everybody else on that side of the ball.”

Kyler Murray Improving at LOS

Usually, the conversation surrounding Mr. Murray begins with the physical.

For starters, there’s his status as a shorter quarterback. Some of the concerns about height (or lack thereof) have been sanded down by the level of success that Drew Brees and Russell Wilson achieved. Each of these guys, though, are taller than Minnesota’s QB1. Does Murray struggle to see over his guys in the upcoming season? Does that lead to issues getting the ball to Justin Jefferson over the middle of the field?

Next up for the normal commentary is the praise for his athletic ability. Murray throws lasers, accurately delivering the ball on a consistent basis. As a runner, he regularly leaves defenders tackling air as he manages to elude their grasp. Few, if any, are as shifty.

And then there’s the negative end of things: his work habits.

Most infamously, there was that ill-fated clause in a previous version of his Cardinals contract mandating that he study a certain amount. Looking back further might involve hearing echoes of a similar concern going into the 2019 NFL Draft since he had to fend off questions about his commitment to football. The reason was due to being chosen very high in the MLB Draft, leading to speculation about whether he’d become a pro baseball player.

Since then, Kyler Murray has been through a lot. He’s now the top passer for the Minnesota Vikings, successfully holding off J.J. McCarthy.

What has impressed the Vikings’ GM is that Murray has gotten better and better at the line of scrimmage. In identifying that area, Teasley is taking direct aim at what has generated so much criticism for Murray.

Earlier in the offseason, Adam Thielen addressed what takes place prior to the snap within the Kevin O’Connell scheme. Circle back around to the clip above to see what the GM is getting at as it relates to managing the line of scrimmage.

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Nobody questions whether the O’Connell offense is difficult. Players have been making note of that difficulty for several years. In fact, OC Wes Phillips even said that the team put too much onto the passer in previous iterations of the offseason program.

Kyler Murray, per Teasley, has been impressive in this particular area.

A major part of O’Connell’s appeal is that he’s looking to equip his offense with the answers to the test in real time. The emphasis is on Murray to correctly diagnose what the defense is looking to do before then finding the correct answer for the problem that is being presented.

In the past, Murray has generated no shortage of criticism for his willingness to fully commit himself to football. Coming to Minnesota then brought a fresh round of concern, largely in relation to the veteran’s scheme fit. I, for one, have openly wondered whether he could adjust to playing under center more than in the past.

The Vikings’ GM thinks that Kyler Murray has grown over these past several weeks. Assuming good health, Murray should shine given the weaponry that’s out there for him.

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The Green Bay Packers are on the schedule for Week 1 of Minnesota’s 2026 season. Watch for how Kyler Murray manages the challenge of Green Bay’s defense prior to the snap.

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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

World football governing body FIFA took a lash at Europe’s UEFA for starting a “smear campaign” and “fishing expedition” against FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino.

This comes after a dispute between the two organizations due to FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in its commercial rights, with UEFA submitting an ex parte application to the US District Court in New York to obtain testimony and documents from US-based entities. These documents will be used in potential criminal proceedings in Switzerland, where both FIFA and UEFA are based.

“While these applications are styled as legal pleadings with captions and docket numbers, they are little more than press releases in further support of UEFA’s smear campaign against FIFA and its leadership,” FIFA said in a filing in US District Court in Colorado on Thursday.

FIFA’s filing in Colorado was a motion to intervene, requesting that the discovery process be postponed or dismissed.

According to UEFA, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), an entity which would have had the commercial rights linked over the FIFA World Cup to investors was developed without adequate consulting FIFA’s 211 member associations, as well as FIFA’s own governing bodies.

UEFA threatened to boycott the FIFA World Cup should the move go ahead.

The move would have affected both the men’s and the women’s tournaments.

FIFA argued that the association representing European football had tried to scupper the proposal with a bid to keep European football’s dominance as is.

Demands for Infatino’s resignation

Pressure has been mounting on both FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino since the FFE plans were made public.

This resulted in several countries saying they will not support Infantino’s reelection for a fourth term as president in March 2027, when the Swiss-born FIFA boss looks for a fourth term in office.

Aside from UEFA, two other continental confederations demand Infantino’s resignation.

Both CONCACAF, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) voiced their objections to Infantino. Only the South American and African confederations still support him.

UEFA also demanded a “genuinely independent external review” of how the proposal came about.

“FIFA cannot investigate itself and expect the football community to simply accept its conclusions,” UEFA said.

Edited by: Dmytro Hubenko

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