Alexandra Eala, of the Philippines, celebrates after a point against Iva Jovic, of the United States, during the third round of the U.S. Open tennis championships, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

As her tennis season winds down, Alex Eala was confronted with a question about how she managed her meteoric rise to superstardom: What has she learned from the sharp growth spurt that catapulted her to global fame?

In typical fashion, Eala reframed the question.

“What have I not learned this year?” she asked.

A year after she burst into mainstream tennis consciousness with a strong performance at the 2025 Miami Open, the Filipino tennis icon tore through milestone after milestone, enhancing her resume with career-high rankings and breakthrough victories.

“[W]ith, I guess, this experience, or the experiences that I’ve had this year, I was put in so many situations and, I guess, so many firsts. And with those situations come new lessons,” Eala said after exiting the US Open, the final Grand Slam event of the year.

“I learn about myself. I learn about how to act. I learn about what’s the best way for me to handle an obstacle.”

The 21-year-old Eala lost to American Iva Jovic, her close friend, 7-5, 3-6, 7-5, at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was filled to the brim with loud fans—mostly roaring for Eala—who supercharged the atmosphere of an already highly anticipated showdown between two of the sport’s rising stars.

The defeat sent Eala into a quick break before she sees action in the Singapore Open later this month. After that, it’s off to Japan to represent the Philippines in the Asian Games.

But even after absorbing her third defeat in as many matches to Jovic, the daughter of Serbian and Croatian parents who grew up in California, Eala felt she proved her evolution as a player was on schedule.

“I do think that I’ve grown as a player since the last time that we played each other. And I definitely think that [in] this match, I had my chances, and I was able to set myself up for some opportunities, which was great,” the world No. 18 said.

“I think I’m happy with the match. I think in general, of course, there is disappointment in losing. But yeah, trying to see the positive side, I think it was a really good match. I think the level was really high.”

“I think that what I know for sure is that I left everything out there. I fought through the ups and downs. I guess there were moments when I wasn’t playing so well, and moments where I was playing really well,” she added.

If Eala wins the Asian Games singles gold, she will book a spot at the 2028 Olympics. But even without that feat, it already has been a big year for Eala. She beat defending champion Iga Świątek to reach the fourth round of Wimbledon, the first Filipino to achieve that feat. She won her first WTA title at the Mubadala DC Open in Washington. She has whipped past top-10 players with regularity.

She proved she is a force to reckon with on the women’s tour, and not just a big-ticket superstar who packs tournament venues.

And she will carry important lessons as she continues her growth.

“I learn about what effect my decisions have further down the line. And those themes stick with tennis, yes, but also in life,” Eala said. “So that’s … a summary of what I learned in the past year.” INQ

Oleksandr Usyk has responded to Tyson Fury’s latest calls for a trilogy.

Fury, despite having signed to face Anthony Joshua next, has recently been expressing his disappointment that the fight has not yet been announced.

Telling fans that he believes ‘AJ’ is scared to fight, ‘The Gypsy King’ has instead targeted a third fight against Usyk.

Despite his team saying that he was no ‘back up plan’, and also representing the interests of Joshua, the former undisputed champion himself has now shown his interest, posting footage of himself on a treadmill saying:

“Hey Tyson, I’m coming for you, my brother.”

The video was alongside a caption reading, “Are you still thinking about me, Tyson Fury?” and the Brit quickly responded.

“Oleksandr, you’re a real man. I love that about you. You’re my brother from another mother. A proper fighting man. You’re still a rabbit, and I’m the Greedy Belly, 100%. But, at the end of the day, you’re a fighting man and I respect that to the hilt.

“This man’s fought me twice, let’s do the trilogy. Let’s get it on like Donkey Kong. Two real men who will fight at the drop of the hat. Proved it a thousand times.

“I am sick to death of s**thouses, making a million demands and promises and delivering absolutely nothing … [Usyk and I] will meet again in the trilogy, coming very soon. I need it all back.”

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Usyk has beaten Fury twice, winning and then defending all four heavyweight titles, first by split decision and then unanimously in the rematch.

He recently vacated all belts and is understood to be in negotiations for a farewell fight against former WBC champion Deontay Wilder.

Despite this back and forth, Fury’s most likely next fight remains Joshua. However, the hold-up, due to a dispute on the targeted location, does not yet seem resolved.

Joshua’s team are standing strong on their signed agreement for it to take place in the UK, while the backers of the event – Saudi Arabia’s Sela and Netflix – want a new contract for it to happen in New York.

In the wake of Western Michigan’s controversial Hail Mary loss at Michigan over the weekend and the fallout that has ensued, the MAC is asking the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and College Football Playoff to consider recognizing the Broncos as the actual winner of the contest during the evaluation and deliberation process when ranking teams for the postseason this fall.

That’s right — despite Western Michigan’s 13-12 loss in Ann Arbor, the MAC believes there’s enough evidence to support the idea that the Big Ten did not properly follow replay protocol and that the CFP selection committee should view the result differently.

The MAC’s statement, attributed to commissioner Jon Steinbrecher, reads:

“After further study and investigation, it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed in determining whether time remaining on the game clock at the conclusion of the Western Michigan vs. Michigan football game.

The establish replay protocol requires that the game lock displayed on the rotary feed be used in determining whether time remaining. Instead, the Big Ten Conference replay crew relied upon the clock feed embedded within its replay system. As a result, one second was placed back on the game clock and an additional play was awarded.

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This was not a judgment regarding the proper amount of time to place on the clock. It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol covering this specific end-of-game timing situation. Had the protocol been properly followed and the program feed-clock been used, no additional play would have been awarded and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12-7.

As a result, the MAC has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff. The MAC is requesting that those bodies recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner of the game for purposes of respective rankings, evaluation and selection deliberations, and take such corrective action as may be within their authority.”

Western Michigan voiced support for Steinbrecher’s actions on Tuesday.

“Being bitter doesn’t make you better and this should not be mistaken for weakness or agreement,” WMU president Russ Kavalhuna said in a statement. “We can show respect for the game while also asking serious questions; I’ve done both, and I’ll keep doing both.”

Instead of harping on the disputed end-of-game call, Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor is moving forward from the loss.

“When I walked into the locker room, the first thing I told them was I’m proud of them, and I love them, and they should hold their head high for what they did last night,” Taylor said. “And they should. And whether you win or lose that game, that does not take away how they played and what they put on full display. And that was evident.” 

Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said Sunday that he didn’t want the game’s narrative to center around a single call or the fact that many believe his team was “shafted” by the officiating crew.

“Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking loss on the final play. So a lot of emotion and a physical football game,” Taylor said. “They’re going to come in hurting today, and I think they’re still going to be reeling when they get in. But it’s, again, not what happens to you, but how you respond to it, and I think that’s my message to our staff: ‘What are the things we need to be better at from a coaches standpoint and a players standpoint?’”

In the final seconds of Saturday’s game, Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood tossed a pass that sailed out of bounds as the broadcast’s game clock expired, signaling the end of the contest and what appeared to be a 12-7 win for Western Michigan.

However, after Broncos players and coaches ran onto the field in celebration, the officiating crew announced that the game’s final play was under review. Another second was added to the game clock, giving Michigan and Underwood another final heave.

Underwood’s pass was caught by a leaping JJ Buchanan just beyond the goal line on a game-winning 47-yard touchdown.

Previously ranked No. 16 in the preseason, Michigan (1-0) dropped out of Tuesday’s updated AP Top 25 poll after the win.

No longer saffron? The Indian hockey team will resort back to its traditional blue jersey in the Asian Games, according to a report. Ahead of the Hockey World Cup last month, Hockey India had chosen saffron as the jersey colour. It led to widespread backlash as the move away from the traditional blue was questioned by former men’s team captain Viren Rasquinha. Hockey India had then stated that the decision to change the primary uniform colour was made because the previous blue kits merged visually with the blue synthetic playing surface.

Hockey India also pointed out that changes to the national team’s jersey colour were not unprecedented, citing the use of yellow during the 2014 FIH Hockey World Cup and sky blue with a different design during the 2018 edition.

HI president Dilip Tirkey raised further questions and said the decision was taken without the knowledge of the federation’s elected leadership or Executive Board.

However, for the Asian Games, India’s first-choice kit will be blue. “The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) asked us our preferred choice of kit, and HI has given its first preference as blue, with the secondary colour being saffron,” HI treasurer Shekar Manoharan said.

“IOA asked us about our preference of colour for kit, we gave blue as primary and saffron as the second one. As I had already said before the World Cup that the colour change is not permanent,” Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey said on the sidelines of the Asian Games contingent send-off on Tuesday.

Another top Hockey India official added, “The kits for Asian Games, Olympics and CWG are designed by IOA and they ask preference from every federation. So we gave our choice, it has nothing to do with the controversy surrounding jersey colour ahead of World Cup.”

The Asian Games will be an important assignment for the Indian teams, with the tournament also offering a crucial opportunity to secure qualification to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and strengthen their position on the continental stage.

The governing body had earlier said suggestions were sought regarding potential alternative colours. Ultimately, saffron was selected as the base colour because it features on the country’s national flag.

“In light of the above, the coaches and players suggested alternative colours, such as yellow or saffron. After careful consideration, saffron was finalised. Apart from addressing the technical requirement, saffron holds deep significance as one of the colours of our National Flag, symbolising courage, sacrifice, and national pride.”

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Wasim Akram and Imran Khan

Wasim Akram has become the latest high-profile cricketing figure to publicly voice concern over the health of his former Pakistan captain and close friend Imran Khan, insisting that his legal status should not come in the way of ensuring he receives proper medical care.Imran, 73, has been in jail since 2022 after being convicted in multiple corruption cases, charges he denies. Akram, however, said that while legal proceedings must take their course, there should be no compromise when it comes to his former mentor’s health.“I haven’t spoken to him for three years. It’s so unfortunate, politically, what’s happening with him. The court of law is the court of law. But as far as his health is concerned, there can be no compromise on that,” Akram told The Athletic.The former Pakistan fast bowler also made an emotional plea while stressing that his comments were rooted in his relationship with Imran as a friend, rather than politics.“I’m speaking from the heart as someone who is worried about him as a person. Convicted or not convicted. Jail or no jail. We need to safeguard his health. We don’t know what’s happening, the government are saying his health apparently is fine. But I’m worried. I miss him a lot,” he said.

‘Here in Pakistan? I’m not so sure’

Akram also questioned whether enough was being done inside Pakistan to address concerns surrounding Imran’s health, pointing to international efforts seeking better conditions for the former Pakistan captain.“There’s a movement in England and elsewhere (to improve Imran’s conditions) but here (in Pakistan)? I’m not so sure,” said Wasim.The comments come amid growing international concern over Imran’s reported health and access to medical care. Last week, West Indies great Brian Lara joined a growing list of former international captains who have called for proper treatment and humane conditions for the 1992 World Cup-winning captain.As many as 22 international captains have written an open letter to Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking proper medical care and humane treatment for Imran. Australian captain Pat Cummins has also echoed the concerns, while Lara described Imran as “a legend of our game” who deserved “basic humanity”.Former Pakistan players have also spoken out. Javed Miandad made an emotional plea for Imran’s release and urged the differences between the former prime minister and the government to be resolved, with Moin Khan and Ramiz Raja subsequently expressing concerns over his wellbeing.Akram also referred to an interview given by Imran’s sons, Sulaiman and Kasim, during the ongoing England-Pakistan series, in which they expressed fears for their father’s safety in prison.“There was a bit of uproar here [in Pakistan] after that. I then read that the Pakistani government came up with how many visits Imran has had, with all the numbers included, with all the phone calls he has had. But, you know, it’s difficult to believe, and hard to know what to believe right now,” Akram said.His comments come after a court ordered Imran to be admitted to a specific hospital and allowed access to his personal physician and sister.

Western Michigan suffered about as heartbreaking a loss as you’ll ever see on Saturday night.

The Broncos led Michigan 12-7 when time seemingly expired in Ann Arbor, but after a replay review of the Wolverines‘ Hail Mary attempt, a second was put back on the clock for one final play. On that play, Bryce Underwood found JJ Buchanan deep downfield for a miraculous, game-winning touchdown catch.

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The ruling was controversial, to say the least. The Big Ten released a statement early Sunday morning defending the officiating, but the MAC doesn’t feel the same way. In a statement released by commissioner Jon Steinbrecher on Tuesday, the league said it would file a formal appeal with the NCAA in an attempt to change the result of the game.

“After further study and investigation, it is now evident that replay protocol was not properly followed in determining whether time remained on the game clock at the conclusion of the Western Michigan vs. Michigan football game,” Steinbrecher said in the statement. “The established replay protocol requires that the game clock displayed on the program feed be used in determining whether time remained. Instead, the Big Ten Conference replay crew relied upon the clock feed embedded within its replay system. As a result, one second was placed back on the game clock and an additional play was awarded. “This was not a judgment regarding the proper amount of time to place on the clock. It was an error in the application of the established replay protocol governing this specific end-of-game timing situation. Had the protocol been properly followed and the program-feed clock been used, no additional play would have been awarded, and Western Michigan would have won the game, 12–7. “As a result, the Mid-American Conference has submitted formal appeals to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff. The MAC is requesting that those bodies recognize Western Michigan as the actual winner of the game for purposes of their respective rankings, evaluations and selection deliberations, and take such other corrective action as may be within their authority.”

Trainer Joe Pride commented on the performances of his stable’s three entries in the Group 2 $300,000 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The Tramway Stakes culminated in an exciting finish, with Headley Grange emerging victorious, while his stablemate Attica charged home for third, and Private Eye could only pass one horse in the straight to finish seventh.

Soothsayer appeared set to win when it broke clear halfway down the straight, but Pride could see Headley Grange making ground, and the trainer maintained his belief.

“This horse is a winner, he just finds a way to get it done,” Pride said.

“About 100m out I had a bit of faith he was going to find a way to get there because he doesn’t really run ‘seconds’, if he gets close enough he finds a way to win.”

Headley Grange ($3.80), under the guidance of jockey Adam Hyeronimus, displayed its strong winning desire by wearing down Soothsayer ($16) by a nose, with Attica ($12) finishing with vigour late to claim third, two lengths behind.

Idle Flyer, the $2.45 favourite, saw its run slightly diminish to finish in fourth position.

Hyeronimus stated that Headley Grange was exceptionally calm before the race, which reflected in its performance.

“I swung on him going out and he went around nice and relaxed,” Hyeronimus said.

“Even behind the gates, normally first-up he can get a little bit hot but he was well behaved today.

“He didn’t have the speed to go with them early. I thought I’d be in a position a pair closer, but the result was I was following the one who I thought was the one to beat.

“I had a good run down the running. The second horse went really well and challenged us.”

Pride admitted he was uncertain about Headley Grange’s main spring target, though he is keen to attempt to retain the gelding’s title in the Group 3 $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill Gardens on October 10.

“I am extremely happy with him, he has returned in great shape,” Pride said.

“I haven’t made up my mind with Headley Grange but I would like to get him to the Alan Brown Stakes. We have a lot of options with him.”

Attica was showing its best form at the finish, and Pride mentioned that the horse is unlikely to race again before the Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.

“Attica was fantastic, he was really good,” Pride said. “I might go straight to the Epsom.”

Private Eye was expected to lead or race forward, but it had a slow start and settled at the rear of the field.

“Nash said he couldn’t get Private Eye to go a yard,” Pride said.

“Private Eye is a funny horse. Once he is back in the field he just switches off. He will be fine, we will find another race for him.”

Considering Headley Grange’s gritty victory, it’s worth exploring the available Australian betting sites for future bets.

Ferran Torres, whose goal against Argentina won the World Cup for Spain in July, leads a 30-man list for the men’s Ballon d’Or revealed on Tuesday. The 26-year-old who has since joined Paris Saint-Germain is one of six Spanish World Cup winners on the list, alongside 2024 laureate Rodri and last year’s runner-up Lamine Yamal.  In the women’s section, three-time winner Aitana Bonmati did not make the shortlist after breaking her leg midway through the season, but her former Barcelona team-mate Alexia Putellas, the winner in 2021 and 2022 and now a London City Lionesses player, is there.

Torres also won La Liga with Barcelona in May but is now teaming up with last year’s Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele at PSG.

France international Dembele is one of nine PSG team-mates on the list to have won the Champions League in each of the last two years.

With Torres having joined the club, that makes it 10 current PSG players in total on the list.

Among them, Fabian Ruiz is the only player to have won the Champions League and World Cup in 2026.

Flying Georgian winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was one of the stars of PSG’s successful Champions League defence, alongside Portuguese midfield pair Vitinha and Joao Neves, and all three are nominated.

Messi in for 17th time

Eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi received his 17th nomination, but his eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo did not make the cut this time.

Messi helped inspire an ill-disciplined Argentina to the World Cup final, where they took almost 120 minutes to muster their first shot against Spain in a one-sided final.

England captain Harry Kane, who won the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich, is included as is his French team-mate and wing wizard Michael Olise.

Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham earned his nomination with an impressive World Cup for England, scoring seven goals — matching Erling Haaland’s tally and beaten only by Messi (eight) and Kylian Mbappe, on 10.

Mbappe is there, after becoming the first player to win the World Cup golden boot a second time, while also scorching to the top of the tournament’s all-time record scorer list.

Yamal is also nominated in for the Young Talent award, which he has won the last two years.

OFFICIAL: BALLON D’OR 2026 – THE 30 NOMINEES.

Harry Kane

Vinicius Jr

Fabian Ruiz

Vitinha

Ferran Torres

William Saliba

Dayot Upamecano

Bruno Fernandes

Pau Cubarsi

Marc Cucurella

Jude Bellingham

Ousmane Dembele

Luis Diaz

Lamine Yamal… pic.twitter.com/1fH0OQFaxz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) September 8, 2026

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Vozinha, the 40-year-old who was one of the heroes of Cape Verde’s fairytale World Cup run, has made the goalkeeper list.

Barcelona will also have a handful of contenders for the women’s award.

Putellas is one of seven players who won the women’s Champions League with the club in May to be on the list, including Poland’s Ewa Pajor, who scored a brace in the 4-0 final victory over Lyon.

Three of the men’s nominees play outside Europe. Messi is a MLS franchise Inter Miami and Sadio Mane and Julian Quinones play in Saudi Arabia.

The women’s award spreads its net a little wider. Zambian Barbra Banda, who plays for Orlando Pride in South Africa, Mexican Scarlett Camberos who plays in her native country and Malawian Temwa Chawinga amd American Rose Lavelle, who play in the NWSL, on the list.

The winners will be announced in a ceremony at the London Palladium Theatre on October 26.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

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The race for the 2026 Ballon d’Or has officially begun, with defending champion Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal among the biggest names included in the 30-player men’s shortlist announced by France Football on Tuesday.The women’s shortlist also features a host of major contenders, with two-time winner Alexia Putellas, Ewa Pajor and Melchie Dumornay among those hoping to succeed Aitana Bonmatí, who has won the award in each of the past three years but missed much of the season through injury.The winners will be crowned at a ceremony in London on October 26, with the event moving away from its traditional Paris setting to mark the 70th anniversary of the first Ballon d’Or, won by England legend Stanley Matthews in 1956.For Dembélé, the opportunity to become the first player since Bonmatí to retain the award comes after another remarkable season with Paris Saint-Germain. The Frenchman helped PSG win a second consecutive Champions League title, strengthening his claim to remain at the top of the individual game.Yet even Dembélé believes the trophy could stay in Paris regardless of who eventually wins it.“I don’t think the trophy is undecided. I think it will remain in the hands of a Paris Saint-Germain player,” he said in an interview with France Football.When asked to name his three leading contenders, Dembélé selected PSG teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Kane and Mbappé. He also highlighted Michael Olise, Yamal, Fabian Ruiz and Willian Pacho — but notably left himself out of his own top three.

Mbappé believes this could finally be his year

Mbappé enters the race having produced one of the most prolific individual campaigns of his career, despite Real Madrid ending the season without a major trophy.The France captain scored 42 goals in 44 appearances for Madrid and also enjoyed a record-breaking World Cup campaign. He claimed the Golden Boot for a second consecutive time with 10 goals and moved beyond Lionel Messi to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.His individual numbers have strengthened his belief that he could finally get his hands on the Ballon d’Or after finishing third in 2023.“There are many people who speak about me and the Ballon d’Or. Of course I’ve made history in the most important competition. Maybe it’s a good year for this, but people can vote according to what they think,” Mbappé said on Monday.The French superstar also acknowledged the unique expectations that come with playing for Real Madrid.“I think when you play for Real Madrid, the best club in the world, people automatically associate you with this award,” Mbappé added. “I always think I’m the best, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.”Asked about comparisons with other leading contenders, Mbappé refused to get drawn into a debate that could quickly become endless.“I don’t like making comparisons because I do a lot of things that others don’t,” Mbappé said. “If we get into that it becomes an endless debate, you know?”

Kane, Yamal and Messi among the contenders

Kane has arguably produced one of the strongest seasons of his career, scoring 73 goals for club and country and finally adding major silverware to his collection after helping Bayern Munich win the Bundesliga.Yamal is another major contender after playing a central role in Spain’s World Cup triumph and Barcelona’s La Liga success. His continued rise has put the teenage forward firmly among the game’s elite.Messi, meanwhile, remains on the shortlist at 39. The eight-time winner continues to challenge for individual honours after guiding Argentina to a runner-up finish at the World Cup and helping Inter Miami win Major League Soccer.Dembélé and Mbappé both featured for France at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the semi-finals. While major team trophies traditionally carry significant weight in the Ballon d’Or race, Mbappé’s individual World Cup records could keep him firmly in contention.

Bonmatí misses out as women’s race opens up

The women’s award has a notably different complexion this year after Bonmatí was left out of the 30-player shortlist.The Barcelona star had dominated the award, winning three consecutive Ballon d’Or Feminin titles, but an injury kept her out for much of the season. She returned towards the end of Barcelona’s campaign and was able to feature as the club completed a quadruple that included another Champions League triumph.Putellas, a two-time winner, now has an opportunity to reclaim the crown, while Pajor and Dumornay are among the other prominent names in the running.The coaching awards will also be closely watched. World Cup-winning Spain coach Luis de la Fuente and Premier League-winning Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta headline the men’s nominees for the Johan Cruyff Trophy.They are joined by Unai Emery of Aston Villa, Vincent Kompany of Bayern Munich and Luis Enrique of Paris Saint-Germain.In the women’s category, Jonatan Giraldez, Andree Jeglertz, Nils Nielsen, Pere Romeu and Elena Sadiku have been nominated.

How the Ballon d’Or winner is decided

The Ballon d’Or, created by France Football, has been awarded to men since 1956 and to women since 2018. The men’s award is voted on by one journalist from each of the top 100 countries in the FIFA rankings, while the women’s award involves journalists from the top 50.Each voter ranks their selections, with points awarded according to the position of each player. The player collecting the most points wins.Organisers say the voting is based on three criteria, in order of importance: individual performances and decisive, impressive character; collective performances and titles won; and class and fair play.With the shortlist now confirmed, Dembélé has the chance to defend his crown, Mbappé is chasing the first Ballon d’Or of his career, Kane is hoping his trophy-laden season can finally translate into individual recognition, while Yamal and Messi add further star power to a race that promises to go down to the wire.