As a child, Laura Müller dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver – inspired by the legendary Michael Schumacher.
“I always watched Formula 1 on Sundays,” the German said in an August 2025 interview published by the auto motor und sport portal. But nobody was taking her seriously back then, and since she didn’t know how to get started in karting, a motor racing career remained nothing more than a dream.
Starting out in Australia
Still, Müller would go on to work her way into Formula 1, becoming the series’ first female race engineer in 2025.
Her job means she is the main technical and operational link between French driver Esteban Ocon and his car at Team Haas. She got it through sheer willpower, hard work, talent, and meticulous attention to detail.
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The starting point – just like the start of the new Formula 1 season – came down under. At 18, Müller traveled to Australia after graduating from high school, unsure of what to do next.
This was the beginning of a remarkably focused career path.
Turn 6 on the Albert Park Street Circuit is to be named after Laura Müller for this year’s raceImage: Mark Peterson/ATP photo agency/picture alliance
After completing her mechanical engineering studies, Müller gained her first practical experience as an engineer in 2014, initially through an internship in the DTM (German Touring Car Masters).
She went on to work in endurance racing, the DTM, the International Formula Series, and the Brazilian Stock Car Championship.
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Formula 1’s first female race engineer
In 2022, Müller took her first concrete step towards Formula 1 by applying to then-McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl. Although she made a positive impression, internal restructuring prevented her from being hired.
Instead, the Haas team signed her as a performance engineer. Her main task: optimizing the car’s setup and on-track performance.
Impressed by her work ethic, it was Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu who last year gave her the big break she was after. Since then, she has been his closest contact, the one who makes strategic decisions with him during the race, inspects the track, analyzes data, and determines the car’s setup.
Despite her fame in F1 though, she is not one to seek the limelight, preferring instead to concentrate on her work.
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“My responsibility is to make the decisions for my car,” Müller explained.
“I receive all the information from all the departments: from the aerodynamics people, the tire people, the performance engineer, the vehicle dynamics. I then try to translate this information into a decision,” she said. “I simply take a lot of decisions. And many of these decisions have to be taken very quickly.”
Laura Müller’s decisions have a direct impact on Esteban Ocon’s performance on the trackImage: Hasan Bratic/picture alliance
‘A decision better than no decision’
As a rule, these decisions are anything but spontaneous, having been thought through ahead of time in an effort to prepare for any foreseeable scenario. There’s simply no time for lengthy deliberation in an emergency.
“A decision is always better than no decision. And if it’s wrong, then it was wrong. But I can only do that because I already have a considerable amount of experience in motorsport,” she said.
“It’s great working with Laura. She’s truly an outstanding engineer,” said Ocon in the spring of 2025, after having worked with her for the first few races of the season.
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“The number of hours she invests is very, very impressive.”
New regulations bring greater responsibility
Nevertheless, their first season together didn’t go entirely as planned. Ocon, who joined Haas from the Alpine team at the beginning of 2025, only managed 38 points in 24 races and finished the season 15th out of 20 drivers. Ocon’s teammate, Oliver Bearman, a rookie, ultimately finished three points and two positions ahead of him.
The Haas team is expecting to improve this season partly because of new regulations. This year, the combustion engine and battery will contribute roughly half of the cars’ power. Energy management and energy recovery during the lap – through braking, lifting off the throttle, or downshifting – will therefore be essential for success.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu was quickly impressed by Laura Müller’s workImage: Michael Memmler/Eibner-Pressefoto/picture alliance
The coordination between driver and race engineer will thus become even more intensive, and Müller’s responsibility even greater, as there are even more details to consider and adjust. For Ocon, this can only be an advantage, given Müller’s expertise.
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Turn 6 named after Müller and Schmitz
The German will also receive a special honor at the season opener in Melbourne: Turn 6, the “Marina” of the Albert Park Circuit, will be named after her and Red Bull strategist Hannah Schmitz. The dedication is part of the “In Her Corner” campaign by Australian engineers and the Australian Grand Prix Corporation for International Women’s Day.
The initiative is meant to inspire young people – especially girls – to pursue technical careers.
“To be a part of this acknowledgement so early on in my Formula 1 career is an honour, and I hope it motivates girls and young adults to pursue a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics),” Müller said in a statement on F1’s official website.
“It’s important to recognize women’s accomplishments in motorsport so far, and it’s great to be alongside Hannah for this.”
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Müller aims to continue to inspire young women on Sunday, sitting on the pit wall as she always does, calmly making quick, informed decisions to help deliver success to her Haas team.
A 10-year-old Indian girl aims to become a top race driver
It’s all square between Marhoona and Tempted with one victory apiece, though one will claim superiority in their first encounter since the Golden Slipper of last year on The Championships’ Day Two at Randwick.
Both coming off Group 1 triumphs, Marhoona and Tempted gear up for the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, after juvenile meetings split by Tempted’s 2025 Reisling Stakes (1200m) win and Marhoona’s Slipper.
Still, Tempted’s placing trailing superstar Ka Ying Rising in The Everest (1200m) then Group 1 capture in the Surround Stakes (1400m) marks her as strong favourite, opposite Marhoona’s $11 quote.
Marhoona’s preparer Michael Freedman knows the size of the job but has no complaints about his filly’s form.
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“We did beat her in the Slipper, and she beat us in the Reisling,” Freedman said of the rivalry with Tempted.
“She is obviously a very, very good filly and she will take a bit of beating here next Saturday.
“I think Marhoona is going as well as she ever has. We’ll see when barriers come out, that can play a part, but she is in good order.
“Zac Lloyd has picked up the ride on her.”
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Marhoona put paid to any Golden Slipper legacy issues last time, upsetting hardened sprinters for The Galaxy (1100m) success at Rosehill.
The trainer described the result as proof of her resilience and fight, praising the youngster’s record in minimal outings.
“She is such a tough, game filly. She’s not overly big, but she hates getting beaten,” he said.
“It was a big thrill to come out and win a race like that with her after winning the Slipper.
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“She won a Listed in the spring as a three-year-old, so it’s great credit to her. She’s only had eight lifetime starts and she has won two Group Ones.”
Pallaton from the same barn could enter the Arrowfield, fitted with blinkers post his colt-like display finishing out of contention in the Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m).
The stable will watch Profoundly, Saturday’s Adrian Knox Stakes champ, for her shot at the ATC Australian Oaks (2400m) barring any issues this week.
Visit leading betting sites to find the top racing betting markets ahead of the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint.
Apr 5, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Dusty May during a press conference ahead of the Final Four of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Michigan head coach Dusty May informed Michigan officials that he would not take part as a candidate in North Carolina’s coaching search — nor any other — ESPN reported on Sunday.
May, 49, has guided the Wolverines to the NCAA Championship Game in his second season in Ann Arbor. A year after he took them to the Sweet 16, May has the Wolverines sitting at 36-3 ahead of Monday’s championship matchup with UConn.
The Tarheels have been in pursuit of a new coach since firing Hubert Davis on March 24. The school is now facing a looming deadline of sorts with the transfer portal opening on Tuesday, yet it has also been doing due diligence with coaches still in the tournament.
Arizona coach Tommy Lloyd had been squarely in North Carolina’s sights until Friday, when Lloyd was given a significant contract extension to remain with the Wildcats. That provoked speculation that the Tarheels could turn their attention to another Final Four coach.
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As Lloyd’s new deal became public, May — whose buyout is $7 million — also addressed job rumors on Friday, reiterating his commitment to Michigan.
“After last year, I decided that I’ll never, ever respond to any job speculation,” May said. “I think it’s well-documented how happy I am at Michigan. Obviously, my private life, my personal life, my family, their happiness is very important.”
Interestingly, Lloyd and May squared off on Saturday, with May’s Wolverines winning a one-sided affair, 91-73.
North Carolina finished 24-9 with a first-round exit in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Iowa State’s T.J. Otzelberger and Alabama’s Nate Oats have also publicly taken themselves out of the running in recent days. Other reported candidates include the Chicago Bulls’ Billy Donovan and Vanderbilt’s Mark Byington, among others.
Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United.
Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action next week. After the international break and FA Cup action, United are back in action next Monday when they host rivals Leeds United.
United were last in action on Friday, 20 March, when they had to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. That result left United in third place in the Premier League table, one point above Aston Villa in fourth.
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The match against Bournemouth also saw Harry Maguire shown a red card, meaning that he will be suspended for the match vs Leeds.
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The extra break has given some members of the United squad extra time to recover from any bumps, bruises or injuries. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest from the United treatment room.
Patrick Dorgu
Injury: Hamstring
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The full-back has missed the last eight Premier League games due to a hamstring injury sustained in the closing stages of the clash against Arsenal. He is now back doing individual work on the grass as he steps up his recovery from the injury.
Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (H), Sunday, 3 May
Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April
Benjamin Sesko
Injury: Knock
Like Mbeumo, Sesko pulled out of international duty over the break. The striker has been dealing with a fitness concern over the last few weeks, but should be able to feature for United against Leeds.
Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April
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Lisandro Martinez
Injury: Calf
The centre-back has missed the last five Premier League games due to the injury, but is closing in on a comeback.
What has been said: “[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”
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Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April
Matthijs de Ligt
Injury: Back
The defender has been out of action since November due to a back injury.
What has been said: “He’s obviously trying to work to get back but it’s just the back issue, really, that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can, to get him back as quickly as we can.”
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Potential return date: Unknown
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar etched his name into the record books on Sunday as he became only the second bowler and the first fast bowler to take 200 wickets in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Bhuvneshwar achieved the milestone by dismissing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) batter Ayush Mhatre during their IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. The seasoned campaigner, now the second-highest wicket-taker in IPL history, joined fellow Indian and leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal in the exclusive 200-wicket club. Bhuvneshwar’s tally now stands at 200 wickets in 192 matches, at an average of 27.25. Chahal leads the charts with 224 wickets in 176 matches at an average of 22.68, while Sunil Narine sits third with 193 wickets from 191 matches.
Bhuvneshwar reached the landmark in style, troubling Mhatre with a hard-length delivery outside the off stump that rose sharply. Attempting a pull shot, Mhatre was cramped for room and mistimed the stroke, sending the ball looping towards mid-off, where RCB skipper Rajat Patidar completed a simple catch.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Mookie Betts (50) throws to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians shortstop Gabriel Arias (13) during the fifth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
The Los Angeles Dodgers put Mookie Betts on the 10-day injured list on Sunday after an MRI verified an oblique strain.
Manager Dave Roberts said Sunday that Betts could be sidelined four to six weeks, but he anticipated time missed being on the lower side.
Betts exited in the middle of the first inning on Saturday during the Dodgers’ 10-5 win against the Washington Nationals, with right lower back pain cited as the reason.
He was replaced by Miguel Rojas, who will bat second for the Dodgers against the Nationals on Sunday.
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In a corresponding move, Los Angeles called up infielder Hyeseong Kim from Triple-A Oklahoma City. He played in 71 games and hit .280 for the Dodgers last season but didn’t make the club out of spring training. In six games at Oklahoma City, he is hitting .346 (9-for-26).
He could see some time at shortstop as well.
After posting a career-low .258 batting average last season, Betts — a former American League batting champion — is off to a slow start at the plate. The 33-year-old is batting just .179 (5-for-28), but he does have two homers and seven RBIs in eight games.
Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva has been wished a ‘good farewell’ by assistant Pep Lijnders as he nears the end of his contract.
22:30, 05 Apr 2026Updated 22:38, 05 Apr 2026
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Bernardo Silva is set to leave Manchester City this summer when his contract expires. Assistant manager Pep Lijnders told fans to savour the ‘last six weeks’ of a phenomenal nine years at the Etihad.
Silva revealed back in October that he already knew what his future held beyond this season, but that it wasn’t the time to announce it. There have still not been any official statements from the player or the club, but Lijnders was clear after the 4-0 win over Liverpool when he was asked about Silva’s irreplaceable quality.
“You never replace a player with the same kind of player because they don’t exist. Bernardo Silva is unique,” the City assistant said. “The way he controls games, the way he moves, the way he receives, the way he leads, the way he sees the solutions. All these things.
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“You never search for a replacement of one type of player. You search for what is needed to grow with the team and somebody who can fit in the first XI. And then you hope, with our academy, with the young players we already bought that they can make that step as well in the midfield positions.
“If you see our young boys in the academy, then they have to make that step and to grow. But the most important is that the seniors who stay for a long time, that they stay, that they stay, that they stay. That they are always there and, around that, you can move.
“But it will be hard because, as I said, in the game, when he is not playing you will see how he is missed and that’s one game. Imagine a season. But every good story comes to an end, and I hope he enjoys the last months – there are only six weeks – and has a good farewell. He deserves all that attention as well.”
Barring a dramatic U-turn, Silva will leave City as one of their most decorated and greatest ever players. The Portugal international has won six Premier Leagues, a Champions League, two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups in nine glorious years at the Etihad.
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As well as being the player Pep Guardiola has used the most in his managerial career in 450 appearances for City that will see him eighth in the all-time list for the club, Silva has led by example as club captain this year to restore standards that had dropped off last season. The 31-year-old lifted the Carabao Cup at Wembley last month and could yet win the Premier League and FA Cup again this year.
He has long talked about a return to boyhood club Benfica at some point in his career, although Barcelona and Juventus are also interested in signing him on a free transfer this summer. Wherever he goes, he will forever be loved at City.
Apr 4, 2026; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy reacts against the Carolina Hurricanes during the first period at Lenovo Center. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-Imagn Images
The New York Islanders fired Hall of Famer Patrick Roy as the team’s head coach Sunday and replaced him with Peter DeBoer.
The Islanders (42-31-5, 89 points) have lost a season-high four in a row and reside in third place in the Metropolitan Division, one point ahead of the Philadelphia Flyers and Columbus Blue Jackets. New York is idle until Thursday, when they’ll host the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Roy, 60, posted a 97-78-22 record in three seasons since taking over for Lane Lambert as coach of the Islanders.
DeBoer, 57, guided the Dallas Stars to the Western Conference final in three straight seasons before being fired by the team on June 6. He posted a 149-68-29 record with Dallas.
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DeBoer has a 662-447-152 coaching record with the Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, San Jose Sharks, Golden Knights and Stars. He guided the Devils to the Stanley Cup Final in 2012 and the Sharks to the finals in 2016.
Roy was a four-time Stanley Cup champion and a three-time Vezina Trophy recipient during his playing days.
He is the fourth coach to be fired this season. Rick Bowness replaced Dean Evason in Columbus on Jan. 12, D.J. Smith took over from Jim Hiller in Los Angeles on March 1 and John Tortorella replaced Bruce Cassidy with Vegas on March 29.
South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley was disappointed how the Gamecocks’ season ended on Sunday afternoon in Phoenix, a 79-51 loss to the UCLA Bruins in the national championship game.
During her post-game interview, Staley was asked about what happened in the Gamecocks’ prior Final Four matchup against UConn, where she and head coach Geno Auriemma had a tense exchange after South Carolina advanced to the title game for the third year in a row.
Rather than hash out more of her thoughts, Staley had a classy response.
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks watches during the first half of the NCAA women’s basketball championship game against the UCLA Bruins at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 5, 2026.(Ben Solomon/NCAA Photos)
“I don’t want – this is UCLA’s day, right? Let’s keep it UCLA, them winning the national championship,” Staley told reporters, via The Athletic. “… We’re not going to damper UCLA’s day with it.”
Before this national title contest, Staley was spotted having a cordial experience greeting UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close — a much different experience than how Friday night ended with Auriemma.
After the Gamecocks defeated the Huskies, Staley and Auriemma went viral with their interaction at midcourt, where Auriemma appeared to enrage Staley before walking off.
This time, Staley and Close hugged and shared a few words. During the exchange, Staley “looked around afterward like, ‘see??’”, per NBC Sports.
Staley was showing a bit of sarcasm, as she noted Auriemma didn’t shake her hand before the Final Four tipped off between the two teams on Friday night.
After the Gamecocks’ victory over the Huskies, Staley was asked what exactly happened with Auriemma, though she tried to explain her focus in helping her team lock in for the national title game. If they won, it would’ve been the fourth national championship in the last 10 years for South Carolina.
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Head coach Cori Close of the UCLA Bruins watches during the first quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA women’s basketball national championship at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 5, 2026.(Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“For me, no distractions at this time. I’m concentrating on winning a national championship, that’s it,” Staley said at the time. “That’s a little disheartening. This is sports, sometimes things like this happen. Continue to focus on my team and ability to advance in this tournament and hopefully win another national championship.”
“There’s no excuse for how I handled the end of the game vs. South Carolina. It’s unlike what I do and what our standard is here at Connecticut,” the Hall of Fame coach said in a statement on Saturday. “I want to apologize to the staff and the team at South Carolina. It was uncalled for in how I reacted. The story should be how well South Carolina played, and I don’t want my actions to detract from that. I’ve had a great relationship with their staff, and I sincerely want to apologize to them.”
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Staley added she had “no idea” why Auriemma was angry after the game, though she guessed perhaps he was ticked off by the lack of handshake before the game on his own end. Either way, Staley was moving forward.
UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close shakes hands with South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley after defeating South Carolina 79-51 in the NCAA women’s championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Ariz., on April 4, 2026.(Ronaldo Bolaños/Los Angeles Times)
“I don’t know what he came with after the game, but, hey, sometimes things get heated. We move on,” she said.
For UCLA, it was the first time the women’s basketball program has won the national title, as their emotional celebration ensued following the game in Phoenix.
The Portugal midfielder is in the final year of his contract and his future has been the subject of speculation throughout the current season.
Lijnders appeared to confirm the 31-year-old’s imminent departure while carrying out media duties on behalf of manager Pep Guardiola after Saturday’s FA Cup win over Liverpool.
The Dutchman, responding to a question about how City might replace him, said: “Every good story comes to an end and I hope he enjoys the last months – because there is only six weeks – and has a good farewell. He deserves all the attention as well.”
Silva has made 450 appearances for City since joining from Monaco in 2017, winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League as well as two FA Cups and five Carabao Cups.
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Lijnders acknowledged he will be a hard act to replace.
He said: “You never replace a player (like him) with the same kind of player because they don’t exist. Bernardo Silva is unique, the way he controls games, moves, receives, leads and sees the solutions.
“It will be hard because when he is not playing in a game you see how he is missed. That is one game, imagine the seasons.”
Mar 4, 2026; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Mariano Navone (ARG) hits a shot against Marcos Giron (USA) in his first round match during the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Spain’s Rafael Jodar, 19, captured his first ever ATP tour title in smooth fashion, taking down Argentinian qualifier Marco Trungelliti in straight sets 6-3, 6-2 in the Grand Prix Hassan II final on Sunday in Marrakech, Morocco.
Just 12 months ago, Jodar was ranked No. 911 in the world rankings but has had a quick ascent the last few months after making his tour debut earlier this year at the Australian Open. He became the first ever teenager to lift the trophy in Marrakech.
Jodar came out hot as he broke Trungelliti’s in the very first service of the game in which there were six deuces. Jodar led in winners (21-5) and faced just one break which he saved. He knocked home 15 of 17 second serve points (88.2 percent) and converted four of nine break points.
Trungelliti, 36, was also playing in his first career final after taking down the first, third and fifth seeds on the way to the finals. On Monday he will become the oldest man to make his top 100 debut in the rankings. This final marked the fifth-largest age gap between participants since 1990.
Tiriac Open
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Seventh-seeded Mariano Navone of Argentina held strong to take down Spaniard qualifier Daniel Merida 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 in a 2-hour, 17-minute final in Bucharest, Romania.
Navone took control in the first set by converting 19 of 21 first serves and breaking Merida twice. After faltering in the second set and losing his second service of the all-decisive third set, Navone broke Merida’s serve on three of the final four games of the match.
This is Navone’s first ever title after he lost in this same final in straight sets in 2024. According to the ATP live rankings, this should bump Navone up 18 spots to No. 42 in the world which would surpass his highest ranking of No. 47 in 2024.
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U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championship
American fourth-seed Tommy Paul is facing off with Roman Andres Burruchaga of Argentina in the final in Houston, Texas.
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