Novak Djokovic extended his latest bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title with a four-set victory over Valentin Royer in the French Open second round on Wednesday, but women’s second seed Elena Rybakina crashed out of the tournament.

Elsewhere, four-time champion Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina both eased into the last 32 with straight-sets wins.

Djokovic had to come from a set down in his opening match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and was pushed hard again by another Frenchman in Royer, before finally sealing a 6-3, 6-2, 6-7 (7/9), 6-3 win after three and three-quarter hours on Court Philippe Chatrier.

“I hope I won’t play any more French players for the rest of the tournament,” said the third seed, who has been tied on 24 Grand Slam titles with Margaret Court since winning the 2023 US Open, with a wry smile.

Read moreNo Alcaraz, no party? Five reasons not to miss this year’s French Open

Djokovic, who beat world number one Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open last four earlier this year, cannot meet the red-hot title favourite until the final at Roland Garros.

Djokovic powered through the first two sets, although world number 74 Royer, born just 5km from Roland Garros, showed much more resistance in the third before extending the match in a brilliant tie-break.

The Serb, who twice failed to consolidate breaks of serve in the third set, made no such mistake in the fourth as he belatedly booked his place in the next round on his fifth match point.

Rising Spanish star Rafael Jodar reached the third round of a Grand Slam for the first time, seeing off James Duckworth 6-1, 6-7 (5/7), 6-4, 7-5.

‘Insane’ to play in heat wave

Jakub Mensik said it was “insane” to play a marathon match at the French Open in temperatures above 30C on Wednesday, after collapsing with cramp on court immediately after securing victory over Mariano Navone.

The 20-year-old Czech player needed eight match points to win 6-3, 2-6, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (13/11) after four hours and 41 minutes on court 6, completely exposed to the sun.

“It’s insane to play in this weather, especially in front of the sun, to be there for more than four and a half hours, it’s just insane,” Mensik told reporters.

“Even with the breaks, you don’t have that much time, the ball boy can’t bring you a towel.

“During the changeover you have just one minute, which obviously by when you sit, it’s already just 30 seconds, so there’s not much time to cool yourself down.”

Finalist in Rome and semi-finalist in Geneva, Casper Ruud suffered from heatstroke and a host of missed match points in the third set to escape in five sets from the clutches of Russian Roman Safiullin.

The Norwegian, a two-time finalist at Roland Garros, is set to play Serbian Hamad Medjedovic next.

Rybakina stunned by Starodubtseva

Australian Open champion Rybakina blew a one-set lead to exit in dramatic fashion, slumping to a 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (10/4) loss to Ukraine‘s Yuliia Starodubtseva.

It is Rybakina’s earliest departure from any tour-level tournament since the 2025 Miami Open and first defeat in the opening two rounds of a major since the 2024 Australian Open.

“I couldn’t find the balance. I couldn’t find the right shot, and it was clearly just too many mistakes,” said the Kazakh world number two.

Starodubtseva will face China‘s Wang Xiyu for a place in the last 16.

She has already matched her previous best run at a Grand Slam event, when she lost to Jasmine Paolini in the French Open third round as a lucky loser 12 months ago.

“Honestly, hard to describe, I’m super happy,” said world number 55 Starodubtseva after beating a top-10 opponent for the first time in her career.

“I’m super proud of myself that I was able to do this today. It was a tricky third set but I got it done in the end.”

Swiatek, Svitolina through

Swiatek, looking to regain the title she last won in 2024, saw off battling Czech youngster Sara Bejlek 6-2, 6-3 on Court Philippe Chatrier.

The third-seeded Pole will next face compatriot Magda Linette, who beat former winner Jelena Ostapenko in three sets, as she bids to preserve her record of having always reached the second week at Roland Garros.

“Usually the weather is quite different here, but it doesn’t matter,” said Swiatek after spending 93 minutes on court on another boiling hot day in Paris.

Swiatek is playing at a first Grand Slam tournament since linking up with Rafael Nadal‘s former coach Francisco Roig.

Svitolina, who beat Swiatek en route to the Rome title, beat world number 126 Kaitlin Quevedo 6-0, 6-4.

Read moreTearful Kostyuk speaks of Ukraine missile attack after ‘most difficult’ French Open win

The Ukrainian seventh seed ended an eight-year wait for her fifth WTA 1000 trophy at the Italian Open to underline her credentials as a contender in Paris.

She struggled through her first-round tie, edging out Hungary‘s Anna Bondar in a deciding-set tie-break on Monday, before watching her husband Gael Monfils’ final French Open match in the night session.

But Svitolina raced out of the blocks this time, quickly taking control against Quevedo.

The Spaniard competed better in the second set until a break in the ninth game helped Svitolina wrap up victory.

Svitolina, who reached her fourth career Slam semi-final earlier this year at the Australian Open, will next play Germany‘s Tamara Korpatsch.

Zverev cruises into French Open third round

Alexander Zverev continued his bid for a maiden Grand Slam title with a comfortable victory over ailing Czech Tomas Machac in the French Open second round.

The German second seed will face home player Quentin Halys on Friday for a place in the second week at Roland Garros after a 6-4, 6-2, 6-2 win in the night session match on Court Philippe Chatrier.

“I’m happy where I am, I’m feeling confident in my game and moving forward, looking forward to hopefully being back on this court,” said Zverev.

Machac, the world number 43, struggled with his movement and took a lengthy medical time-out in the second set for treatment to his left foot.

“I thought for one and a half sets it was an amazing level … unfortunately the injury stopped the match flow a little bit,” added Zverev. “I’m happy to finish it in three sets.”

Zverev took full advantage with a dominant display, saving the only break point he faced as he dismantled Machac in just an hour and 48 minutes.

The world number three has come closest to breaking his major duck in Paris, reaching at least the quarter-finals in each of the past five years, suffering a five-set loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the 2024 final.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

There was certainly some surprise when England boss Tuchel opted to leave Wharton out of his 26-man squad heading to the World Cup.

Palace may have not had a great domestic season given they finished 15th in the Premier League and went out of the FA Cup against non-League Macclesfield – but they have now won a European trophy and Wharton was hugely influential in that.

This Conference League final performance was another reason to be wondering why Wharton is not on the plane.

The decision to pick Brentford midfielder Henderson at the age of 35 over the 22-year-old Wharton may be the most eye-catching and surprising selection.

Henderson has obviously been picked for his experience but Wharton would probably have more to give on the pitch if you compare not only their performances this season but also last term.

“I understand why the manager has taken Henderson but for me if he is going to do that kind of job, take him as a coach,” said Hoddle. “Take him as a player-coach if you like but I think there was a spot there for Wharton.”

The re-emergence of Mainoo at Manchester United has also not helped Wharton given the Palace midfielder was in Tuchel’s squads for the last two international breaks and featured in qualifiers against Serbia and Albania before a friendly appearance against Uruguay in March.

Mainoo, given he was being frozen out at Old Trafford by Ruben Amorim for the first half of the season, was not involved under Tuchel until the March friendlies and now has won his way into favour.

Both were at Euro 2024 but Wharton never got on the pitch while Mainoo started all four knockout games, including the final.

Arsenal‘s Declan Rice is surely one of the first names on the team-sheet and Elliot Anderson is expected to partner him while Tuchel also has Bellingham, Eze and Rogers as midfield options.

It certainly feels a very harsh decision to leave someone like Wharton at home, even if Tuchel has many choices in the position.

Floyd Schofield’s long-awaited WBA lightweight world title shot looks like it could come against Gervonta Davis, and now fan-favourite three-division champion James Toney has shared his thoughts on the proposed fight.

Davis has been inactive for 15 months as external issues kept him out of the ring, but his comeback seems imminent, and the WBA has now ordered a showdown with number one contender Schofield for their lightweight title.

As a result, ‘Tank’, who is currently named as the WBA’s ‘champion-in-recess’, has the opportunity to regain full status as a lightweight world champion if he agrees to take on ‘Kid Austin’ upon his return. If he doesn’t, he will lose his status as a champion.

Speaking to MillCity Boxing, ‘Lights Out’ Toney dismissed the chances of Schofield causing Davis any problems, believing that their potential meeting would end similarly to Davis’ June 2024 knockout of Frank Martin – which remains the Baltimore knockout artist’s most recent victory.

“That kid is not ready. He will get knocked out.”

“[I see] nothing [in Floyd Schofield]. He is a good fighter for the lesser fighters, but when he steps up to Tank’s level, it will be something different. He will be like Frank Martin.”

‘Tank’s comeback is anticipated to take place in September, with 23-year-old Schofield hoping to overcome inactivity of his own – having fought in just one round since 2024 – and hand Davis a first career defeat as a professional to become boxing’s third youngest male world champion.

Arsenal demand £20m for Gabriel Jesus, Manchester City prioritise move for Elliot Anderson and RB Leipzig adamant Liverpool target Yan Diomande is going nowhere.

Arsenal are demanding up to £20m for Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, 29, this summer. (Athletic – subscription required) , external

Manchester City are prioritising a move for Nottingham Forest and England midfielder Elliot Anderson, 23, as they look to kick-start the post-Pep Guardiola era. (Mail), external

But City have no interest in signing Chelsea‘s wantaway Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez, 25. (Sky Sports), external

RB Leipzig are adamant Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, 19, who is a target for Liverpool, is going nowhere this summer after the German club qualified for next season’s Champions League. (Mirror), external

Bayer Leverkusen are hoping to convince outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola to be their new manager. (Kicker – in German), external

Arsenal have conducted extensive preparation for a deal to sign 23-year-old England midfielder Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa. (Football Transfers), external

Liverpool want to keep Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker for another season, leaving a summer deal for the 33-year-old to join Juventus in doubt. (Gianluca Di Marzio), external

Officials from Liverpool and Inter Milan have met over a potential move to Italy for England midfielder Curtis Jones, 25. (Gianluca Di Marzio – in Italian), external

Brazil winger Savinho, 22, is open to the idea of leaving Manchester City amid interest from Tottenham. (Football Insider), external

Oscar Mingueza, 27, wants a Premier League move this summer, with Aston Villa and Newcastle among the clubs tracking the Celta Vigo and Spain defender, who is set to become a free agent. (Sky Sports), external

Rajasthan Royals stormed into Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026 after beating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the Eliminator on Wednesday. The night belonged to 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose 97 off just 29 balls put RR in complete control of the contest. Chasing a place in Qualifier 2, Rajasthan Royals first piled up 243 for eight after Sooryavanshi tore apart the SRH bowling attack in one of the most destructive knocks of the season. The youngster smashed 12 sixes and came within touching distance of Chris Gayle’s record for the fastest IPL hundred. Gayle had reached his century in 30 balls, while Sooryavanshi fell for 97 after facing only 29 deliveries. The left-hander attacked from the start and left Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins searching for answers. Anything full disappeared straight down the ground, while short balls were cut and pulled into the stands. Sooryavanshi reached his fifty in just 16 balls, with eight of those deliveries going for sixes. His opening partner Yashasvi Jaiswal mostly watched from the other end and scored 29 off 29 balls. By the time Sooryavanshi was dismissed by Praful Hinge in the eighth over, Rajasthan Royals had already raced to 125 in just eight overs. The teenager also broke Chris Gayle’s record for the most sixes in a single IPL season. He now has 65 sixes this season, going past Gayle’s tally of 59. Dhruv Jurel then carried the innings forward with a quick 50 off 21 balls, his sixth half-century of the season. Rajasthan Royals looked set for an even bigger total at 180 for two in 13 overs, but Sunrisers Hyderabad fought back in the death overs. SRH picked up five wickets for 36 runs in the final five overs to stop RR from crossing the 260-run mark. Still, the damage had already been done. Pat Cummins finished with expensive figures of 0 for 64 in four overs. Sakib Hussain gave away 49 runs in three overs, while Praful Hinge took three wickets but conceded 54 runs. Eshan Malinga also struggled, while wrist spinner Shivang Kumar impressed and picked up the wicket of Jaiswal. In reply, Sunrisers Hyderabad never truly recovered after losing wickets in the powerplay. Jofra Archer struck key blows in the powerplay and removed Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Travis Head. Archer’s final figures read 4-0-58-3. Though he leaked runs later in the innings, his wickets of SRH’s biggest match-winners proved decisive. Ishan Kishan made 33 while Nitish Kumar Reddy scored 38 to keep SRH in the chase briefly. Salil Arora added 35, but wickets kept falling at regular intervals. Heinrich Klaasen also failed to make an impact and was trapped lbw by Yash Raj Punja while trying an attacking shot. The lower-middle order tried to counterattack, but the target proved too big. Sunrisers Hyderabad were eventually bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs. Rajasthan Royals will now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 on Friday for a place in the IPL 2026 final.

A major WWE star believes Jacob Fatu is going to defeat Roman Reigns at Clash in Italy this weekend. Reigns will be defending the World Heavyweight Championship against Fatu in a Tribal Combat match at the PLE this Sunday.

Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up, Cody Rhodes made a bold prediction for the World Heavyweight Championship match at Clash in Italy. Rhodes noted that a Tribal Combat match was similar to a Street Fight, and suggested that the stipulation favored Jacob Fatu.

The former AEW star predicted that The Samoan Werewolf would defeat Roman Reigns and become the new World Heavyweight Champion at Clash in Italy this weekend.

“Well, that’s a Tribal Combat match, which is another way of saying a good old-fashioned street fight, which I think behooves Jacob Fatu. I think Jacob Fatu is going to beat Roman Reigns, which will be huge,” he said. (H/T: Fightful on X)

You can check out the full interview in the video below:

Rhodes is also scheduled to compete at Clash in Italy. The American Nightmare will be defending the Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther at the PLE this Sunday.

WWE Hall of Famer questions Roman Reigns’ booking

Wrestling legend Bully Ray was not happy with Roman Reigns’ booking at WWE Backlash earlier this month.

The Head of the Table defeated Jacob Fatu to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, Reigns powered out of the Tongan Death Grip before emerging victorious.

Speaking on Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray questioned the company’s booking and claimed that The OTC should not have been able to escape the hold.

“I don’t think Roman Reigns should’ve hulked up out of the Tongan Death Grip. That’s the one part of the match where I was like, ‘Uh uh. This doesn’t work for me.’ There is no hulking up out of a Tongan Death Grip. There is no hulking up out of having your Adam’s Apple crushed in another human being’s hands,” he said.

It will be fascinating to see if Fatu can pull off the upset and defeat The Tribal Chief at WWE Clash in Italy to become the new World Heavyweight Champion.