World No. 1 Jannik Sinner captured his second Grand Slam singles title with a victory over American Taylor Fritz at the US Open, winning 6-3, 6-4, 7-5 at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Sunday.

Fritz, ranked No. 12 in the world, was aiming to become the first American man to secure a Grand Slam singles title in 21 years, with Andy Roddick being the last, having won the US Open in 2003.

Sinner, 23, extends his winning streak to 11 matches and follows his Australian Open triumph earlier this year. He joins Flavia Pennetta as one of the only Italian singles champions in US Open history.

In his post-match comments, Sinner expressed the deep significance of the win, reflecting on the challenges of recent times and dedicating the title to his ailing aunt. He acknowledged her vital role in his life and support during his formative years.

Fritz’s run to the final marked the first time an American man had reached a Grand Slam singles final since Roddick’s 2009 Wimbledon appearance. Although he fell short, Fritz, who had previously only reached the quarterfinals at majors, expressed gratitude for the support and vowed to continue working towards future success.

The match saw a momentum shift in the third set, with Fritz taking a 5-3 lead before Sinner rallied to win the final four games and secure the championship.

Sinner’s win comes amidst recent controversy involving a doping case, which was resolved with no fault or negligence on his part. Despite this, Sinner and his team remained focused and prepared, which contributed to his performance.

This year marks the first since 2002 that none of the men’s tennis “Big Three”—Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer—won a Grand Slam, with Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz claiming the majors instead.

The US Open also saw high-profile attendees, including Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce, Patrick and Brittany Mahomes, Matthew McConaughey, Martha Stewart, Noah Lyles, and Elon Musk.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc managed to secure a thrilling victory at his team’s home race in Monza, Italy, skillfully nursing his increasingly worn tires to the finish line ahead of a charging Oscar Piastri. Piastri, who had led for much of the race after overtaking his McLaren teammate and polesitter Lando Norris at the first chicane, had opted for a two-stop strategy due to concerns over tire degradation. As Norris also pitted, Ferrari’s Leclerc and Carlos Sainz took the lead. Despite Piastri’s late surge on fresher tires, he couldn’t close the gap and finished second, with Norris overtaking Sainz to take third.

The win sparked ecstatic celebrations from thousands of Italian tifosi who filled the grandstands, flooding onto the track to witness Leclerc celebrate on the podium, with a massive Ferrari banner and red smoke filling the air. Leclerc, who is third in the driver standings, expressed his joy, comparing the emotions to his 2019 victory and emphasizing the significance of winning at Monza and Monaco, which he considers the most important races of the season. He praised the tifosi and reflected on how special this win was.

Meanwhile, Norris was visibly disappointed, having dropped from first to third after a series of mistakes and a less effective race strategy. Despite this, he managed to close the gap to Max Verstappen in the driver standings and showcased McLaren’s competitive pace. Verstappen finished sixth but remains well ahead in the championship. Piastri, who finished second, expressed his frustration, acknowledging that while the pace was strong, the final result was disappointing. He admitted that the team’s strategy decisions played a role in the outcome, making the close second-place finish particularly painful.

Carlos Alcaraz faced a stunning defeat in the US Open second round on Thursday, losing to Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets. The Dutchman, ranked 74th in the world, triumphed over the 21-year-old Spaniard with scores of 6-1, 7-5, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows, New York.

Alcaraz, the world No. 3 who recently claimed an Olympic silver medal and the Wimbledon title, struggled from the start and never found his rhythm, ending the match with 28 errors. Van de Zandschulp sealed his victory with an ace, marking his first win over a top-10 player at a Grand Slam and delivering one of the tournament’s biggest upsets in recent years. The crowd applauded the Dutchman’s remarkable performance as Alcaraz acknowledged him and waved to the audience before leaving the court.

In a post-match interview with ESPN, Van de Zandschulp expressed his astonishment. “It’s been an incredible evening,” he said. “Playing my first night session at Arthur Ashe with such an amazing crowd was unbelievable.”

He admitted to feeling nervous while closing out the match but emphasized the need for composure against top players. “You have to stay unbelievably calm and focused; otherwise, they will take advantage.”

Alcaraz’s defeat ends his 15-match unbeaten streak at the US Open and marks his earliest exit from a major since Wimbledon 2021. Van de Zandschulp, who has only progressed past the fourth round of a Grand Slam once, will face British 25th seed Jack Draper in the third round on Saturday.

Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Jr. is aiming for a historic season, revealing in an exclusive interview that he believes Los Blancos have the potential to achieve a historic treble. The Brazilian forward also expressed his desire to follow in the footsteps of his Brazilian idols by winning the Ballon d’Or.

In a conversation at his Madrid home, Vinícius expressed confidence in Real Madrid’s chances of excelling across all major competitions this season as they prepare to defend their Champions League title.

“Every year, our goal is to win every title we can,” Vinícius stated, reflecting on the club’s ambitions before their sixth European Super Cup victory against Atalanta.

Could Madrid Achieve Their First-Ever Treble?

Despite its numerous successes, Real Madrid has never achieved a European treble, comprising the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey. FC Barcelona remains the only Spanish club to have accomplished this feat, doing so in 2009 and 2015.

Vinícius Jr. explained why the treble has proven elusive, noting, “The Copa del Rey often disrupts our chances because it involves challenging teams throughout January, a period packed with games. This makes the cup competition particularly tricky.” While Vinícius emphasized that winning the club’s 16th Champions League is the squad’s top priority, he is also driven by the desire to “finally secure the treble.”

“The Champions League is the most challenging and prestigious competition, and it’s where Real Madrid always aims to excel,” he said. “Our fans expect us to win it, and so our focus is on achieving success in every competition we enter, with the ultimate goal of securing the treble.”

To truly grasp Vinícius Jr.’s impact over the past season, one needs to look at the numbers. His 15 league goals played a pivotal role in securing another Spanish title for Real Madrid. Additionally, his decisive goal in the Champions League final helped clinch Madrid’s second title in three years with a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

“I’ve always dreamed of playing for Real Madrid, so I cherish every moment as if it were the last,” Vinícius said. “Everyone wants to win with the best team in the world, and being able to score so many goals in important matches and contribute so significantly… I’m only 24, and I aim to continue this way for many more years, making history with this incredible team. Not everyone gets this opportunity, so I emphasize savoring every moment in this jersey.”

Despite missing two months of the 2023/24 season from November to January, Vinícius ended the campaign as Madrid’s top scorer, with 24 goals and 11 assists.

Dreams of Gold

With his ability to deliver in crucial moments and impressive statistics throughout the season for one of the world’s top clubs, it’s no surprise that Vinícius Jr. is the favorite to win this year’s Ballon d’Or, awarded to the best player in the world.

For Vinícius, claiming the award represents more than just personal achievement; it’s about honoring his Brazilian heritage and joining the ranks of his country’s greatest soccer stars. He aims to follow in the footsteps of legends like Marta, Ronaldo Nazário, Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Kaká, all of whom have been recognized as the best in the world at various points in their careers.

“Marta is a true icon in women’s football. I deeply admire her for elevating the sport and making women’s football as respected as it deserves to be. She’s a pioneer, much like Pelé and Ayrton Senna are to Brazil,” Vinícius said.

He added, “For the men’s game, Kaká, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Rivaldo are my role models. Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, in particular, are close to me and consistently encourage me to strive for the Ballon d’Or.”

Vinícius also shared that he has recently spent time training with Ronaldo Nazário, receiving personal guidance from the legendary forward.

“I recently trained at Ronaldo’s house in Ibiza, and he advised me, ‘Spend a few more days training here, and you’ll be closer to winning the Ballon d’Or.’ These are players who have achieved extraordinary things, and competing for the Ballon d’Or and winning an award that they have won would be truly incredible.”

The New Galácticos Era

Teammates Jude Bellingham and the newly signed Kylian Mbappé will be Vinícius Jr.’s primary rivals for the Ballon d’Or in October, as this latest version of Real Madrid boasts exceptional talent across the board.

Despite Mbappé being a key contender for football’s top honor, Vinícius is thrilled to have the former PSG star join the Spanish giants. “The team has been very strong for a long time,” he said.

“With Mbappé’s arrival, people are talking about the potential for us to become unstoppable, but for now, we need to focus on having great training sessions and quickly building our understanding on the field.”

Vinícius, who has long admired Mbappé from afar, is excited about playing alongside the World Cup winner. He expressed his admiration for Mbappé’s style and achievements, saying, “I love how he plays and I’m really looking forward to what we can achieve this season. He’s joining us after scoring many goals and winning numerous titles, and he’s coming to the club he has always dreamed of playing for—Real Madrid.”

“God willing, Mbappé will score as many goals for us as he did with his previous team and the national team, and hopefully even more with us,” Vinícius said.

While Vinícius assisted on the opening goal and Mbappé scored in his official debut for Los Blancos during a 2-0 UEFA Super Cup victory, Madrid stumbled in their La Liga opener against a determined Mallorca side, settling for a 1-1 draw away from home. This result highlighted the need for the team to develop better cohesion before reaching their peak performance.

Despite the setback in Son Moix and experiencing some early struggles in their home opener against Real Valladolid—where they eventually secured a 3-0 win—the stage is set for what promises to be an exceptionally successful season for Madrid.

Focused on Achieving Success with Madrid

Recently, there have been rumors suggesting that Vinícius Jr. was offered an astonishing $1 billion to move to Saudi Arabia, similar to speculation about his new teammate Mbappé in July 2023.

Despite the buzz, the Brazilian star made his future intentions clear: “I always strive to be among the best, and with each passing day at Real Madrid, I grow more confident.”

“I’ve already won two Champions Leagues, and I play alongside teammates who have each won six titles—like Dani Carvajal. Their experience motivates us daily to push beyond our limits andshows that anything is possible with our current team shows that anything is possible with our current team.

Achieving two Champions League victories in three years was incredibly challenging. Staying at the top level is even harder, so my goal is to maintain this level of performance for a long time and win as many Champions League titles as Carvajal, Luka Modrić, Nacho, and Toni Kroos, who have each won six.

We might have one of the best teams for the coming decade, and now it’s up to us to demonstrate our capability on the pitch. With each game, my teammates and I are working towards winning even more titles for Real Madrid.”

The final of the 2030 FIFA World Cup is just under six years away, and the design for the stadium hoping to host the grand event has finally been unveiled.

The Grand Stade Hassan II, located in El Mansouria, Morocco—one of the three co-hosting countries alongside Spain and Portugal—is being hailed as potentially “the largest football stadium in the world.” Designed by Oualolou + Choi and Populous, it aims for a staggering capacity of 115,000.

Set on a 100-hectare (about 247 acres) site north of Casablanca, the stadium’s design is inspired by a “moussem,” a traditional communal tent, with an aluminum lattice covering the stands and tiered gardens. The stadium will feature a botanical garden on the ground floor. According to Tarik Oualalou, design principal and founding partner at Oualolou + Choi, the design is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, combining traditional elements with modern expressions.

The stadium’s layout is tailored for World Cup events, with nearly 30,000 seats dedicated to general admission fans at each end and the central area reserved for boxes, hospitality, VIPs, and VVIPs.

“This will be a truly iconic venue for Morocco and football, becoming one of the world’s great stadia,” said Christopher Lee, managing director at Populous, EMEA. The Grand Stade Hassan II will face competition from other massive stadiums, such as the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, India, which holds 132,000 spectators, and the Rungrado 1st of May Stadium in Pyongyang, North Korea, with a capacity of 114,000.

Populous, known for designing the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and Emirates Stadium, is behind this ambitious project. After multiple unsuccessful bids, Morocco secured its place as a co-host for the 2030 World Cup. The final decision on which venue will host the final is still pending, though Real Madrid’s renovated Estadio Santiago Bernabéu is a strong contender.

Preparations at the site outside Casablanca are underway, with Oualolou + Choi and Populous working to bring this grand vision to life in the coming years.

Men’s gymnastics in the U.S. has been struggling for decades, with numerous high school and college programs shutting down, including notable Big Ten programs like the University of Minnesota and University of Iowa, which were cut in 2021.

However, the U.S. team’s performance at the Paris Olympics, composed entirely of NCAA gymnasts, has renewed optimism among college coaches. The Olympians hailed from Stanford, the University of Michigan, Penn State, and the defunct University of Minnesota program. Despite representing a fifth of all current programs, this is a small fraction of the 15 active programs—12 in Division I and three in Division III.

A bright spot for the sport appeared in the fall of 2021, when Simpson College and Greenville University announced new men’s gymnastics programs. This was a notable development, as no new teams had been added in 60 years. Penn State Head Coach Randy Jepson expressed enthusiasm for this momentum.

Though Simpson and Greenville are smaller Division III schools compared to large Division I institutions like the University of Michigan, their competitive spirit is evident. Simpson Head Coach Colin Payne emphasized focusing on their own performance rather than comparing facilities.

Despite their size, Simpson and Greenville have already shown competitive prowess, with Greenville ranking higher than William & Mary and Army at the end of the past season.

The early success of new gymnastics programs is promising, but historical data suggests that winning alone may not be enough to ensure a program’s longevity. Eleven programs that once won national championships have since been discontinued.

Financial stability often determines a program’s survival. While sports like football and basketball typically generate revenue, gymnastics faces unique challenges. With recent changes in NCAA policy—such as the introduction of name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals and student-athletes being treated more like employees—there are new opportunities for gymnastics. This shift follows California’s 2019 law allowing athletes to earn endorsement money and a landmark 2021 U.S. Supreme Court decision permitting education-related payments, which have redefined college sports.

Simpson College Head Coach Colin Payne sees potential in merging this private enterprise model with college athletics. He believes that the specialization and existing privatized model in gymnastics could benefit from NIL opportunities, which are less common in other sports.

The recent Olympic success provides an additional boost. “In my coaching career, this is probably one of the most optimistic points for me,” Payne told CNN. “We have genuine interest now, and we hope to leverage the momentum from the Olympics and the success of athletes like Stephen Nedoroscik.”

Nedoroscik, who won bronze for the U.S. in the team event and on the pommel horse, has already had a significant impact on the sport. His success has sparked unprecedented interest in his hometown gym, with many parents eager to enroll their sons. His recent appearance on the Tonight Show also highlights the growing visibility of gymnastics.

The pommel horse specialist surprised many by making the Team USA squad, given he competes in only one of the six events in men’s gymnastics. However, his selection proved invaluable as his performance was crucial in securing bronze in the team event, alongside his individual achievements.

While Nedoroscik is technically exceptional, it’s his distinctive personality that has truly captivated the public. Known for his thick-rimmed glasses—leading the internet to nickname him the “Clark Kent” of Team USA—he also stands out for his sideline meditation and love for Rubik’s cubes.

His college coach, Randy Jepson, views Nedoroscik as a prime example of a gymnast who thrives in the sport. “There are many boys who might not fit into traditional sports like basketball, football, or soccer. They may see the world differently, be more cerebral, and still seek athletic opportunities,” Jepson said. “Gymnastics offers that chance due to its unique challenges and excitement, providing a fun and fulfilling experience for those who are a bit different.”

Other coaches agree with this perspective, recognizing that gymnastics appeals to a specific type of athlete who needs programs available at all stages of development to nurture their interest.

“Many talented gymnasts, who might not reach Olympic levels but have significant potential, step away from the sport once they reach high school because there aren’t enough opportunities,” Payne noted.

To build on the success of the Olympic team, there must be opportunities for gymnasts from youth through high school and into college. “In gymnastics, the Olympics is essentially the professional level,” Payne added.

While many elite female gymnasts turn professional right out of high school, most members of the U.S. men’s national team are currently in college or recent graduates. This means that fans can see these world-class athletes compete in NCAA meets every weekend without having to travel to Paris.

“The level of gymnastics displayed at NCAA championships, and even at conference meets, is on par with Olympic-level performances,” Jepson said.

Despite competing against one another, teams understand they share the common goal of growing the sport. “Men’s gymnastics is a collective effort, and it’s moving in a positive direction,” Greenville University Head Coach Zach Peters told CNN Sport. “It’s rare to see such strong relationships among head coaches.”

The sport still has room for growth, but the recent success of Team USA offers hope for a brighter future.

“Fans are witnessing the best gymnasts competing every weekend during the collegiate season,” Jepson said. “They’re seeing top-tier performances consistently.”

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, both former college basketball stars, are now making significant strides in the WNBA. On Sunday, Clark led the Indiana Fever to a commanding 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm, while setting a new league record.

Clark scored 23 points and recorded her 225th assist during the game, surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s long-standing record for the most assists by a rookie in WNBA history. Clark, who tops the league with an average of 8.3 assists per game, expressed her gratitude for breaking the record held by Penicheiro, a revered figure in the sport.

The historic assist occurred in the second quarter, and Penicheiro celebrated the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), praising Clark’s achievement. “Records are meant to be broken…it shows growth and evolution. Can’t think of a better player to break it,” Penicheiro wrote. The Fever also shared a video of Penicheiro congratulating Clark, who ended the game with nine assists and a season total of 232.

In her standout rookie season, Caitlin Clark has already set several WNBA records, including becoming the first rookie to achieve a triple-double and setting a new high with 19 assists in a single game. This past Sunday, Clark added another milestone by surpassing Ticha Penicheiro’s record for most assists by a rookie, finishing with 232 assists and leading the Indiana Fever to a 92-75 victory over the Seattle Storm.

Meanwhile, Angel Reese is making waves of her own. In a game on Sunday, Reese scored 19 points and grabbed 20 rebounds in an 86-68 loss to the Phoenix Mercury, becoming the fastest player in WNBA history to record 20 double-doubles in a single season. Reese reached this achievement in just 27 games and is now only two double-doubles away from tying Tina Charles’ rookie record for the most double-doubles in a season, as noted by ESPN. Earlier this season, Reese also set the record for most consecutive double-doubles.

As the WNBA resumes play after the Olympic break, both rookies are poised to continue their record-breaking performances. Clark’s Indiana Fever (13-15) will next face the Minnesota Lynx, while Reese’s Chicago Sky (11-16) will take on the Connecticut Sun. With their exceptional play, it’s clear that Clark and Reese will keep making history this season.

Cindy Winner Djankeu Ngamba’s journey epitomizes resilience and determination. The 25-year-old athlete made history by becoming the first-ever medalist for the Refugee Olympic Team, securing a bronze in the women’s 75kg boxing category at the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Ngamba, born in Cameroon, faced numerous hardships from a young age. At 11, she moved to the United Kingdom seeking a brighter future, only to confront additional struggles with citizenship and endure time in a detention camp due to paperwork issues.

Her life took a transformative turn at 15 when she discovered boxing. “Every day is a learning day in boxing. You have your ups and downs, just like in life in general,” Ngamba shared with CNN Sport’s Amanda Davies. Boxing not only served as a mental refuge but also became a source of empowerment and self-discovery.

Through boxing, Ngamba found solace and strength, overcoming the challenges of her past, including her difficult immigration process. Despite her rising success and training with the Great Britain boxing team, she continues to fight for British citizenship. Ngamba was granted refugee status due to the criminalization of same-sex activity in Cameroon, adding another layer to her inspiring story.

Team of Refugee Athletes

The Refugee Olympic Team Provides a Platform for Displaced Athletes to Shine on the Global Stage. Comprising 37 athletes this year, the team aims to showcase how refugees enrich society.

‘We should embrace refugees as valuable assets to our communities. They have the potential to be outstanding role models, just like the members of the Refugee Olympic Team,’ said Yusra Mardini, former refugee Olympian, UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, and subject of the Netflix film ‘The Swimmers,’ in an interview with CNN.

These athletes may have lost everything and had to start anew in a foreign country, building new connections, learning a new language, and finding a sense of home. Sports can offer them an essential escape, aiding in their mental health, overcoming trauma, and rebuilding their self-esteem,’ Mardini continued.

Worldwide Refugee Crisis

Ngamba’s bronze medal is a landmark achievement for the Refugee Olympic Team and a beacon of hope for millions of displaced individuals globally.

‘This medal signifies that I am human, just like everyone else. Despite numerous obstacles, I stood firm and emerged victorious,’ Ngamba shared.

‘I hope that by winning this Olympic medal and representing refugees worldwide, people will recognize us as athletes who aspire to reach great heights.’

As of May 2024, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported a record 120 million forcibly displaced people around the world.

Escalating Tensions

A touching moment followed Ngamba’s bronze medal win when Team GB’s Lewis Richardson draped his Union Jack flag around her during the celebrations in Paris.

‘It meant the world to me,’ Ngamba said. ‘Lewis, the GB boxers, and I have shared the ring and they’ve always treated me like family. Sharing that moment with him, knowing our mutual struggles, was deeply emotional.’

Ngamba’s achievement comes amid rising anti-immigrant sentiment in various countries, including the UK.

The nation is facing its most severe unrest in over a decade, with far-right, anti-immigrant violence surging following a misinformation campaign linked to a stabbing attack that killed three children in Southport, northern England.

In stark contrast to these protests, Ngamba’s Olympic podium appearance highlights the positive impact refugees can have. Her historic medal for the Refugee Olympic Team not only represents her personal resilience but also symbolizes the broader contributions of refugees striving for a better future.

McDonald’s France took a playful jab at the recent men’s basketball final during the Paris Olympics with a cheeky social media post. Following Steph Curry’s stellar performance—where he scored eight three-pointers to propel Team USA to a 98-87 victory over France—the French branch of the fast-food chain shared a tongue-in-cheek message on Instagram.

Their post, which garnered nearly 15,000 likes within just seven hours, humorously suggested they might be “considering removing” their Classic Curry dipping sauce in light of Curry’s outstanding play. The post, accompanied by a photo of the beloved sauce, was a clear nod to Curry’s impressive performance, which included four critical three-pointers in a crucial 2-minute and 13-second stretch during the final moments of the game.

McDonald’s France’s spokesperson clarified to Media that the post was a lighthearted reference to Curry’s remarkable contribution in the game. This defeat was a tough blow for the host nation, which had been narrowly trailing the U.S. by just three points with under three minutes left on the clock. The loss echoed a similar close defeat to the United States in the gold medal match at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where France fell short in a tight 87-82 game.

The excitement from the Summer Games is still buzzing as the annual Tour de France Femmes began on Monday, following the closing ceremony in Paris. This year’s race, which features the world’s top female cyclists, started with an eight-stage event in the Netherlands due to the logistical demands of the recent Olympics.

In the sunny setting of Rotterdam, 153 riders lined up for the third edition of the race. Dutch cyclist Charlotte Kool of DSM-Firmenich PostNL claimed victory in the opening stage, marking her first-ever stage win and making history as the first stage win outside France for this event.

Charlotte Kool surged ahead of the pack to claim victory in the opening stage of the Tour de France Femmes, finishing more than a bike length ahead with a time of 2 hours, 47 minutes, and 40 seconds. Overwhelmed by her achievement, Kool covered her mouth in disbelief before celebrating with raised arms as the crowd in The Hague cheered.

After dismounting, the Dutch rider sat on the road, covering her face with her hands, and described the win as a dream come true. “This is the best day of my life,” she said, visibly moved.

The field also includes 2024 Olympic road race champion Kristen Faulkner from the US, and defending champion Demi Vollering, who is back to retain her yellow jersey.

The Tour de France Femmes continues with a dynamic schedule starting Tuesday, featuring two stages. Stage 2 will cover 43.3 miles (69.7 kilometers) from Dordrecht to Rotterdam, followed by Stage 3, which is a solo time trial later that afternoon.

Stage 4 will see the race cross into Belgium, from Valkenburg to Liège. Thursday’s Stage 5 will take the peloton into France, navigating through eastern regions with subsequent stages running from Bastogne to Amnéville, Remiremont to Morteau, and Champagnole to Le Grand-Bornand.

The grand finale on Sunday will culminate in the French Alps, with Stage 8 concluding atop the legendary Alpe d’Huez. 

The 2022 edition marked a revival of the Tour de France Femmes, a race with a storied history dating back to September 1955.