Andreescu's comeback continues at site of her 2019 Canadian Open title
TORONTO — Bianca Andreescu’s comeback story will continue on familiar ground when she competes at the upcoming National Bank Open at Toronto's Sobeys Stadium.
Miami Open Sport News
Alcaraz, Sinner would benefit from new Big Three, McEnroe says
The emergence of a third young star to challenge the supremacy of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner would push the duo's already scintillating rivalry to new heights, tennis great John McEnroe said.
Andreescu wins in straight sets, cruising into Madrid Open 2nd round
Bianca Andreescu made a triumphant return to WTA 1000-level tennis Wednesday with a 6-2, 6-4 win over McCartney Kessler of the United States in first-round action at the Madrid Open.
Patriotic fervor the spur for Ukrainian boxing legend Usyk
PARIS: Ukraine’s boxing icon Oleksandr Usyk told AFP he will stay in the sport “a little longer” so he can provide “financial support to our army and civilians” and achieve his sporting goal of once again being undisputed heavyweight world champion. The 38-year-old, who holds all the belts except the IBF version which belongs to Daniel Dubois, has been galvanized by the war ever since Russia invaded Ukraine in late February 2022, wreaking death and destruction on his compatriots and his homeland. His exploits — two memorable victories over British opponent Tyson Fury plus others over Anthony Joshua and Dubois — have helped keep his beleaguered country very much in people’s minds. In a wide-ranging interview, Usyk said his father, who fought in the Soviet Army, was the seminal influence on his career. He says he has been inspired by “both the heroes of the past and the modern Ukrainian heroes who are now defending our homeland in the armed forces.” “Representing Ukraine on the global sports stage, spreading the truth about the war, and providing financial support to our army and civilians — this is also a powerful motivation for me to stay in professional boxing a little longer,” he said. “I feel great, I’m ready for any opponent and would love to take another shot at becoming the undisputed heavyweight champion again.” Usyk says Fury is the toughest opponent he has faced “for the moment” and added that he expects the unpredictable Briton to return to boxing, although perhaps “in a different role.” Usyk can thank his late father, also called Oleksandr, for his extraordinary resilience in brutal bouts with Fury and twice with Joshua.
Local favorite Mansour ‘Tarzan’ Barnaoui to face American Archie Colgan at PFL Europe in Paris
LONDON: The Professional Fighters League has announced that Paris’s own Mansour “Tarzan” Barnaoui (22-6) will face the undefeated Archie “King” Colgan (11-0) in a clash of the top lightweight contenders looking to stake their claim for title opportunities.
NBA and FIBA explore new European professional basketball league
UAE: The National Basketball Association and International Basketball Federation have announced they will jointly explore a new professional men’s basketball league in Europe.
Jessica Pegula ends Alexandra Eala’s fairytale run, sets up final with Aryna Sabalenka
MIAMI GARDENS, United States: Philippines sensation Alexandra Eala’s remarkable run at the Miami Open came to a brave end with a three-set loss to Jessica Pegula in the semifinals on Thursday. In an enthralling battle over 2hrs 24mins, fourth-seeded American Pegula emerged with a 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-3 win to seal a place in Saturday’s final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka blasted her way into the final with a 6-2, 6-2 demolition of Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. The 19-year-old Eala, ranked 140th in the world, had only two WTA main draw victories to her name before arriving in Miami. She proceeded to beat three Grand Slam winners in Jelena Ostapenko, Madison Keys and world number two Iga Swiatek. The lowest-ranked semifinalist in the tournament’s history, Eala seriously threatened to go one step further with another accomplished and effervescent display. The tide looked to have turned against her when Pegula broke to go 3-1 up in the second set, but Eala broke back and her fist pump and look of determination was a sign of things to come. Eala broke Pegula three times in the set and was broken twice herself but crucially was able to hold when serving for the set at 6-5. Both players protected their serve better in the deciding set but Eala’s forehand let her down when the American broke to go 5-3 up and she served out for a victory that brought her visible relief. “Of course there is disappointment right after the match,” said Eala. “But there are just so many times in tennis where you have to dig through the dirt to look for the positive and I’m just enjoying because there is so much positive around me and I don’t know how many times that happens,” she added. Playing with a strapped thigh from the outset,
Thunder set team record with 61st win as Giddey lifts Bulls over Lakers
LOS ANGELES: NBA scoring leader Shai Gilgeous-Alexander netted a game-high 37 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder over Memphis 125-104 on Thursday for a team-record 61st season victory.
Novak Djokovic beats Sebastian Korda, advances to semifinals in push for 7th Miami Open title
MIAMI GARDENS, Florida: Novak Djokovic is finding a higher gear in South Florida after a sluggish start to 2025.