Scorching temperatures at the French Open are creating unprecedented conditions at Roland Garros, with players and spectators struggling with the extreme heat
PARIS (AP) — Competitors at the French Open report they haven’t faced such sweltering conditions at Roland Garros since the 2024 Paris Olympics, which took place during the summer months of July and August. The mercury has climbed to 33 degrees Celsius (91 degrees Fahrenheit) during the tournament’s first two days, well above typical late May temperatures in Paris. Weather forecasts predict these scorching conditions will persist throughout the opening week. Beyond creating discomfort for spectators and athletes, the oppressive heat has accelerated court conditions. Russian-born Australian competitor Daria Kasatkina noted, “I don’t remember the last time it was so hot at Roland Garros.”
Western Conference basketball finals stand even at 2-2 as Spurs and Thunder prepare for decisive Game 5
Victor Wembanyama appears unfazed by high-pressure situations. On December 28, 2024, during a chilly, wet morning in New York, Wembanyama had free time before the San Antonio Spurs’ charter departure to Minnesota. He used social media to invite people to meet him at Washington Square Park for chess matches. That morning brought four games with an even split: two victories, two defeats. Now, the Spurs face Oklahoma City in a different type of strategic battle — the Western Conference finals, with Game 5 scheduled for Tuesday at the Thunder’s home venue. The current tally mirrors that New York morning: two victories, two defeats for each side.
Mexican leader expresses support for hosting Iran’s World Cup squad after venue change from United States
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed comfort with her nation serving as host for Iran’s World Cup team following the relocation of their training facility from the United States to Mexico for the summer soccer tournament. While the Iranian squad will continue playing their matches on U.S. soil, their preparation base has shifted to Tijuana, Mexico, located just south of San Diego, California. FIFA officially announced this change on Monday. This development unfolds amid ongoing conflict in Iran. During a press briefing, Sheinbaum revealed that a FIFA official informed her that the United States preferred not to have the Iranian soccer team spending extended time on American soil outside of competition.
Indianapolis 500 champion Felix Rosenqvist embraces hectic post-victory schedule
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The reality of Felix Rosenqvist’s Indianapolis 500 triumph began settling in rapidly. Following his ceremonial milk consumption and the traditional celebratory dousing, the victor of the most closely contested race in Indy 500 history commenced his champion obligations. He dedicated two hours to media interviews while still in his racing suit before proceeding to additional photography sessions. A brief celebration followed before early morning television appearances, more photo opportunities, and Monday evening’s traditional post-race banquet where his prize money will be revealed. Despite another race approaching in Detroit next weekend, the 34-year-old Swedish driver had no complaints. Instead, he focused on enjoying the rewards of his victory.
Spire Motorsports celebrates growth following second victory but maintains higher aspirations
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) — Daniel Suarez’s unexpected triumph at the Coca-Cola 600 delivered Spire Motorsports their second win of the season, equaling the success of racing powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports. However, Suarez emphasized the team’s continued hunger for more achievements. He commended the organizational framework established by team owner Jeff Dickerson and crew chief Ryan Sparks. Spire, previously viewed as a smaller NASCAR operation, is reshaping industry perceptions. Dickerson has set goals of placing two vehicles in the playoffs and securing three race victories this season, while Suarez believes the team has yet to maximize its capabilities.
UCLA secures top NCAA baseball tournament position, leading offensive powerhouse Georgia Tech
OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — UCLA has claimed the top national seed position for the NCAA baseball tournament following their commanding season-long performance. The tournament commences Friday with 16 double-elimination regional competitions. Regional champions progress to eight best-of-three super regional matchups, with those winners advancing to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, starting June 12. The Bruins dominated both the Big Ten regular season and tournament championships. Their 51 victories represent the highest win total entering regionals since Tennessee’s 53 wins in 2022. Atlantic Coast Conference champion Georgia Tech earned the second seed, followed by Georgia, Auburn, North Carolina, Texas, Alabama, and Florida.
Milwaukee pitcher establishes new benchmark with 57 triple-digit fastballs in single contest
MILWAUKEE (AP) — Milwaukee’s Jacob Misiorowski delivered 57 pitches reaching at least 100 mph — establishing a new single-game record since pitch monitoring began in 2008 — while recording 12 strikeouts to equal his career best Monday against the St. Louis Cardinals. The prior mark for 100-mph pitches in one game was 47, set by Cincinnati’s Hunter Greene against St. Louis on September 17, 2022. The 24-year-old right-handed pitcher hit 101 mph on 40 of his 96 total pitches. He reached 102 mph on 22 deliveries and achieved at least 103 mph nine times, with his peak velocity measuring 103.4 mph.
Messi adds to growing list of star player injury worries before major tournament
A mounting number of injuries to soccer’s elite performers are emerging before next month’s World Cup competition. Lionel Messi has been added to a concerning list that previously included Lamine Yamal. While Kylian Mbappé and Mohamed Salah have recovered from their injuries before the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, attention now turns to Messi. The Argentine superstar exited the field after grabbing his left hamstring during an Inter Miami Major League Soccer match on Sunday. Spain’s Yamal missed Barcelona’s season finale due to a muscle injury in his left leg. Other players definitively ruled out include France’s Hugo Ekitike and Brazilian stars Rodrygo and Éder Militão.
Atlanta Dream maintains perfect start with remarkable comeback ability in WNBA standings
The Atlanta Dream has demonstrated exceptional comeback capability by overcoming 15-point deficits twice this season, including Sunday’s victory against Phoenix. According to ESPN, no other WNBA franchise has accomplished this feat. The Dream tops the WNBA standings with a 4-1 record and remains the sole team with only one loss. Coach Karl Smesko credits challenging competition with strengthening the team’s resolve. Atlanta achieved the top position in power rankings for the first time this season. Los Angeles’ Kelsey Plum received recognition as the AP player of the week.
Extended games create unique tactical opportunities, though star players rarely determine outcomes
The automatic runner rule has made extra innings one of the remaining situations where managers readily employ intentional walks, a tactic that had been declining in popularity. From 1974 to 2019, before the automatic runner implementation, intentional walks occurred every 140 plate appearances overall but every 27 in extra innings. Since 2020, intentional walks happen every 335 plate appearances in regular play, yet in extra innings, they occur every 16.7 plate appearances. Extra-inning intentional walks have actually become more frequent than in previous eras.
