Sinner Wins Back-to-Back Wimbledon Titles
LONDON — World No. 1 Jannik Sinner secured his second consecutive Wimbledon championship Sunday, defeating Alexander Zverev 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 6-3, 6-4. The victory marks Sinner’s fifth Grand Slam title overall and his 10th consecutive win over Zverev. Zverev appeared to struggle with a knee problem after slipping on the grass during a critical moment in the third set. The win was especially meaningful for Sinner, as it came in his first tournament following a difficult exit at the French Open. Zverev, who had just claimed his first Grand Slam crown at the French Open, fell short in his bid to add Wimbledon to that achievement. In the women’s final on Saturday, Linda Noskova defeated fellow Czech player Karolina Muchova to capture her first Grand Slam title.
Zverev Looks Ahead After Wimbledon Runner-Up Finish
LONDON — Despite the loss to Sinner on Centre Court Sunday, Alexander Zverev says he believes he is closer than ever to breaking through at the top of the sport. Zverev has long been considered a step behind Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz in the Grand Slam conversation. “I think I’ve been pushing those guys,” Zverev said, adding that this is the first time in his career he genuinely believes he could win Wimbledon.
World Cup Semifinals Feature Four Former Champions
ATLANTA — The World Cup semifinal stage is shaping up to be one of the most memorable in recent history. France, Spain, England, and Argentina — all previous champions and the four highest-ranked teams in the world — are each two wins away from lifting the trophy again. It marks the first time since 1990 that all four remaining teams in a World Cup have previously won the tournament. England and Argentina, both of whom were in that 1990 semifinal, will face each other on Wednesday. France and Spain meet in the other semifinal on Tuesday, featuring a matchup between Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal.
Sánchez, Cease Named All-Star Starters
Cristopher Sánchez of the Philadelphia Phillies will take the mound for the National League in Tuesday night’s MLB All-Star Game, which is being played at his home ballpark. He will face American League starter Dylan Cease of the Toronto Blue Jays, who was announced as the AL’s pick on Sunday. National League manager Dave Roberts of the Los Angeles Dodgers confirmed Sánchez as his choice. In a separate development, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone initially said pitcher Cam Schlittler would not participate in the All-Star Game, but later in the day both Boone and Schlittler indicated the right-hander might be available after all.
Flewelling Named MVP in All-Star Futures Game
PHILADELPHIA — Tampa Bay Rays prospect Nathan Flewelling slugged a two-run home run and was named MVP as the American League topped the National League 6-1 in the All-Star Futures Game. The 19-year-old catcher is considered the second-best prospect in the Tampa Bay organization. He and fellow Tampa Bay prospect Theo Gillen combined to drive in three runs. Philadelphia Phillies minor leaguer Gage Wood started the game for the National League, giving up one run in one inning. Former Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino managed the NL squad, while Larry Bowa managed the AL. Historically, 86.8% of Futures Game participants have gone on to appear in at least one major league game.
Royal Birkdale Offers New Challenges at British Open
SOUTHPORT, England — Royal Birkdale is hosting the British Open for the first time in several years, and players arriving for practice Sunday found a noticeably different course than in the past. Golfer Peter Uihlein was puzzled by the 241-yard 15th hole before discovering it was an entirely new addition. Fairways have been repositioned, and the fifth hole has been redesigned. Beyond the course changes, the conditions themselves stand out — hot, dry weather has left the links turf yellowed and parched from the sun.
Ryu Wins Evian Championship for Second Straight Major Title
EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France — South Korean golfer Haeran Ryu won the Evian Championship in a playoff over Brooke Henderson, claiming her second major title in just three weeks. Ryu had previously won the Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine National Golf Club on June 29. Both players finished the week at 19-under par at Evian Golf Resort — Ryu shooting a level-par 71 and Henderson firing a 7-under 64 on Sunday. Henderson’s final-round charge included three eagles, one of which was a hole-in-one at No. 8, and another eagle at No. 18 that forced the playoff. In the extra hole, Henderson was forced to lay up after a wayward drive and made par, while Ryu drained a three-foot birdie putt to seal the win. Ryu had set the tone with a 60 on Saturday, the lowest single round ever recorded at a major championship.
Prince William and Kate Attend Wimbledon Men’s Final
LONDON — Prince William and his wife Kate were among the notable attendees at Sunday’s Wimbledon men’s final, joined by two of their children in a Royal Box that also included actors Dustin Hoffman, Nicole Kidman, and Ben Stiller. Kate, who serves as patron of the All England Club, presented the championship trophy to Jannik Sinner following his win over Alexander Zverev. She had also handed out the women’s trophy to Linda Noskova on Saturday, though family members were not with her that day. The couple’s two oldest children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte, were present for Sunday’s final.
Brothers Who Ran 33 Marathons for Dementia Awareness Visit Wimbledon’s Royal Box
LONDON — British brothers Jordan and Cian Adams completed 33 marathons in 33 days to raise awareness of frontotemporal dementia, known as FTD — a brain disease that claimed their mother’s life at age 52, six years after her diagnosis. Both brothers carry the same genetic mutation linked to the disease: Jordan is 31 and Cian is 25, and both expect to begin experiencing symptoms in their mid-40s. Their campaign earned them an invitation to spend a day in the Royal Box at Wimbledon, and Prince William personally wrote to commend them on their “inspiring journey.” Working with Alzheimer’s organizations in Britain and Ireland, the brothers have raised nearly $2.7 million. There is currently no cure for FTD.
McGregor Suffers Knee Injury in UFC 329 Return
LAS VEGAS — Conor McGregor’s highly anticipated comeback fight at UFC 329 came to an abrupt end just 1 minute and 9 seconds into the first round Saturday night due to a knee injury. McGregor, who had not fought in more than five years, launched a flying left roundhouse kick at the opening of the match and landed awkwardly on his right knee. After attempting two more strikes on Max Holloway, it was apparent McGregor could not continue the scheduled five-round welterweight bout. Holloway improved to 28-9-0, while McGregor’s record stands at 22-7-0.
