Coco Gauff avoids an Italian Open upset - and a serious blow to her French Open preparations - by fighting back from a set down again in Rome.
England coach Brendon McCullum voiced deep concern for all-rounder Ben Stokes, who is unavailable for the second Test against New Zealand pending an investigation into a nightclub incident. McCullum focused on supporting Stokes rather than discussing his captaincy future.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has pledged to increase his defensive contributions as the team prepares for their World Cup opener against Senegal. The Real Madrid striker acknowledged criticism regarding his performances and leadership, stating his readiness to do 'whatever it takes' to win.
England coach Thomas Tuchel is adopting Arsenal's successful set-piece strategies for the World Cup, focusing on dead-ball situations. Players like Declan Rice and Reece James are key to this approach, despite concerns over Bukayo Saka's tendonitis.
Spanish teenager Rafael Jodar, ranked world No. 23, is set to make his Wimbledon debut after a remarkable year of firsts, including a French Open quarter-final appearance. Despite limited grass-court experience, his aggressive baseline game and strong return statistics suggest potential success.
New Liverpool coach Andoni Iraola is using the World Cup to assess inherited players like Florian Wirtz, Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo, and Alexander Isak, and scout potential new signings. He aims to revive their form and find settled positions, particularly for Wirtz, after a disappointing season.
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola is using the World Cup to assess inherited players like Florian Wirtz and Virgil van Dijk, and scout potential signings. He aims to revive the squad's performance after a disappointing season, focusing on player positions and form, as seen in recent World Cup matches.
