Aryna Sabalenka says she tried to offer support to Jelena Ostapenko following the Latvian’s second-round loss to Taylor Townsend at the U.S. Open, not realizing the match had ended with a heated exchange between the two players. The world No. 1 revealed her post-match conversation with Ostapenko.

“Well, I have to say that she’s nice. She just sometimes can lose control,” Sabalenka said after her own win over Polina Kudermetova. “She has some things in life to face and some struggles, so I was just trying to help her … and someone she could speak to and let it go.” Sabalenka added that she hopes Ostapenko will eventually “figure out herself” and better manage her emotions on court.

The incident Sabalenka wasn’t aware of occurred moments after Townsend’s 7-5, 6-1 victory on Wednesday. At the net, Ostapenko and Townsend engaged in a tense argument, with Ostapenko pointing her finger and raising her voice as the two players exchanged words in front of a surprised crowd.

Townsend later explained what was said, claiming Ostapenko insulted her. “It’s competition, people get upset when they lose and some people say bad things,” Townsend told ESPN. “She told me I have no class, I have no education and to see what happens when we get outside the U.S. … I beat her in Canada, outside the U.S., I beat her in New York, outside the U.S., so let’s see what else she has to say.”

Ostapenko responded via Instagram, offering her version of events. She wrote that she called Townsend “very disrespectful” for failing to apologize after a net cord on a crucial point and for not following standard warm-up procedures. “There are some rules in tennis which most of the players follow and it was first time ever that this happened to me on tour,” Ostapenko posted. “If she plays in her homeland it doesn’t mean that she can behave and do whatever she wants.”

Sabalenka understands Ostapenko’s frustration

Sabalenka suggested that Ostapenko’s visible frustration may be tied to issues beyond etiquette. “Sometimes when you struggle with some things in life, it’s, of course, going to reflect in your tennis career,” she said. “On the court, you’re more unstable and you can lose control and … I’m pretty sure looking back she’s not happy with her behavior.”

Townsend’s win secured her a spot in the third round against fifth seed Mirra Andreeva. Sabalenka, the top seed in the draw, advanced as well and will face Canadian Leylah Fernandez in her next match. Ostapenko, meanwhile, exits the tournament after a turbulent week in New York.

Argentina head into their final two matches of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers with their ticket already secured. However, they mark the last time Lionel Messi will feature in World Cup Qualifiers during his illustrious career, as his time with La Albiceleste is coming to an end.

At 38 years old, Messi’s participation at the next World Cup remains uncertain, and his time with the national team is clearly winding down. Still, the Argentine captain confirmed that the upcoming match against Venezuela in Buenos Aires, which could be his last qualifier on home soil, will be a deeply emotional one.

“Yes, it’s going to be special, a very special match for me because it’s the last qualifier game,” he told journalist Antonella Gonzalez after Inter Miami’s win over Orlando City in the Leagues Cup semifinals.

“I don’t know if there will be a friendly or more games afterward, but yes, it’s a very special match, and that’s why my family will be with me—my wife, my kids, my parents, my siblings, and as many relatives as possible from my wife’s side. We’ll experience it together. After that, like I said, I don’t know what will happen, but we’re going in with that mindset. Thank you.”

Messi will lead Argentina’s squad in these last World Cup Qualifiers fixtures. First, they host Venezuela on Thursday, September 4 in Buenos Aires. Then, they travel to Ecuador on September 9 to close out the campaign, in which Argentina already secured first place in the standings.

Argentina and Messi’s run in the Qualifiers

Messi is the player with the most appearances in Argentina’s history, with 193 caps, including 26 at World Cups. Throughout this qualifying cycle, he missed five matches but still made a major impact, scoring five goals and providing three assists across 11 games.

With 31 goals in 65 appearances, Messi stands as the all-time top scorer in World Cup Qualifiers, surpassing legends like Luis Suarez. Now, with just two matches left, he will be eager to add to that legacy before closing this chapter with La Albiceleste.

Alexei Popyrin has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting players in Australian tennis. His professional breakthrough came in 2021 when he lifted his maiden ATP title in Singapore. Since then, Popyrin has continued to sharpen his skills on both hard and clay courts, steadily climbing the ATP rankings.

The real turning point in Popyrin’s career came in 2023 and 2024, when he added two more titles to his name, including his first Masters 1000 crown in Canada—arguably his biggest achievement so far.

By August 2025, Popyrin reached a career-high singles ranking of No. 19 in the world, becoming Australia’s second-ranked male player. So, here’s everything to know about this tennis player, including his age, height, family and more.

How old is Alexei Popyrin?

Alexei Popyrin was born on 5 August 1999, which makes him 26 years old as of 2025. Over the past decade, he has transitioned from a promising teenager on the junior circuit to a fully established ATP contender.

Alexei Popyrin’s family

Popyrin was born in Sydney to Russian immigrant parents, Alex and Elena. He grew up with three siblings: his brother Anthony, who also played college tennis in the U.S., and sisters Sonia and Anna. The family relocated several times due to his father’s work, living in Dubai and later Spain, which gave Alexei international exposure at a young age. His father also co-founded the innovative Ultimate Tennis Showdown with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

How tall is Alexei Popyrin?

Standing at 6’5” (196 cm), Popyrin is one of the taller players on the ATP Tour. His height gives him a significant advantage on serve, where he consistently generates power and angles that trouble opponents.

Who is Alexei Popyrin’s coach?

As of 2025, Popyrin is working with Neville Godwin and Wayne Ferreira, a coaching duo that has helped shape his recent surge in form. Ferreira, a former world No. 6, joined Godwin to bring a fresh perspective to Popyrin’s game. Their guidance has been instrumental in improving his consistency.

How much money has Alexei Popyrin earned?

By 2025, Popyrin has accumulated $8,177,799 in career prize money. This figure reflects his success across the ATP Tour, including three singles titles and deep runs at major events.

Who is Alexei Popyrin’s girlfriend?

Alexei Popyrin is engaged to Amy Pederick, a physiotherapist who has been a constant source of support throughout his career. The two first met as children in Dubai and began dating in 2018. Their long-term relationship culminated in an engagement in November 2024, marking an important milestone in Popyrin’s personal life alongside his professional success.

Polina Kudermetova is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young names in women’s tennis. The Russian player has already broken into the world’s top 60, showing she has the talent and grit to go far on the WTA Tour.

Her rise began in 2023 when she made her Grand Slam debut at the Australian Open and picked up her first main-draw win on tour. By 2024, she was reaching semifinals, making deep runs in WTA events, and steadily climbing the rankings. She also showed she could shine in doubles, reaching a WTA 125 final alongside Alina Korneeva.

The big breakthrough came in 2025 at the Brisbane International. Kudermetova battled her way past top seeds, even scoring her first win over a top-10 player, before falling to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final. That run pushed her into the top 100 for the first time, cementing her reputation as a rising star to watch.

How old is Polina Kudermetova?

Polina Kudermetova was born on 4 June 2003, which makes her 22 years old in 2025. She was born in Moscow, Russia.

Kudermetova’s height

Her exact height has not been officially reported in this profile, but reports list her as being around 1.75 meters (5 feet 9 inches) tall.

Polina Kudermetova’s family

Polina comes from a highly athletic family. She is the younger sister of Veronika Kudermetova, a former top-10 WTA player, and the daughter of Eduard Kudermetov, a Russian national ice hockey champion. This sporting background has played a key role in shaping her professional career.

Who is Kudermetova’s coach?

Polina’s main coach is Ravshan Sultanov. However, during certain tournaments, such as the 2024 Korea Open, when Sultanov could not travel due to visa issues, she was temporarily coached by Sergey Demekhine, who is also her sister Veronika’s coach and husband.

How much money has she made so far?

According to the WTA Tour official website, she has earned $601,291 in prize money so far.

Inter Miami are set to face Orlando City today at Chase Stadium in the 2025 Leagues Cup semifinals. Despite some doubts over Lionel Messi’s availability for this crucial matchup, the Argentine star is set to start tonight.

Messi missed Miami‘s quarterfinal against Tigres UANL on August 20, because of a persistent “minor” muscle issue in his right leg, while Alba had to leave the pitch in the second half after taking a hit to his knee.

“Leo trained, completed training, which is super positive. We hope he’s in the squad, and tomorrow we’ll make a decision on how he’s feeling. These types of injuries have to be seen, it’s a process that takes place throughout the day and how he gets up the next day. So, I imagine, he’s not an addition yet because we haven’t sent out the roster, but I imagine he’ll be in the squad at least,” Morales added.

Both players resumed training with the team on Monday and Tuesday after sitting out the MLS regular-season match against D.C. United on Saturday night. Messi made his initial return from injury by playing for 45 minutes against LA Galaxy on August 16, scoring one goal and providing an assist before being sidelined again for another week. However, he will be back on the field tonight as a starter.

Miami’s 2025 Leagues Cup run so far

Mascherano’s men progressed to the knockout rounds by securing second place in the MLS table during Phase One, earning eight points from two victories and one draw. The team gained an extra point by winning the penalty shootout following the draw.

Inter Miami began their 2025 Leagues Cup journey with a 2-1 victory over Atlas FC. They then played to a 2-2 draw against Club Necaxa, ultimately prevailing 5-4 in the penalty shootout to claim the additional point. They followed this with a 3-1 triumph over Pumas UNAM.

Most recently, Inter Miami defeated Tigres UANL 2-1 in the quarterfinals. Luis Suarez netted twice at Chase Stadium, leading Inter Miami to a spot in the semifinals. Now, they have the chance to get closer to winning another title in the competition.

No. 2 seed Iga Swiatek opened her 2025 US Open campaign with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Emiliana Arango in exactly one hour. The win extended her streak of reaching the second round at Grand Slam tournaments to 24 consecutive events, surpassing Monica Seles’ previous record in the Open Era, according to the US Open.

Per OptaAce, Swiatek has now won 73 of 89 WTA-level matches played in the United States since 2020, giving her an 82% win rate, the best of any player with at least 30 matches in that span. Earlier this summer, she ended a 13-month title drought by winning Wimbledon, her sixth career Grand Slam, and followed it up with a victory in Cincinnati.

As Swiatek surpassed Seles’ record, we take a look at both players’ earnings. While Monica Seles officially retired back in 2008 and Swiatek’s career is at its peak, both players are undoubtedly in the list of best WTA players in history.

Iga Swiatek and Monica Seles: Career earnings

Swiatek has collected six Grand Slam titles: four at Roland Garros (2020, 2022, 2023, 2024), one at the US Open (2022), and one at Wimbledon (2025). At 24 years old, she has already established herself among the most successful players of her generation.

In terms of earnings, Swiatek has won over $41,549,048 in career prize money so far, making it already the third player with the most earnings in the all-time list. Meanwhile, Seles earned a total of $14,891,762 in prize money, placing her 41st on the all-time list.

Seles became the youngest French Open champion in history in 1990 at 16 years and six months. Between 1990 and 1992, she won eight Grand Slam singles titles before the age of 20: four Australian Opens, three French Opens, and two US Opens.

Seles’ career was interrupted in April 1993 when she was attacked during a match in Hamburg. She returned to competition in 1995 and won the 1996 Australian Open, her ninth and final major title.

Evidently, the prize money and sponsorship opportunities have grown significantly in the sport since Seles’ time, which is reflected in the numbers. Especially with the latest growth in the WTA.

Janice Tjen made history at the 2025 US Open, defeating No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in the opening round. The victory made her the first Indonesian woman to win a singles match at a Grand Slam in 22 years, following Angelique Widjaja’s success at Wimbledon in 2003.

The 23-year-old earned her place in the main draw through qualifying, defeating No. 3 qualifying seed Aoi Ito in straight sets. Entering the tournament with a strong 55–10 record on the lower-level circuit in 2025, Tjen carried her momentum into the biggest match of her career to date. Her win over Kudermetova marked both her first victory against a Top 30 opponent and her first appearance in the second round of a major.

In the next round, Tjen was scheduled to face 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu, who herself had advanced through qualifying. So, ahead of the upcoming clash, here’s what to know about this WTA rising star.

How old is Janice Tjen?

Janice Tjen was born on 6 May 2002, making her 23 years old as of 2025.

Where is Janice Tjen from?

Tjen is from Jakarta, Indonesia, where she began her tennis development before moving to the United States to pursue college tennis.

Janice Tjen’s height

She is 1.68 m (5 ft 6 in) tall.

Janice Tjen’s career highlights

• 2025 US Open: Defeated No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova to become the first Indonesian woman in 22 years to win a Grand Slam singles match.
• 2025: Achieved career-high WTA rankings of No. 147 in singles and No. 260 in doubles (August 18, 2025).
• 2024: Reached the NCAA doubles final with Pepperdine University.
• 2022 Asian Games: Won the bronze medal in doubles representing Indonesia.
• Competed in the Billie Jean King Cup, compiling a 2–2 record for Indonesia.

Janice Tjen’s education

Tjen studied sociology while competing in college tennis. She played at the University of Oregon (2020–2021) before transferring to Pepperdine University (2021–2024), where she completed her degree and achieved significant results on the NCAA circuit.

Connection to Emma Raducanu

Tjen has described Emma Raducanu as one of her idols. While recovering from injury in college, she followed Raducanu’s 2021 U.S. Open title run closely, drawing inspiration from her.

The Indiana Fever will face the Seattle Storm in a key matchup for their playoff hopes. Stephanie White’s squad has dealt with injuries throughout the regular season, including to stars Caitlin Clark and Sophie Cunningham.

According to Angela Moryan of WISH News 8, Clark has officially been ruled out for tonight’s game as she continues to recover from a right groin injury. However, IndyStar’s Chloe Peterson reported that Clark participated in light drills with the Fever for the first time in more than a month.

After missing 14 straight games, Clark joined the portion of shootaround open to the media Sunday morning, working with the team for the first time since suffering her groin injury against the Connecticut Sun on July 15.

Peterson clarified, however, that Clark has not yet fully returned to practice, noting that “a team spokesperson said her participation in shootaround is part of her return-to-play regimen.”

Meanwhile, Cunningham has been ruled out for the rest of the season after tearing her right medial collateral ligament on August 17 in a game against the Connecticut Sun.

Stephanie White talks Clark’s progress

According to Peterson, Clark joined her teammates for dynamic warmups before shifting to light, non-contact work with Indiana’s reserves during the portion of shootaround open to the media.

“It was a good step, because she got out there on the floor with us for the first time, part of the sort of return to activity thing,” White told reporters, via IndyStar. “But it was all very low, low-maintenance, you know, 5-on-0 low intensity stuff. So I think just getting her back out there, getting her comfortable, and see where she goes.“

In recent weeks, Clark has been limited to solo workouts, including one on August 7 in Phoenix, when she sustained a bone bruise on her left ankle. The Fever did not indicate if that setback altered her recovery timeline, noting she never had a set return date from the right groin injury in the first place.

Novak Djokovic got his US Open campaign underway with a straight-sets victory, but the win wasn’t as straightforward as the scoreline suggests. The world No. 1 defeated American teenager Learner Tien 6-1, 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 to book his place in the second round, though he admitted afterward that his body didn’t cooperate as he would have liked.

The Serbian received two time violations, the second during the second-set tiebreak, which cost him his first serve. Clearly irritated, he exchanged words with the chair umpire, asking, “Did you really have to do that?” before going on to lose the point.

After the match, Djokovic admitted he felt unwell without knowing the exact reason. “I started great… and then I start to feel really – I don’t know why. I really was surprised how bad I was feeling physically,” he said.

“I kind of dropped my level and made a lot of unforced errors and kind of got him back into the match. I’m glad that I reset myself after the second set,” he added. Although he acknowledged the positives in his game, he admitted being worried about his dip in the second set: “because then my life on the court will be much more difficult”.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion, making his 19th main draw appearance at Flushing Meadows and recorded his 80th win on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the most by any male player, Djokovic pulled further ahead of Roger Federer (77) and Rafael Nadal (64).

Djokovic clarifies he doesn’t have any injuries

However, the four-time champion clarified he didn’t have any injuries. “Luckily, I have two days off, but yes, it’s a bit concerning. I don’t know. I don’t have any injury or anything. It was just very hard for me to stay in long rallies and recover after points,” he said.

The Serbian star arrived in New York without any competing time since his semifinal lost to Jannik Sinner in Wimbledon, as he decided to skip both Cincinnati and Toronto. However, he survived a difficult first clash.

Now, Djokovic will play against 22-year-old American Zachary Svajda, who earned his spot in the main draw after winning in the qualifiers. He defeated Italian Zsombor Piros in the first round in three sets.

Young FC Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal once again made headlines off the pitch after posting a photo on Instagram alongside Argentine artist Nicki Nicole during her 25th birthday celebration, which appears to confirm their romantic relationship.

In the image, both appear smiling with a large birthday cake, surrounded by rose petals and heart-shaped balloons. Yamal accompanied the image with an emoji of a cake and two hearts.

This is not the first time the two have been spotted together. Earlier in August, they were seen at a nightclub and later walking through the streets of Monaco. However, before this picture, both young celebrities hadn’t confirmed or denied any rumors.

The father of Lamine Yamal, when asked by Spanish media, chose not to comment on his son’s personal life: “These are silly things, children’s matters. People deserve privacy,” he said, according to Bein Sports. Either way, some fans are curious about Nicki Nicole, a popular rapper and singer. Check out more about her.

How old is Nicki Nicole?

Nicki Nicole was born on August 25, 2000, which makes her 25 years old. She was born in Rosario, Argentina, and started her musical career around 2019. By contrast, Yamal just turned 18 years old.

What does Nicki Nicole do?

Nicki Nicole is a rapper and singer-songwriter. She rose to fame with hits like “Wapo Traketero,” “Colocao,” and “Mamichula” in 2019. Her career has earned her multiple award nominations, including five Latin Grammy nods, as well as wins at the Spotify Awards and Premios Tu Musica.

How did Nicki Nicole and Lamine Yamal meet?

Whispers about the possible relationship between Yamal and Nicki Nicole began weeks before the Instagram post. The singer was spotted at the Joan Gamper Trophy, an appearance that caught fans’ attention given her lack of previous ties to Barcelona’s footballing scene.

Later, both shared screenshots of a Mario Kart game, jokingly competing with each other on Instagram Stories. The playful posts, filled with emojis, immediately fueled gossip about a budding connection.

Adding to the speculation, paparazzi photos captured the pair strolling together in Monaco earlier this summer. Although neither of them has publicly confirmed anything, the accumulation of sightings and now Yamal’s birthday tribute has convinced many that there’s more than friendship between them.

Al Nassr’s efforts were not enough to clinch the first title of the season as they fell 5-3 on penalties in the Saudi Super Cup final against Al-Ahli. However, Cristiano Ronaldo added another goal to his already impressive tally, bringing him closer to the 1,000-goal milestone.

With his penalty goal in today’s match, Ronaldo has now scored 939 goals in his career, meaning he is just 61 goals away from 1,000—a record that seems plausible given that he is still active. Regardless, he continues to extend his record as the top goalscorer in professional soccer.

The goal was also his 100th with Al Nassr, making him the first player ever to record over 100 goals with four different clubs and his national team. He has scored 145 goals for Manchester United, 450 for Real Madrid, 101 for Juventus, 139 for Portugal, and now 100 for Al Nassr.

Despite not clinching the title, Al Nassr showcased great moments in the final. Ronaldo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, but Al-Ahli responded with Franck Kessie’s goal before the end of the first half.

At the 82nd-minute mark, Marcelo Brozovic found the net to give Al Nassr the advantage, but Roger Ibañez prevented them from reaching glory with a great goal in the 89th minute, forcing a penalty shootout.

Ronaldo is still seeking silverware in Saudi Arabia

This was Ronaldo’s third final with Al Nassr, all of which ended in heartbreaking losses. The Portuguese star has yet to help the team secure any silverware in his three seasons, despite emerging as the team’s leading scorer.

However, the 2025-26 season is just beginning. Under the coaching of Jorge Jesus and with new signings such as Joao Felix, Al Nassr seems poised to fight for titles this year, as Ronaldo continues to add to his unmatched tally.

The Argentine star has lifted 46 trophies, while Ronaldo boasts 35 titles. They both are the most decorated players of all time, demonstrating that their rivalry has been one of the most prolific in soccer history.

Ronaldo’s first title came with Manchester United in 2004, when he won the FA Cup just two years after making his senior debut with Sporting CP. During his time at Old Trafford, he went on to collect two League Cups, three Premier League titles, and the first of his five Champions League crowns. He later enjoyed unprecedented European dominance with Real Madrid, where he added four more Champions League trophies to his name.

Messi, meanwhile, has built a staggering collection of 46 trophies across his spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team. He edges Ronaldo in league titles, with 13 over seven of the Portuguese, while Ronaldo has one more Champions League title.

Beyond club success, Messi’s crowning achievement came in 2022, when he lifted the FIFA World Cup with Argentina, adding to his two Copa America titles, one Finalissima, and youth-level triumphs at the 2005 U20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympics. With Portugal, Ronaldo has won two UEFA Nations League titles, and the 2016 Euros.

An epic rivalry

While Messi currently leads Ronaldo by 10 official trophies, the debate between the two extends far beyond silverware. Messi has claimed eight Ballon d’Or awards compared to Ronaldo’s five, while both continue to break records deep into their late thirties.

On the other hand, when it comes to goals, the Portuguese star remains the soccer player with the all-time record (now 939), while Messi has the all-time assist record (389). With Ronaldo still chasing glory in Saudi Arabia and Messi pushing the limits of football in the United States, their rivalry remains one of the greatest stories in sports history.

According to Michel Acosta’s comparison of the two stars, Messi has scored 35 goals in 49 finals throughout his career, including matches with FC Barcelona, PSG, Inter Miami, and Argentina.

Meanwhile, with this goal, Ronaldo has now scored 25 goals in finals during his career, playing for Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Portugal, and Al Nassr. The Portuguese star has appeared in 37 finals overall.

When it comes to assists, Messi also has the edge. The Argentine has provided 16 assists in finals, while Ronaldo has only registered two. In terms of goal contributions, Messi delivers one every 88 minutes, compared to Ronaldo’s 136 minutes.

Looking at finals won and lost, Messi has lifted 31 trophies and lost 12 finals. Meanwhile, Ronaldo, not counting the Saudi Cup final, has won 25 and lost 11.

Lionel Messi vs Ronaldo: Titles

Lionel Messi stands as the most decorated footballer ever with a total of 46 senior team trophies across his illustrious club and international career. This includes a staggering 35 trophies at Barcelona, 3 with Paris Saint-Germain, and 2 with Inter Miami, along with 6 international titles representing Argentina, including the World Cup, Copa America titles.

Ronaldo follows behind with 36 senior trophies in his career, combining his success across Sporting CP, Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus, Al-Nassr, and the Portugal national team.

Inter Miami’s dramatic 2–1 win over Tigres UANL in the Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday didn’t just grab headlines for the result. Much of the post-match conversation centered around coach Javier Mascherano, who was ejected at halftime and later spotted using his phone in the stands to communicate with staff.

Mascherano was shown a red card during the interval following a heated exchange with referees about the amount of stoppage time added in the first half. He sit just above the Miami bench in Section 101, keeping himself within shouting distance of his players. Cameras later caught him on the phone during the 57th minute, fueling speculation that he was instructing his staff in real time.

When asked about the incident, Mascherano defended his actions and emphasized that he had done nothing out of line. “The truth is the stands at our stadium are very close to the pitch, so I tried to stay as near as possible to help the team,” he said to the press (via Goal).

“It’s something that has happened many times in football and will continue to happen. I didn’t break any rules – I could’ve been sitting in an owner’s suite instead. The team needed me close. I’ll accept whatever consequences come,” he added.

For its part, the Leagues Cup issued a statement defending Mascherano’s presence and actions. “The Inter Miami coach was in a designated area in accordance with the tournament regulations. Cell phone communications are not prohibited under the Leagues Cup regulations. Please note that actions are reviewed by the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee,” the competition said, as reported by journalist José Armando.

What comes next for Mascherano and Miami?

For now, Miami faces a busy week ahead, starting with an MLS regular season clash on August 23, 2025, when they travel to Audi Field to take on D.C. United at 6:30 PM EST, followed by a high-stakes Leagues Cup semifinal at home on August 27, where they will host Orlando City SC.

The Indiana Fever continue to deal with a wave of injuries heading into tonight’s matchup against the Minnesota Lynx, and fans are still asking the same question: will Caitlin Clark or Sophie Cunningham be on the court? Unfortunately for the Fever faithful, both guards remain sidelined, leaving Indiana short-handed as the playoff push intensifies.

Clark, who has now missed 13 straight games, is battling a right groin injury that first forced her out of the lineup in mid-July. Her recovery was further complicated when she rolled her ankle during solo workouts earlier this month in Phoenix, according to Fieldhouse Files.

Head coach Stephanie White acknowledged how difficult the process has been for the rookie star. “It’s been really frustrating. I mean, Caitlin wants to play, you know, she’s a competitor. She just wants to be on the floor. She just wants to play basketball,” she said after Thursday’s practice, per Hawkeyes Wire.

“She’s in the mindset that she’s hungry, right, that she wants to be out there, and she wants to be with her team, and she’s working her butt off to get back in those situations. I think each time you have a tweak, or each time you have something else, it’s frustrating,” White added.

As for Sophie Cunningham, she is out for the remainder of the season after she tore her right medial collateral ligament during Sunday’s game. Cunningham had been one of Indiana’s spark plugs off the bench, and her absence adds another hurdle for a Fever squad already stretched thin.

Fever still fighting for playoff position

Even with their backcourt gutted, the Fever have managed to stay afloat in the playoff picture. Since Clark last played, Indiana has posted a 7-6 record, improving their overall mark to 19-16.

That record puts them in sixth place in the WNBA standings, holding a slim two-game lead over the Los Angeles Sparks for the final postseason spots. With just five games left, every night matters.

According to ESPN, the club is in advanced talks with Juventus over winger Nicolas Gonzalez, another Argentine international. Reports suggest that discussions progressed last week, but the deal is still contingent on Atletico selling a player to balance their books.

Journalist Gaston Edul noted that negotiations remain ongoing. “Atletico de Madrid are negotiating for Nico Gonzalez. Talks advanced last week. The deal could go through if Atleti sell a player. They’re waiting on that. It’s important. There’s no contract agreement yet,” Edul said on his X account on August 21.

The 27-year-old Gonzalez, currently at Juventus, has emerged as Diego Simeone’s preferred option to strengthen the attack. Simeone is believed to want more width in his team following the departure of Samuel Lino to Flamengo, and Gonzalez is viewed as a strong candidate to fill that role.

ESPN also reports that Juventus may be willing to include Nahuel Molina, another Argentine international, as part of the operation. Both clubs are reportedly open to structuring the transfer fee in installments to finalize the move before the close of the market.

Atletico’s busy summer window

Atletico Madrid have already been one of the busiest clubs in Europe this summer, spending around 175 million euros on seven signings. New arrivals include Matteo Ruggeri, David Hancko, Marc Pubill, Alex Baena, Johnny Cardoso, Thiago Almada, and Giacomo Raspadori. Despite those reinforcements, Simeone appears intent on adding another wide player to his squad.

Gonzalez, who began his career at Argentinos Juniors, has a market value just under 30 million euros. His European experience spans both Germany and Italy, having previously played for Stuttgart, Fiorentina, and most recently Juventus.

While De Paul’s departure marks the end of an era for Atletico, Gonzalez’s arrival would ensure that Simeone still has a strong Argentine presence in the squad. For now, all eyes are on whether Atletico can free up the funds to complete the deal before the transfer window shuts.

Inter Miami edged Tigres UANL 2–1 in a dramatic Leagues Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, Aug. 20, despite the absence of Lionel Messi. The Argentine star sat out with a hamstring injury, watching from a suite at Chase Stadium rather than leading his team on the pitch. However, the attention was also on Miami’s head coach Javier Mascherano.

Mascherano was sent off before the start of the second half after a heated dispute with referees over added stoppage time. Forced to leave the technical area, Mascherano took a seat in the stands directly above his team’s bench in Section 101.

Cameras later caught him on his phone during the 57th minute, appearing to pass instructions down to his coaching staff while assistants Leandro Stillitano and Lucas Rodriguez Pagano handled the touchline duties. The moment quickly set social media buzzing.

However, Leagues Cup responded to the controversy with a statement. “The Inter Miami coach was in a designated area in accordance with the tournament regulations. Cell phone communications are not prohibited under the Leagues Cup regulations. Please note that actions are reviewed by the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee,” read a statement cited by journalist José Armando.

The statment makes clear that Mascherano didn’t technically break any tournament rules. Still, questions remain about whether his in-game phone instructions might draw further review from organizers.

Match Recap

On the field, Luis Suarez was the hero of the night, converting two penalty kicks after Tigres defender Javier Aquino was twice penalized for handballs inside the box. The first came when Jordi Alba’s cross struck Aquino in the 52nd minute, while the decisive spot kick arrived in the 89th after another handball by the same player.

Tigres managed to level the score in the 67th minute through Angel Correa, who weaved through the Inter Miami defense for the equalizer. But just as Tigres looked to steal momentum, Suarez delivered the winner from the spot.

Between Messi’s absence, Mascherano’s red card and phone calls, and Suarez’s clutch penalties, this quarterfinal had everything. And now, all eyes turn to whether the Leagues Cup Disciplinary Committee has the final word on Mascherano’s cameo.

The Chicago Sky visit the Barclays Center to face defending champions New York Liberty. While All-Star forward Angel Reese recently returned to court, her presence isn’t guaranteed for tonight’s match.

According to the injury report, Reese is listed as probable, as she is coming out of a back injury that sidelined her for seven consecutive matches before returning against the Seattle Storm on Tuesday.

Reese posted 19 points in her team’s 94-88. “So happy to be back playing the game I love,” she wrote on her X account after playing 26 minutes on Tuesday. In total, she has missed 10 games this season, and she is averaging 4.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals.

The Sky can also recover Ariel Atkins (leg) and Hailey Van Light (ankle), who are also listed as probable for tonight’s match. It’s worth noting that their only confirmed absence is Courtney Vandersloot, who will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL.

New York Liberty vs Chicago Sky’s preview: How do the teams arrive?

New York, coming off an 85–75 victory over Minnesota, sits in second place and must continue piling up wins to secure that position. For this game, Isabelle Harrison (concussion protocol), Nyara Sabally (right knee), and Breanna Stewart (right knee) will all be out.

Chicago, on the other hand, has struggled this season, dropping eight of its last nine games. The Sky’s record is 8-26 this season, and they are in the bottom of the table with the Connecticut Sun.

The matchup between the Chicago Sky and the New York Liberty is set for tonight, August 21, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. PT at Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

Al Nassr booked their spot in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup final with a 2-1 win over Al Ittihad, putting Cristiano Ronaldo in line for his third final since joining the club. Even though he and Lionel Messi now play on different continents, the comparisons between the two icons remain as strong as ever. So, how has Messi fared with Inter Miami during the same stretch?

Part of the comparisons come because Messi arrived in Major League Soccer just six months after Ronaldo signed with Al Nassr, meaning their tenures with their current clubs have been almost parallel. In those two years, Inter Miami have already reached two finals.

The first came almost immediately after Messi landed in Florida. He carried the Herons on an unforgettable run in the 2023 Leagues Cup, capping it off with the team’s first-ever trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Nashville SC.

Just weeks later, Inter Miami were back in another final, the 2023 U.S. Open Cup against Houston Dynamo. But this time, Messi missed the game with a muscle injury and had to watch from the sidelines as Miami fell 2-1.

Ronaldo’s finals with Al Nassr

Ronaldo’s path with Al Nassr has had its share of near-misses. His first chance at silverware came in the 2023–24 King’s Cup, where they drew 1-1 with Al Hilal but lost in penalties. The following year, Al Hilal spoiled the party again, cruising past Al Nassr 4-1 in the 2024 Saudi Super Cup, despite a Ronaldo goal.

There was one exception: Ronaldo did lift the 2023 Arab Club Champions Cup after Al Nassr edged Al Hilal 2-1 in the final. However, because the competition isn’t recognized by FIFA as an official tournament, it doesn’t appear on his official record.

Messi vs Ronaldo: Title comparison

Looking strictly at sanctioned titles, the gap is clear. Since joining Al Nassr in late 2022, Ronaldo hasn’t won an official trophy with the club, despite chasing success in both domestic and continental competitions. After knocking out Al Ittihad in the semifinals, though, he now has a shot at his first official crown with the Saudi side—one that would mark the 37th title of his legendary career.

Messi, meanwhile, already has two pieces of silverware with Miami: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. Playoff success has been harder to come by, but his impact on the team is undeniable. Overall, the Argentine has now collected 46 official titles across his club and international career.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has only suited up for 13 contests in the 2025 WNBA campaign, which has been a major loss for the franchise and the league. However, teammate Sophie Cunningham, who is also set to miss the rest of the season, gave a minor update on her condition recently.

On the latest installment of her podcast “Show Me Something,” which she co-hosts with reality TV personality West Wilson, Cunningham talked about the harsh conditions of the league that may be slowing down Clark’s return to the floor.

Cunningham admitted she doesn’t have any concrete updates for fans on when Clark could rejoin the team. She stressed that the 23-year-old is still being monitored daily, and in a league as competitive as the WNBA, “almost ready” doesn’t quite cut it.

“Yeah, she’s close, but like you also have to remember, like she could be playing if it wasn’t in the WNBA by now,” Cunningham explained. “At this level, with how deep and like how good people are nowadays in our league, which is the best it’s ever been,” she said. “You can’t just be good. You have to be on top of your game. And so, just trying to get her back in game shape, I think, is what they’re trying to do.”

Clark has been sidelined since July 15 with a right groin issue, and while head coach Stephanie White has expressed optimism about a return before the end of the regular season, there remains no definitive timeline. Counting the preseason, this marks the fourth different muscle injury Clark has battled in 2025.

The Fever’s struggles with injuries

The Fever have been hit especially hard by the injury bug, losing backup guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald to season-ending injuries during the final matchup of a grueling four-game, seven-day road stretch.

Cunningham herself recently tore her MCL against the Connecticut Sun, just two days after Indiana hosted a Friday night game. Across the league, stars like Angel Reese, Breanna Stewart, Napheesa Collier, Paige Bueckers, and Kayla Thornton have all missed significant time.

With the WNBA averaging fewer rest days than at any point in the last five years, the season has already seen 200 recorded injuries, nearly matching last year’s total of 203 with more than 50 games left to play.

Inter Miami take on Liga MX side Tigres UANL today in the 2025 Leagues Cup quarterfinals at Chase Stadium. However, Javier Mascherano’s men might have to secure a win without Lionel Messi, who won’t be available to play tonight.

The Argentine star was not seen during the portion of practice open to the media on Tuesday, Aug. 19, and Mascherano did not confirm his participation. “We’ll see how he feels during the day [Wednesday], but he’s not ruled out of playing. I can’t tell you today whether he’ll play or not because it depends a lot on how he feels,” Mascherano said at a press conference.

Messi has been dealing with a nagging right hamstring injury, which he appeared to aggravate in the MLS match against the Los Angeles Galaxy on August 16. Before his appearance in that match, Messi had been sidelined for two weeks.

Nevertheless, it was evident that he returned too soon. Messi participated in the second half of the match and, despite contributing a goal and setting up an assist for Luis Suarez in the 3-1 victory, he was frequently observed bending over and stretching his right leg.

Javier Mascherano decided to rule Messi out of tonight’s crucial game. In the knockout rounds, there are no draws allowed. If a match ends tied after regulation, the game goes straight to a penalty shootout.

Miami looking for a semifinal spot

Inter Miami are eyeing a place in the semifinals, and they hold several significant advantages. Securing a win would not only guarantee them a home semifinal but would also keep them in a strong position as they currently sit second in the Leagues Cup standings. If Inter Miami continue their performance and reach the final, they stand a good chance of hosting it as well.

This upcoming match will mark only the second encounter between Inter Miami and Tigres. Their initial meeting took place in 2024 during the Leagues Cup, where Tigres emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against a Miami team that lacked Messi, who was unavailable due to an injury sustained in the Copa America final against Colombia.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Al Nassr defeated Al-Ittihad 2-1 in the 2025 Saudi Super Cup semifinals, with the Portuguese star contributing an assist for Joao Felix’s winning goal in the 61st minute. This is Ronaldo’s second assist of the year, a statistic that we compare to his longtime rival, Lionel Messi.

This year, the Argentine star has provided 10 assists across 34 appearances for both Inter Miami and the Argentina national team. When it comes to goals scored, their statistics are more evenly matched: Ronaldo has netted 22 goals this year, while Messi boasts 25.

Despite being in the twilight of their careers, both stars remain key players for their respective teams. With this triumph against Al-Ittihad, Al Nassr have ushered in a new era under the leadership of coach Jorge Jesus.

Ronaldo has maintained impressive form but has struggled to secure an official title in Saudi Arabia during his two-season stint in the country. However, with new signings like Joao Felix, the team seems poised to contend for a title this season.

Comparison of all-time assists between Messi and Ronaldo

In their careers, Messi holds the advantage in assists. The Argentinian star has recorded 389 assists, while Ronaldo has 258. Messi is the all-time leader in assists in soccer, while Ronaldo has the edge on goals.

Messi competes for the Golden Boot in MLS

Meanwhile, Lionel Messi and Inter Miami are in a strong position to contend for a playoff spot in MLS. The Argentine star, named MVP last season, is currently leading the race for the Golden Boot with 19 goals in 19 appearances.

Ronaldo has won the equivalent award in the Saudi Pro League for two consecutive seasons, scoring 35 goals during the 2023-24 campaign and 25 goals in the 2024-25 season.

After his retirement in the 2025 Cincinnati Open final against Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner released a reassuring message to his fans, hinting at his participation in the upcoming US Open, where he is the defending champion.

“Yesterday I didn’t feel great, and I’m really sorry to disappoint you. Thank you so much to everyone supporting me on-site and from home, your support means the world,” he wrote on his social media pages.

“Congrats to @carlitosalcarazz and his team. You’re having an incredible season, and I wish you all the best for what’s ahead. Now it’s time to rest a couple of days before getting back to work,” he concluded.

His message was in line with what he expressed during the trophy ceremony on Monday. The World No. 1 was visibly struggling during the five games they managed to play in the final, with Carlos Alcaraz showing his support after his retirement.

This season, Sinner missed three months after winning in Australia, serving a suspension related to his doping case. The Italian returned in Rome, where he reached the final, before losing to Alcaraz in an epic five-set battle at Roland Garros. He got his revenge at Wimbledon, where he triumphed in four sets in the final.

Sinner aims for a second US Open crown

This morning, it was confirmed that the Italian would not take part in the highly anticipated US Open mixed doubles event. He was set to play with Czech star Katerina Siniakova, the World No. 2 in doubles. They were replaced by Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison.

While Sinner recovers from his illness, he is still expected to defend his title in the singles tournament, which begins on August 24. Last season, he defeated Taylor Fritz in the final.

At the time, it was his second Grand Slam crown, after winning the Australian Open earlier in 2024. Now, he is chasing his fifth major. If he successfully defends his US Open crown, he will become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to win the tournament back-to-back.

Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have defined the most compelling rivalry in today’s tennis, especially this year, as they have clashed in several finals. After the Spaniard claimed the Cincinnati title following the Italian’s retirement, Alcaraz now holds six titles this season.

Meanwhile, Sinner (who was sidelined for three months due to a suspension related to a doping case) has captured two titles so far: the Australian Open, before his absence, and Wimbledon. He has posted a 31-4 win-loss record this year and has earned $9,035,053 in prize money, according to the ATP Tour.

Sinner also reached the finals at Roland Garros and Rome, losing both to Alcaraz. The Spaniard’s other titles this season include Queen’s, Monte Carlo, and Rotterdam. Alcaraz owns a 54-6 record and has earned $10,631,652 in prize money this year.

In Cincinnati, Sinner was unwell, affected by the heat, and trailed 5-0 on Monday before deciding to retire from the match. The result leaves their head-to-head at 9-5 in favor of Alcaraz, who sent a heartfelt message to his rival.

“I’m super, super sorry to disappoint you. Since yesterday I haven’t felt great… I tried to come out and at least make it a small match, but I couldn’t handle more. I’m very, very sorry for all of you,” Sinner told the crowd in Cincinnati.

Doubts ahead of the US Open

While the action in Cincinnati wrapped up yesterday, all attention now shifts to New York for the US Open. It has been confirmed that Sinner has withdrawn from the mixed doubles event, where he was set to partner with Czech player Katerina Siniakova, the world No. 2 in doubles.

The singles tournament begins on August 24, giving Sinner more time to recover. He enters New York as the defending champion, having defeated Taylor Fritz in last year’s final. If he successfully defends his crown, he will become the first man since Roger Federer in 2008 to win the US Open back-to-back.

Inter Miami’s squad has undergone several changes, with departures like Federico Redondo and new arrivals such as Rodrigo De Paul, their latest signing. Now, Lionel Messi could lose another teammate, as Honduran midfielder David Ruiz is being linked with a potential move during this transfer window.

According to new reports, Inter Miami look to sort out his future before the MLS transfer window closes on August 21. Per Deporte Total, at least three MLS teams have been inquiring about the 22-year-old player.

Inter Miami extended Ruiz’s contract earlier this year, locking him in through 2028 with an option for 2029. For now, the plan is to loan him out for the rest of the 2025 season with a purchase option included, while Miami retains a percentage of his rights for any future transfer.

Ruiz, once seen as a rising piece of Miami’s midfield, has been sidelined for months due to a muscle injury. While he’s now fully recovered, his action has been limited to MLS Next Pro games with Inter Miami II.

Head coach Javier Mascherano has praised Ruiz as an important part of the squad but hasn’t found space for him in the regular rotation. A move would benefit both sides. Inter Miami would free up valuable salary-cap space to chase reinforcements at center back and striker, while Ruiz would have the chance to prove himself in another team.

Inter Miami’s active transfer window

Inter Miami have been busy in the 2025 summer transfer window, with the signing of Rodrigo De Paul standing out as one of their strongest moves this season. At the same time, Federico Redondo has departed, joining Spanish side Elche CF on a permanent deal.

Reports indicate the transfer includes 50% of Redondo’s economic rights, with a fee of $2.5 million. While his departure represents a potential setback, Messi and his teammates have managed to bounce back from an early-season slump.

Miami’s recent 3-1 victory over LA Galaxy, in which Messi scored another goal, lifted them to fifth place in the Eastern Conference, just a week after they had slipped to sixth following a 4-1 defeat to Orlando.

The goal marked Messi’s 19th of the season, extending his lead atop the MLS scoring charts and securing a much-needed win for Miami. With three games in hand, the club could climb all the way to the top if they manage to take maximum points.

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark has been sidelined for over a month since injuring her right groin on July 15. While the team has found its rhythm without the guard, head coach Stephanie White has offered an optimistic update on her recovery, even hinting at a possible return date.

White said she “hopes” Clark will return before the regular season ends in 23 days. “The hope is that she’s back. The most important thing is that she’s 100% when she’s ready to come back,” White told reporters ahead of the matchup against Connecticut, according to WISH-TV.

“The timing is never ideal, but long-term health and wellness is the most important thing,” White added, noting that Clark’s setbacks have been the result of trying to rush her recovery.

“I think the experience throughout the year, trying to come back quickly, taught her that she needs to make sure she’s 100%,” White said. She insisted that the team’s main focus after recent setbacks is making sure Clark returns the right way and that her long-term health remains the top priority.

The right groin issue is Clark’s fourth muscle injury this year, after also struggling with her left quad. In total, she has missed 22 games this season. Still, the Fever have managed to find their footing in her absence, leaning on Kelsey Mitchell and Aliyah Boston — who recently broke one of Clark’s records.

Indiana Fever’s upcoming matches

After Sunday’s overtime win against the Sun, the Indiana Fever improved to 11-11 in games played without Clark. The team sits sixth in the WNBA standings with just nine regular-season matchups remaining, keeping itself firmly in the playoff hunt.

Clark, who has appeared in 13 games this season, has averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists when on the floor. The Fever’s next test comes Friday, Aug. 22, when they host the league-leading Minnesota Lynx at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. After that, they will have a rematch against the Lynx (Aug. 24), and face the Seattle Storm (Aug. 26) and Los Angeles Sparks (Aug. 29).

Novak Djokovic’s preparation for the US Open has been thrown into question after the Serbian star skipped both the Canadian Open in Toronto and the Cincinnati Masters. The 38-year-old, who has not played since his Wimbledon semi-final defeat to Jannik Sinner last month, continues to face speculation over his fitness.

Especially as a video surfaced online this past weekend showing Djokovic training in Montenegro. In the clip, the world No. 7 is seen receiving treatment on his right leg from longtime physio Claudio Zamaglia before gingerly walking to the baseline to serve.

Djokovic was struggling with physical issues during his match against Sinner in Wimbledon, especially with his movement during the match. The Serbian suffered a heavy fall in his quarter-final victory over Flavio Cobolli, where he was slow to get back up and showed signs of discomfort.

Since then, his absence from the traditional hard-court warm-up events has only fueled the debate. While Toronto officials confirmed he withdrew because of injury, Cincinnati organisers said Djokovic’s decision was for “non-medical reasons,” leaving fans to wonder what shape he will be in once the Grand Slam action begins at the US Open.

Djokovic’s season has been marked by uncertainty

Of course, with Djokovic, appearances can be deceiving. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has built a career on resilience and comebacks, often finding a way to peak at the biggest tournaments despite limited preparation.

Djokovic had a busy start to the season, making deep runs at Indian Wells and Miami before struggling a bit on clay. Early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid pushed him to pull out of Rome, and since then he’s been keeping his schedule lighter. In the past month, instead of playing in Toronto and Cincinnati, the Serbian was caught on holiday in Croatia and then Greece.

Even though his results at Masters 1000 events haven’t been at his usual elite level this year, Djokovic has still been showing up when it matters most. He’s reached the semifinals at three of the four Grand Slams in 2025.

The Indiana Fever (18-15) return to Gainbridge Fieldhouse Friday night, looking to rebound against the Washington Mystics (14-18) in front of their home crowd. But for fans hoping to see Caitlin Clark back in action, the wait continues.

Clark, who’s been sidelined since the closing seconds of the Fever’s July 15 win over the Connecticut Sun, will remain out with the same right groin injury that’s plagued her for a month. The star guard has been officially ruled out once again, quashing speculation of a surprise comeback.

According to WISH-TV’s Josh Bode, Friday marks Clark’s 12th consecutive missed game due to the injury. In total, she has sat out 21 regular-season matchups this year, plus the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup final.

The Fever have held their own in her absence, posting a 10-10 record without Clark, compared to an 8-5 mark when she’s on the court. Still, her playmaking and scoring ability are sorely missed, especially as the team fights for playoff positioning in the Eastern Conference.

Head coach Stephanie White offered an update earlier this week, noting that Clark’s rehabilitation is moving forward, but not quite at full speed. “No return to practice,” White said. “She’s been able to get a little bit more in her full-court running with all of her body weight. It’s really building up from doing minimal to then building some endurance to do longer periods of time. She’s been able to do a little bit more on the court in terms of how she moves, but not into practice yet.”

Indiana Fever’s season

Indiana heads into Friday’s game aiming to shake off a narrow 81-80 loss to Paige Bueckers and the Dallas Wings earlier in the week.

The Fever have split their two meetings with the Mystics this year—dropping an 83-77 decision in Baltimore on May 28 before responding with an 85-76 home win on June 3. This third matchup could be pivotal as the regular season winds down.

The Chicago Sky face the Golden State Valkyries tonight at Wintrust Arena. The Sky come with a three-game losing streak which have left them anchored to the bottom of the table. However, they will have to try to get a win without Angel Reese, who is set to miss the match as she is still recovering from a back injury.

The Sky lost their last match to Connecticut Sun, now being 8-24 in the season. Without Reese, who is officially listed as out for the contest, the team has been relying on standout Kamilla Cardoso, who posted 24 points against the Sun, but the efforts are not enough.

Reese has been out for six consecutive games since the All-Star break, and according to head coach Tyler Marsh, there’s still no timetable for her return. “It’s the back injury and she continues to be day-to-day … I think she’s progressing but still kind of wait and see,” he said recently.

On the other hand, another key absence for the Sky is Courtney Vandersloot, who will miss the rest of the season due to a torn ACL. Meanwhile, Ariel Atkins (leg) and Hailey Van Lith (ankle) are listed as probable for tonight’s match.

This season, Reese is averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds (leading the league), 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. In that sense, the predicted Sky’s lineup for tonight’s match includes Kia Nurse, Rachel Banham, Kamila Cardoso, Maddy Westbeld, and Rebecca Allen.

Golden State’s season

The Golden State Valkyries delivered a commanding performance on Monday, defeating the Connecticut Sun 74-57 in a game they controlled from start to finish. The win was an important boost for Golden State as they continue to push for better positioning in the Western Conference standings.

The Valkyries are without Kayla Thornton, who has been sidelined for the rest of the season with a knee injury. Despite the loss of Thornton, Golden State hold seventh place overall and sit fourth in the Western Conference. With their depth and recent form, the Valkyries are aiming to maintain their playoff push.

A former American tennis pros have joined the growing chorus reacting to Naomi Osaka’s much-debated speech after her loss in the Canadian Open final. Osaka, who fell 6-2, 4-6, 1-6 to 18-year-old Canadian wildcard Victoria Mboko in Montreal last week, skipped the customary congratulations for her opponent in her on-court comments.

Appearing on the Nothing Major podcast with fellow retired player Steve Johnson, Sam Querrey, who reached a career-high ranking of World No. 11 and won 10 ATP titles, didn’t mince words about the four-time Grand Slam champion’s post-match conduct.

“Can Osaka not just act like an adult for five minutes? Just give a nice speech, fake it for a minute and then move on to the locker room. It drives me nuts,” Querrey said. He added: “She is also going to make $30 million, you can’t just shy away from that. Give a decent speech, congratulate your opponent.”

Querrey, though, did acknowledge Osaka’s tennis resurgence. “But having said that, it was a great week for Osaka. She hasn’t been playing great. There have been little signs here and there but to make a final, she can go to the US Open now and make a run to the semis, finals or maybe win it.”

This year, Osaka won the WTA 125 in Saint-Malo, her first tournament below Tour level since 2015, which was her first victory since the 2021 Australian Open. The final at the Canadian Open was her first WTA 1000 final since the Miami Open in 2022.

Osaka apologized to Mboko on social media

During her speech, Osaka was brief and didn’t mention Mboko, who at 18 years old is Canada’s No. 1 player and had just lifted her first title. The youngster had also said that she looked up to Osaka while growing up.

The Japanese star later addressed the issue on Instagram Threads, posting: “I also want to say sorry and congratulations to Victoria. You played a great match and have an amazing career ahead! I realise I didn’t congratulate you on the court. Honestly, I was in a daze and I was so focused on not having the same speech as IW 2018 finals or the Jenny/Jennifer situation that I tried to make my speech as short as possible.”

While the speech has been a major talking point this past week, both Osaka and Mboko are poised to be one of the dark horses in the upcoming US Open, which starts on Sunday, August 24 in New York.

Angel Reese may still be sidelined from the court, but she’s stepping into the spotlight in a different way. The Chicago Sky star confirmed Thursday that her first-ever signature sneaker with Reebok will officially hit stores next month.

The No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft signed a multi-year contract extension with Reebok after her rookie season, which included the promise of a signature shoe. Now, that promise is about to become reality.

The debut model, named the Reebok Angel Reese 1, will launch in the “Diamond Dust” colorway. Fans won’t have to wait much longer as the sneakers will drop on September 18. “September 18th. AR1’s coming to a store near YOU,” Reese wrote on X, adding more hype to the announcement.

Back when she first announced her signature shoe, she said that it has “always been a dream” of hers, and she wanted “all the young girls out there to remember that anything is possible.”

This makes Reese one of just a handful of WNBA players to ever receive a signature sneaker, alongside other stars such as Sabrina Ionescu, A’Ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart. Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark is also in the process of designing her signature shoe with Nike.

Reese’s form this season

Before her injury, Reese was in the middle of a dominant sophomore campaign. She averaged 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds (still leading the entire league) along with 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

Her presence in the paint was a major factor for the Sky, who are just 1-8 without her in the lineup. Overall, the team is 8-24, facing long odds of securing a playoff spot. However, the forward has been dealing with a back injury since the All-Star break, limiting her to only two appearances since play resumed.

Sky head coach Tyler Marsh provided a recent update ahead of Chicago’s win over the Washington Mystics, though it didn’t come with much clarity. “It’s the back injury and she continues to be day-to-day … I think she’s progressing but still kind of wait and see,” Marsh said.

While there’s no “concrete timetable” for her return, Reese’s latest sneaker announcement gives fans something to circle on their calendars — even if it’s not yet a game date.

Sports and pop culture collided on Wednesday night when global pop star Taylor Swift announced her 12th album, The Life of a Showgirl, on a new episode of her boyfriend Travis Kelce’s podcast New Heights. In that sense, WNBA star Caitlin Clark didn’t miss the chance to gush over the singer, whom she met last year.

The 23-year-old WNBA star, who is known for being a Swiftie, reacted with excitement to the announcement, leaving several comments and reactions throughout the day. After the release of the first teaser of the episode, Clark commented: “AHHHHHHH!!!!!! LFGGGGGG,” which stands for “Let’s f—ing go.”

On Twitter, Clark also voiced a valid concern regarding the premiere of the episode. “Are we sure YouTube isn’t going to crash tonight?” she wrote in a post, adding a nervous laughing emoji.

The comment turned out to be a prediction, as the livestream experienced a glitch. “Swifties so powerful we broke the Internet,” she wrote in response to the technical failure.

Clark and Swift’s friendship

After attending two stops on Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in Indianapolis, Clark received an unexpected thank-you from the pop superstar: four bags filled with merchandise. The gesture cemented a budding friendship between the WNBA star and the Grammy winner.

That bond was on display in January, when Clark joined Swift to cheer on Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs during their playoff win over the Houston Texans. Speaking to ESPN afterward, Clark described Swift as “a good friend” who offers valuable advice about navigating life in the spotlight.

Clark recalled that she and Swift shared “real conversations” throughout the game. “I think what people don’t always realize about people with a certain spotlight, whether it’s her, whether it’s me, whether it’s another professional athlete or a pop star, we’re real people,” she told the outlet.

While Clark and the rest of the world wait for Swift’s new album (which will feature 12 songs about her “inner life” during the Eras Tour) the singer continues to make deeper inroads into sports culture.

The Indiana Fever had a frustrating night on Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, falling 81–80 to the Dallas Wings with less than two seconds remaining. Caitlin Clark, sidelined for the game, embodied that frustration, engaging in a heated exchange with the referee.

Known for her competitive spirit, Clark stepped onto the court toward official Amy Bonner, with images showing a tense moment in which the referee appeared to point toward the bench.

Aliyah Boston picked up three fouls in the game, including a disputed call involving Wings center Li Yueru, who clamped the Fever star’s arm, causing it to become entangled with her own as Boston attempted a shot.

Meanwhile, head coach Stephanie White voiced her displeasure with the officiating when speaking to reporters afterward. “If it’s going to be physical, and you’re going to allow us to be physical, then allow both teams to be physical. If you’re going to call the holds, and you’re going to call the chucks, then call it both ways,” White said (via Indy Star).

“So, I mean, I think that we’ve been pretty consistent in what we’re asking for, and I didn’t feel like it was consistent,” she added. White has also been seen having tense exchanges with officials this season.

The Fever’s injury woes continue

With the defeat, the Fever dropped to 18–15 and sit sixth in the WNBA standings. With Clark still out and both Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald sidelined for the rest of the season due to long-term injuries, White’s team was left without its point guards.

As Clark has no set timetable for her return, the Fever signed veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract. Sims, 33, is a former WNBA All-Star (2019) and All-WNBA Second Team selection with the Minnesota Lynx.

As Klay Thompson recently made headlines for his relationship with Megan Thee Stallion, speculation is now swirling around former WNBA standout Liz Cambage and Houston Rockets star Kevin Durant, after the two were spotted together at Drake’s latest concert.

The buzz began on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, when Cambage shared an Instagram Story featuring her alongside Durant. She captioned the post “Shooters only,” tagged Durant, and posed as if she were taking a basketball shot.

Both appeared to be in good spirits, smiling for the camera. In her following post, Cambage shared a clip of Drake performing on stage, further fueling the chatter online.

However, for now, it’s unclear if there’s anything romantic between the two or if they’re simply friends enjoying a night out. Neither of them has commented publicly on their relationship.

Liz Cambage’s WNBA legacy

Cambage, the No. 2 pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, built an accomplished basketball career that included stints with the Tulsa Shock, Dallas Wings, Las Vegas Aces, and Los Angeles Sparks, along with international stops in China and Australia.

A four-time WNBA All-Star, her last league appearance came in 2022 with the Sparks. The Australian star is currently playing for the Sichuan Yuanda of the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association.

Durant, meanwhile, is preparing for his first season in Houston after being dealt in a massive seven-team trade this offseason. The veteran forward has previously suited up for the Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns, winning two championships and earning numerous All-Star nods along the way.

The Chicago Sky face the Connecticut Sun at Mohegan Sun Arena. Both teams are struggling in the bottom of the standings, but the Sky will have to play the match without star Angel Reese.

According to the Sky’s injury report, Reese is out as she is struggling with a back injury. She has been dealing with the issue since the All-Star break, with only two appearances since the season resumed.

Recently, ahead of Sky’s win over the Washington Mystics, head coach Tyler Marsh gave an update on her situation, clarifying that there’s not a “concrete timetable” for her return. “It’s the back injury and she continues to be day-to-day … I think she’s progressing but still kind of wait and see.”

Meanwhile, Reese was in practice on August 11th, according to Winsidr, but she didn’t participate in the open portion. Reese’s last appearance came on July 29 in the Sky’s 103–86 loss to the Mystics, a game that proved frustrating for her.

She recorded 22 points and 13 rebounds but struggled with efficiency, shooting just 6-for-16 from the field, and was limited by both foul trouble and the pain, admitting that playing was “rough” for her.

This season, Reese is averaging 14.2 points, 12.6 rebounds (leading the league), 3.7 assists and 1.5 steals per game. Without her, the Sky are 1-7 this season, while in general, they are 8-23, with very slim chances of making it to the playoffs.

Chicago Sky’s potential lineup

Other Sky’s absences include Hailey Van Lith (ankle injury) and Courtney Vandersloot, who has been out since suffering an ACL tear. Meanwhile, Ariel Atkins (leg issue) could return to the lineup tonight.

In that sense, the Sky’s probable starting lineup is expected to feature Michaela Onyenwere, Elizabeth Williams, Kamilla Cardoso, and Rachel Banham. The fifth spot will likely go to either Ariel Atkins, if she’s cleared to play, or Segvi Uzun if Atkins remains sidelined.

The Atlanta Dream have been one of the WNBA’s most consistent teams this season, sitting third in the league and second in the Eastern Conference standings. On Sunday, they welcomed back six-time All-Star Brittney Griner, who returned from a neck injury. Head coach Karl Smesko was quick to praise her performance.

“I thought BG was great,” Smesko said after the game. “She was moving great. She looked really good out there. Defensively, she was excellent. She was controlling the point. I thought it was a really good first game back for her.”

Griner had missed three straight games before the matchup against the Phoenix Mercury, which the Dream won 74–66. In 13 minutes of action, she tallied two points, two rebounds, and one assist.

Now in her first season with the Dream, Griner is aiming to help lead Atlanta to a WNBA title alongside stars Rhyne Howard and Allisha Gray. Despite dealing with several injuries and setbacks this year, the Dream remain well-positioned for a playoff berth.

Still, while her presence has boosted the team, the 6-foot-9 center is enduring one of the least productive seasons of her 12-year career. Through 26 games—25 of them starts—Griner is averaging career lows of 10.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 22.9 minutes per game.

Atlanta suffers another major blow

Unfortunately for Atlanta, the night also brought bad news late in the third quarter when starting guard Jordin Canada suffered a non-contact leg injury. The two-time All-Defensive selection had to be carried off the court and appeared to be in significant pain.

The team is being coy, officially labeling her as “day-to-day” while awaiting further tests. If she’s out for an extended period, it could be a major setback for the Dream’s offense.

The Indiana Fever will face the Dallas Wings tonight at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Star guard Caitlin Clark is still sidelined due to her right groin injury, and she will not be part of the lineup.

It will be the 11th straight regular-season game Clark has missed due to this latest injury. In total, she has missed 20 regular-season games this year, having also dealt with other muscle injuries.

Fever coach Stephanie White talked about her recovery, revealing she hasn’t returned to practice yet. “She’s been able to get a little bit more in her full-court running with all of her body weight. It’s really building up from doing minimal to then building some endurance to do longer periods of time,” she told reporters, per a video shared by Chloe Peterson on X.

“She’s been able to do a little bit more on the court in terms of how she moves, but not into practice yet,” White said. Without Clark, the Fever are 8-5 this season, and they are 18-14 overall.

Clark’s absence is not the only concern for the Fever, who also lost Sydney Colson (ACL) and Aari McDonald (broken bone) for the rest of the season. The Fever signed Odyssey Sims to cover for their absences.

Paige Bueckers is questionable

Meanwhile, in the Dallas Wings’ side, Paige Bueckers should be able to play tonight after she returned from a back injury on Sunday, Aug.10 in a loss to the Washington Mystics. She is questionable for tonight’s match, per Underdog WNBA.

A victory would give the Fever a season sweep over the Wings. Indiana has already taken the first three matchups, June 27 (94–86), July 13 (102–83), and Aug. 1 (88–78). Curiously, Clark has missed all of them.

Ben Shelton kicked off the 2025 North American hard-court swing in style, claiming his first ATP Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open in Toronto. The 22-year-old American powered past Karen Khachanov in the final. The victory places Shelton on the brink of a rare and historic achievement in Cincinnati.

In the modern ATP Masters 1000 era, only four men have pulled off the Canadian–Cincinnati double in the same season: Andre Agassi (1995), Patrick Rafter (1998), Andy Roddick (2003), and Rafael Nadal (2013).

What makes Shelton’s bid even more compelling is his age and style of play. None of the previous double winners were as young as the left-handed American when they achieved the feat.

As the fourth top seed, Shelton defeated Flavio Cobolli, Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz on route to the final in Toronto. He then defeated Khachanov in a three-set battle to earn his first Masters title.

“It’s a surreal feeling,” Shelton said after the win. “It’s been a long week, not an easy path to the final. My best tennis came out when it mattered most. I was clutch, I persevered, I was resilient. All the qualities I like to see in myself.”

Shelton’s new ranking and US Open seeding

Shelton’s triumph in Toronto vaulted him to a career-high ATP ranking, earning an extra 450 points and moving him past Novak Djokovic, who currently sits at 4,130 points and has skipped both Toronto and Cincinnati. The ranking jump not only boosts Shelton’s seeding for the US Open but also puts him in a prime position to avoid early clashes with other top contenders.

Should he claim Cincinnati, Shelton would enter New York chasing one of tennis’ rarest achievements: becoming only the fourth man to sweep the Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open, and US Open in the same season.

The Indiana Fever’s push toward the postseason just got a whole lot trickier. Already without All-Star guard Caitlin Clark, the team learned this week that both Aari McDonald and Sydney Colson will miss the rest of the 2025 season.

On Sunday, the Fever moved quickly to plug the gap, signing veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract. Sims, 33, brings a résumé that includes a 2019 WNBA All-Star nod and All-WNBA Second Team honors with the Minnesota Lynx.

That season, she averaged 14.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game. This year, she started with the Los Angeles Sparks, posting 9.8 points per game before being waived after 12 appearances.

For Indiana, the hope is that Sims can bring both leadership and scoring punch while Clark continues to rehab her groin injury. Her ability to create off the dribble and steady the offense could be what the Fever need to hold their ground in the standings.

With an 18-14 record, Indiana currently sits fifth in the league, just 1.5 games back of the Phoenix Mercury for the No. 4 seed. With 12 games left ahead of the playoffs, Indiana needs to maintain their best form.

Stephanie White reacts to losing Colson and McDonald

McDonald had been the steady hand in Clark’s absence, but a broken bone in her foot sidelined her indefinitely. Colson’s torn ACL added another gut punch to a backcourt already stretched thin.

“We’ll have to do it by committee, certainly,” White told reporters ahead of the game vs Chicago (which they won 92-70). “We’ve been using Aliyah Boston to initiate offense throughout the course of the season. Sophie Cunningham at times, particularly early, ran some of the points for us as well. Kelsey Mitchell can initiate offense, too.”

White made it clear that the Fever will have to adjust their style to survive this stretch. “I think the most important thing is that we aren’t going to be able to do every play in our arsenal,” she said. “We’ll have to play a big lineup. We’ll have to simplify.”

The Fever’s next test comes Tuesday night at home against the Dallas Wings. It’s a pivotal matchup in a tightly packed playoff race. As well as the start of a stretch where the Fever will need to get creative if they want to keep Indiana’s postseason hopes alive.

Teenager superstar Victoria Mboko defeated Naomi Osaka to win the Canadian Open title in Montreal, making a strong impression in her debut season on the WTA Tour. Her impressive run not only earned her a title, but she also equaled an incredible milestone by Serena Williams.

By beating four major winners on her way to the title, Mboko became the second youngest player ever to do so. Serena Williams beat Conchita Martinez, Monica Seles, Lindsay Davenport, and Martina Hingis to win the 1999 US Open.

Mboko started in 2025 ranked 333 in the world. Just seven months later, she is set to enter the WTA top 25 following her win in front of her home crowd. Her victory was even celebrated in Toronto, amid Ben Shelton and Karen Khachanov’s match.

In the final against Osaka, Mboko lost the first set 6-2 in 38 minutes. But she bounced back, winning the second set 6-4 after opening a 5-2 lead. In the third set, Mboko took control and won five games in a row to secure her first WTA Tour-level title.

Mboko makes Canadian tennis history

Mboko is also only the third Canadian to win their home tournament during the Open Era, following Faye Urban in 1969 and Bianca Andreescu in 2019. “When I had that winning moment and seeing so many people standing up and cheering for me, it was kind of a surreal experience,” she said after the match.

“I would have never thought something like this would have come so suddenly. It just proves that your dreams are closer than they [seem]. It’s been an incredible week here. Montreal, je vous aime!” she added.

Mboko’s Canadian Open victory is a major milestone in her career, and she now aims to build on this momentum as she climbs the rankings. Her improved position will also earn her a seeded spot at the upcoming US Open.

The Indiana Fever closed their four-game road trip with a 95–60 loss to the Phoenix Mercury on Thursday night. But the scoreboard was only part of the damage, as injuries piled up and further depleted the team’s backcourt depth, as they are already struggling with Caitlin Clark‘s absence.

Veteran guard Sydney Colson exited in the first quarter after suffering a non-contact left knee injury. She landed awkwardly while chasing a rebound, and her knee buckled inward. Colson was helped to the locker room, unable to put any weight on her leg.

Colson was quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game and did not return to the bench. The Fever have not released details on the severity of the injury, saying additional evaluations will be conducted once the team returns to Indianapolis. Non-contact knee injuries often signal serious ligament damage such as an ACL tear, which, if confirmed, would sideline Colson for the season.

Indiana’s injury troubles grew worse in the fourth quarter when starting point guard Aari McDonald left the game limping. She was escorted to the locker room by a trainer and did not return. McDonald had been filling in for Clark, who has been out since June 15 with a right groin injury.

Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham had an injury scare, leaving the game with a left ankle issue early in the second quarter. However, she later told IndyStar journalist Chloe Peterson that she was “good” after the game.

Stephanie White talks Colson and McDonald’s injuries

Postgame, head coach Stephanie White confirmed McDonald is dealing with a right foot injury. “We’ll get some more evaluation when we get home tomorrow, and see where we are,” White said, via IndyStar, referring to both McDonald’s and Colson’s conditions.

The timing of the injuries is particularly concerning for Indiana’s roster construction. With Colson and McDonald both sidelined and Clark still recovering, the Fever currently have no healthy point guards available. That leaves White and her staff facing major rotation challenges in the games ahead.

The North American hardcourt swing is heating up in Toronto, where Ben Shelton is set to face Karen Khachanov in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament. The match offers Shelton a chance to win his first ATP 1000 title and could significantly boost his position in the ATP rankings.

Shelton secured his spot in the final after an impressive straight-sets victory over Taylor Fritz, winning 6-3, 6-4 in the semifinals. With that win, he now holds 3,970 ranking points and sits at No. 7 in the world.

A win in the final would earn Shelton an additional 450 points, allowing him to surpass Novak Djokovic (4,130) in the rankings and reach a new career high. Djokovic, who opted to skip both Toronto and Cincinnati, could see his US Open seeding affected as a result.

Shelton isn’t the only player with a chance to overtake Djokovic. Alex de Minaur, who didn’t compete in Cincinnati last year and thus has no points to defend, also has an opportunity to climb the rankings during this stretch.

De Minaur has a chance to surpass Djokovic in Cincinnati

De Minaur fell in the quarterfinals in Toronto against Shelton, and left the tournament with 3,480 points. However, a good run in Cincinnati, in which Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are competing after missing the Canadian Open, could put him above Djokovic.

Either way, the Serbian is still expected to remain within the top eight seeds heading into the US Open. The other players that are close in the rankings are Holger Rune, with 3,340, but he has to defend a semifinal run; and Lorenzo Musetti, who lost in the second round last year.

At Grand Slam events, players seeded fifth through eighth are projected to meet a top-four seed in the quarterfinals, a draw scenario that Djokovic could now face in New York Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz currently occupy the top four spots in the ATP rankings and are not in danger of being displaced before the US Open.

Djokovic, who won his 24th Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2023, will look to make history again by becoming the oldest Grand Slam singles champion. He could also become the only player in the history of tennis, including pre-Open era, with 25 GS singles titles.

The Indiana Fever will face the Phoenix Mercury tonight at Footprint Center, looking to bounce back from their recent loss to the Los Angeles Sparks. However, All-Star guard Caitlin Clark is not expected to play.

Clark is still recovering from a right groin injury sustained during the Fever’s win over the Connecticut Sun on July 15. The injury has kept her sidelined for Indiana’s last eight games. In total, she has missed 18 WNBA’s regular season matches due to different injuries.

Speaking to ESPN’s NBA Today on August 4, head coach Stephanie White confirmed that Clark’s status is “day-to-day,” and there is no set timeline for her return. “She’s going through the rehab process, and then we want to reintegrate her from a strength and conditioning standpoint before getting her back into basketball activities.

“So we’re taking it one day at a time, really slow-rolling it, slow-playing it this time… The most important thing for us is Caitlin’s long-term health and making sure she’s 100% before we put her back on the floor,” White explained.

Clark was seen supporting the team at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles as the Fever fell 100–91 to the Sparks on Tuesday. The loss ended the Fever’s five-game winning streak, one of their best stretches this season.

What’s next for the Indiana Fever?

The Fever will wrap up their four-game road trip to start August with tonight’s matchup against the Phoenix Mercury. They’ll then return to Indianapolis for a three-game homestand, beginning Saturday against the Chicago Sky.

The 17–13 Fever struggled earlier in the season without Clark but had won five straight entering Tuesday’s game—climbing to fifth place in the standings. This run of success has allowed the team to give Clark more time to recover fully.

Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr will face Portuguese side Rio Ave in a friendly match at Estadio Algarve tonight as part of their ongoing preseason campaign. Following Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal in their last friendly against Toulouse, the Portuguese star will start in tonight’s match.

Before the club confirmed his participation, Ronaldo appeared to hint at it in an Instagram story posted on Wednesday. The forward shared a photo of himself training, along with the caption: “See you tomorrow in Algarve!”

After months of speculation, Ronaldo has opted to remain in Saudi Arabia, extending his contract with Al Nassr through 2027. Despite his efforts, he has yet to win an official trophy since his arrival in the Middle East.

Al Nassr, however, has been active in the transfer market, bringing in new talent such as João Félix, Ronaldo’s compatriot. The 25-year-old, recently on loan at Chelsea, made his debut for the club in the friendly against Toulouse.

Ronaldo headlines Al Nassr’s lineup vs Rio Ave

Just a few hours before kickoff, Al Nassr revealed their lineup to take on Rio Ave. Jorge Jesus is fielding a star-studded starting eleven with an attacking trio of Ronaldo, Joao Felix, and Sadio Mane.

Ronaldo’s form in 2025

At 40 years old, Ronaldo continues to be one of Al Nassr’s top scorers. Across 26 official matches for club and country this year, he has netted 22 goals this year. He has provided one assist.

While silverware has remained out of reach in Saudi Arabia, Ronaldo recently helped Portugal win the UEFA Nations League, scoring the crucial equalizer to keep their title hopes alive. It marked his third international trophy, following victories in Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League.

What’s next for Al Nassr?

Al-Nassr will be keen to shake off any early rust before the 2025–26 campaign gets into full swing. Their first official fixture is fast approaching, as they face Al-Ittihad in the Saudi Super Cup semi-final on August 19.

Last season, the ex-Real Madrid star ended the year as the league’s top goal scorer and will be aiming to replicate that feat. Still, his primary goal remains securing a major trophy.

Barcelona star Lamine Yamal is among the nominees for the 2025 Ballon d’Or following an exceptional season with both club and country. This marks his second consecutive year being nominated, having first made the shortlist at just 17 years old. As he is often compared to Lionel Messi, we take a look back on the Argentine’s first nomination.

Messi received his first Ballon d’Or nomination in 2007, when he was 20. That year, the Argentine star finished third behind Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo. In 2008, he came second, just behind the Portuguese forward.

Messi finally won his first Ballon d’Or in 2009 at the age of 22. He then went on to dominate the award, winning four straight times through 2012, surpassing Michel Platini’s previous record of three.

Meanwhile, last year Yamal became the youngest player ever to be nominated for the award, breaking Kylian Mbappe’s previous record. He also won the Kopa Trophy, awarded to the best performing player in the world under the age of 21. He is once again in the running for that prize this year.

Known for shattering age-related milestones, Yamal could become the youngest Ballon d’Or winner in history, surpassing Ronaldo Nazario, who claimed the award in 1997 at the age of 21.

Lamine Yamal’s outstanding 2024–25 Season

This past season, Yamal established himself as one of FC Barcelona’s key players. He played a pivotal role in helping the club secure a domestic treble—winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

For Barcelona, he scored 18 goals and delivered 25 assists across all competitions. He also contributed to Spain’s UEFA Nations League campaign, scoring three goals en route to the final.

The WNBA is in the midst of an injury crisis, with several marquee players, including Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, sidelined. As fans and media look for answers, some have pointed fingers at the league’s jam-packed schedule. But Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is not buying that argument.

Cunningham pushed back on the growing criticism of the WNBA calendar, calling it a necessary trade-off for a league looking to grow in both exposure and pay. Speaking on the latest episode of her Show Me Something podcast with co-host West Wilson, Cunningham didn’t hold back when the topic of back-to-back games came up.

“We are always going to have back-to-back games because our season is so short and they’re trying to cram as many games in,” Cunningham said. “If we’re asking to get paid more, then we’re going to have to produce more product.”

Her comments come as the league hits a new record of injuries. As of this week, the 2025 WNBA season has already seen 176 injuries, matching the entire total from the 2023 season. And with more than a third of the regular season still left, that number is expected to climb.

Tuesday night alone saw four WNBA All-Stars out with injuries. Caitlin Clark missed her 17th game of the season. Napheessa Collier (ankle), Breanna Stewart (knee), and Reese (back) also watched from the sidelines.

CBA talks heat up

The regular season was expanded to 44 games this year, the maximum allowed under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which expires at the end of the 2025 season. With two new expansion teams (Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo) entering the league in 2026, talks of further schedule growth are inevitable.

Meanwhile, the CBA negotiations keep going with the revenue sharing being one of the top priorities for players. WNBA players are pushing to receive a percentage of the league’s revenue that increases as the league grows financially. This could include not just league-wide earnings but also money made by individual teams.

The WNBA’s injury woes continue to pile up. After stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have already missed time due to injuries, rookie sensation Paige Bueckers became the latest to face a scare during Tuesday night’s matchup between the Dallas Wings and the New York Liberty.

Bueckers briefly left the court in the second half after feeling tightness in her back. While it caused concern among Wings fans, the 22-year-old guard later downplayed the issue, explaining she was just being cautious. “I was just dribbling the ball and just felt a tightness come along,” Bueckers told reporters postgame, per ESPN. “It’s day-to-day. I’m hoping it won’t take me out. Just get some treatment, get some rest.”

The former UConn star returned in the fourth quarter after stretching and receiving massage gun treatment on the bench. Despite the discomfort, she managed to finish the game with an impressive 21 points, eight rebounds, and four assists in Dallas’ 85–76 loss.

“It’s just a pulled muscle. I felt a strain, felt it tighten, so am just getting it worked out,” Bueckers said, adding that the flare-up felt totally “random” and occurred mid-dribble. For now, it doesn’t appear to be something that will sideline her long-term.

Bueckers has already missed five games this season, most recently on June 28 due to a knee issue. Despite the setbacks, she leads Dallas in points (18.5 per game), and assists (5.5).

WNBA stars struggling with injuries

Meanwhile, the league continues to deal with a string of injuries to some of its biggest names. Clark has been sidelined for 15 games due to various muscle injuries, while Angel Reese is also managing a back issue of her own.

Napheessa Collier and Breanna Stewart have also struugled with injuries. It’s been a tough year physically for many of the league’s rising stars, and the trend is raising questions about player workload and scheduling.

The Chicago Sky broke their eight-game losing streak with a solid 78-64 win over the Washington Mystics on Tuesday (Aug. 5) night. It was the first win of the season without Angel Reese on the roster, which is good news for the team, as Tyler Marsh confirmed that the forward won’t be coming back soon.

“There isn’t a concrete timetable. To the extent that I know, it’s a back injury and she continues to be day to day,” Marsh told the media ahead of the game against the Mystics. “I mentioned earlier that she wasn’t here for shootaround due to an illness. I think she’s progressing, but it’s still kind of wait and see.”

The last time Reese played was in a 103-86 loss to the Mystics on Tuesday, July 29. Despite feeling discomfort, she posted 22 points and 13 rebounds in 32 minutes played. However, she admitted that she needed to find “her groove back” after the match.

Tuesday’s game was the third straight missed contest for Reese, and the sixth in general. Her absence has been a blow for the Sky, who had lost all their games without the forward until now.

Reese is averaging 14.2 points on 44.4% shooting with 12.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 1.5 steals, 0.7 blocks per game in 23 games (23 starts). Meanwhile, the Sky have now a 8-21 record with 15 games left. The chances of clinching the playoff are very slim, but they still have a shot.

Without Reese, Elizabeth Williams led the team

In that sense, Elizabeth Williams played a key role in Chicago’s much-needed victory, stepping up in a big way after a recent shift in the lineup. Having come off the bench in their previous loss to the Phoenix Mercury, the former All-Star returned to the starting five against the Mystics, replacing Rebecca Allen.

The move paid off for interim head coach Tyler Marsh, as Williams delivered a standout performance. She finished with 18 points on an efficient 7-of-11 shooting, adding 10 rebounds, two assists, and a steal.

Following the win, Marsh praised Williams’ match. “She’s really set the tone from an energy standpoint,” Marsh said, per reporter Karli Bell. “She’s picked up what we’ve missed with Angel being out. Liz is just a savvy vet.” With Reese still sidelined, Williams has made a strong case to remain in the starting lineup.

Inter Miami wrap up the 2025 Leagues Cup Phase One with a clash against Pumas UNAM at Chase Stadium tonight at 7:30 PM ET. However, Javier Mascherano’s side will have to face the challenge without Lionel Messi.

Mascherano confirmed during a press conference yesterday that Messi won’t be available after suffering a minor muscle injury in his right leg during the match against Necaxa on Saturday. The World Cup champion was treated on the pitch but was ultimately subbed off just ten minutes into the match.

“Clearly, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s match,” Mascherano said in Spanish. “It’s a minor injury. Considering the circumstances, it’s actually good news. We don’t like it, especially in Leo’s case, because we know the attention that always surrounds him whenever he misses a match,” he explained.

Neither the club nor Mascherano provided a timeline for Messi’s recovery. However, the coach said the 38-year-old is “a pretty unique player who tends to recover well from injuries and usually does so quickly. So, we’ll monitor his progress through the different tests.”

Prior to picking up the injury, Messi impressed in his Leagues Cup debut match against Atlas, where he set up both of Miami’s goals in a 2–1 victory. Before, Messi didn’t play for the MLS due to a one-game suspension for skipping the All-Star Game.

Inter Miami can clinch a spot in knockout rounds

Following their 5–4 penalty shootout win over Necaxa after a 2–2 draw, Inter Miami could secure a spot in the knockout rounds tonight. With a regulation-time win over Pumas UNAM, the Herons would book their ticket to the quarterfinals.

Any other result wouldn’t eliminate them yet, but their fate would depend on the outcomes of Matchday 3 games across the Leagues Cup. As of now, Inter Miami sit third in the MLS Leagues Cup Phase One standings with five points after Matchday 2.

Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano has given an update on Lionel Messi’s status after the Argentine star suffered a muscle injury during the Herons’ showdown against Necaxa in the Leagues Cup.

“Clearly, he won’t be available for tomorrow’s match,” Mascherano said in Spanish during a press conference, according to a video posted by journalist Jose Armando Rodriguez on X. However, Mascherano is optimistic that Messi won’t be sidelined for long.

“The club released a statement that was very clear. It’s a minor injury. Considering the circumstances, it’s actually good news. We don’t like it—especially in Leo’s case—because we know the attention that always surrounds him whenever he misses a match,” he explained.

While he admitted they weren’t going to set “timelines” for recovery, Mascherano said that Messi is “a pretty unique player who tends to recover well from injuries, and usually does so quickly. So, we’ll monitor his progress through the different tests.”

Messi had to leave the pitch just 10 minutes into the match. However, Miami’s official statement said that the World Cup champion had suffered a “minor muscle injury in his right leg,” and that his return would depend on how he responds to treatment.

Miami to close Phase One of the Leagues Cup

After drawing 2–2 with Necaxa in their second match of Phase One of the Leagues Cup, Miami will close this first phase with a clash against Pumas UNAM at Chase Stadium. With five points, Miami are third in the MLS standings.

Before the injury, Messi had delivered a strong performance against Atlas, providing two assists to help the team win 2–1. With those, the Argentine star extended his record as the player with the most assists in professional matches.