Deandre Ayton will join LeBron, Luka and the Lakers after Portland buyout, AP sources sayNew Foto - Deandre Ayton will join LeBron, Luka and the Lakers after Portland buyout, AP sources say

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Center Deandre Ayton has agreed to join the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent, two people with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press on Wednesday. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the deal could not yet be announced between the Lakers and Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft — two spots ahead of Luka Doncic. The Portland Trail Blazers bought out Ayton's contract last weekend, and he has agreed to join Doncic and LeBron James on a deal for the upcoming season with a player option for 2026-27. He will be paid more than $25 million by the Blazers while playing for the Lakers next year. Ayton's arrival fills the Lakers' most glaring offseason need, providing a lob target for James and Doncic. And while Ayton isn't known as a defensive stopper, the 7-footer will provide the size in the middle that the Lakers have missed sincetrading Anthony Davis to Dallas for Doncic. Ayton, who turns 27 this month, spent his first five NBA seasons with Phoenix before joining the Trail Blazers two years ago as part of the three-team trade sendingDamian Lillardto Milwaukee. Ayton struggled at times in Portland while playing for mediocre teams, but he has averaged 16.4 points and 10.5 rebounds during his seven NBA seasons while making 59% of his shots. He played only 40 games for the Blazers last season, getting sidelined for the rest of the year in February by a strained calf. While he has never been an All-Star, Ayton is the only player to average a double-double in points and rebounds in his first seven NBA seasons since former Lakers center Dwight Howard did it over a decade ago. Ayton also knows Southern California after moving from the Bahamas to San Diego to play high school basketball. He went on to the University of Arizona before the Suns drafted him. The Lakers struggled without Davis in the paint last season, with Jaxson Hayes playing poorly enough to get benched by coach JJ Redick in their final two playoff games. Los Angeles was eliminated from the first round of the postseasonby Minnesota in five games, with big man Rudy Gobert racking up 27 points and 24 rebounds in the clinching victory while the Lakers largely played without a center. ___ AP Basketball Writer Tim Reynolds contributed to this report. ___ AP NBA:https://apnews.com/NBA

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Deandre Ayton will join LeBron, Luka and the Lakers after Portland buyout, AP sources say

Deandre Ayton will join LeBron, Luka and the Lakers after Portland buyout, AP sources say EL SEGUNDO, Calif. (AP) — Center Deandre Ayton has...
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Ex-Suns, former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel joins Mavericks as lead assistant for Jason KiddNew Foto - Ex-Suns, former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel joins Mavericks as lead assistant for Jason Kidd

Frank Vogel has his next coaching stop, and it's his first assistant role since 2011. The veteran NBA head coach is joining the Dallas Mavericks coaching staff as the lead assistant under Jason Kidd, according toESPN's Shams Charania. Vogel had previously worked as a consultant for Kidd last season and will now take on a more formal role. The hire will reunite Vogel with Anthony Davis, with whom he won an NBA title as Lakers head coach in 2020. Vogel has 12 seasons of experience as a head coach with the Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic and Indiana Pacers. He won the title with the Lakers in the COVID-19 bubble, but has struggled to find a stable situation since then. He lasted only one season with the Suns, who fired him after posting a 49-33 record in 2023-24. This job will be Vogel's first assistant position since he was a member of Jim O'Brien's staff on the 2011-12 Pacers. Bringing on Vogel is part of an eventful offseason for the Mavericks, who also just had a very eventful season as well. Their current core is an odd mixture of young and old, with Davis, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving as leaders while the 18-year-oldCooper Flagg arrives as the future of the franchise. The team has also acquired D'Angelo Russell and Dante Exum to share ball-handling duties while Irving recovers from a knee injury expected to keep him out well into the 2025-26 season. It's hard to say how exactly the Mavericks will look next season with a full season of Davis and Flagg, but Vogel's known penchant for defensive scheming figures to be an asset.

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Ex-Suns, former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel joins Mavericks as lead assistant for Jason Kidd

Ex-Suns, former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel joins Mavericks as lead assistant for Jason Kidd Frank Vogel has his next coaching stop, and i...
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Dodgers rally past White Sox in 9th inning; Kershaw reaches 3,000 strikeoutsNew Foto - Dodgers rally past White Sox in 9th inning; Kershaw reaches 3,000 strikeouts

LOS ANGELES (AP) —Clayton Kershaw got his 3,000th strikeoutand Freddie Freeman capped a three-run ninth inning by singled in Shohei Ohtani, lifting the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Chicago White Sox 5-4 on Wednesday night. Kershaw became the 20th pitcher to reach 3,000 when Vinny Capra took a slider for a called third strike for the final out of the sixth inning. Los Angeles trailed 4-2 and hadn't scored since the second inning when Michael Conforto singled and Tommy Edman and Hyesong Kim drew back-to-back walks from Grant Taylor (0-1) to open the ninth. Ohtani hit into a run-scoring forceout, Mookie Betts tied the score with a sacrifice fly off Steven Wilson and Freeman singled sharply to right. Los Angeles won for the 14th time in 17 games and clinched its seventh straight series victory. Andrew Benintendi had a two-out RBI single in the first. Will Smith tied the score in the bottom half against Sean Burke with his 11th homer and Andy Pages lead off the second with his 17th homer. Austin Slater hit a two-run homer in the third for a 3-2 lead and Edgar Quero added a flare RBI single. Key moment Dodgers third basemanMax Muncywas injured while tagging out Michael A. Taylor in the sixth. Taylor was caught stealing as catcher Will Smith threw to Muncy, who tagged Taylor for the second out of the inning. Muncy sprawled on his back as a Dodgers athletic trainer came out to check on him. The team said he had left knee pain. A White Sox trainer also checked on Taylor, who sustained a bruised left trapezius in his back. Key stat Kershaw threw a season-high 100 pitches, giving up four runs and nine hits in six innings. He struck out Miguel Vargas in the third and Lenyn Sosa in the fifth. Up next White Sox RHP Aaron Civale (1-4, 4.74 ERA) starts the series finale Thursday. Dodgers RHP Dustin May (4-5, 4.68) faces Chicago for the first time in his career. ___ AP MLB:https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Dodgers rally past White Sox in 9th inning; Kershaw reaches 3,000 strikeouts

Dodgers rally past White Sox in 9th inning; Kershaw reaches 3,000 strikeouts LOS ANGELES (AP) —Clayton Kershaw got his 3,000th strikeoutand ...
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Sean 'Diddy' Combs remains in jail after verdict, judge denies bailNew Foto - Sean 'Diddy' Combs remains in jail after verdict, judge denies bail

Sean "Diddy" Combswill remain in aBrooklyn cellafterbeing convicted of two criminal charges. The 55-year-old has spent nearly 10 months in jail, including during histwo-month trial. On July 2, hours after Combs and his lawyerscelebratedbeing cleared of thetop criminal chargeshe faced, U.S. District Court Judge Arun Subramanian denied bail for Combs, issuing an order to keep him incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center until his sentencing. "It is impossible for the defendant to demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that he poses no danger," Subramanian said. As he explained his decision, Subramanian referenced the anonymous ex-girlfriend "Jane's" testimony that Combschoked and dragged herduring an argument in June 2024, when Combs was aware of the active federal investigation into his conduct. He also noted that Combs' team admitted "We own the domestic violence" in regards toCassie Ventura Fine's allegations of long-term abuse. Subramanian told the court that the evidence shows Combs' disregard for the rule of law and a propensity for violence. Hours earlier, Combswas found guiltyon two counts of transportation of his then-girlfriendsJaneandVentura Fine, as well as sex workers, to engage in prostitution. As for how long he could be imprisoned, according to prosecutors, sentencing guidelines suggest a prison sentence of between 51 and 63 months for Combs' convicted charges. Subramanian proposed a sentencing date of Friday, Oct. 3, at 10 a.m., and after Combs' team indicated a desire to move up the date, the judge ordered for the prosecution and defense to submit a joint proposal on expediting Combs' sentencing. Earlier in the day, U.S. Assistant Attorney Maurene Comey opposed the defense's request for Combs to be released immediately following the verdict. "There is serious, serious conduct here that will mandate a lengthy period of incarceration," she said. Combs' defense team pushed back in court, as well asin a letter to the judge, The lawyers noted Combs' risk of receiving a lengthy prison sentence is "substantially lower" now that he was acquitted on the most serious charges he faced. The defense proposed travel restrictions, regular drug testing and a $1 million bond co-signed by himself, his mother, his sister and the mother of his oldest daughter. Following a monthslong federal investigation that includeda raidof his homes inLos AngelesandMiamiin March 2024,Combs was arrestedat a New York City hotel on Sept. 16 on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs' team mademultiple attemptsat getting him released on bail in the months following his arrest, taking the issue to an appeals court and even offering a $50 million bond. Multiple judgesdenied his bids, citing the risk of him either escaping or tampering with witnesses. Combs has long maintained his innocence. He previouslypleaded not guiltyto all charges as he faced two counts of sex trafficking, two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution and one count of racketeering. Ventura Fine's lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, asked Subramanian to deny Combs' request for bail ahead of his sentencing. In aletter filed to the courtJuly 2, Wigdor argued that Combs could be a threat to others, and his ongoing detention is required under a federal law, the Bail Reform Act. "Ms. Ventura believes that Mr. Combs is likely to pose a danger to the victims who testified in this case, including herself, as well as to the community," Wigdor added. Deonte Nash, a stylist for Combs and Ventura Finewho testifiedabout Combs' abuse during the trial, urged the judge "to prioritize the safety of victims and witnesses" in a message included in prosecutors' letter to Subramanian. "I feel compelled to be unequivocal about the danger he poses to the public and to the individuals who have risked everything by coming forward," he wrote. "It will also endanger those who cooperated with this investigation under subpoena, who are already living in fear of retaliation." Contributing: Luc Cohen and Jack Queen, Reuters This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Diddy denied bail at hearing, to remain in jail after verdict

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Sean 'Diddy' Combs remains in jail after verdict, judge denies bail

Sean 'Diddy' Combs remains in jail after verdict, judge denies bail Sean "Diddy" Combswill remain in aBrooklyn cellafterbe...
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Caitlin Clark to miss 4th straight game for Fever with a strained left groinNew Foto - Caitlin Clark to miss 4th straight game for Fever with a strained left groin

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark will miss her fourth consecutive game with a strained left groin for the Indiana Fever when they host Las Vegas. The Fever announced Clark's status on Wednesday, a day before their game against the Aces. Clark's most recent absence, theWNBACommissioner's Cup victory over the Minnesota Lynxon Tuesday, did not count toward the regular-season standings. "She's making progress," Fever coach Stephanie White said. "Making progress and feeling good are two different things. We want to make sure that she feels good. We want to make sure that she's confident. We want to make sure that we're not putting her in a position to have any setbacks." Clark, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft and one of the twocaptains selected for the WNBA All-Star Gamelater this month, never missed a game in college at Iowa or with the Fever as a rookie. A strained quadriceps earlier this season kept her out for five games. ___ AP WNBA:https://apnews.com/hub/WNBA

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Caitlin Clark to miss 4th straight game for Fever with a strained left groin

Caitlin Clark to miss 4th straight game for Fever with a strained left groin INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Caitlin Clark will miss her fourth consecut...
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MLB All-Star starters: Cal Raleigh makes the cut; Dodgers, Tigers have 3 players eachNew Foto - MLB All-Star starters: Cal Raleigh makes the cut; Dodgers, Tigers have 3 players each

The Big Dumper is headed to the All-Star Game. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was revealed Wednesday alongside the rest of the starters for this year's MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta. The 28-year-old Raleigh is in the midst of a breakout season in which he leads baseball in home runs and RBI. His reward is his first trip to the All-Star Game in his fifth MLB season. He'll be the first Mariners starter since Nelson Cruz in 2015. Raleigh was one of 16 All-Star starters revealed Wednesday for the American League and National League rosters. Starters were determined via a two-phase voting system MLB implemented this year. Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani and New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judgewere previously announced as startersafter they were the leading vote-getters in Phase 1 of voting, which ended June 26. Judge led all players with 4,012,983 votes, and Ohtani led NL players with 3,967,668 votes. Wednesday's results are based on Phase 2 of voting, which took place from June 30 through July 2 and determined the rest of the starting position players after the finalists at each spot were previously announced. Finalists were determined via Phase 1 voting. Votes from Phase 1 did not carry over into Phase 2. First-time All-Stars are italicized. 1B: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (over Paul Goldschmidt) 2B: Gleyber Torres, Detroit Tigers (over Jackson Holliday) SS:Jacob Wilson, Athletics(over Bobby Witt Jr.) 3B: JosƩ Ramƭrez, Cleveland Guardians (over Alex Bregman) OF: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees OF: Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers (over Steven Kwan) OF: Javier BƔez, Detroit Tigers (over Mike Trout) C:Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners(over Alejandro Kirk) DH:Ryan O'Hearn, Baltimore Orioles(over Ben Rice) 1B: Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles Dodgers (over Pete Alonso) 2B: Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks (over Tommy Edman) SS: Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (over Mookie Betts) 3B: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres (over Max Muncy) OF: Ronald AcuƱa Jr., Atlanta Braves (over Juan Soto) OF:Pete Crow-Armstrong, Chicago Cubs(over Andy Pages) OF: Kyle Tucker, Chicago Cubs (over Teoscar HernƔndez) C: Will Smith, Los Angeles Dodgers (over Carson Kelly) DH: Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers The Dodgers and Detroit Tigers lead their respective leagues in starters, with three each, which isn't much of a surprise considering they're tied for the best record in MLB at 54-32 entering Wednesday. Will Smith and Freddie Freeman joined Ohtani in the lineup, while Gleyber Torres, Riley Greene and Javier BƔez made it for the Tigers. There's a decent chance those trios have more company once the rest of the rosters are announced, especially with Cy Young candidates Tarik Skubal and Yoshinobu Yamamoto likely to be in the fold. The Dodgers actually had a shot to claim eight of the nine starting NL spots, but only two of their seven players emerged victorious in Phase 2 of the voting. The lone rookie to make the cut was Jacob Wilson, the Athletics' shortstop who was playing at Grand Canyon University only two years ago and now looks like one of the most exciting young players in the majors. He won the closest one-on-one race of the field, edging out Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. 52% to 48%. Wilson will be just the second rookie to start at shortstop in All-Star history, joining Baltimore's Ron Hansen, who started at short in 1960. All-Star pitchers and reserves will be announced July 6 and determined via a combined vote of players and the MLB commissioner's office. As always, at least one player from each team will be represented. The All-Star Game will take place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 15 (8 p.m. ET on Fox). The Home Run Derby will take place July 14 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN).

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

MLB All-Star starters: Cal Raleigh makes the cut; Dodgers, Tigers have 3 players each

MLB All-Star starters: Cal Raleigh makes the cut; Dodgers, Tigers have 3 players each The Big Dumper is headed to the All-Star Game. Seattle...
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Michelle Obama Fans Send 'Sincerest Condolences' as She Fights Back Tears in Vulnerable Life ReflectionNew Foto - Michelle Obama Fans Send 'Sincerest Condolences' as She Fights Back Tears in Vulnerable Life Reflection

Michelle Obama Fans Send 'Sincerest Condolences' as She Fights Back Tears in Vulnerable Life Reflectionoriginally appeared onParade. Michelle Obamais reflecting on the greatest lesson she's learned about life. The wisdom came by way of her late mom,Marian Robinson, who passed away on May 31, 2024, at the age of 86. During a recent podcast chat, the former first lady, 61, recalled just three words her mother spoke amid her final days that left a lasting impression on theBecomingauthor: "This went fast." The recollection was triggered by a question posed byWild CardhostRachel Martin: "How often do you think about death?" In a video of the poignant response shared via Instagram on July 1, Obama fought back tears as she explained her answer, while also remembering her mom. "I think you're the first person I've shared this with publicly," the mother-of-two admitted. "We were sitting on the couch watching one of her court shows, and she was starting to realize she's coming to the end." Related:Kathie Lee Gifford, 71, Becomes Overwhelmed With Emotion While Sharing Reflective Health Update The Harvard Law School alum and attorney revealed that during her mother's final year of life, she had fallen extremely ill, with her body starting to shut down for various different reasons. Though she noted that Robinson had "prepared her for death," often quipping, "Who needs to be old? People [are] around too long," and other similar sentiments, when the end of her life ultimately began to approach, "she leaned over to me and she said, 'Wow, this went fast.' And I held her hand and I said, 'What are you talking about?' And she said, 'Life.'" "What that told me was that even when you tell yourself you're ready; if you're living a good life, you'reneverreally ready for it to end, right?" Obama added. "So I hope I feel that way. Even though I will be ready for it, you know, because it's been good and purposeful that I'll feel like I wish I had more time." The wife ofPresident Barack Obama's voice quivered as she became teary-eyed during the powerful moment of transparency. "So I'm trying to live my life like that," she concluded. View this post on Instagram A post shared by theGrio (@thegrio) Fans in the comment section of the post praised her vulnerability. "Wow that was really a good reminder to cherish the moments and live your life to the fullest ❤️," one wrote, while another agreed, "Absolutely, life is fast! I'm seeing it every day!" More comments read, "Someone told me to be intentional about everything that I do! Changed a lot for me," "Wow. Don't waste time on meaningless things. Powerful," "Life is short! Have fun and create memories! šŸ¤Ž," and "Leaving a mark on us allšŸ„ŗ." Two more applauded, "Her candor helps so many people reflect about life and choose to live better," and "I love her mind and soul so much more now than ever. Perspective is fluid and I love her for this ✨," while an additional Instagram user declared, "Yes. This made me cry." Some also expressed sadness for her major loss, which obviously still brings up raw emotions, as the grieving process usually does. "❤️ It's the truth and reality of life, RIH to her mother words of wisdom even thru death speaks volume šŸ˜ž," a viewer added, with one including, "Sincerest condolences ❤️šŸ™, yep slow down and grab whatever happiness you can and live life to the fullest in spite of tumultuous times we are forced to endure." Catch the full podcast episodehere. Next:Fans Experience 'Magnificent Emotions' as Two Iconic Talents Have Unexpected Run-In: 'Unstoppable Duo' Michelle Obama Fans Send 'Sincerest Condolences' as She Fights Back Tears in Vulnerable Life Reflectionfirst appeared on Parade on Jul 2, 2025 This story was originally reported byParadeon Jul 2, 2025, where it first appeared.

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Michelle Obama Fans Send 'Sincerest Condolences' as She Fights Back Tears in Vulnerable Life Reflection

Michelle Obama Fans Send 'Sincerest Condolences' as She Fights Back Tears in Vulnerable Life Reflection Michelle Obama Fans Send ...
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Princess Kate speaks of "roller coaster" cancer recovery

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, said Wednesday during a visit to a cancer support center that recovering from the disease was akin to riding "a roller coaster," as she spoke of going through "hard times" during her recovery journey. Kate, as she is widely called,revealedshe had been diagnosed with an unspecified form of cancer in March 2024. She did not say what kind of cancer it was or share additional details about her diagnosis at the time. After undergoing a course of preventative chemotherapy in September 2024, shesaid she was in remission in January. She made the announcement about 10 months after she announced her cancer diagnosis, and said she would remain focused on making a full recovery and only return to a "light program" of public events and engagements. Since then, Princess Kate has been gradually returning to public royal duties. While visiting a cancer support center at Colchester Hospital in eastern England on Wednesday, the 43-year-old told patients, volunteers and staff there that life following cancer treatment was not plain sailing. "It's a roller coaster, it's not one smooth plain, which you expect it to be," she said. "But the reality is it's not, you go through hard times and to have a place like this, to have the support network — whether it's through creativity and singing or gardening, whatever it might be — is so valuable and it's great that this community has it." Kate added that patients recovering from cancer "put on a sort of brave face" and tend to show "stoicism," but noted that "the phase afterwards is really, you know, difficult." "You're not necessarily under the clinical team any longer, but you're not able to function normally at home as you perhaps once used to," she said. Kate, who has three young children with Prince William, last monthpulled out of attendingthe Royal Ascot horse race as she continues her recovery and gradual resumption of duties. She attended the annualTrooping the Colourparade, which marks the official birthday of the British monarch. She also appeared at the royals' Windsor Castle to attend the Order of the Garter service at St. George's Chapel. Her father-in-law, King Charles III, 76, announced in early 2024 that he had been diagnosed with an unspecified cancer. Charles has spoken publicly about his battle with the disease,sayingin March that his journey had given him "an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work" of cancer charities. He has since returned to public duties but is still undergoing treatment. Seven still missing after fireworks warehouse explosion in California Piece of plane found in North Carolina driveway may belong to Delta flight Puget Sound orca pod threatened by salmon decline

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Princess Kate speaks of "roller coaster" cancer recovery

Princess Kate speaks of "roller coaster" cancer recovery Catherine, the Princess of Wales, said Wednesday during a visit to a canc...
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Wimbledon: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is the last top-five women's seed left. Carlos Alcaraz winsNew Foto - Wimbledon: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is the last top-five women's seed left. Carlos Alcaraz wins

LONDON (AP) —Aryna Sabalenkajoked that she'd love it if the upsets atWimbledonwould stop, which makes sense, given that she is ranked No. 1. She's also the only one of the five top-seeded women still in the bracket after No. 4 Jasmine Paolini, last year's runner-up, followed No. 2Coco Gauff, No. 3 Jessica Pegula and No. 5 Zheng Qinwen on the way out. Sabalenka was two points from dropping the opening set of her second-round match three times on Wednesday before asserting herself for a 7-6 (4), 6-4 victory over Marie Bouzkova. In all,a record-tying 23 seeded players— 10 women, 13 men — were gone by the end of Day 2, equaling the most at any Grand Slam event in the past 25 years. Five more women joined them by losing Wednesday: Paolini, No. 12 Diana Shnaider, No. 21 Beatriz Haddad Maia, No. 22 Donna Vekic and No. 29 Leylah Fernandez. "Of course you're going to know the overall picture," Sabalenka said, then added with a chuckle: "I hope it's no upsets anymore in this tournament, if you know what I mean." She isa three-time Grand Slam champion, with all of those titles coming on hard courts at the Australian Open or U.S. Open. She also was the runner-up to Gauffat the clay-court French Openlast month — drawing criticism from some over her post-match comments, a flap she and Gauff set aside via social media videos last week — but hasn't been past the semifinals on the grass of the All England Club. A year ago, Sabalenka was forced to miss Wimbledon because of an injured shoulder. On Wednesday, the record-breaking heat of the first two days gave way to rain that delayed the start of play on smaller courts for about two hours, along with temperatures that dropped from above 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) to below 68 F (20 C). At Centre Court, the 48th-ranked Bouzkova went ahead 6-5 in the first set with the match's initial service break thanks to a double-fault by Sabalenka. Bouzkova served for that set, and was two points away from it at 30-15 in that game, again at 30-all, then once more at deuce. But on the last such occasion, Sabalenka came through with a forehand volley winner she punctuated with a yell, followed by a down-the-line backhand winner that was accompanied by another shout. "That was a tough moment," said Sabalenka, who will face 2021 U.S. Open champion Emma Raducanu next. "Until that point, (my) return wasn't great enough to break her serve. I'm really glad ... everything clicked together and I was able to break her back. I kind of like felt a little bit better." That sent them to a tiebreaker, and from 4-all there, Sabalenka took the next three points, ending the set with a powerful forehand return winner off a 67 mph second serve. In the second set, the only break arrived for a 3-2 lead for Sabalenka, and that was basically that. Sabalenka compiled a 41-17 edge in winners while making only 18 unforced errors in a match that lasted a little more than 1 1/2 hours. What else happened Wednesday at Wimbledon? Raducanu defeated 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-3, 6-3, and Australian Open championMadison Keys, who is seeded sixth, beat Olga Danilovic 6-4, 6-2. In men's action, two-time defending championCarlos Alcarazextended his winning streak to 20 matches with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 victory over 733rd-ranked qualifierOliver Tarvet, who plays for the University of San Diego, and No. 5 Taylor Fritz got past Gabriel Diallo of Canada 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (0), 4-6, 6-3 for his second consecutive five-set win. But No. 12 Frances Tiafoe joined the parade of seeds exiting, eliminated by 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist Cam Norrie 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-5. Who plays Thursday at the All England Club? Novak Djokovic, who has won seven of his 24 major championships at Wimbledon, will lead off the Centre Court schedule on Day 4 against Britain's Dan Evans at 1:30 p.m. local time (8:30 a.m. ET), followed by Iga Swiatek vs. Caty McNally, and No. 1 Jannik Sinner vs. Aleksandar Vukic. ___ AP tennis:https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Wimbledon: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is the last top-five women's seed left. Carlos Alcaraz wins

Wimbledon: No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is the last top-five women's seed left. Carlos Alcaraz wins LONDON (AP) —Aryna Sabalenkajoked that she...
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Young Mets fan shares wholesome reaction after earning 'Kidcaster' invitation to SNY boothNew Foto - Young Mets fan shares wholesome reaction after earning 'Kidcaster' invitation to SNY booth

Antonio Veneziano's jaw was dropping before he even heard the news. The wide-eyed, 12-year-old New York Mets fan looked in awe as SportsNet New York Mets field reporter Steve Gelbs approached him in the stands. Wearing a glove, a Francisco Lindor jersey, a matching 2024 City Connect cap and eye black that covered most of his face, Veneziano looked like he belonged on the diamond. He was moments from learning that he's actually headed to the booth ... as this year's SNY "Kidcaster." Young Mets fan Antonio Veneziano finding out he'll be a Kidcaster for SNY made for great live television.Antonio, as SNY reporter Steve Gelbs approached: "Oh my god! He knows my name!" ⚾️šŸŽ™️#MLBpic.twitter.com/lKfZREFDR3 — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing)July 2, 2025 Veneziano gently waved as his faint "Hi, Steve" was picked up on the SNY mic. "Hey, Antonio, what's up, man?" Gelbs said. While shaking Gelbs' hand, Veneziano's head swung like Lindor's bat, with his mouth gaping. Then it came back like a yo-yo as he exclaimed, "Oh, my God! He knows my name." Gelbs put his arm around Veneziano's shoulder and said, "I do know your name. You want to know why I know your name?" Not even halfway through Gelbs delivering the news, Veneziano could have finished the sentence. "Would you like to be the 'Kidcaster' with Gary [Cohen], Keith [Hernandez] and Ron [Darling] on July 22?" Without hesitation, Veneziano took the offer. "I would love to," he said with emotion shaking his voice. "Really?" Gelbs confirmed this was really happening and praised Veneziano's audition, which he said featured some "pretty spectacular" home run calls. Gelbs then asked if Veneziano could give viewers a sneak peek. He obliged and gave his best play-by-play narration of a Lindor dinger to right field. It was a wholesome moment halfway through the first game of New York's doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. The Mets lost the game 7-2, but Veneziano came out a winner. According to Gelbs, Veneziano emerged as SNY's "Kidcaster" after a record number of entries. The Kidcaster program invites one fan aged 9-12 every year to call an inning of a Mets game alongside SNY's announcers. Now Veneziano is on deck.

byLiam Oneel
in
July 02, 2025

Young Mets fan shares wholesome reaction after earning 'Kidcaster' invitation to SNY booth

Young Mets fan shares wholesome reaction after earning 'Kidcaster' invitation to SNY booth Antonio Veneziano's jaw was dropping ...
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