Alcaraz and Sinner in world of their own as US Open final completes slam trilogy

Spaniard won in Paris, Italian took the title at Wimbledon. Part three in New York could be another classicOn a tranquil evening in Manhattan last week, Carlos Alcaraz was making his exit from an Italian restaurant with his sizeable support team when he unexpectedly found himself staring at a familiar face. There was Jannik Sinner, quietly enjoying his own dinner. This was the second occasion during the US Open Alcaraz and Sinner just so happened to be dining at the same restaurant at the same time. Neither player could hide their amusement as they greeted each other warmly

Max Verstappen qualifies in pole position for Italian Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris – as it happened

That’ll do from me. Giles Richards is in Monza and has filed his post-qualifying report:Here’s the confirmed grid for the Italian Grand Prix, with Hamilton’s five-place penalty and Hadjar starting from the pit lane:The starting grid for Sunday's Italian Grand Prix 👀#F1 #ItalianGP pic.twitter.com/OLuKiAUhH0Verstappen speaks to TV:On qualifying: “Q3 felt good, happy with the laps and to be on pole here is fantastic. The car has been working well here the whole weekend and to be able to fight for pole I’m very happy

Max Verstappen pips Norris for Italian Grand Prix pole with fastest F1 lap

The beaming grin on Max Verstappen’s face showed what claiming pole position for the Italian Grand Prix meant to him and his Red Bull team. As records fell in a blur of speed at Monza, the world champion was perhaps the most unlikely victor after an impossibly tight contest.The transformation since the 2024 Italian GP could not have been more stark. Over a tumultuous 12 months Verstappen has clung on to seal his fourth title last season, seen long-term Red Bull team principal Christian Horner be sacked and the team comprehensively out-paced by McLaren. Here, they at last found a sweet spot that has been sorely lacking

Once body-shamed by the USTA, Taylor Townsend became the US Open’s people’s champ | Andrew Lawrence

Over a decade after her body and commitment were doubted, the American became the Open’s most compelling presence amid controversy, prejudice and triumphChanda Rubin left the door open. Slotted into hosting Friday’s US Open women’s doubles trophy presentation, the respected former American great kicked off the festivities at Arthur Ashe Stadium by inviting the runners-up to the mic on center court to speak freely. “Really? I just get to talk?” Taylor Townsend said. “As long as you want,” Rubin warmly assured.The 29-year-old American and world No 1 in doubles had already made quite the statement over the past fortnight

Canada cruise into Women’s Rugby World Cup quarter-finals while Fiji stun Wales

Avoiding England was the objective on a beautifully bright and breezy day in Devon. But if they keep performing like this, avoiding Canada will become an equally pressing concern. They top Pool B after an assured display in attack and defence and will face Australia in the quarter-finals after England’s victory against the Wallaroos. Emily Tuttosi, the Canada hooker, scored two of their six tries to earn the player of the match award.Scotland, also through to the last eight after wins against Wales and Fiji, battled until the end but were overpowered by well-drilled and cohesive opponents

How I became a Buffalo Bills fan – and learned what home means

I never cared about football. Then my Buffalonian boyfriend’s family brought me into the fold – and I discovered how failure, fandom and community intertwineOn 14 October 2024, having never supported a team before, or, to be honest, especially liked sports at all, I became a Buffalo Bills fan. I’d been going out with my Buffalonian boyfriend for more than a year, which I think in his parents’ eyes meant my introduction to the team that animates their entire hometown was overdue. They drove down to New York City, kitted me out in a Bills baseball cap, hoodie and blanket (and plastic Bills bag to hold it all in) – and took me to a game.I thought I’d seen enough Super Bowls to know I didn’t care about football, but wrapped in that staticky blanket, one of the few spots of Buffalo blue in a snake-green sea of Jets supporters at MetLife Stadium, I realized what I’d been missing: a team