Sport
9th September 2026
Ben Shelton faces Carlos Alcaraz in US Open quarter-final clash
The American star takes an early lead in the opening set as high-profile figures gather in New York.
Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz met at the US Open to battle for a spot in the tournament's semi-finals. Early in the opening set, Shelton held service comfortably to take a 3-2 lead over Alcaraz in their quarter-final matchup.
The match attracted a star-studded audience, with cameras capturing actor Kevin Hart watching from a suite alongside USA and Washington Spirit forward Trinity Rodman, Shelton's girlfriend, observing from his player box. Simone Biles was also reported to be in attendance, while elsewhere in the tournament, Frances Tiafoe mounted an epic comeback win against Michelsen.
- Ben Shelton and Carlos Alcaraz faced off in the US Open quarter-finals for a semi-final spot.
- Shelton took an early 3-2 lead in the first set in front of a crowd featuring Trinity Rodman, Kevin Hart, and Simone Biles.
Sources: The Guardian Sport
9th September 2026
NFL leverages Melbourne fixture to champion Olympic flag football bid
The upcoming Rams versus 49ers clash at the MCG forms part of a strategic push to include flag football in the Brisbane 2032 Games.
As the NFL prepares for its regular season debut in Australia with Friday's match between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), league executives are utilizing the event for more than commercial returns. The takeover of Melbourne is specifically designed to advance the case for flag football—a non-contact variation of American football—to be included at the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games.
The prospect of pushing for Olympic inclusion was a key reason Melbourne secured the high-profile matchup. While the league and its clubs expect a significant commercial return from the fixture, NFL executives view the Australian visit as a critical promotional vehicle for the sport's global expansion.
- The Rams and 49ers will meet on Friday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the NFL's regular season debut in Australia.
- NFL executives are using the fixture to push for flag football's inclusion in the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Sources: The Guardian Sport
9th September 2026
Max Verstappen reflects on Red Bull contract and F1 future
The Formula 1 star discusses his commitment to Red Bull and car setup challenges in an exclusive interview.
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen addressed his future and ongoing development in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport. The Red Bull driver discussed his new contract with the team alongside talks regarding McLaren, offering insight into his role as 'captain of the ship.'
During the interview, Verstappen reflected on handling 'numb' cars and navigating technical performance obstacles as he continues his commitment to Red Bull.
- Max Verstappen discussed his new contract with Red Bull in an exclusive interview with BBC Sport.
- The driver also touched upon discussions regarding McLaren, car performance issues, and his leadership role.
Sources: BBC Sport
9th September 2026
Cristian Volpato's Socceroos status in doubt after secondary cocaine test comes back positive
Football Australia holds the authority to suspend the striker, who maintains his innocence following a roadside traffic stop in Sydney.
Cristian Volpato's immediate availability for the Socceroos now rests in the hands of Football Australia after New South Wales Police confirmed that a secondary test returned positive for cocaine. The Australia national team striker was originally pulled over by police on Sydney's Anzac Bridge on 24 July, where he returned a positive roadside reading.
Despite the secondary sample confirming the initial roadside result, Volpato has maintained his innocence over the failed drugs test. Football Australia possesses the power to suspend the World Cup star from representing the national team as officials determine the next steps regarding his international eligibility.
- NSW Police confirmed a secondary test returned positive for cocaine following a roadside stop on 24 July.
- Striker Cristian Volpato maintains his innocence, while Football Australia holds the authority to suspend him.
Sources: The Guardian Sport