Sports

U.S. Open recap Day 4: A 10-minute tennis microdrama as rain finally clears

Follow The Athletic’s U.S. Open coverage
Welcome to the U.S. Open briefing, where The Athletic will explain the stories behind the stories on each day of the tournament.
On Day 4, a surreal nine minutes and 48 seconds on Stadium 17, the art of scheduling tetris and making sense of three surprise results.
Advertisement
How did 10 minutes encompass all of the wonders of tennis?
At about 12:45 p.m Wednesday, Paula Badosa and Daria Kasatkina walked onto Stadium 17 at the U.S. Open.
Nine minutes and 48 seconds later, they walked off, with Badosa headed into the second round. The scoreline read a routine 6-1, 6-4; the match was anything but.
For the fourth day in a row, rain suspended matches across the tournament, which meant players on the roofless outer courts started and stopped and restarted their matches as they waited for them to dry.
For Badosa and Kasatkina, that meant warming up to play Tuesday morning, getting delayed for hours due to rain, and finally starting to play Tuesday night. More rain left them hanging at around 10:30 p.m., with Badosa up 6-1, 5-4, serving with the game at deuce. She had already seen two match points come and go when play was stopped.
They picked back up more than nine hours later, to play what could have been two points or 10 games. In the end, it was 16 points.
U.S. Open round one: What did we learn?
Ava Wallace and Johnny Sweet
Delayed matches aren’t necessarily a rare occurrence — especially at the U.S. Open so far this year — but stopping so close to match point heightens the mental stakes. At Wimbledon last year, a match restarted for just 70 seconds, as Ben Shelton beat Australia’s Rinky Hijikata after officials paused their match overnight due to darkness.
“Honestly, you can’t prepare for a situation like that,” Kasatkina said in a media conference after the match. “Nothing can prepare you for this.”
During the night in between, Badosa, 28, couldn’t sleep, replaying the match over and over in her head.
“I tried to meditate a bit and I tried to do some breathing and stuff to sleep, but I was waking up,” she told reporters after the win.
“Honestly, I was playing the whole time, the two points I was supposed to play and thinking how it could go either way or another. I played the match 50 times already, so I felt like I played five set matches.”
Kasatkina, 29, slept for seven hours straight.
Advertisement
“It happened to me maybe a few times in my career, and before, I would face it differently, more stressful. I would not fall asleep until a very late hour,” she said. “But now, I swear to God, yesterday I went to the hotel, I just took the sushi, and I was sleeping in 10 minutes.”
Back at Stadium 17 Wednesday, Badosa said she adjusted her typical warm-up because she was tired and emotional. She was so nervous that she struggled to eat before the match.
The Spaniard, who has managed a chronic back injury and other issues for the past few years, saw her ranking drop to No. 141 earlier this year. To ensure her spot at the U.S. Open, she had to win nine out of 10 matches in June and July to get back into the top 100.
“We always say that tennis is mental, but this I think was another level of mental,” she said.
The tension was still with her when the match resumed, as she swung hard and clean to earn five more match points, before getting tentative with the finish line one away.
Kasatkina has also had a difficult year, injuring her hip and falling to No. 83 at one point. She took a different approach.
“I was just trying to keep it a bit more chill and not to overthink, because when you stop on this score, you can overthink very easily,” she said.
Badosa ultimately won the day with a 114 mph ace, sixteen points after the match restarted. The world No. 87, who was born in New York but represents Spain, will play No. 4 seed Coco Gauff on Thursday night. She has a 5-3 head-to-head record against the two-time Grand Slam champion, including wins in their past two meetings.
“Sometimes you have doubts, especially with the year I had, but generally I know I belong here and I know that the ranking I have now, it’s not where it is supposed to be for the level I have,” Badosa said. “But I think slowly and step by step, I’ll get back there.”
It was good that Badosa ended the match when she did. A few hours later, it started to rain.
— Rebecca Tauber
Advertisement
What challenges do a four-day first round bring for scheduling?
The rain came for a fourth consecutive day at the U.S. Open.
It was supposed to be the start of the second round all across the grounds, but the rain the previous two days pushed several first-round matches into the fourth day of competition.
Unfortunately for the handful of players fated to a long wait Tuesday, the skies opened in the middle of the afternoon, precisely at the time that the first-round matches that had been held over were scheduled to be played. In tennis, matches that are held over traditionally don’t lead off the schedule. They get slotted in after the first matches on the court where they were being played.
The rule is intended to prevent players participating in a match that gets suspended late at night from having to wake up early the next morning to resume play. Sometimes it makes sense. Sometimes the only explanation is, “that’s the way tennis does it.”
Shortly after play was suspended on the courts without roofs, Louis Armstrong Stadium opened up. Its two scheduled matches went quickly, in straight sets.
Within minutes, Karolína Muchová and Katie Boulter walked out for their second-round match, even though a bunch of the first-round matches still had to finish.
A spokesperson for the USTA said that when they started, there were about four hours until the night session began. That meant there was likely enough time for a full women’s match.
A men’s match might have stretched to five sets and five-and-a-half hours, which could have pushed back the night session. So far, those have been having a hard enough time finishing before dawn.
Also, the forecast called for dry skies for much of the afternoon and evening. The USTA was pretty confident that it could get those first-round matches finished at a reasonable hour — a good thing, since their winners have to come back Thursday for their second-round matches.
Advertisement
By the early evening, all the matches that needed to be played were on court, and by the end of the night, they were done.
— Matt Futterman
When is a flop not a flop?
What might have been a banner day for up-and-comers on the ATP tour grew soggy in an unexpected downpour Wednesday. No. 12 seed Rafael Jódar fell to world No. 123 Bu Yunchaokete 6-2, 6-1, 6-1; No. 16 seed Brandon Nakashima lost to fellow American Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
Jódar, 19 and Nakashima, 25, had both been surging coming into New York, Nakashima immediately before the U.S. Open and Jódar for most of the year. No. 10 seed Arthur Fils, the 22-year-old Frenchman on a similar steep rise this year, called his performance “almost unprofessional” in a news conference Monday after a four-set loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas from a set and a break up.
If there were any connective tissue between three very different players and three different losses, it was that they all looked like a long year of tennis was catching up to them.
Chalk that up to inexperience. Jódar, who is learning the ropes in his first full year on the tour, has played 64 matches this season including ATP Tour Challengers (the second tier) and Grand Slam qualifying rounds.
Jódar was drenched in sweat by early in the third set Wednesday, on a humid — but not intensely humid — day in New York despite the rain later. He looked so depleted that he was asked several times about his physical condition in his news conference after and said he was feeling alright.
Nakashima has played 50 matches this year, and though he has a few more years of experience than Jódar with managing the rigors of the tennis calendar, he’s been trying to maintain a more aggressive style of play under new coach Wayne Ferreira. It made him the tour’s leader in hard court wins this season, with 23. But keeping that up can be a tiring proposition once a Grand Slam rolls around.
Advertisement
Fils, 22, about summed up the challenge of the U.S. Open after he lost to Tsitsipas on Monday — he said his energy plummeted in the second set and there was nothing he could do to get it back. All these players arrived with high expectations, but this was a case of learning, not failing.
— Ava Wallace
Why did Daniil Medvedev think a decision was for the birds?
Daniil Medvedev has faced his fair share of surreal situations at the U.S. Open — a good few entirely of his own making.
In a news conference after a 6-1, 6-3, 7-5 win over 22-year-old American wild card Sebastian Gorzny, Medvedev nominated some. Among them was his 2019 speech after a win over Feliciano López, in which he told the New York crowd: “I want all of you to know when you sleep tonight, I won because of you.”
Medvedev had been booed for most of the match, after he yanked a towel out of a ball kid’s hands and made a gesture with his middle finger.
He also nominated last year’s indefensibly surreal first-round loss to Benjamin Bonzi of France, in which he incited the crowd to jeer for over six minutes after a photographer walked onto the court and interrupted Bonzi when he was serving up match point, and his 2021 title win over Novak Djokovic.
Medvedev was asked for those incidents because, during the otherwise frictionless win over Gorzky, he had faced what he called “the most ridiculous decision I’ve seen in my life.”
Because of birds. Two little birds.
With Gorzny serving late in the second set, he and Medvedev got into a rally. Early in the exchange, two small birds flew down and landed on the net tape. After sitting undisturbed even as a few shots passed close to them, one flew for its life — just as Medvedev cracked a forehand crosscourt that Gorzny could only send into the net.
“Let, let, let, let, let,” said the chair umpire.
“This is the most ridiculous decision I’ve seen in my life. This is very bad,” said Medvedev.
“Because of the birds, we have to replay the point,” said the chair umpire.
It was smooth after that.
— James Hansen
Advertisement
Other notable results on Day 4:
Carlos Alcaraz (2) dropped a set to Portugal’s Jaime Faria, but the Spaniard still cruised in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 win.
Aryna Sabalenka (1) did even better, with the Belarusian dropping just two games to Polina Iatcenko (Q) in a 6-1, 6-1 rout.
Argentina’s Mariano Navone backed up his stunning win over Novak Djokovic by beating Matteo Berrettini of Italy 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(4).
Jessica Pegula (3) kept on rolling. The 2024 finalist cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 win over American compatriot Sofia Kenin (WC).
The U.S.’s Ben Shelton (8) navigated a tricky test himself against big-serving Hubert Hurkacz of Poland, recording a 6-3, 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 win.
Wimbledon finalist Karolína Muchová (7), who is a two-time semifinalist in New York, raced past Katie Boulter of the U.K. 6-1, 6-0.
Shot of the day
Daniil Medvedev and his birds, but closer:
Drop Shots
🧬 The Williams sisters will return to doubles in New York. This is how they reunited the last singles superstar team.
📽️ Thea Frodin, who was Serena’s tennis double in “King Richard”, is playing herself at the U.S. Open on her debut.
🔊 Once again, everyone: the U.S. Open is loud and proud about how little mind it pays to tennis etiquette.
🎟️ And a reminder of why Arthur Ashe Stadium, the loudest stadium of them all, has changed its seating and experienced price surges.
Up next: Second round continues
🎾 Men’s singles: Zizou Bergs (31) vs. Jesper de Jong
Not before 4 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited
A vibes fest on Court 7, between two of the more exuberant and swashbuckling players on the ATP Tour. Bergs, 27, has a bit more pop to his game than de Jong, 26, but they both enjoy moving forward and going for unorthodox attacking shots. This is the kind of match that deserves a packed crowd on an outside court, up close to watch two players who relish the energy from fans.
🎾 Women’s singles: Oleksandra Oliynykova vs. Alex Eala (17)
~ 2:30 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited, ESPN+
Ukraine’s Oleksandra Oliynykova and Alex Eala of the Philippines played a riveting three-set match at the Strasbourg International earlier this year. That tournament is played on clay, so Eala, 21, will hope that the faster courts in New York help her take time away from Oliynykova, 25, who plays with moon balls, drop shots and lobs galore, but can also accelerate when needed. Eala is on Louis Armstrong Stadium again, but this time outside prime time in the Philippines; Oliynykova will be using every inch of space behind the baseline to defend, so short crosscourt angles may be a route to success for the No. 17 seed.
Advertisement
🎾 Women’s singles: Paula Badosa vs. Coco Gauff (4)
7 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN Unlimited
Coco Gauff’s first-round match went just about as well as the 22-year-old American might have hoped. Her ground game was solid, and her first serve both won her free points and fended off a surging Zeynep Sönmez when things got tight. Her performance against Spain’s Paula Badosa may augur more for her ceiling for the rest of the event. Badosa’s front-foot aggressiveness and ability to rush Gauff’s forehand have brought her wins in their past two meetings.
🎾 Men’s singles: Gaël Monfils (WC) vs. Learner Tien (14)
7 p.m. ET on ESPN Unlimited
After a night of jumping forehands, exhibition points and brutal brilliance in a first-round match that turned into a birthday party, Gaël Monfils will again walk out onto Louis Armstrong Stadium at the final Grand Slam of his career. The 40-year-old Frenchman may have to do a decent amount of retrieving against No. 14 seed Learner Tien of the U.S., though the 20-year-old has been managing an injury to his left elbow for some time and the season is entering the time when running on fumes becomes impossible.
U.S. Open 2026 women’s bracket
Round of 128
Round of 64
Round of 32
Round of 16
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final
1
A. Sabalenka
6 6
C. Osorio
2 4
R. Zarazúa
6 4 610
P. Iatcenko (Q)
4 6 7
A. Ito
2 4
O. Selekhmeteva
6 6
K. Rakhimova
7 6
27
B. Krejčíková
67 2
20
M. Chwalińska
2 3
T. Townsend
6 6
T. Preston (WC)
6 6
A. Parks
3 3
H. Vandewinkel
6 5 3
K. Plíšková
2 7 6
D. Snigur
0 4
15
D. Shnaider
6 6
11
M. Kostyuk
6 6
S. Hunter (Q)
4 1
S. Stephens (WC)
6 6
C. Tauson
4 1
K. Birrell
3 7 6
P. Marčinko
6 67 3
M. Kessler
2 2
18
E. Alexandrova
6 6
29
A. Li
7 6
A. Ružić
5 1
T. Gibson
2 6 3
D. Vekić
6 4 6
E. Kalieva (Q)
3 7 2
L. Tararudee
6 67 6
K. Volynets
5 1
6
L. Nosková
7 6
3
J. Pegula
6 6
E. Ruse
3 2
V. Williams (WC)
2 68
S. Kenin (WC)
6 7
M. Sawangkaew
6 6
P. Udvardy
4 3
S. Zhang
3 2
31
L. Fernandez
6 6
19
J. Paolini
6 3 6
V. Erjavec
3 6 4
L. Stefanini (Q)
6 4 6
D. Yastremska
3 6 1
V. Golubic
5 4
D. Parry
7 6
J. Grabher
3 0
16
S. Cîrstea
6 6
9
E. Svitolina
6 6
S. Sierra
1 2
M. Joint
3 6 6
L. Samsonova
6 2 2
E. Arango
4 2
X. Wang
6 6
A. Blinkova
4 3
21
A. Kalinskaya
6 6
26
E. Navarro
7 67 6
L. Boisson
68 7 3
A. Koevermans (Q)
5 1
C. McNally
7 6
C. Lee (WC)
4 6 0
K. Boulter
6 3 6
S. Kraus
3 0
7
K. Muchová
6 6
5
M. Andreeva
6 6
J. Tjen
2 2
G. Knutson (Q)
3 3
E. Lys
6 6
N. Bartůňková
6 6
M. Sherif Ahmed Abdelaziz
1 2
T. Maria
4 6 6
30
J. Ostapenko
6 1 2
24
A. Potapova
6 6
D. Semenistaja
2 2
A. Rus (Q)
68 2
L. Jeanjean (WC)
7 6
L. Tagger
6 7
T. Korpatsch
0 67
A. Krueger
1 3
10
A. Anisimova
6 6
14
I. Jovic
7 6
M. Fręch
5 3
M. Linette
4 6 3
F. Jones (Q)
6 1 6
O. Oliynykova
6 6
R. Brantmeier (WC)
4 4
M. Stoiana (Q)
1 2
17
A. Eala
6 6
28
S. Bejlek
5 6 1
C. Bucșa
7 4 6
A. Kalinina
3 3
H. Sakatsume (Q)
6 6
D. Kasatkina
1 4
P. Badosa
6 6
Z. Sönmez
3 4
4
C. Gauff
6 6
8
I. Świątek
6 6
X. Wang
2 3
N. Podoroska
4 7 6
S. Waltert
6 67 3
H. Dart (Q)
3 6 6
P. Stearns
6 3 2
E. Jacquemot
2 2
25
M. Bouzková
6 6
22
M. Keys
7 6
A. Korneeva
5 4
L. Havlickova (Q)
3 3
A. Bondár
6 6
Q. Zheng (Q)
4 6 6
K. Liutova (Q)
6 3 1
Y. Putintseva
4 7 6
12
B. Bencic
6 5 3
13
N. Osaka
7 7
A. Zakharova
68 67
E. Cocciaretto
3 2
K. Siniaková
6 6
T. Zidanšek (Q)
3 5
M. Timofeeva
6 7
K. Quevedo
4 4
23
E. Mertens
6 6
32
M. Sakkari
2 7 6
R. Montgomery (Q)
6 5 2
Y. Starodubtseva
6 6
E. Seidel
2 2
D. Viďmanová
3 4
J. Bouzas Maneiro
6 6
T. Frodin (WC)
3 2
2
E. Rybakina
6 6
1
A. Sabalenka
6 6
P. Iatcenko (Q)
1 1
O. Selekhmeteva
3 0
K. Rakhimova
6 6
T. Townsend
6 6
T. Preston (WC)
1 1
K. Plíšková
1 67
15
D. Shnaider
6 7
11
M. Kostyuk
6 7
S. Stephens (WC)
1 5
K. Birrell
1 6 3
18
E. Alexandrova
6 2 6
29
A. Li
5 7 6
D. Vekić
7 67 4
L. Tararudee
4 2
6
L. Nosková
6 6
3
J. Pegula
6 6
S. Kenin (WC)
3 1
M. Sawangkaew
4 1
31
L. Fernandez
6 6
19
J. Paolini
6 6
L. Stefanini (Q)
4 1
D. Parry
2 5
16
S. Cîrstea
6 7
9
E. Svitolina
6 68 6
M. Joint
2 7 4
X. Wang
5 6 3
21
A. Kalinskaya
7 2 6
26
E. Navarro
3 6 6
C. McNally
6 2 3
K. Boulter
1 0
7
K. Muchová
6 6
5
M. Andreeva
E. Lys
N. Bartůňková
T. Maria
24
A. Potapova
L. Jeanjean (WC)
L. Tagger
10
A. Anisimova
14
I. Jovic
F. Jones (Q)
O. Oliynykova
17
A. Eala
C. Bucșa
H. Sakatsume (Q)
P. Badosa
4
C. Gauff
8
I. Świątek
N. Podoroska
H. Dart (Q)
25
M. Bouzková
22
M. Keys
A. Bondár
Q. Zheng (Q)
Y. Putintseva
13
N. Osaka
K. Siniaková
M. Timofeeva
23
E. Mertens
32
M. Sakkari
Y. Starodubtseva
J. Bouzas Maneiro
2
E. Rybakina
TBD
TBD
T. Townsend
15
D. Shnaider
11
M. Kostyuk
18
E. Alexandrova
29
A. Li
6
L. Nosková
3
J. Pegula
31
L. Fernandez
19
J. Paolini
16
S. Cîrstea
9
E. Svitolina
21
A. Kalinskaya
26
E. Navarro
7
K. Muchová
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
U.S. Open 2026 men’s bracket
Round of 128
Round of 64
Round of 32
Round of 16
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Final
1
A. Zverev
6 3 69 7 6
L. Sonego
4 6 7 5 4
Q. Halys
6 7 69 6
F. Díaz Acosta
4 5 7 1
G. Dimitrov (Q)
6 3 2 4
A. Popyrin
3 6 6 6
Y. Hanfmann
3 2 7 3
25
A. Tabilo
6 6 69 6
21
L. Darderi
6 3 6 7
H. Wendelken (Q)
2 6 2 5
D. Svrčina (Q)
6 6 5 5 6
V. Royer
4 3 7 7 2
D. Sweeny (WC)
7 6 3
C. Moutet (RET)
67 4 0
A. Fery
3 3 5
13
L. Musetti
6 6 7
12
R. Jódar
2 1 1
Y. Bu
6 6 6
F. Marozsán
4 4 2
M. Zheng (WC)
6 6 6
Z. Svajda
6 6 67 6
D. Altmaier
3 1 7 2
J. Cerúndolo
3 6 6 3 1
A. Géa
6 2 3 6 6
31
Z. Bergs
6 3 6 6
C. Taberner
3 6 2 2
J. De Jong
2 6 4 6 6
F. Passaro (Q)
6 2 6 3 2
J. Choinski
3 1 67
B. Van de Zandschulp
6 6 7
A. Guerrieri (Q)
2 2 4
6
A. de Minaur
6 6 6
3
F. Auger-Aliassime
7 4 6 7
R. Hijikata
5 6 3 5
R. Burruchaga
3 0 1
K. Khachanov
6 6 6
A. Molčan
4 6 3 2
B. Bonzi
6 3 6 6
M. Giron
6 3 3 7 1
32
I. Buse
3 6 6 68 6
17
J. Menšík
6 6 7
S. Mochizuki
1 4 5
J. Rodionov (Q)
7 6 7
G. Mpetshi Perricard
67 0 67
D. Vallejo
6 1 2 0
G. Monfils (WC)
2 6 6 6
N. Borges
4 1 2
14
L. Tien
6 6 6
9
T. Fritz
6 6 6
D. Blanch (WC)
3 2 4
M. Bellucci
6 6 6
Z. Piros (Q)
4 2 0
C. Ugo Carabelli
4 3 3
J. Struff
6 6 6
F. Misolic
4 3 5
24
F. Cerundolo
6 6 7
28
A. Blockx
6 6 6
M. Barrios Vera (Q)
3 4 2
J. Shang
6 67 6 3 4
M. Trungelliti
0 7 1 6 6
N. Basavareddy (Q)
67 6 3 4
T. Schoolkate (Q)
7 3 6 6
F. Comesaña
6 6 3 4 4
5
F. Cobolli
3 2 6 6 6
7
D. Medvedev
6 6 6
H. Gaston (Q)
4 2 4
S. Gorzny (WC)
3 6 3 6 7
R. Collignon
6 3 6 3 611
J. Munar
67 3 6 7 7
T. Atmane
7 6 1 67 5
S. Shimabukuro
7 2 67 2
26
A. Rinderknech
67 6 7 6
22
V. Vacherot
6 6 7
A. Kovačević
2 3 5
K. Majchrzak
6 6 6
H. Medjedović
3 3 3
A. Vukic
4 7 4 6 4
R. Sakamoto (Q)
6 67 6 3 6
M. Damm Jr
4 6 6 3 4
11
F. Tiafoe
6 4 3 6 6
16
B. Nakashima
6 6 6
S. Báez
2 1 0
A. Michelsen
6 6 6
F. Cina (Q)
4 1 0
D. Mérida
6 6 6
M. Fucsovics
4 4 2
O. Virtanen
7 7 0 2 610
23
A. Rublev
67 67 6 6 7
27
T. Etcheverry
6 6 6
V. Kopřiva
3 4 0
M. Landaluce
6 2 6 5 3
J. Fearnley
4 6 4 7 6
M. Berrettini
7 7 6
S. Wawrinka (WC)
67 67 0
M. Navone
7 5 4 6 6
4
N. Djoković
67 7 6 2 1
8
B. Shelton
1 6 7 6
T. Griekspoor
6 1 67 2
D. Dzumhur
4 6 1 1
H. Hurkacz
6 4 6 6
M. Kecmanović
4 6 4 1
D. Shapovalov
6 4 6 6
L. van Assche
68 6 6 6
29
C. Norrie
7 2 2 3
18
J. Lehečka
6 7 4 6
P. Carreño Busta
1 67 6 2
T. Samuel (Q)
6 6 6
T. Macháč
2 3 2
L. Harris (Q)
6 6 6
J. Kennedy (WC)
4 2 2
S. Tsitsipas
4 7 6 6
10
A. Fils
6 67 1 4
15
A. Bublik
6 6 3 6
J. Wolf (WC)
4 2 6 1
T. Tirante
6 6 3 3 3
A. Mannarino
4 3 6 6 6
D. Prižmić
2 6 6 5 7
A. Shevchenko
6 3 3 7 5
C. Wong (Q)
7 1 3 3
20
T. Paul
67 6 6 6
30
M. Arnaldi
7 3 2 610
J. Duckworth
5 6 6 7
Y. Wu
7 6 7
A. Walton
67 2 5
J. Faria
6 7 4 1 6
J. Brooksby
3 67 6 6 2
R. Safiullin
4 4 4
2
C. Alcaraz
6 6 6
1
A. Zverev
Q. Halys
A. Popyrin
25
A. Tabilo
21
L. Darderi
D. Svrčina (Q)
D. Sweeny (WC)
13
L. Musetti
Y. Bu
M. Zheng (WC)
Z. Svajda
A. Géa
31
Z. Bergs
J. De Jong
B. Van de Zandschulp
6
A. de Minaur
3
F. Auger-Aliassime
K. Khachanov
B. Bonzi
32
I. Buse
17
J. Menšík
J. Rodionov (Q)
G. Monfils (WC)
14
L. Tien
9
T. Fritz
M. Bellucci
J. Struff
24
F. Cerundolo
28
A. Blockx
M. Trungelliti
T. Schoolkate (Q)
5
F. Cobolli
7
D. Medvedev
6 6 7
S. Gorzny (WC)
1 3 5
J. Munar
67 2 5
26
A. Rinderknech
7 6 7
22
V. Vacherot
6 4 7 6
K. Majchrzak
4 6 67 2
R. Sakamoto (Q)
3 67 5
11
F. Tiafoe
6 7 7
16
B. Nakashima
3 4 4
A. Michelsen
6 6 6
D. Mérida
67 6 6 6
23
A. Rublev
7 2 4 4
27
T. Etcheverry
6 6 3 6
J. Fearnley
3 3 6 3
M. Berrettini
6 3 4 67
M. Navone
3 6 6 7
8
B. Shelton
6 5 7 7
H. Hurkacz
3 7 67 5
D. Shapovalov
6 6 7
L. van Assche
0 4 69
18
J. Lehečka
6 6 6
T. Samuel (Q)
4 2 4
L. Harris (Q)
7 3 67 4
S. Tsitsipas
67 6 7 6
15
A. Bublik
6 6 6
A. Mannarino
3 1 1
D. Prižmić
2 3 7 4
20
T. Paul
6 6 5 6
J. Duckworth
5 3 1
Y. Wu
7 6 6
J. Faria
6 0 3 2
2
C. Alcaraz
4 6 6 6
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
7
D. Medvedev
26
A. Rinderknech
22
V. Vacherot
11
F. Tiafoe
A. Michelsen
D. Mérida
27
T. Etcheverry
M. Navone
8
B. Shelton
D. Shapovalov
18
J. Lehečka
S. Tsitsipas
15
A. Bublik
20
T. Paul
Y. Wu
2
C. Alcaraz
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
Tell us what you noticed on the fourth day…
Connections: Sports Edition
Spot the pattern. Connect the terms
Find the hidden link between sports terms

Sports

Ice Spice Sports Red-Hot Tattoos Under Her Backside, Social Media Is Thirsty

Ice Spice kept busy with singles in the past year, and fans are eagerly awaiting her follow-up album to 2024’s major label debut. She set off the Internet after she debuted a pair tattoos under her rearside, and online fans have joined in the excitement.
Ice Spice, 26 shared on Facebook a photo of a tattoo beneath her lower thigh that read “Saint” and ‘Sinner’ in bright red. The cursive writing was dramatic.
Ice’s caption reads “For the Love of the Game,” but the message is unclear. The New York rapper is clearly visible in the video because of her bottom, and we think that’s what’s causing the fans’ rabid response.
Ice has not revealed the reason for revealing his tattoos. It’s also unknown if this means that new music will be released soon. It has however highlighted the fact that people on Internet streets are feeling Ice Spice.
See the reaction below.
—
Photo: Getty

Sports

College Football Rankings: Where Michigan Landed After Its Week 1 Hail Mary Win

You’ve been watching Michigan for two years if you feel that it can’t seem to do anything without provoking controversy.
The Wolverines were able to pull off a victory by stealing a second from their opponent’s clock. The result is accepted by all official parties. Fans of college football are another story.
Now the Wolverines face Oklahoma, which will bring a team with more talent and better defensive capabilities to the Big House. This is a much better program than Kyle Whittingham’s squad that showed up in week 1. Dare I say, this is because the rest of the college football world is helping the Sooners avenge a perceived wrong. Michigan shouldn’t have lost Saturday night. The Sooners can turn the sentence above from conditional to declarative.
Here are the top 25 rankings for Week 1 before we start Week 2.
Week 1 game: 13-12 win vs. Western Michigan
Michigan beat a Broncos squad that was not even in the same weight category as it. Quarterback Bryce Underwood looked shook. The Wolverines had three turnovers and he was responsible for both. His Hail-Mary touchdown to win the match can be mostly attributed to chance. The Wolverines will not be saved by luck when they play Oklahoma on Saturday.
Week 1 game: 38-0 win vs. Fordham
It’s hard to beat them. The only FBS program to have never lost an FBS match — clever, I know — is looking like it’s going to run the table after two games.
Week 1 game: 56-9 win vs. Furman
Faizon Brandon, the Vols’ first-ever true freshman quarterback since 2004, finished the game with 13 completions on 17, 294 yards total and 5 touchdowns. Watch him closely.
Idaho wins 66-14 in Week 1.
Utah scored 633 total yards in the opener of the new season, with 364 being on the ground. Idaho only managed 225. It could be an offensive powerhouse this year.
Week 1 game: SMU vs. Florida State | Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
SMU and Florida State will play on Monday, so my rankings for Week 1 will be updated accordingly.
Washington State wins 24-10 in Week 1.
Demond Williams, Jr. has done that Kyler Murray trick I have been telling you for over a year. This game was 17-10 up until two minutes before the end because Huskies were as disorganized as puppies: twelve penalties totaling 130 yards is enough to lose in Big Ten games.
Week 1 game: 66-21 win vs. Florida Atlantic
The Gators of Jon Sumrall put up 624 yardage against the Owls. Jadan Baugh, the running back for the Gators, showed that he is one of five top tailbacks with 160 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Week 1 game: 33-20 win vs. Oregon State
Conner Weigman looked the part of a Big 12 championship-contending quarterback for Houston after completing 20 of 30 pass attempts for 305 pass yards with a touchdown and an interception.
Week 1 game: 54-14 win vs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Austin Simmons, the Tigers’ quarterback, made a great debut. Austin Simmons completed 17 out of 19 passes, resulting in 252 yards and four touchdowns.
Marshall wins Week 1 match 45-0
Matt Campbell’s Nittany Lions are tied with the number one scoring defense in the country, even though they have a brand new coach and more than 60 new players. The Nittany Lions will enter Week 2 tied for the No.
Week 1 game: 63-7 win vs. Utah Tech
In their first game, the Cougars rushed for 308 yard.
Week 1 match: Abilene Christian wins 33-10
Will Hammond, quarterback of Texas Tech looked like a man in leading the Big 12 champions defending with an outstanding performance. He completed 26 out of 33 passes with 298 yards and a touchdown with one interception.
East Carolina wins 48-10 in Week 1.
Keelon Russel, the Alabama quarterback who is aiming to lead his team to its first SEC title since 2023, had a stellar debut. He racked up 256 yards passing and 86 yards rushing.
Week 1 game: 41-38 vs. Louisville
Louisville did not just collapse when quarterback Trinidad Chambliss found his form. Eight penalties, including four within six minutes in the fourth quarter, contributed to Louisville’s collapse and Ole Miss’s season opening win. Chambliss also put up Heisman stats, including more than 300 yards passing, 50 yards rushing, and four touchdowns.
Week 1 match: 51-0 victory vs. UTEP
With true freshman Noah Best at the center, and 170 yard rushing game with the Sooners’ ground attack that could be worth bragging in SEC games.
Week 1 game: 39-0 win vs. Fresno State
Is it important that less people have watched the Trojans in two games at the Coliseum (104 and 158) than saw Penn State against Marshall on Saturday (108,489)? Angelinos don’t care about college football.
Week 1 game: 50-0 win vs. Missouri State
Ampersand U won its first shutout of the season since 1993 (24-0, LSU).
Week 1 match: Clemson wins 51-10
Amateurs only.
Stanford wins Week 1 match 45-6
Malachi Toney, the Hurricanes’ wide receiver, became the first since LSU Malik Nabers’s 180-yard performance in one halves. He also had two touchdowns on receptions. He had 11 receptions for 229 yard, 3 touchdowns, and a lead early in Heisman Trophy discussion.
Wisconsin wins 41-13 in Week 1.
CJ Carr, Notre Dame’s quarterback, found the weak spot in Wisconsin’s defense – the middle of field. He and the Fighting Irish pelted the Badgers until they broke under the pressure of keeping up with a Notre Dame team that clearly was punching above its weight, even in Wisconsin.
Week 1 match: Texas State wins 59-7
Texas has talent. Texas has talent. Texas is capable. But will it be mentally strong enough to beat the AP No. The No. The answer is only a few short days away.
Week 1 game: 34-27 win vs. Boise State
Oregon has survived. They get to remain here for the time being. Are Boise State’s one-loss team to Oregon more worthy of a CFP invitation than North Dakota State, which is undefeated? I’m just throwing out a thought. The Broncos are owed $1.4M by the Ducks for the threat they pose to the College Football Playoff chances.
Tennessee State wins 63-3 in Week 1.
This isn’t John Merritt Tennessee State but any college football defense can limit a team to just 10 galling rushing yards in 60 minutes. Kirby Smart and his Dawgs achieved this feat in the opener.
Week 1 match: Ball State wins 56-3
Jeremiah Smith, the Buckeyes’ wide receiver, did not waste any time in reminding people why he is the top player in football. He had eight catches in one-half of the game for 151 yard and two touchdowns.
Week 1 match: North Texas wins 52-16
The Hoosiers conceded more than they did to North Texas, which is rebuilding — and at home! The Hoosiers gave up more points to a rebuilding North Texas — at home! The Big Ten championship game was played against No. Curt Cignetti and I both dislike that.

Sports

Michigan-Western Michigan: Inside how Broncos leadership accepted controversial loss to Wolverines

Lance Taylor, who was in Western Michigan’s football facility on the day after Western Michigan’s devastating loss to Michigan, attended a university press conference called by the president of his school. The purpose: To discuss the most unlikely and controversial finish in the history of college football.
Russ Kavalhuna, WMU’s president said: “Truly, I think he’d rather train with his children.”
Western Michigan’s head coach and president spent an hour with reporters. They repeated a common theme, after Big Ten officials decided that one second was to be added to the clock as a result of re-watching the replay, which led to Michigan’s Hail Mary victory 13-12.
Kavalhuna stated, “I’ll say that I have looked at this fairly closely and was a former federal prosecutor.” I don’t see anything wrong or unfair in the process. Could the process be made better by making sure that what is seen by the public and what officials are reviewing the video match? Maybe. “Frankly, it’s not up to me.”
Western Michigan chose acceptance and understanding in a sport that has become a place where players and conferences are suing each other, schools are suing conferences and schools sueing conferences. Western Michigan has the most compelling case to be outraged, yet its president and coach chose peace even when people in the football program demanded more anger.
Kavalhuna explained that “our students, our coach and the university we work for live in a society where we do not always get our way.” Kavalhuna said, “It’s a chance for us to demonstrate that we don’t always get what we want. We live in a world where people aren’t happy with what they have. We will move on. “We can use this to strengthen us.”
One second can change everything
Michigan was victorious Saturday after officials who reviewed the replay restored one second of the clock to the timer following an incompletion Hail Mary that seemed to have ended the game, with Western Michigan winning 12-7. Bryce Underwood, after the Big Ten reviewed the play, was allowed one last shot. He found JJ Bucanan among a crowd of players at the middle front of the endzone for the 47-yard game-winning touchdown. Two hours after the match, the conference issued a press release along with a video showing what their officials saw. They determined that Broncos Safety Micah Davis – a former Michigan scout-team player – leaped out of bounds and touched the football with just one second left.
What is the reason for the lack of time displayed on the game clock during NBC’s broadcast? Kavalhuna said to CBS Sports that the school had not talked to NBC.
In a Sunday afternoon statement, NBC explained that “Our cameras (NBC) are not the official arbiter for timekeeping in the game.” This is Big Ten’s and the game officials responsibility.
According to the Big Ten, the decision was based on a direct view of the stadium clock synchronized via strobes with the broadcast cameras and replay system, 85 minutes prior to the match. NBC’s broadcast of the national game had already reached zero. The broadcast clock was different from the one in the replay centre.
Western Michigan was a 4-touchdown underdog when it entered Michigan Stadium and won for the majority of the evening. Kavalhuna claimed that the Broncos “dominated for forty minutes” after Michigan’s first touchdown.
WMU chooses acceptance over outrage
Western Michigan’s president claimed he had spent hours in Ann Arbor, Michigan Stadium after losing the game looking for ways to challenge it. At 1 a.m., he spoke to MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher before speaking with Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti.
Kavalhuna stated that there are currently no appeals for either the Big Ten or MAC. I had asked if a review system should be implemented, but it is not.
How to turn disappointment into an opportunity
Taylor and Kavalhuna discussed the game for nearly an hour and answered reporters’ queries Sunday afternoon. The players were taught to use the failure as an opportunity to learn about life.
Taylor replied, “because life isn’t always fair.” You don’t get every promotion you desire. “You don’t get the promotion you want even if you are the best qualified. You worked very hard to earn it.”
Even so, it doesn’t remove the pain or belief that some people have that they had been wronged. They believe that Western Michigan won the match.
Kavalhuna stated, “Maybe it’s true that they were unfair. But this is an opportunity to move forward.” Western Michigan University is known for teaching people to take a punch in the face and gut and get back up. That’s exactly what we will do.
In a press release issued after Big Ten released a video explaining the process of review and the audio and video from the center, the MAC expressed its gratitude to the Big Ten, accepted the explanation and Steinbrecher congratulated Michigan.
Taylor stated, “Even though they didn’t agree with us on everything, they still cooperated.”
Both men said that they did not believe the decision was right, but they both firmly supported the Big Ten system and its integrity. They both said that people from Western Michigan wanted to push the issue Saturday night.
Kavalhuna said in an interview with CBS Sports on Sunday that “there are many people who are asking us to strike out. That’s not something Broncos does.” We’ll go ahead and show that we are the superior team.
Taylor stated that “there were many people upset because we did not address this issue more”. I didn’t speak out more strongly in my presser or on the table. “We stood up for our team and our players and our children, as well as for the integrity and fairness of the game. We wanted to know why the call was made and if it was correct.
Western Michigan knew the result of this game would remain unchanged.
Kavalhuna explained that when people feel they have been unfairly treated, they don’t appreciate the situation. It would be bad management to keep looking backwards and trying to find a solution to the problem.
Taylor took ownership of the defeat, as he had done just minutes earlier at the post-match press conference. He said that Western Michigan could have won the game before it got to a Hail Mary. He also said that his clock management could’ve been improved.
Taylor stated that “the refs didn’t cost the game and making excuses allows us to remain bitter rather than improve.” Taylor said, “I think we should aim to be that football team.”
Taylor held a Sunday morning meeting with his team’s staff and leadership council. He also planned an afternoon team gathering. After winning the MAC title by winning 10 out of 11 games in 2025, the Broncos have the best chance to do so this year.
Taylor stated, “I believe that on the national stage our team proved to be able to play against anyone in the nation.”
There are still other hypotheticals and obstacles to be considered. What will the College Football Playoff Selection Committee do if Michigan’s loss is a factor in determining whether the Broncos get a spot on the playoffs, versus another Group of Six team or an envious Power Four program with multiple losses?
I’d describe the football match as a game between two strong teams. Michigan is a great team. Kavalhuna said to CBS Sports that he thought Western Michigan was a good team. “I don’t think they’ll even consider that a defeat, but I wouldn’t call it anything else than a great loss. I have never lost a game as bad as going to the Big House as 28-point underdogs and controlling the ball that way, winning for 60 minutes, and then losing at the very last second.”

Sports

Has National Championship picture in college football already changed after a stunning first week?

The 2026 college season has only just begun, but already the picture of playoffs and the National Championship is upside-down. After some surprising performances, the power balance within both the top conferences may have changed.
The Indiana Hoosiers, defending national champs who finished a season 16-0 and recruited another impressive class of transfer players under Curt Cignetti were expected to be the Big Ten Champions, but the Ohio State Buckeyes or Oregon Ducks have been the favorites.
Ohio State delivered on its promise with a resounding victory over Ball State. The Buckeyes were far from the top team, yes, but they did what was needed as the number one nation’s team for their first game. Oregon, though? No, not exactly.
OREGON RALLIES FROM A SLOW START AND THWARTS BUILDING STATE BOISE’S UPSET Bid In Season Opener
After a Broncos’ field goal, the Ducks were tied at the end of just eight minutes after the Boise State first-half. After a touchdown drive that gave Oregon a lead of 34-27, their defense tightened up and won with two consecutive stops. The Ducks were more dominant than their score indicated. Boise State was only allowed 4.2 yards per play on average, while the Ducks had an eight yard per play average. The Ducks averaged 10 yards passing per pass attempt, and had 28 completions out of 38 attempts, for a total 378 yardage. They also added three sacks, four tackles, and a loss for gain on the defense. Ducks supporters can take heart from the close scoreline, as they feel that their team “deserved” to win.
Michigan and USC are two of the teams in the Big Ten’s “second tier,” who have been hoping that coaching changes and an extra year to develop their starting quarterbacks would make a difference. SC hired defensive coordinator Gary Patterson in order to make the Trojans’ defensive unit champion-quality. After a turbulent year following the dismissal of Sherrone Moor, Michigan hired Kyle Whittingham, Utah’s head coach, who is known for being consistent and steady.
The results of the two races on Saturday could not have been any more different.
No one who has watched Michigan outside of fans, believes they won at the last second against Western Michigan. The Broncos were better, but they couldn’t keep the Broncos off the field. They also benefited frequently from questionable officials. It took a Hail Mary that shouldn’t have been necessary to win. The Wolverines’ offense was only 276 yards, even with the 47-yard touchdown pass. Home. Western Michigan is a 28 point favorite.
CLOCK CONTROVERSY ALLOWS MICHIGAN WOLVERINES TO AVOID MASSIVE UPSET AGAINST WESTERN MICHIGAN
Again, they averaged 5,8 yards per game, including the 47-yard passing. Bryce Underwood looked terrible, despite making a lot of money from a highly-publicized recruiting battle. Underwood completed 11 of 21 passes for 123 yard, excluding the Hail Mary. At home, against Western Michigan. Ann Arbor has long been proud of the Michigan running game. It had 16 running back attempts for 59 yard. Home. Against Western Michigan. Jalen Buckley, the Broncos’ running back, had 19 attempts for 62 yard. All by himself.
Ask Notre Dame 2024. They lost to Northern Illinois 16-14, but then went on to play in the College Football Playoff National Championship. Michigan is not a contender to make the playoffs, as most people consider their performance a failure. They also have a difficult schedule, with games next week against Iowa, Penn State and Indiana as well as Ohio State and Oregon.
USC, though? The defense delivered the performance that fans had been waiting for.
CLICK HERE TO SEE MORE FOXNEWS.COM SPORTS REPORTING
Fresno State may not be Oregon but it was expected that the Bulldogs would be among the best Group of Six squads. The Bulldogs finished the 2025 season with a 9-4 record, beating Boise State by 30-7 and Oregon State by 36-27. They were considered a contender for the G6 Playoffs in the new Pac-12 Conference. Greg McIlroy, an analyst at ESPN, picked them to be near the top.
OUTKICK IS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE FOX APP. CLICK HERE FOR A DOWNLOAD
The Trojans pushed them to the sidelines. SC was a 21-point favorite, but outgained Bulldogs by 552-116. The Bulldogs averaged 8.1 yard per play while only allowing 2.6. Fresno dominated the offensive statistics in the final drive against SC’s backups. The Trojans’ defense allowed less than 50 yards of total offense at the halfway point in the fourth quarter. They also averaged 1.7 yards per offensive play. Fresno State doesn’t belong to the FCS. The team was ranked No. They were ranked 73rd in the preseason SP+ ranking, which is one of best available analytics-based rankings systems. This is ahead of Stanford, USF and Iowa State.
ZERO BS. Just Dakich. Take the DON’T AT ME podcast on the road. Download NOW.
USC also has some tough games ahead against Oregon, Washington and Penn State. But if their defense is real, then they could be “back” in a flash.
LSU WON A REVIVAL AND CLEMSON WAS IN A FUNERAL: KIFFIN’S DEBUT SENDS A CLEAR MESSAGE TO COLLAGE FOOTBALL
The LSU Tigers were the clear winners of the weekend. Lane Kiffin’s debut was perfect despite the controversy that surrounded the program. LSU destroyed Clemson who had no offensive ability and were barely able provide any opposition on the defensive side. They treated Clemson like a FCS and cemented their place as the top SEC contenders along with Texas, Georgia, and Georgia.
Week one didn’t decide anything, but the playoff picture was already rearranged. LSU and USC may be more competitive than anticipated, and provide more of a challenge to Ohio State and Georgia.
Oregon “deserved” to win the championship, but they are a little further from being championship-caliber than most expected based on Dan Lanning’s talent. If poll voters had been honest, Michigan deserved to be dropped from the top 25.

Sports

Martin Brundle: George Russell must question Mercedes over Italian GP VSC call

Martin Brundle, former Formula 1 driver for Sky Sports and Sky Sports’ analyst Martin Brundle says that George Russell should get an answer from Mercedes about a strategy involving a virtual security car which could have cost him the Italian Grand Prix.
Russell was on track to close the gap between himself and his teammate Kimi Anthonylli, who is also a championship contender. While Russell was out in the virtual safety-car period on his hard tyres, Antonelli had to be brought back for new mediums. The 20-year old used his tyres to climb back up and win his own race.
Brundle said, “George Russell has had a difficult day.” He will need to sit with the team and discuss how that happened. I led the race. “Why was it that I wasn’t given the cheap and preferential pit stop here?
Russell had a great opportunity to reduce the distance in the standings after Antonelli was penalized by a power-unit penalty during the Italian Grand Prix.
Brundle said that Brundle had added, “George’s chance to address the deficit grew as the World Championship approached.
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes, George Russell, Mercedes
Sam Bagnall via Getty Images.
Naomi Schiff, a Sky Sports commentator and former W Series driver, echoed Brundle. I think he is probably also questioning his own abilities and wondering why he didn’t get a better advantage.
But I believe that in hindsight he’ll ask questions like ‘Why didn’t I get pit time during the VSC’?
The victory could have been saved by a new set of tires.
Antonelli now has a lead of 66 points over Russell, the second-placed driver, after claiming his seventh F1 victory at Monza.