Milano Cortina 2026 kicks off with a show of art and legendary voices

Wimbledon, United Kingdom — Serena Williams experienced discomfort in her right knee during her first singles match in almost four years, although her agent confirmed Wednesday that the tennis player still hopes to participate in doubles with her sister Venus.

The 44-year-old American did not seek medical attention in Tuesday’s loss to 20-year-old Australian Maya Joint, 6-3, 6-7 (6), 6-3 in the first round. Williams, owner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles – seven of them at Wimbledon – did not speak to the media after the match.

Physical condition and next steps

Despite the discomfort, the tennis legend remains optimistic about his participation in the doubles tournament. His knee will be evaluated in the coming days to determine if he will be able to compete alongside Venus. The tennis community has shown support for his return, and his performance continues to be closely followed by fans and experts.

Serena, who had not played singles in a Grand Slam since 2022, left signs of her quality in the second set, but the lack of rhythm and physical wear and tear weighed against an opponent 24 years younger. Now, attention is focused on his possible pairing with Venus, with whom he has won 14 Grand Slam titles in doubles.

The union’s proposals

Major League Baseball players presented a set of modifications to the labor regulations during a negotiation with the league. They seek to reduce optional assignments per season to minor leagues from five to three. The intention is to stop the constant rotation that teams apply in bullpens, where relievers pitch more and more innings.

The union requested that active rosters increase to 28 players during the first 15 days of each season, with a maximum of 14 pitchers — one more than the current limit of 13. In addition, they propose moving up the opening of the 60-day injured list to the tender deadline, rather than waiting for the start of spring training. This would allow teams to protect more players from the Rule 5 draft during the winter meetings, since those on that list do not count toward the 40 roster limit.

Another request: that MLB expedite eligibility for the Rule 5 draft and ensure it takes place this year, even if the administration imposes a lockout after the current labor agreement expires on December 1. They also want pitchers to be credited with major league service time if they are optioned to the minors during the All-Star break or after a game with certain performance thresholds.

Players also demand guaranteed access to teams’ non-proprietary video and performance data.

The fight for the salary cap

The owners have proposed a salary cap for the first time since the 1994-95 strike, which canceled the World Series after 90 years. Although a lockout is expected next winter, talks will intensify toward late February or early March 2027, as the risk of losing regular-season games and revenue looms. If matches are cancelled, the negotiation will become a battle over which party tolerates the greatest economic loss.

Former NBA player Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty this Wednesday in federal court in Brooklyn. He faces charges for allegedly altering his performance in 2024 matches to benefit bettors and settle debts.

Beasley, 29, said little during the arraignment. His attorney, Jason Goldman, filed the plea on his behalf. “He is presumed innocent and that has yet to mean anything,” Goldman said outside court.

The details of the case

Authorities accuse the shooting guard of fixing — or attempting to do so — his performance in at least four games while he was a member of the Milwaukee Bucks. According to the indictment, Beasley pushed himself over the 3.5 rebound line in a game against the Clippers in March 2024. In the final seconds, he grabbed his fourth rebound, winning some bettors thousands of dollars.

“The only way to beat Las Vegas is to bet on sports,” former player Ed Davis wrote to Beasley in a message from January 2024, according to court documents.

Beasley asked Davis for loans after accumulating million-dollar losses. His financial situation includes litigation with landlords, barbers and dentists, as well as a million dollar adverse judgment.

Also accused was sports agent Paolo Zamorano, 39, who pleaded not guilty. Both were released on bail and must return to court on August 6.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Weintraub said Beasley has been under investigation for about a year. His last team in the NBA was the Detroit Pistons, averaging 16 points per game.

Goldman, the defense attorney, questioned the industry context: “There is a broader conversation here about individuals and institutions making billions and fueling addiction.”

The former star’s parents, Michael and Deena Beasley, guaranteed his freedom. During the hearing, the mother caused laughter by confessing that she calls her son “six times a week.”