Sabalenka returns to the Indian Wells final

The world number one surpasses Noskova and will seek her first title in the desert. Her rival will be defined between Rybakina and Svitolina.

Publicado 14 marzo, 2026 el 14 de marzo a las 10:42 | 2 mins reading |2,541 vistas | por Miguel Torres

The Belarusian is back where she wants to be

Aryna Sabalenka did not fail. This Friday, the number one in the world ranking dispatched Linda Noskova by a clear 6-3, 6-4 to enter, for the third time in four years, the grand final of Indian Wells.

It was a controlled match. In one hour and 28 minutes on Center Court 1, Sabalenka showed why she is on top. He made 38 of 58 first serves and added 11 aces to close the process.

“It’s a special place for me. Every time I play here I feel this incredible energy,” Sabalenka said after the match.

With an eye on Sunday

Now you have to wait. Her opponent in Sunday’s final will be the winner of the duel between Elena Rybakina and Elina Svitolina. A revenge? Could be.

Her only setback this year was precisely against Rybakina, in the final of the Australian Open. Since then, his record is impressive: 12 wins and only 1 loss. He has been in six tournaments in a row, reaching at least the semi-finals.

For her part, Noskova fought. The Czech saved 7 of 10 break points, but was no match for Sabalenka’s constant power. He fell to her for the second time without victories.

On Sunday everything is defined. Can Sabalenka finally lift the trophy in the desert after two runners-up finishes? Tennis has an appointment for us.

Sports

Moses Itauma faces Hrgovic in his toughest test

The undefeated 21-year-old looks for the big break against the tough Croatian at the O2.

Publicado 13 minutes ago el 21 de junio a las 15:45 | 2 mins reading

The litmus test for Itauma

British heavyweight prodigy Moses Itauma (14-0, 12 KOs) will have his most demanding test to date. He will face Croatian Filip Hrgovic (21-1, 15 KOs) on August 29 at the O2 Arena in London. The winner will be in the lead-up to the WBO world title.

Itauma, 21, has been compared to a young Mike Tyson for his speed and punch. His last fight, in March, ended with a resounding knockout of Jermaine Franklin Jr. That raised his profile and caused him to look for a higher-ranking opponent.

“This fight is the decisive test that Moses is ready for and it is the one he wanted,” said Queensberry promoter Frank Warren when announcing the fight. “Filip thinks it will be too much, too soon for the young star.”

Hrgovic, Olympic bronze medalist in Rio 2016, is 34 years old and measures 1.98 meters. His only loss as a professional was against Daniel Dubois in 2024. In May he defeated the British Dave Allen by stoppage in the third round.

Currently, Itauma and Hrgovic occupy first and second place in the WBO rankings. Champion Dubois beat Fabio Wardley in May, and Wardley has already activated his rematch clause, which keeps things moving.

Itauma, 1.88 meters tall, made his professional debut three years ago with a knockout in 23 seconds. Only on two occasions, both in 2023, did it reach the decision. His origin is diverse: Nigerian father, Slovak mother. He was born in Slovakia and grew up in Chatham, Kent.

The August 29 event will define whether the young promise is ready for the title or if Hrgovic’s experience will make the difference.

Sports

Jeffery Simmons breaks record with extension of 35.3 million annually

Jeffery Simmons signs record extension that makes him the highest-paid defensive tackle in the NFL.

Publicado 23 minutes ago el 21 de junio a las 15:35 | 1 min reading

Jeffery Simmons secures historic contract

Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons turned his first All-Pro selection into a record-breaking deal. The franchise announced Friday that the 28-year-old signed a multi-year extension.

Details of the agreement

Although the Titans did not disclose terms, ESPN and NFL Network reported that the three-year extension amounts to $35.3 million per season, with $100 million guaranteed. This places Simmons as the highest-paid defensive tackle in league history.

Simmons, a key player in Tennessee’s defense, capitalized on his high-level performance. His contract reflects the value the organization places on his leadership and production on the field.

Sports

Clark dominates the US Open with a six-shot lead

Clark extends his lead to six shots in the third round of the US Open.

Publicado 33 minutes ago el 21 de junio a las 15:25 | 2 mins reading

Clark maintains control in Shinnecock Hills

Southampton, New York. Not even the demanding Shinnecock Hills course could match the solidity of Wyndham Clark this Saturday. The current US Open champion shot a card of 70 strokes, even, to extend his lead to six shots over Scottie Scheffler.

Clark stood out with a series of par saves and a wood shot from the fairway that left the ball four feet for eagle on the par-5 16th. His only miss was a five-foot putt on the final hole, which left him with 203 total strokes, the lowest score after 54 holes in the history of the tournament at this course.

“There’s a lot going on. A special day. The tournament means a lot to me. I’m going to go out there and try to do my best and execute. I’ve been fighting like hell all week to stay in this tournament,” Scheffler declared after his round of 69.

No one has lost a lead of more than five shots in the 125 previous editions of the US Open. Greg Norman in the 1996 Masters is the only one to blow a six-stroke lead in a major.

World No. 1 Scheffler shot a 32-stroke 69 on the back nine, including a chip from 65 feet on the 14th to start a streak of three consecutive birdies. However, he missed a short putt on 18. His long shot at completing the Grand Slam of his career is defined this Sunday, Father’s Day and his 30th birthday.

Only two players broke par in the third round: Scheffler and the Argentine Emiliano Grillo. Sam Stevens, Tom Kim and Sahith Theegala share third place with 209 strokes, one under par. Clark starts this Sunday in the final group with Scheffler.