By Oliver Harrington — 30 June 2026 — 4 min read

Williams returns to singles play

Serena Williams is set to make her return to singles tennis at Wimbledon, facing Maya Joint in the first round. This marks her first singles match since the US Open in 2022. The 23-time Grand Slam singles champion had previously indicated she was “evolving away” from the sport in 2022, but later clarified that she was not retired and that the chances of a return were high.

Her comeback follows her re-entry into the anti-doping testing pool, a commitment that suggested her intention to play professionally again. The grass-court season was seen as a suitable period for her return due to her comfort on the surface and its potentially lower physical demands compared to clay courts.

Prior to her singles return, Williams participated in doubles events. She impressed in her opening doubles match at Queen’s Club alongside Victoria Mboko. However, Mboko’s injury meant Williams only played one match there. Her subsequent appearance in Berlin saw her suffer a first-round loss with Karolina Muchova.

Expert reactions and expectations

Monica Puig, an Olympic gold medallist, expressed surprise at Williams’ decision to accept a singles wild card for Wimbledon, especially given earlier statements about easing back into singles play. Puig noted that Williams’ return is beneficial for tennis and Wimbledon, highlighting Williams’ champion mindset and competitive nature. She suggested that Williams would not take a wild card unless she felt physically fit, especially considering the tricky nature of grass courts.

Puig also commented on Williams’ serve, which reached an impressive 120mph at Queen’s, stating that it would be a crucial asset at Wimbledon. She believes Williams will aim to secure many free points and keep rallies short, leveraging her confidence at the net and her intimidating presence.

Former world No. 1 Lindsay Davenport observed that Williams appears to be in excellent physical condition, possibly better than when she last competed. Davenport acknowledged that grass is a challenging surface to start on due to its speed and physical demands. While Williams has stated she has nothing left to prove, Davenport remains sceptical, suggesting that Williams’ inherent drive to be the best means results are still important to her. Davenport believes Williams is returning because she feels capable of making an immediate impact in women’s tennis, though she cautioned against expecting immediate tournament wins.

Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli expressed concerns about the physical challenges of returning at Williams’ age, particularly after two pregnancies. However, Bartoli noted that playing in front of her children seemed to give Williams strength, as evidenced by her performance in her first doubles match at Queen’s.

Long-term ambitions and financial standing

Tennis expert Mats Wilander believes that Williams’ comeback is not a short-term endeavour. He anticipates her participation in the US Open later this year and suggests that she may be targeting the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Wilander highlighted Williams’ strong serve as a significant advantage on grass courts, potentially the best in the history of women’s tennis. However, he raised concerns about her movement in longer rallies, especially against opponents who can consistently return her serve and extend points.

Williams’ financial success remains notable. By the time she initially stepped away from tennis, her estimated pre-tax income from her professional career, which began in 1995, had reached nearly $450 million. This figure positioned her significantly ahead of other female athletes. Her off-court business ventures have also been thriving, with estimated earnings of $50 million before taxes and agent fees in the last 12 months. This pushes her lifetime earnings to approximately $620 million, and her net worth is estimated at $400 million, making her the world’s richest woman to have primarily earned her fortune as an athlete.

During her time away from the sport, Williams gave birth to her second child in 2023 and remained active with her business interests. She maintains ten long-term sponsorships and has expanded into speaking engagements, publishing children’s books, and establishing Nine Two Six Productions. Her investment firm, Serena Ventures, has funded numerous startups, including 16 unicorns by 2022, and she holds stakes in sports teams such as the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, Angel City FC in the National Women’s Soccer League, and the Toronto Tempo in the WNBA. Williams is currently unranked in singles after her hiatus.

Source: skysports.com

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By Callum Ashford — 26 June 2026 — 4 min read

Jockey Hollie Doyle has shared her insights on this weekend’s racing, highlighting key races at Newcastle and Chester. Her focus includes the Northumberland Plate, which will be broadcast live. Doyle also provided an update on her recovery from a leg injury.

Doyle continues her rehabilitation at Oaksey House, concentrating on reducing swelling in her foot. She has been undergoing physiotherapy sessions, which have improved the flexion in her ankle. Despite the slow progress, she noted that her recovery is moving in a positive direction, though specific timelines remain unclear.

Northumberland Plate Contenders

In the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate, Doyle believes Roger Varian’s young stayer, Ride The Thunder, has a strong chance. Drawn in stall seven, the gelding is expected to improve after his recent reappearance at Hamilton. Doyle previously won this race four years ago.

Ian Williams’ Dancing In Paris is another horse to watch, aiming to improve on his second-place finish in the same race last year. He has a low draw and is anticipated to be fitter following a recent run at Epsom. Additionally, Alan King’s Blazeon Five is considered a strong contender, with Doyle suggesting the mare could outperform her odds under jockey Callum Rodriguez, especially given her effectiveness on the All-Weather surface.

In the Jenningsbet Festival Northumberland Vase Handicap, a consolation race for the Plate, Alan King’s Believitanducan is seen as a strong prospect. This five-year-old, who has secured back-to-back wins at Ascot and Chester, is considered well-handicapped despite a penalty. William Buick is slated to ride the horse, which has also performed well on the All-Weather at Kempton Park.

Andrew Balding’s Shrimp Shady is identified as a potential threat in the Vase. This horse has shown good form in valuable handicaps on turf and demonstrated stamina by winning a race on Tapeta at Wolverhampton in March, followed by a victory in the Chester Plate.

Meanwhile, Richard Hughes has expressed optimism for Circus Of Rome in the Northumberland Plate. The four-year-old is a leading contender, having received significant market support. Circus Of Rome has a perfect record of two wins from two starts at Gosforth Park. Hughes mentioned that the plan to target the Northumberland Plate was set after a win in August last year, although the horse still needs to prove its stamina over two miles.

Other Key Races

In the Group Three Jenningsbet Chipchase Stakes, Diligent Harry is expected to add to his impressive All-Weather record. The Clive Cox-trained gelding, an eight-year-old, showed no signs of slowing down with two Listed wins over the winter and a strong fourth-place finish in the Group Two Minster Stakes at York in May.

Andrew Balding’s Marvelman, a winner of last season’s Group Two Park Stakes at Doncaster, also has a perfect record on the All-Weather and is expected to perform well despite a four-month break. Noble Champion, who won last season’s Jersey Stakes at Royal Ascot, is another horse to consider at longer odds, potentially benefiting from dropping back to six furlongs.

At Chester, Richard Hannon’s Circe has an opportunity to secure a second consecutive Listed success in the Queen Charlotte Fillies’ Stakes. The mare, returning from a six-month break, won over seven furlongs at Musselburgh and is well-drawn in stall one. George Scott’s Forty Years On, also well-drawn, needs to show further improvement to contend in this race.

In the Group One Paddy Power Pretty Polly Stakes at The Curragh, Joseph O’Brien’s Oaks heroine, Thundering On, sets a high standard. However, David O’Meara’s Estrange, who finished second in two Group Ones last season, is a strong challenger, especially if there is forecast rain. Ed Walker’s Qilin Queen, a filly that won a Listed race at Newbury last year and a Group Two in France, is an outsider to watch.

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh will feature Benvenuto Cellini, who aims to regain his reputation after a controversial incident at Epsom. Joseph O’Brien’s James J Braddock, who finished third at Epsom, is also expected to perform well over a mile and a half at The Curragh.

In other racing tips for Saturday, Jonathan Doidge has selected Team Player as an each-way bet in the Jenningsbet Northumberland Plate Handicap at Newcastle. This four-year-old, trained by Ewan Whillans, has shown improvement since joining the trainer and is a course and distance winner. Despite being beaten by less than three lengths into fifth place in the Chester Cup, he is considered well-treated on his current mark of 92.

At York, Zennor Storm is tipped in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Mile Handicap. Trained by William Haggas, this gelding won both of his All-Weather starts as a juvenile but has finished last in his two starts this season. Having been gelded, he is expected to show significant improvement. In the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dash Handicap, Schrodinger’s Cat is an each-way selection after a recent success at Redcar. Finally, Invincible Boy is tipped in the Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Sprint Handicap, having shown promise over the course and distance on debut last October.

Source: skysports.com

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By Callum Ashford — 24 June 2026 — 4 min read

Derek McInnes has been introduced as the new manager for Rangers, expressing his conviction that he belongs at Ibrox and outlining his goal to secure the Scottish Premiership title as swiftly as possible. The 54-year-old acknowledged his surprise at the opportunity to manage Rangers this summer, following the departure of Danny Röhl to RB Salzburg.

McInnes, who played for Rangers from 1995 to 2000, returns to the club he supported as a boy. He stated that the timing feels appropriate for him to take charge. He was previously close to guiding Hearts to the Premiership title last season.

During his unveiling, McInnes highlighted the significance of the moment for himself and his family, acknowledging the responsibility that comes with managing the club. He expressed excitement to begin and a readiness for the role, feeling a sense of belonging at Ibrox.

McInnes emphasized his desire to build a team that meets the demands of the club and its supporters. He noted that Rangers fans have experienced a period with limited title success, having won one title in 15 years, and stressed the importance of driving standards to achieve a winning team more consistently.

Ambition and Expectations

The new manager shared his vision for his Rangers team, aiming for a style of play that aligns with fan expectations. He described becoming Rangers manager as a long-held ambition, and the call came as a surprise while he was on holiday, leading to a busy period of five or six days.

McInnes is the 22nd permanent manager for Rangers and the seventh appointment in eight years, following a period with fewer title and trophy successes. As a player, he was a treble winner with the club, and he understands the high expectations placed on staff. He affirmed his return to the club with the intention of winning.

He acknowledged that many managers make promises on their first day but stressed that actions are more important than words. He highlighted the work required for the upcoming season, particularly in recruiting players. McInnes believes that playing for Rangers demands more than just being a good player; it requires dealing with significant expectation.

He views part of his and his staff’s role as maximizing the potential of the current squad while also bringing in players who can contribute to success. McInnes is confident that with the available resources, infrastructure, and support from above, Rangers should be a winning team.

He stated that Rangers offers him the best opportunity to win, recognizing what he can bring to the club and what the club can offer him in return. McInnes‘s intention is to win the title as quickly as possible.

Team Philosophy and Recruitment

Under McInnes, Hearts demonstrated an impressive ability to play proactively and show resilience in challenging matches last season. He aims to instill a similar approach at Rangers, focusing on domestic success while also performing well in Europe.

McInnes stated that his job is to win and that he knows how he wants his team to play. He intends for Rangers to impose themselves on opponents, making it difficult for other teams to feel comfortable at Ibrox. He wants the team to play in a manner that makes opponents struggle.

He noted that Rangers currently possess good players and plans to bring in additional quality. He believes that being a Rangers player requires more than just talent; it demands a clear identity and intensity to win domestic games. Domestic trophy success is a key priority for him.

Regarding summer recruitment, Rangers have already signed Lawrence Shankland, who was captain at Hearts under McInnes. The new manager emphasized that any new signings must embrace the responsibility of meeting the expectations at Ibrox. Shankland expressed his pleasure at reuniting with McInnes at Rangers, having worked with him at two previous clubs.

Shankland, who joined his boyhood club before the FIFA World Cup in North America, learned of McInnes‘s appointment while focusing on Scotland‘s performance in the tournament. He looks forward to a fresh start with McInnes in the dugout upon his return from international duty.

McInnes acknowledged that the club might not acquire every desired player in the transfer window, but stressed the importance of using the available budget wisely. He also believes there are existing players capable of more, and it is his and his staff’s role to unlock that potential. Changes, including player departures and arrivals, are anticipated, with each new player expected to contribute to the team’s quality.

He reflected on last season, noting that while Rangers showed individual quality at times, the focus needs to be on becoming more of a cohesive team to win tight games. McInnes was on holiday in Florida when Rangers first contacted him, shortly after a period he described as a low point in his career following Hearts‘ close call in the league title race. His first league game as Rangers boss will be against Dundee United on July 31.

Source: skysports.com

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Bournemouth is set to face Crystal Palace at the Vitality Stadium on May 3, 2026, with the Cherries riding high on a remarkable 14-match unbeaten run in the Premier League. This match is crucial for both teams, as Bournemouth seeks to secure a spot in the Europa Conference League while Palace aims to spoil those ambitions.

The stakes are high, and the atmosphere promises to be electric as fans gather to witness this pivotal clash. Bournemouth’s last league match ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Leeds United, while Crystal Palace comes off a commanding 3-1 victory against Shakhtar Donetsk. Both teams have shown resilience, but Bournemouth has not lost to Crystal Palace in their last five meetings.

Key match details:

• The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK.
• Bournemouth made two changes to their starting lineup for this fixture.
• Crystal Palace made five changes, indicating their strategy for this important encounter.

Bournemouth’s manager, Andoni Iraola, leaves the club after this season, adding an emotional layer to the game. Fans hope to see him depart with a strong legacy. “Iraola’s legacy at the Vitality Stadium is not yet set in stone,” noted an analyst from FourFourTwo.

The Cherries have displayed tremendous form lately. “The Cherries are in tremendous form and even Palace’s respectable away record isn’t going to halt it,” emphasized FourFourTwo. Bournemouth’s last league defeat was against Arsenal back in January 2026, making their current streak all the more impressive.

Recent performances:

• Bournemouth: Unbeaten in their last 14 Premier League matches.
• Crystal Palace: Seven league matches won on the road this season.
• Bournemouth has scored two goals against Crystal Palace in their previous meeting this season.

The outcome of this match could significantly impact both teams’ aspirations for European football next season. With only a few matches left in the campaign, every point counts. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an unforgettable showdown at Vitality Stadium.

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“A win for the visiting Ipswich side would all but secure their return to the Premier League,” said a football analyst ahead of tonight’s match at St Mary’s Stadium. Southampton faces Ipswich Town in a pivotal Championship clash on April 28, 2026, at 7:45pm BST.

Southampton’s recent form has been impressive. They have won 13 of their last 17 games, positioning themselves just one point behind Ipswich, who sit at 80 points. A victory for Southampton would not only keep their promotion hopes alive but also set the stage for a dramatic final day.

The stakes are high. If Ipswich wins, they will secure their promotion to the Premier League, while a loss would create significant pressure for them heading into the last match of the season. “A defeat here would heap all the pressure on Ipswich heading into the final day,” noted another commentator.

In terms of team news, Southampton will be without Flynn Downes due to suspension from a red card. Meanwhile, Ipswich is missing key players like Leif Davis and Conor Townsend due to injuries.

Key facts about tonight’s match:

• The game will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK.
• In the US, fans can catch it for free on CBS Sports Golazo Network.
• Southampton has lost only one of their last five matches, which includes an FA Cup game.
• Ipswich has managed just one win in their last four outings.

As fans gather at St Mary’s Stadium, anticipation builds. FourFourTwo predicts that Southampton will deliver another brilliant performance and take the title race to the final day. With both teams having everything to play for, it promises to be an unforgettable evening of football.

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The match between Hibernian and Hearts on April 26 at Easter Road is set to be a nail-biter. Kick-off is scheduled for 23:30, and it’s crucial for both teams. Hearts aims to maintain their lead in the Scottish Premiership, while Hibernian fights hard for a coveted European spot.

Currently, Hearts sits atop the league table, buoyed by a recent victory against Motherwell, winning 3-1. In contrast, Hibernian comes off a disappointing 2-0 loss against Aberdeen, leaving them in fifth place.

This Edinburgh derby has historical significance, with both teams sharing a fierce rivalry. In their last ten encounters, the score has often been close—four matches ended in draws, with each team claiming three wins. The stakes are high as Hibs look to disrupt Derek McInnes’ title challenge.

Fans can expect an exciting atmosphere as this match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports. It’s a chance for Hibernian to bounce back and assert themselves against their rivals.

“Hibs will be desperate to sink Derek McInnes’ title challenge and bolster their bid for fourth place and a European spot in the process,” noted one analyst. With an average of 1.3 goals scored per match, Hibs will need to step up their game.

Hearts, averaging 1.4 goals per match, will look to players like Lawrence Shankland, who has been pivotal in securing points this season with three goals recently. Their last visit to Leith saw Hibernian triumph—will they repeat that performance?

The referee for this crucial encounter will be Don Robertson, adding another layer of intrigue as fans hope for a fair contest.

As the post-split period begins, “It’s squeaky bum time in Gorgie as Hearts go into the post-split period still top of the Premiership table,” remarked a local pundit. Both teams need points; every goal counts.

With odds suggesting Under 2.5 goals might be likely at 2.02, analysts predict a tightly contested match. The excitement builds around Easter Road as fans gear up for this pivotal clash.

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Birmingham City will host Wrexham on April 12, 2026, in a match that raises the question: Can Wrexham get their Championship play-off push back on track against a struggling Birmingham City? The answer is crucial for both teams as they navigate their respective challenges in the league.

The match is set to kick off at 12pm at St Andrew’s, where Wrexham will be looking to recover from a disappointing 5-1 defeat to Southampton that saw them drop out of the top six. Manager Phil Parkinson has urged his players to respond positively, stating, “We need to ensure that the defeat does not define our season.” Meanwhile, Birmingham City has not won in their last four games, which has left their own play-off hopes dwindling.

Historically, the last head-to-head match between these two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, but Birmingham holds an unbeaten record in their past three encounters with Wrexham. In their last ten league games, Birmingham has managed only two wins, alongside six losses and two draws, while Wrexham has fared better with five victories, three defeats, and two draws.

Both teams are backed by American owners who delivered promotion from League One last season, adding an extra layer of interest to this matchup. Birmingham’s confirmed lineup includes goalkeeper James Beadle and Bright Osayi-Samuel, while Wrexham will feature Arthur Okonkwo in goal and Max Cleworth.

Fans can catch the action live on Sky Sports, with radio coverage provided by talkSPORT 2. As the teams prepare for this pivotal clash, the outcome remains uncertain, but the stakes couldn’t be higher for both sides as they seek to secure their ambitions in the Championship.

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The Masters 2026 teed off on April 9 at Augusta National, with Rory McIlroy aiming to defend his title after completing the career slam in 2025. McIlroy has made headlines with a record-breaking six-shot lead after the second round, positioning himself as a strong contender to become only the fourth man in history to retain his title, a feat last achieved by Tiger Woods in 2002.

As the tournament progresses, McIlroy’s closest competitors, Patrick Reed and Sam Burns, are currently sharing second place, creating an exciting atmosphere for golf fans. The Masters will run until Sunday, April 12, 2026, promising four days of thrilling competition.

Sky Sports is broadcasting all the drama, with main coverage starting at 6 PM on Thursday and Friday, and at 4:30 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Golf enthusiasts can easily catch the action, as Sky Sports can be added to any Sky TV package for just £20 per month.

For those looking for more flexible viewing options, NOW offers a day membership for £14.99 and a month membership for £34.99, making it accessible for fans who want to experience the excitement of The Masters live.

As the tournament unfolds, observers are eager to see if McIlroy can maintain his lead and secure his place in history. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the coming days will be crucial for all participants.

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“I might have to go with Caroline Dubois, just because of her amateur pedigree,” said Mikaela Mayer, reflecting the sentiments of many as the boxing world gears up for the highly anticipated title unification bout between Caroline Dubois and Terri Harper. Scheduled for April 5, 2026, at Olympia in London, this match promises to be a pivotal moment in women’s boxing.

Dubois, the reigning WBC lightweight champion, will put her title on the line against Harper, who defends her WBO title. Both fighters come into this bout with impressive records, with Dubois remaining unbeaten in her professional career. The stakes are high, and the atmosphere is charged with excitement as fans and experts alike speculate on the outcome.

The fight is part of a larger card featuring eight women’s contests, highlighting the growing prominence of female athletes in the sport. The main card is set to kick off at 7 PM BST, with the main-event ring walks expected around 9 PM BST. This event, organized by Jake Paul’s company, Most Valuable Promotions, is poised to attract significant viewership, airing live on Sky Sports in the UK and ESPN+ in the US.

As the match approaches, the rivalry between Dubois and Harper has intensified, characterized by a frosty build-up that has captivated fans. “I think she’s the stronger and tougher fighter, but I’m cheering for Terri,” commented Nina Meinke, adding to the narrative of this competitive clash. The contrasting styles of the fighters are expected to create an engaging spectacle.

Experts have weighed in on the potential outcome, with Johnny Nelson predicting, “I think it’ll be an inside-the-distance win,” while Frazer Clarke expressed confidence in Dubois, stating, “I think Caroline comes through. With the vicious side of her, I think she stops Harper.” The odds reflect this sentiment, with Dubois favored at 2/11, while Harper stands at 4/1, and a draw at 16/1.

The anticipation surrounding this fight is palpable, as it not only represents a clash of titles but also a significant moment for women’s boxing. As the event draws near, the community is buzzing with discussions and predictions, eager to witness who will emerge victorious in this title unification bout.

Details remain unconfirmed, but the excitement continues to build. Fans are encouraged to tune in and support their favorite fighters as they take to the ring in what promises to be an unforgettable night of boxing.

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What does the future hold for women’s boxing in the UK? On April 5, 2026, London will witness a significant milestone as it hosts the inaugural event of Most Valuable Promotions’ new women’s boxing platform, MVPW. This event promises to elevate the profile of women’s boxing, featuring a main event that pits Caroline Dubois against Terri Harper for a lightweight world title unification fight.

Sky Sports and NOW will broadcast this groundbreaking event, which will include two all-female UK fight nights each year. Jonathan Licht from Sky Sports stated, “This agreement with MVP underlines Sky Sports’ ambition to showcase the very best in women’s boxing to sports fans and new audiences.” This commitment reflects a growing recognition of the talent and excitement within women’s boxing.

In addition to the headline bout, the event will see Ellie Scotney face Mayelli Flores, a match that could potentially crown Scotney as the UK’s youngest undisputed champion. Such matchups highlight the depth of talent emerging in women’s boxing and the importance of providing these athletes with a platform to shine.

Meanwhile, the boxing community is still buzzing from Deontay Wilder’s recent victory over Derek Chisora on the same date. Wilder won the heavyweight bout with scores of 115-111, 115-113, and 115-112, improving his record to 45-4-1. Chisora, on the other hand, now stands at 36-14. Wilder expressed his concern for Chisora post-fight, saying, “Tonight, I looked out for him. I want him to live for his kids.”

As the boxing landscape continues to evolve, Hamzah Sheeraz is set to fight Alem Begic for the WBO super-middleweight title on May 23, 2026, in Egypt. Additionally, Mizuki Hiruta will defend her WBO super-flyweight belt against Mai Soliman, and Jack Catterall will face Shakhram Giyasov for the WBA ‘regular’ welterweight title at the same event.

This upcoming women’s boxing event in London is not just a fight night; it’s a celebration of progress and recognition for female athletes in a sport that has historically been male-dominated. Nakisa Bidarian of MVPW remarked, “This partnership with Sky Sports marks a major milestone for MVPW and women’s boxing globally.”

As anticipation builds for April 5, 2026, the boxing community eagerly awaits the outcomes of these pivotal matches and the potential for women’s boxing to gain even greater prominence on the global stage.

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