General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 3:08 PM ET

US Open Tennis

The US Open delivered a night for the ages in New York, headlined by Ben Shelton's stunning five-set quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz. The match, which ended at 03:34 local time, saw the defending champion's title defense come to a dramatic end as Shelton outlasted Alcaraz in the latest-ever finish in tournament history.

Frances Tiafoe produced his own epic, coming from two sets and a break down to defeat fellow American Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6). The comeback was the first of its kind at this stage of the tournament since Roger Federer accomplished the feat, and Tiafoe reached his third US Open semifinal with the win. After the match, the 26-year-old shared a touching moment with Michelsen, holding the 22-year-old in a long embrace as he sobbed on his shoulder. Tiafoe said afterwards that no one else could have made him cry in that situation, a sentiment captured in the emotional net exchange. The question now is whether Tiafoe can carry this momentum all the way to a US Open title, with a semifinal clash against Shelton or Alcaraz looming.

On the women's side, No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula rallied past No. 26 seed Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American quarterfinal. Pegula outdueled Navarro to book her spot in the semifinals, continuing her strong run at Flushing Meadows. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka made a passionate defence of her bold on-court fashion choices, saying any criticism she receives is "worth it" if it means "the people after me have an easier path." Osaka's outfits have drawn attention throughout the tournament, but she remains unapologetic about her selections.

In wheelchair action, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid began their quest for a sixth US Open doubles title with a dominant opening victory. The British pair won their first-round match in straight sets in New York.

Golf & Boxing

LIV Golf and its related entities officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey on Tuesday. Court records reveal the circuit owes at least $45 million (£33 million) to players, including Jon Rahm ($7.5 million) and Bryson DeChambeau, with the filing allowing players the option to leave the organization. The bankruptcy filing lists millions owed to top players as the circuit faces an uncertain future.

In boxing, Conor Benn accused Ryan Garcia of "bottling" their first face-off after the American failed to appear for their scheduled meeting Tuesday in Las Vegas. Garcia's no-show at the press conference has added tension to the build-up of their upcoming bout.

College Football

The college football landscape is buzzing after a chaotic Week 1 that included a controversial finish in the Michigan-Western Michigan game. The NCAA has issued new guidance on a "standard timing protocol" in the wake of the decision to award Michigan an extra second despite the broadcast clock showing zeros. The new directive aims to clarify how officials should handle end-of-game timing situations.

The Mid-American Conference has appealed the outcome, asking the NCAA and College Football Playoff to recognize Western Michigan as the winner. The MAC's formal appeal comes three days after the controversial finish, though the conference acknowledges it faces an uphill battle. As one analysis put it, the MAC was always throwing stones at Goliath with this challenge.

Meanwhile, LSU has closed its roster at 105 players without adding any former NFL players. Sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel that the Tigers completed their roster Tuesday by adding two current student-athletes, eliminating the possibility of bringing in ex-professionals despite a judge allowing their return.

The College Football Playoff is also exploring expansion, with leaders agreeing to open a 30-day negotiating window with sole rights holder ESPN. The discussions will help determine whether a 24-team field is a viable option Early projections show the SEC dominating the playoff picture, while the ACC faces significant questions about its contenders. Week 1 bowl projections and playoff favorites have begun to take shape, with several teams already facing elimination-level pressure. The latest AP Top 25 poll reaction examines for each ranked team, while ESPN's experts have released their updated Power Rankings following the opening week of action.

NFL & Rugby

The 2026 NFL season kicks off Wednesday with a Super Bowl rematch, and the league has released its full slate of key dates and fixtures on the road to Super Bowl. The opening week features several marquee matchups that could shape the playoff picture early.

In rugby, England head coach Steve Borthwick will have his contract extended past the 2028 Six Nations. The move is designed to avoid uncertainty over his future before and during next year's Rugby World Cup.

Football & Other Sports

Cardiff City manager Brian Barry-Murphy says his winless side need to be "more ruthless" despite their difficult return to the Championship. The boss remains relaxed about the team's start but acknowledged the need for improvement in front of goal.

In Welsh football news, Sam Vokes believes Ashley Williams will "command respect" as part of Craig Bellamy's staff, despite his lack of coaching experience. Vokes backed the former captain to make an impact in his new role as assistant coach.

The England and Wales Cricket Board has appointed Australian Leah Poulton as the managing director of England women. The ECB's new hire brings significant experience to the role.

In MMA, UFC president Dana White confirmed that British fighter Michael 'Venom' Page is leaving the organization after seeing out his contract. White's confirmation of Page's departure ends speculation about the welterweight's future.

Max Verstappen addressed his new contract at Red Bull in an exclusive interview, discussing McLaren talks, "numb" cars, and being "captain of the ship." The world champion's wide-ranging Q&A covered his future and the team's direction.

In snooker, all five of the world's top 10 players competing in the first round of the English Open won their matches Tuesday. Mark Selby, Judd Trump, and Mark Williams were among those advancing to the second round at the tournament.

Finally, a new debate has emerged in endurance sports: are women better than men at ultra-endurance running? Recent high-profile events have seen women beat men in some competitions, prompting questions about whether they are better suited to these extreme challenges.