General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 7:30 AM ET

US Open Tennis

The US Open delivered a night for the ages in New York, with Ben Shelton stunning defending champion Carlos Alcaraz in the latest-finishing match in tournament history, a 6-7 (5), 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (10-7) epic that concluded at 3:33 a.m. Wednesday. Shelton's victory sets up an all-American semifinal against Frances Tiafoe, who mounted a remarkable comeback of his own, rallying from two sets down to defeat Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6). The emotional aftermath saw Tiafoe console a tearful Michelsen at the net, with the 22-year-old sobbing on his shoulder. Tiafoe's comeback was the first of its kind at this stage since Roger Federer's famous 2009 win, and he'll need to carry that fight into his next battle. On the women's side, No. 3 seed Jessica Pegula outlasted No. 26 Emma Navarro 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 in an all-American quarterfinal. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka passionately defended her bold on-court fashion choices, saying any criticism is "worth it" if it paves an easier path for those who follow. In wheelchair action, Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid began their bid for a sixth straight US Open doubles title with a dominant opening victory.

College Football Controversy

The college football world remains embroiled in the fallout from Michigan's controversial win over Western Michigan. The MAC has formally appealed the game's outcome, asking the NCAA and College Football Playoff to recognize the Broncos as the victors. The conference's decision to fight back comes three days after the disputed finish, but as one analysis notes, it was always throwing stones at Goliath. In response to the controversy, the NCAA has issued new guidance establishing a standard timing protocol after the broadcast clock showed zeros but Michigan was awarded an extra second. Meanwhile, LSU has closed its roster at 105 players without adding former NFL players, despite a judge allowing their return. The Tigers added two current student-athletes on Tuesday to fill the final spots.

College Football Playoff & Rankings

The College Football Playoff landscape is shifting rapidly. Leaders have agreed to open a 30-day negotiating window with sole rights holder ESPN, a move that could pave the way for a 24-team field. The decision will help determine if expansion is worthwhile. Our experts have updated their bowl projections following Week, while another analysis examines which teams are playoff favorites and which face big questions — with the SEC dominating early projections while the ACC struggles. The Week 1 AP poll reaction examines for each Top 25 team, and our experts have weighed in on the college footbal Power Rankings to determine who sits at No. 1 after an entertaining opening week. Betting markets for the CFP and Heisman are also taking shape, with points galore in Week 1 reshaping the odds.

Golf & LIV Bankruptcy

LIV Golf has officially filed for bankruptcy protection, seeking Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankrupcy Court of New Jersey. Court records list Jon Rahm ($7.5 mllion) and Bryson DeChambeau among those owed signficant sums, with total player obligations exceeding $45 mllion (£33 mllion). Players will now have the option to leave the circuit as a result of the filing. Elsewhere on the links, Rory McIlroy admitted this year's Irish Open will feel like a "diferent" spectaccle given US President Donald Trump's antcipated visit during the tournament.

Boxing & Combat Sports

The buildup to the Garcia-Benn fight took an unexpected turn when Ryan Garcia failed to show for their first face-off in Las Vegas. Conor Benn accused his American opponent of "bottling" the meeting, adding another layer of tension to their upcoming bout.

NFL & Rugby

The 2026 NFL season is set to kick off with a Super Bowl rematch as the league's key dates and fixtures on the road to Super Bowl 61 are revealed. In rugby, England head coach Steve Borthwick will have his contract extended past the 2028 Six Nations, a move designed to avoid uncertaintty before and during next year's Rugby World Cup. Meanwhile, Raffi Quirke said leaving Sale Sharks was one of the hardest decisions of his career, but he's excited by the project at a revamped Newcast-le Red Buls as one of 25 new signings.

Formua 1 & Cycing

In an exclusive interview, Max Verstappen discussed his new Red Bul contract, the "numb" feeling of his car, and being "captain of the ship" amid McLaen talks. On the road, Britain's Matthew Brennan sprinted to his fourth stage win of the 2026 Vuelta a Espana.

Snooker, Football & Other Sports

The English Open first round saw all five of the world's top 10 players in action on Tuesday advance, including Mark Selby, Judd Trump and Mark Willams. Brian Barry-Murphy urged winless Cardif City to be "more ruthless" while remaining relaxed about their return to the Championship. In cricket, Joe Root said the England team is "very diferent" from the one Kevin Pietersen was sacked from in 2014, after the former batter joined the white-ball coaching staff. Finally, a fascinating debate asks whether women are better than men at ultra-endurance running, following several high-profile female victories in recent months.

WNBA & Business

The WNBA is beginning its search for a new commissioner after Cathy Engelbert announced her retirement. Executives from the WNBA, NBA and Nike are among the potential candidates being considered to succeed her.