General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: July 2, 2026, 11:41 AM ET

Tennis

Iga Swiatek continued her dominant form at Wimbledon, overpowering Karolina Pliskova in straight sets to advance to the third round. Her performance has earned an "A+" assessment from Martina Navratilova, who noted Swiatek's increased stability on court. Swiatek's compatriot, Arthur Fery, also kept British hopes alive by coming back from a set down to reach the third round, though Katie Swan was eliminated. Novak Djokovic delivered a vintage performance, outclassing Stefanos Tsitsipas to also progress, while Jannik Sinner secured his own victory. Coco Gauff, drawing on past success, rallied from a third-set deficit to defeat Solana Sierra 7-6 (7) in a hard-fought match, echoing her previous Wimbledon triumph over Venus Williams. Barbora Krejcikova produced an upset, defeating fifth seed Mirra Andreeva on what she called the "best court in the world." Meanwhile, Nick Kyrgios's return to Wimbledon ended in controversy as he swore at an umpire during a doubles match defeat. Dan Evans played his final career match at Wimbledon, bidding an emotional farewell after a loss in the men's doubles. The Women's Tennis Association announced that the WTA Finals will move to Indian Wells after ending its partnership with Saudi Arabia a year early.

Rugby Union

Outgoing Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has ruled out a return to Leinster, stating his international coaching career is unlikely to continue. George Furbank is set to make his first England appearance in nearly two years, starting against South Africa in Johannesburg for the Nations Championship opener. Finn Russell will miss Scotland's first match of the summer series against Argentina, though Jonny Gray returns after his Six Nations absence. Wales have made six changes for their Nations Championship opener against Fiji, with Louis Rees-Zammit reverting to wing. Jamie Osborne has been given an opportunity to prove his credentials as a Test winger for Ireland, with Tommy O'Brien injured and James Lowe having departed. Sam Prendergast earns a recall to the Ireland starting team for their match against Australia, rewarded for his strong end to the season. Ireland also faces challenges with injuries as they prepare to begin the Nations Championship against Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, with the latter a particularly daunting prospect. Wales' squad reportedly reached a dispute with the Welsh Rugby Union over match fees just days before their opening game against Fiji leading to a settlement.

Golf

United States President Donald Trump has expressed his hope to visit the Irish Open at his Doonbeg resort in September. Six-time major champion Phil Mickelson has denied new allegations of misconduct and refuted claims that he was forced to leave California golf clubs.

Other Sports

The first Enhanced Games, which controversially encouraged the use of performance-enhancing drugs, concluded with only one world record set, though participating athletes reportedly received "life-changing paychecks." ESPN's ranking of the WNBA's top players eight weeks into the season includes A'ja Wilson and several promising rookies. In college football, ESPN's staff have debated and ranked the best players for every jersey number in the sport's history. The NHL free agency tracker is live, detailing contract signings and veteran additions beginning June 30, while teams are also evaluating remaining trade candidates. The Philadelphia 76ers have reportedly landed free agent forward Dean Wade on a four-year, $39 million deal. In MMA, while some weight classes have seen significant action, other divisions have experienced lighter schedules this year. Jockey Frankie Dettori is recovering in hospital after breaking ribs in a car crash. Lando Norris reflected on the current season, stating he is "paying the price" for the efforts that led to his 2025 title, and suggested a move to McLaren would offer a different dynamic for Max Verstappen. Welsh lightweight Mason Jones is scheduled to face Mar Quel Mederos at UFC Sacramento. The T20 Blast saw Northamptonshire Steelbacks maintain their perfect record with a victory over Gloucestershire. England's first T20 against India was abandoned due to rain, impacting their summer campaign. Team Scotland has been kitted out for the Commonwealth Games, receiving their new gear three weeks before the event.