General Sports 24 Hours

Last updated: September 9, 2026, 11:03 PM ET

Tennis: US Open Drama

Carlos Alcaraz's title defence ended in the latest finish in US Open history, as Ben Shelton won a five-set quarterfinal that concluded at 03:34 local time. The result blew the men's draw wide open and set up a semifinal against Frances Tiafoe, who staged a ferocious comeback of his own. Tiafoe then consoled Alex Michelsen in a long embrace at the net while the 22-year-old sobbed on his shoulder, later saying, "Don't think anyone else could have made me cry."

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. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka made a passionate defence of her bold on-court outfits, saying any criticism is "worth it" if it means "the people after me have an easier path."

College Football

After an entertaining Week, our experts voted a new Top 25, and the debate over the No. 1 spot is already raging. LSU, meanwhile, closed its roster at 105 players without adding any former NFL players, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel, after a judge had allowed their return. The NCAA also issued new timing guidance establishing a standard protocol in the wake of the controversial decision to award Michigan an extra second despite the broadcast clock showing zeros.

Golf: LIV Files for Bankruptcy

LIV Golf and its related entities filed for Chapter 11 protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of New Jersey on Tuesday, with court records listing Jon Rahm as owed $7.5 million and Bryson DeChambeau among the players owed millions more.

Rugby Union

England will extend Steve Borthwick's contract past the 2028 Six Nations, a move designed to avoid uncertainty over his future before and during next year's Rugby World Cup.

Football

Sam Vokes believes Ashley Williams will "command respect" as part of Craig Bellamy's Wales staff, despite his lack of coaching experience.

Cricket

The ECB has appointed Australian Leah Poulton as managing director of England women.

Boxing

Conor Benn said Ryan Garcia "bottled" their first face-off after the American failed to turn up to their meeting on Tuesday in Las Vegas.

MMA

British fighter Michael 'Venom' Page is leaving the UFC after seeing out his contract, president Dana White confirmed.

Motorsport

In an exclusive interview, Max Verstappen discussed his new Red Bull contract, McLaren talks and "numb" cars.

NFL

With the 2026 season set to start on Wednesday, here is your guide to the key games, including a Super Bowl rematch to open the campaign on the road to Super Bowl.

Endurance

Women have beaten men in several high-profile endurance events in recent months, raising the question of whether they are better suited to these challenges.