Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday as tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffered an agonising defeat on their long-awaited return to Grand Slam doubles. Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the fourth round while Sabalenka was similarly dominant in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Kamilla Rakhimova. &nbsp;Alcaraz will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3.&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-auger-aliassime-out-but-swiatek-osaka-and-gauff-advance-into-third-round-1788489742697">US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round</a> &nbsp;"The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot -- forehand, backhand," Alcaraz said of Wu. "His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it's really difficult to control sometimes. &nbsp;"But I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart in the toughest moments." &nbsp;Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games, and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third, the Spaniard rolled home. &nbsp;"I think my level is really good," he said. "I've got into the rhythm of the competition. I'm getting there." &nbsp;World number one Sabalenka didn't face a break point in her dismissal of Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces. The numbers didn't tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest. Sabalenka was also unimpressed by the pervasive smell of marijuana -- an increasingly common issue at the US Open -- wafting down from the stands during her match. &nbsp;"It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," said Sabalenka, who at one point complained to the umpire about the issue. &nbsp;Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3.<h2>Williams sisters lose thriller</h2>With Alcaraz and Sabalenka among the early starters, all eyes on the evening session were on the Williams sisters, partnering in a Grand Slam doubles event for the first time since 2022. &nbsp;The duo's return to the US Open stage comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena came out of a four-year retirement to play at Wimbledon. &nbsp;But the most famous sister act in tennis -- who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals -- were beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7) by 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan and Australia's Maya Joint in a marathon three-hour battle. &nbsp;The Williams duo had shown flashes of their brilliant best after recovering from losing the first set to level the match after taking the second set on a tie-break. &nbsp;Momentum and a raucous New York crowd appeared to be carrying them towards victory after they sprinted into a 5-0 lead in the third-set tie-break. But Chan and Joint fought back superbly to erase the deficit before clinching victory.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reach the last 16, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffer a heartbreaking doubles defeat on their return.

Defending singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka sailed into the last 16 of the US Open on Friday as tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffered an agonising defeat on their long-awaited return to Grand Slam doubles. Alcaraz, coming off a four-month injury absence, beat China's Wu Yibing 6-3, 6-4, 6-1 to book his place in the fourth round while Sabalenka was similarly dominant in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat of Kamilla Rakhimova. Alcaraz will face 20th-seeded American Tommy Paul for a place in the quarter-finals after Paul beat 15th-seeded Alexander Bublik 6-4, 3-6, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1, 6-3. Also read| US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round "The way he plays is unbelievable, the rhythm he has on every shot -- forehand, backhand," Alcaraz said of Wu. "His balls skid a lot on the court and, for me, it's really difficult to control sometimes. "But I think I stayed there. I played aggressively. I played smart in the toughest moments." Wu recovered an early break in each of the first two sets, but Alcaraz pocketed both with breaks in the final games, and after saving a pair of break points in the first game of the third, the Spaniard rolled home. "I think my level is really good," he said. "I've got into the rhythm of the competition. I'm getting there." World number one Sabalenka didn't face a break point in her dismissal of Rakhimova, firing 29 winners with 10 aces. The numbers didn't tell the whole tale of a match that saw 92nd-ranked Rakhimova challenge Sabalenka in a second-set slugfest. Sabalenka was also unimpressed by the pervasive smell of marijuana -- an increasingly common issue at the US Open -- wafting down from the stands during her match. "It's a bit tricky to handle that smell while you're trying to compete at your best," said Sabalenka, who at one point complained to the umpire about the issue. Sabalenka, who must repeat as champion to have a chance of remaining number one, next faces Taylor Townsend, the 96th-ranked American who beat 15th-seeded Russian Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-7 (3/7), 6-3. Williams sisters lose thriller With Alcaraz and Sabalenka among the early starters, all eyes on the evening session were on the Williams sisters, partnering in a Grand Slam doubles event for the first time since 2022. The duo's return to the US Open stage comes after 23-time Grand Slam singles champion Serena came out of a four-year retirement to play at Wimbledon. But the most famous sister act in tennis -- who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together along with three Olympic gold medals -- were beaten 6-3, 6-7 (6/8), 7-6 (10/7) by 14th seeds Chan Hao-ching of Taiwan and Australia's Maya Joint in a marathon three-hour battle. The Williams duo had shown flashes of their brilliant best after recovering from losing the first set to level the match after taking the second set on a tie-break. Momentum and a raucous New York crowd appeared to be carrying them towards victory after they sprinted into a 5-0 lead in the third-set tie-break. But Chan and Joint fought back superbly to erase the deficit before clinching victory.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka reach the last 16, while tennis icons Serena and Venus Williams suffer a heartbreaking doubles defeat on their return.

US Open 2026: Alcaraz & Sabalenka reach last 16 as Williams sisters fall in doubles thriller

Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime tumbled out of the US Open on Thursday as former champions Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff reached the third round. Karen Khachanov, ranked 50th in the world, downed Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, pulling away relentlessly from the physically ailing Canadian who said he was "dizzy and seeing spots."I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn't," a dejected Auger-Aliassime said.Khachanov took full advantage of 47 unforced errors, with eight double faults, from Auger-Aliassime, who struggled particularly on serve.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-carlos-alcaraz-aryna-sabalenka-advance-into-third-round-after-contrasting-wins-1788431134881">US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins</a>"I thought maybe he had some physical issues, it's part of our sport," Khachanov said. "From my side I tried to give my best performance, fighting, fighting."I'm super happy to get this win," added the 2022 semi-finalist after posting his first top-10 win of the year.It was the second big upset on the men's side, after Novak Djokovic was ousted in the first round.Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev.French Open champion Zverev anchored the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on 52nd-ranked Frenchman Quentin Halys.Meanwhile three former women's champions -- Swiatek, Gauff and Osaka, booked their third-round berths.Gauff thrilled the Ashe night crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain.Swiatek marched through with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Nadia Podoroska while Osaka survived a second-set swoon to beat Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1.Gauff, 22, had lost five of her eight prior meetings with Badosa, so she was ready when the Spaniard piled on the pressure in the second set, regaining a break to force the tiebreaker."I knew she would raise her level. She's capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners," said Gauff, who was pleased she kept her composure."I think I need matches like this to build my confidence," the 2023 US Open winner said.Swiatek, whose six Grand Slam titles include the 2022 US Open, had things mostly her own way against Podroska, a former top-40 player now sunk to 449th in the world.She fought off four break points at 5-3 in the first set then pulled away to polish off the win in little more than an hour.It was another encouraging performance for the former world number one, who hadn't reached a final in 2026 until her run to the title at Toronto in August.<h2>Osaka fights</h2>Japan's Osaka, who counts two US Open titles among her four major trophies, looked in total control against Siniakova as she raced through the first set and to a 4-2 lead in the second without facing a break point.But the Japanese star's unforced errors began to pile up and doubles world number one Siniakova pounced to climb from 5-3 down and take the set.Osaka regrouped in the decider, riding a quick break to a 3-0 lead and fending off a pair of break points on the way to victory."I just felt like I had to fight," she said.So did former Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved five match points as she rallied from 5-2 down in the third set to beat Anna Bondar 4-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10/5).In other early matches, reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, seeded fifth, rolled over Germany's Eva Lys 6-0, 6-2.Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina was in action later, taking on Spain's Jessica Bouzas.Generations collided on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where 20-year-old American Learner Tien ended 40-year-old Gael Monfils's Grand Slam career with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory.Monfils felt the love in New York, where he made his US Open debut in 2005, chants of "Monfils" erupting frequently and intensifying in the third set."It's been a long ride," Monfils said. "You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can't top Paris, but you are up there!"

Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev.

Third seed Felix Auger-Aliassime tumbled out of the US Open on Thursday as former champions Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka and Coco Gauff reached the third round. Karen Khachanov, ranked 50th in the world, downed Auger-Aliassime 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-2, 6-2, pulling away relentlessly from the physically ailing Canadian who said he was "dizzy and seeing spots. "I thought maybe it would pass, but it didn't," a dejected Auger-Aliassime said. Khachanov took full advantage of 47 unforced errors, with eight double faults, from Auger-Aliassime, who struggled particularly on serve. Also Read - US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins "I thought maybe he had some physical issues, it's part of our sport," Khachanov said. "From my side I tried to give my best performance, fighting, fighting. "I'm super happy to get this win," added the 2022 semi-finalist after posting his first top-10 win of the year. It was the second big upset on the men's side, after Novak Djokovic was ousted in the first round. Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev. French Open champion Zverev anchored the night session on Arthur Ashe Stadium, taking on 52nd-ranked Frenchman Quentin Halys. Meanwhile three former women's champions -- Swiatek, Gauff and Osaka, booked their third-round berths. Gauff thrilled the Ashe night crowd with a 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over former world number two Paula Badosa of Spain. Swiatek marched through with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Nadia Podoroska while Osaka survived a second-set swoon to beat Katerina Siniakova 6-2, 5-7, 6-1. Gauff, 22, had lost five of her eight prior meetings with Badosa, so she was ready when the Spaniard piled on the pressure in the second set, regaining a break to force the tiebreaker. "I knew she would raise her level. She's capable of blasting winners and blasting return winners," said Gauff, who was pleased she kept her composure. "I think I need matches like this to build my confidence," the 2023 US Open winner said. Swiatek, whose six Grand Slam titles include the 2022 US Open, had things mostly her own way against Podroska, a former top-40 player now sunk to 449th in the world. She fought off four break points at 5-3 in the first set then pulled away to polish off the win in little more than an hour. It was another encouraging performance for the former world number one, who hadn't reached a final in 2026 until her run to the title at Toronto in August. Osaka fights Japan's Osaka, who counts two US Open titles among her four major trophies, looked in total control against Siniakova as she raced through the first set and to a 4-2 lead in the second without facing a break point. But the Japanese star's unforced errors began to pile up and doubles world number one Siniakova pounced to climb from 5-3 down and take the set. Osaka regrouped in the decider, riding a quick break to a 3-0 lead and fending off a pair of break points on the way to victory. "I just felt like I had to fight," she said. So did former Australian Open champion Madison Keys, who saved five match points as she rallied from 5-2 down in the third set to beat Anna Bondar 4-7, 6-4, 7-6 (10/5). In other early matches, reigning French Open champion Mirra Andreeva, seeded fifth, rolled over Germany's Eva Lys 6-0, 6-2. Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina was in action later, taking on Spain's Jessica Bouzas. Generations collided on Louis Armstrong Stadium, where 20-year-old American Learner Tien ended 40-year-old Gael Monfils's Grand Slam career with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory. Monfils felt the love in New York, where he made his US Open debut in 2005, chants of "Monfils" erupting frequently and intensifying in the third set. "It's been a long ride," Monfils said. "You are my second best crowd. Of course, it can't top Paris, but you are up there!"

Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur also bowed out, falling to Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 7-5, 6-2 to further open up a men's field headed by world number two Alexander Zverev.

US Open 2026: Auger-Aliassime out but Swiatek, Osaka, and Gauff advance into third round

Carlos Alcaraz got off to a sluggish start but stormed home, and Aryna Sabalenka was in control all the way as the defending champions led a stream of contenders into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sideliines in April, got off to a sluggish start but finished in convincing fashion in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria of Portugal.Alcaraz won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-retirement-argentina-football-matches-to-halt-in-tribute-to-legend-1788417815400">Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend</a>He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin, but took some time to find his range against the big-serving Faria, who claimed the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand.He made the break stand up to take the set, but Alcaraz stepped up his intensity and Faria folded under the pressure."Tough match for me," Alcaraz said, adding that after failing to convert an early break point he briefly lost his composure."After that I was in a rush. I did't take time, I wasn't patient and that obviously cost me the break," he said. "I tried to stay calm ... think good things are going to happen again."Meanwhile a ruthless Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko that lasted just 53 minutes.Sabalenka, without a title since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March, delivered 24 winners, showcasing her power from the baseline and an effective touch at the net.She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken just once to give Iatcenko her only game of the second set. Sabalenka responded by winning the next three to secure the win."Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus," said Sabalenka, who will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for place in the round of 16.Jessica Pegula and former champion Daniil Medvedev also raced into the third round.World number three Pegula needed just 56 minutes to trounce Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion now ranked 110th, 6-3, 6-1.Seventh-seeded Medvedev downed US wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5.Pegula, who is among a trio of players who could supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York, dropped just seven points on serve."I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do," said the 2024 US Open runner-up, who next meets another former finalist in Canadian Leylah Fernandez - a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1.Medvedev, who has struggled in the hard court build-up to the year's final Grand Slam, dominated 731st-ranked Gorzny.<h2>Battle to the end</h2>Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton prevailed in a tense "battle to the end" with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5.His 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe also advanced holding off Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5.Another American tipped as a contender -- in-form 16th-seed Brandon Nakashima -- bowed out, upset by 46th-ranked compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.Argentina's Mariano Navone backed up his epic five-set upset of Serbian star Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Italian Matteo Berrettini.Outside the covered confines of Ashe and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, rain again disrupted play.Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur finally got his campaign underway in a match postponed from Tuesday but had to wait out another mid-match rain delay on the way to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Italian Andrea Guerrieri.Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete of China pulled off a first-round upset, stunning 12th-seeded Spaniard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1.Jodar committed 37 unforced errors with just 15 winners in a humbling defeat for the 19-year rising ATP star, who won the ATP title in Marrakech this year and reached the final in Washington and the semis in Montreal recent weeks.

Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Jaime Faria in four sets while Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a 53-minute win, leading contenders Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev through.

Carlos Alcaraz got off to a sluggish start but stormed home, and Aryna Sabalenka was in control all the way as the defending champions led a stream of contenders into the third round of the US Open on Wednesday. Spain's Alcaraz, seeded second in his first tournament since a wrist injury forced him to the sideliines in April, got off to a sluggish start but finished in convincing fashion in a 4-6, 6-0, 6-3, 6-2 victory over 72nd-ranked Jaime Faria of Portugal. Alcaraz won his seventh major title at the Australian Open in January but arrived in New York an unknown quantity after a wrist injury forced a four-month layoff that saw him miss Roland Garros and Wimbledon. Also Read - Lionel Messi retirement: Argentina football matches to halt in tribute to legend He dispelled doubts with a straight-sets first-round victory over Roman Safiullin, but took some time to find his range against the big-serving Faria, who claimed the first break of the match for a 4-3 lead in the first when Alcaraz flubbed a forehand. He made the break stand up to take the set, but Alcaraz stepped up his intensity and Faria folded under the pressure. "Tough match for me," Alcaraz said, adding that after failing to convert an early break point he briefly lost his composure. "After that I was in a rush. I did't take time, I wasn't patient and that obviously cost me the break," he said. "I tried to stay calm ... think good things are going to happen again." Meanwhile a ruthless Sabalenka took the next step on the road to a rare US Open three-peat with a 6-1, 6-1 rout of 160th-ranked Russian qualifier Polina Iatcenko that lasted just 53 minutes. Sabalenka, without a title since her impressive Indian Wells-Miami double in March, delivered 24 winners, showcasing her power from the baseline and an effective touch at the net. She dropped just four points on serve in the opening set and was broken just once to give Iatcenko her only game of the second set. Sabalenka responded by winning the next three to secure the win. "Happy with the level I played today, happy with the focus," said Sabalenka, who will face Uzbekistan's Kamilla Rakhimova for place in the round of 16. Jessica Pegula and former champion Daniil Medvedev also raced into the third round. World number three Pegula needed just 56 minutes to trounce Sofia Kenin, the former Australian Open champion now ranked 110th, 6-3, 6-1. Seventh-seeded Medvedev downed US wild card Sebastian Gorzny 6-1, 6-3, 7-5. Pegula, who is among a trio of players who could supplant Sabalenka atop the world rankings in New York, dropped just seven points on serve. "I was just trying to stay focused on what I needed to do," said the 2024 US Open runner-up, who next meets another former finalist in Canadian Leylah Fernandez - a 6-4, 6-1 winner over Thailand's Mananchaya Sawangkaew 6-4, 6-1. Medvedev, who has struggled in the hard court build-up to the year's final Grand Slam, dominated 731st-ranked Gorzny. Battle to the end Eighth-seeded American Ben Shelton prevailed in a tense "battle to the end" with former world number six Hubert Hurkacz 6-3, 5-7, 7-6 (7/3), 7-5. His 11th-seeded compatriot Frances Tiafoe also advanced holding off Japanese qualifier Rei Sakamoto 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5. Another American tipped as a contender -- in-form 16th-seed Brandon Nakashima -- bowed out, upset by 46th-ranked compatriot Alex Michelsen 6-3, 6-4, 6-4. Argentina's Mariano Navone backed up his epic five-set upset of Serbian star Novak Djokovic with a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) victory over Italian Matteo Berrettini. Outside the covered confines of Ashe and the Louis Armstrong Stadium, rain again disrupted play. Sixth-seeded Australian Alex de Minaur finally got his campaign underway in a match postponed from Tuesday but had to wait out another mid-match rain delay on the way to a 6-2, 6-2, 6-4 first-round victory over Italian Andrea Guerrieri. Lucky loser Bu Yunchaokete of China pulled off a first-round upset, stunning 12th-seeded Spaniard Rafael Jodar 6-2, 6-1, 6-1. Jodar committed 37 unforced errors with just 15 winners in a humbling defeat for the 19-year rising ATP star, who won the ATP title in Marrakech this year and reached the final in Washington and the semis in Montreal recent weeks.

Carlos Alcaraz rallied past Jaime Faria in four sets while Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the US Open third round with a 53-minute win, leading contenders Jessica Pegula and Daniil Medvedev through.

US Open 2026: Carlos Alcaraz, Aryna Sabalenka advance into third round after contrasting wins

The NBA on Tuesday walloped the Los Angeles Clippers with a record $30 million fine, stripped the team of five first-round draft picks and banned owner Steve Ballmer for a year after a probe uncovered major salary cap violations involving star Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers, who said they plan to fight the punishments, will forfeit a first-round NBA Draft pick every year 2029-2033 after having been found to have aided Leonard in evading salary cap rules in deals with team corporate sponsors when he signed in 2022.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/enzo-fernandez-reacts-after-joining-built-for-success-manchester-city-in-record-deal-1788337166040">Enzo Fernandez reacts after joining 'built for success' City in record deal</a>Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000.The $30 million fine is comfortably the largest ever imposed on a team by the NBA, eclipsing the previous largest penalty of $3.5 million against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2000 for breaching salary cap rules."I'm deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers' institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said."The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations."The Clippers, responding in a statement, said the probe was biased to fit what the team called a "predetermined narrative" and vowed to challenge the penalties."We vehemently reject the NBA's findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence," a club statement said.The Clippers said feedback it had received directly from the NBA "differs from what it announced today publicly.""For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence," the statement said."We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process."The Clippers agreed to trade Leonard to Toronto in July but the Raptors said they would await the result of the investigation before finalizing the deal."As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate," Leonard said in a statement.The investigation was into allegations the Clippers compensated Leonard $28 million through an endorsement deal with now-bankrupt Aspiration.It found what the NBA called "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules."Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen &amp; Katz found the Clippers initiated and facilitated sponsorship income deals between Leonard and four team corporate sponsors -- Aspiration, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance.The probe found the club induced companies to enter into agreements with Leonard by offering them business, also paid personal expenses for Leonard and his representatives, and failed to report improper solicitations for income opportunities by Leonard's then-business manager, Dennis Robertson.Leonard, through Robertson, violated salary cap rules by obtaining improper off-court income, pressuring the Clippers to assist him in getting those opportunities and failing to reimburse the Clippers for expenses.Robertson was banned from engaging with NBA teams on behalf of any player, employee or other NBA or team personnel for five years.<h2>'No knowledge'</h2>Leonard accepted responsibility for actions by his representatives but said he had no clue salary cap violations were involved."Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family," Leonard said in a statement."I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap."The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed the penalties are final and binding to all parties but the league said it will "consider further action as appropriate."

Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000.

The NBA on Tuesday walloped the Los Angeles Clippers with a record $30 million fine, stripped the team of five first-round draft picks and banned owner Steve Ballmer for a year after a probe uncovered major salary cap violations involving star Kawhi Leonard. The Clippers, who said they plan to fight the punishments, will forfeit a first-round NBA Draft pick every year 2029-2033 after having been found to have aided Leonard in evading salary cap rules in deals with team corporate sponsors when he signed in 2022. Also Read - Enzo Fernandez reacts after joining 'built for success' City in record deal Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000. The $30 million fine is comfortably the largest ever imposed on a team by the NBA, eclipsing the previous largest penalty of $3.5 million against the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2000 for breaching salary cap rules. "I'm deeply disappointed by the flagrant violations of our rules and by the Clippers' institutional and leadership failures that led to this misconduct," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. "The severity of the penalties reflects the seriousness of the violations." The Clippers, responding in a statement, said the probe was biased to fit what the team called a "predetermined narrative" and vowed to challenge the penalties. "We vehemently reject the NBA's findings, which are the result of a heavily biased investigation seeking to justify a predetermined narrative rather than facts and evidence," a club statement said. The Clippers said feedback it had received directly from the NBA "differs from what it announced today publicly." "For the past year, we cooperated fully and in good faith and we will now fight just as hard to demonstrate our innocence," the statement said. "We intend to vigorously challenge these findings and penalties through every avenue available to us and look forward to an ethical and impartial arbitration process." The Clippers agreed to trade Leonard to Toronto in July but the Raptors said they would await the result of the investigation before finalizing the deal. "As I return to Toronto, I am focused on what I can control, closing this chapter, and moving forward with a clean slate," Leonard said in a statement. The investigation was into allegations the Clippers compensated Leonard $28 million through an endorsement deal with now-bankrupt Aspiration. It found what the NBA called "a pattern of misconduct and multiple significant rules violations by the Clippers organization, a prior offender of the salary cap circumvention rules." Law firm Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz found the Clippers initiated and facilitated sponsorship income deals between Leonard and four team corporate sponsors -- Aspiration, Boingo Wireless, Daktronics and Lockton Insurance. The probe found the club induced companies to enter into agreements with Leonard by offering them business, also paid personal expenses for Leonard and his representatives, and failed to report improper solicitations for income opportunities by Leonard's then-business manager, Dennis Robertson. Leonard, through Robertson, violated salary cap rules by obtaining improper off-court income, pressuring the Clippers to assist him in getting those opportunities and failing to reimburse the Clippers for expenses. Robertson was banned from engaging with NBA teams on behalf of any player, employee or other NBA or team personnel for five years. 'No knowledge' Leonard accepted responsibility for actions by his representatives but said he had no clue salary cap violations were involved. "Integrity and respect for this game are fundamental to who I am. I accept full responsibility for lapses in judgment by people within my inner circle and regret the distraction this situation has caused the fans and my family," Leonard said in a statement. "I entered into my contract with the Clippers as well as the agreements in question in good faith, fully committed to fulfilling my obligations and with no knowledge of any intent on anyone's part to circumvent the salary cap." The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association agreed the penalties are final and binding to all parties but the league said it will "consider further action as appropriate."

Clippers owner Ballmer was banned from all league and team activities for one year, president of business operations Gillian Zucker was suspended for a year and president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank was suspended for six months, while Leonard was fined $700,000.

NBA fines LA Clippers $30 million for salary cap violation involving Kawhi Leonard

Tiger Woods, who pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence after crashing his car in Florida in March, is expected to formally change his plea, court documents showed Tuesday. A "change of plea" hearing early Wednesday (Sep 2) morning was added to the golf superstar's case docket at a Martin County court, online records showed.Woods' lawyer did not immediately respond to AFP request for comment about the nature of the change of plea.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-equal-british-transfer-record-enzo-fernandez-1788287462735">Manchester City equal British transfer record with £125m Enzo Fernandez deal</a>The 15-time major winner crashed his SUV into a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home in March.He was assessed to be impaired by officers at the scene, and had opioid painkillers with him.Woods pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, telling authorities he was looking at his phone and changing radio channels when he crashed.Days later he said he was "stepping away" to seek treatment and focus on his health.He was cleared by a judge to travel overseas to an inpatient facility, reportedly in Switzerland.Woods made his first public appearance since his arrest at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship in June.The following month, a judge ruled that prosecutors could review Woods' hospital treatment, as well as the golfer's prescription drug records.In both cases the information can be reviewed only by prosecutors and designated law enforcement officers and experts and Woods's defense team.Woods has undergone multiple back operations and surgeries on severe leg injuries suffered in a separate, 2021 California car crash.

The 15-time major winner crashed his SUV into a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home in March. He was assessed to be impaired by officers at the scene, and had opioid painkillers with him.

Tiger Woods, who pleaded not guilty to driving under the influence after crashing his car in Florida in March, is expected to formally change his plea, court documents showed Tuesday. A "change of plea" hearing early Wednesday (Sep 2) morning was added to the golf superstar's case docket at a Martin County court, online records showed. Woods' lawyer did not immediately respond to AFP request for comment about the nature of the change of plea. Also Read - Manchester City equal British transfer record with £125m Enzo Fernandez deal The 15-time major winner crashed his SUV into a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home in March. He was assessed to be impaired by officers at the scene, and had opioid painkillers with him. Woods pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of DUI with property damage and refusing to submit to a lawful test, telling authorities he was looking at his phone and changing radio channels when he crashed. Days later he said he was "stepping away" to seek treatment and focus on his health. He was cleared by a judge to travel overseas to an inpatient facility, reportedly in Switzerland. Woods made his first public appearance since his arrest at the PGA Tour's Travelers Championship in June. The following month, a judge ruled that prosecutors could review Woods' hospital treatment, as well as the golfer's prescription drug records. In both cases the information can be reviewed only by prosecutors and designated law enforcement officers and experts and Woods's defense team. Woods has undergone multiple back operations and surgeries on severe leg injuries suffered in a separate, 2021 California car crash.

The 15-time major winner crashed his SUV into a trailer being pulled by a pickup truck near his Jupiter Island home in March. He was assessed to be impaired by officers at the scene, and had opioid painkillers with him.

Tiger Woods set to change his 'no guilty' plea in DUI crash from March

Hollywood star actor and producer Naomi Watts will receive a lifetime achievement award at Spain's top film festival next month, organisers announced on Monday.&nbsp;The San Sebastian Film Festival said the British-born Australian, a two-time Oscar nominee, would take the "Donostia" prize as "one of the most talented and recognised actresses of her generation".&nbsp;Watts, 57, first made a name for herself in David Lynch's 2001 movie "Mulholland Drive" and has played versatile roles in both auteur cinema and big productions.&nbsp;She earned Oscar nominations for her performances in "21 Grams" (2003) by Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and "The Impossible" (2012) under Spain's Juan Antonio Bayona.&nbsp;Inarritu's "Birdman" (2014), "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (2010) by Woody Allen and Michael Haneke's "Funny Games" (1997) feature among her other standout roles.Watts was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work in Ryan Murphy's mini-series "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans", where she was also an executive producer.&nbsp;Watts has also stood out in recent times for raising awareness about women's health and menopause.&nbsp;The prize ceremony will take place on September 19 in the northern coastal city of San Sebastian, where the Spanish-speaking world's most prestigious film festival will run from September 18-26.&nbsp;A showing of the new film "The Housewife" will follow, where Watts stars as the enigmatic wife of a suspected former Nazi official living in 1960s New York.&nbsp;German director, scriptwriter, producer and actor Werner Herzog is also due to take home a Donostia award this year.&nbsp;The illustrious list of previous winners includes Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, Oliver Stone, Agnes Varda, Catherine Deneuve and Pedro Almodovar.

The San Sebastian Film Festival will be honouring British-born Australian actress Naomi Watts for her contribution to cinema. Watts, 57, first made a name for herself in David Lynch's 2001 movie Mulholland Drive.

Hollywood star actor and producer Naomi Watts will receive a lifetime achievement award at Spain's top film festival next month, organisers announced on Monday. The San Sebastian Film Festival said the British-born Australian, a two-time Oscar nominee, would take the "Donostia" prize as "one of the most talented and recognised actresses of her generation". Watts, 57, first made a name for herself in David Lynch's 2001 movie "Mulholland Drive" and has played versatile roles in both auteur cinema and big productions. She earned Oscar nominations for her performances in "21 Grams" (2003) by Mexican director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and "The Impossible" (2012) under Spain's Juan Antonio Bayona. Inarritu's "Birdman" (2014), "You Will Meet a Tall Dark Stranger" (2010) by Woody Allen and Michael Haneke's "Funny Games" (1997) feature among her other standout roles. Watts was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work in Ryan Murphy's mini-series "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans", where she was also an executive producer. Watts has also stood out in recent times for raising awareness about women's health and menopause. The prize ceremony will take place on September 19 in the northern coastal city of San Sebastian, where the Spanish-speaking world's most prestigious film festival will run from September 18-26. A showing of the new film "The Housewife" will follow, where Watts stars as the enigmatic wife of a suspected former Nazi official living in 1960s New York. German director, scriptwriter, producer and actor Werner Herzog is also due to take home a Donostia award this year. The illustrious list of previous winners includes Gregory Peck, Bette Davis, Lauren Bacall, Francis Ford Coppola, Woody Allen, Oliver Stone, Agnes Varda, Catherine Deneuve and Pedro Almodovar.

The San Sebastian Film Festival will be honouring British-born Australian actress Naomi Watts for her contribution to cinema. Watts, 57, first made a name for herself in David Lynch's 2001 movie Mulholland Drive.

Naomi Watts to receive lifetime award at top Spain film festival

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz didn't miss a beat as he returned from a four-month injury absence with a straight-sets first-round victory in the US Open on Monday (Aug 31). Out of action with a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz passed his first test with flying colors, beating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also made it safely into the second round."It's been a really tough five months for me," Alcaraz said. "Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn't decide to come back in a better tournament. It's a really special place for me."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-venus-williams-suffers-first-round-exit-in-record-26th-appearance-1788160905576">US Open: Venus Williams suffers first-round exit in record 26th appearance</a>"I tried to enjoy as much as I can," he added. "I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything."Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.Monday's performance might not have been peak Alcaraz, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion unleashed his powerful forehand with increasing confidence and displayed his familiar touch at the net."I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure," said Alcaraz, who said he was most proud that he was able to quell his own doubts about his fitness."I tried to forget everything, I tried to enjoy," he said.Alcaraz's smooth move into the second round came less than 24 hours after ailing Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years, falling in five brutal sets to Mariano Navone.The tournament was already missing top-ranked Jannik Sinner, absent with a bad knee, and Djokovic's exit removed another possible obstacle for Alcaraz, who could have met the Serb superstar in the semi-finals.<h2>Aggressive Sabalenka</h2>Sabalenka's bid for a rare US Open three-peat comes amid a worrying drop in form, but the Belarusian star rose to the occasion in a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio.She was slowed by 23 unforced errors but belted 32 winners to more than compensate, her thunderous groundstrokes proving enough to see off a counter-punching opponent who stepped up her game in the second set."She brought the fight," Sabalenka said. "She battled really well and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible."I think I played great. She's a tough opponent, makes you work really hard to get every point, so I'm happy that I was able to close the match in straight sets," she added.Sabalenka hasn't reached a final since capturing the prestigious "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami back in March.Poland's six-time Grand Slam singles champion Iga Swiatek sailed into the second round with a straight sets victory over China's Wang Xiyu.Eighth-seeded Swiatek, who defeated Sabalenka on the way to her lone US Open triumph in 2022, eased past Wang 6-2, 6-3 in 1hr 28min."It was a good day in the office," Swiatek said afterwards. "I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity. I want to keep it that way."Elsewhere Frenchman Arthur Fils, flying high after his first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati, was brought back to earth by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-4.Tsitsipas bagged his first win over 22-year-old Fis in six encounters."I am speechless, I don't know what to say," said Tsitsipas, a former top five player who has slumped to 53 in the world. "It's an amazing start to the tournament."With top-seeded German Alexander Zverev due to open his campaign on Tuesday, Monday night's showcourt action on Ashe saw American eighth seed Ben Shelton overcome a rocky start before booking his place in the second round with a four-set defeat of the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor.Shelton looked out of sorts as Griekspoor roared through the first set with three breaks of serve to win 6-1.But Shelton turned the tables to score a 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory in 2hr 35min."Started off with a little bit of nerves tonight, but I found my rhythm," Shelton said.The final game on the Ashe court sees Naomi Osaka, whose four Grand Slam titles include two US Opens, take on Anastasia Zakharova.

Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz didn't miss a beat as he returned from a four-month injury absence with a straight-sets first-round victory in the US Open on Monday (Aug 31). Out of action with a wrist injury since April, Alcaraz passed his first test with flying colors, beating Russian Roman Safiullin 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 at Arthur Ashe Stadium, where women's defending champion Aryna Sabalenka also made it safely into the second round. "It's been a really tough five months for me," Alcaraz said. "Being able to step on the Arthur Ashe, being able to compete again, I couldn't decide to come back in a better tournament. It's a really special place for me." Also Read - US Open: Venus Williams suffers first-round exit in record 26th appearance "I tried to enjoy as much as I can," he added. "I missed the crowd, I missed the energy, I missed competition. I missed everything." Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam. Monday's performance might not have been peak Alcaraz, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion unleashed his powerful forehand with increasing confidence and displayed his familiar touch at the net. "I think the level of tennis is going to be better for sure," said Alcaraz, who said he was most proud that he was able to quell his own doubts about his fitness. "I tried to forget everything, I tried to enjoy," he said. Alcaraz's smooth move into the second round came less than 24 hours after ailing Novak Djokovic suffered his earliest Grand Slam exit in 20 years, falling in five brutal sets to Mariano Navone. The tournament was already missing top-ranked Jannik Sinner, absent with a bad knee, and Djokovic's exit removed another possible obstacle for Alcaraz, who could have met the Serb superstar in the semi-finals. Aggressive Sabalenka Sabalenka's bid for a rare US Open three-peat comes amid a worrying drop in form, but the Belarusian star rose to the occasion in a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Camila Osorio. She was slowed by 23 unforced errors but belted 32 winners to more than compensate, her thunderous groundstrokes proving enough to see off a counter-punching opponent who stepped up her game in the second set. "She brought the fight," Sabalenka said. "She battled really well and I just tried to stay as aggressive as possible. "I think I played great. She's a tough opponent, makes you work really hard to get every point, so I'm happy that I was able to close the match in straight sets," she added. Sabalenka hasn't reached a final since capturing the prestigious "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami back in March. Poland's six-time Grand Slam singles champion Iga Swiatek sailed into the second round with a straight sets victory over China's Wang Xiyu. Eighth-seeded Swiatek, who defeated Sabalenka on the way to her lone US Open triumph in 2022, eased past Wang 6-2, 6-3 in 1hr 28min. "It was a good day in the office," Swiatek said afterwards. "I felt pretty good right from the beginning and I had the energy and the intensity. I want to keep it that way." Elsewhere Frenchman Arthur Fils, flying high after his first ATP Masters title in Cincinnati, was brought back to earth by Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas 4-6, 7-6 (7/3), 6-1, 6-4. Tsitsipas bagged his first win over 22-year-old Fis in six encounters. "I am speechless, I don't know what to say," said Tsitsipas, a former top five player who has slumped to 53 in the world. "It's an amazing start to the tournament." With top-seeded German Alexander Zverev due to open his campaign on Tuesday, Monday night's showcourt action on Ashe saw American eighth seed Ben Shelton overcome a rocky start before booking his place in the second round with a four-set defeat of the Netherlands' Tallon Griekspoor. Shelton looked out of sorts as Griekspoor roared through the first set with three breaks of serve to win 6-1. But Shelton turned the tables to score a 1-6, 6-1, 7-6 (7/3), 6-2 victory in 2hr 35min. "Started off with a little bit of nerves tonight, but I found my rhythm," Shelton said. The final game on the Ashe court sees Naomi Osaka, whose four Grand Slam titles include two US Opens, take on Anastasia Zakharova.

Alcaraz is trying to bookend his season with Grand Slam titles after his Australian Open triumph in January made him the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.

US Open: Defending champion Alcaraz makes winning return to Flushing Meadows

The Venice Film Festival kicks off Wednesday with few Hollywood productions but plenty of indie gems, heavy-hitting documentaries and A-listers.&nbsp;AFP picks the films, the issues and the personalities that are likely to attract the most attention during one of the world's most glamourous film events, which runs until September 12.&nbsp;<h2>- Murdoch biopic -</h2>&nbsp;The festival and main competition starts with a promising opener by British "Trainspotting" and "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle who is premiering his latest movie "Ink" about right-wing media tycoon Rupert Murdoch.&nbsp;Australia-born Murdoch, the 95-year-old Fox News owner, has been the subject of several new biographies recently and a dramatisation of his family's internal battles in hit HBO series "Succession".&nbsp;Boyle focuses on his arrival in the UK media industry in 1969 when he purchased The Sun tabloid.<h2>- 'Musk' -</h2>&nbsp;Oscar-winning documentary maker Alex Gibney, whose previous films chronicled US military abuse and corruption, has turned his attention to the world's richest man, Elon Musk.&nbsp;"Hit piece for sure. Gibney is incapable of anything else," the billionaire wrote on X last month of the nearly four-hour film titled "Musk".&nbsp;<h2>- Robert Pattinson -</h2>&nbsp;Robert Pattinson will be one of the biggest names on the Venice Lido this year, with the "Batman" and "The Odyssey" star appearing in "Primetime" by Lance Oppenheim.&nbsp;It is based on the real-life story of American TV show "To Catch a Predator" that sought to expose paedophiles, with Pattinson set to play presenter Chris Hansen.&nbsp;Hollywood favourite George Clooney will also add some stardust when he picks up a lifetime achievement Golden Lion award alongside Ellen Burstyn ("The Exorcist",&nbsp;"Interstellar").&nbsp;<h2>- Studios and streamers -</h2>&nbsp;American industry behemoths -- the Hollywood studios and streamers Netflix and Amazon -- turned up en masse in Venice in 2025 with a slate of pretty underwhelming movies.&nbsp;They are skipping this year's edition, extending a trend seen at Europe's other two biggest film events in 2026, the Berlin and Cannes festivals, where they also shunned organisers.&nbsp;&nbsp;- Indie and arthouse -&nbsp;Hollywood's absence will leave more attention and eyeballs for some of the strong independently produced movies on offer.&nbsp;These include "Wild Horse Nine", a dark comedy by Ireland's Martin McDonagh starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, "Company" by Casey Affleck, as well as "Bucking Fastard" by German veteran Werner Herzog, featuring sisters Kate Mara and Rooney Mara.&nbsp;Two of Asia's acclaimed filmmakers, Japan's Hirokazu Koreeda and South Korea's Lee Chang-dong, are also in the main competition with their latest "Look Back" and "Possible Love".&nbsp;<h2>- Manchester's finest -</h2>&nbsp;The oft-feuding Oasis rock'n'roll brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are set to light up the Lido to promote a documentary about their sold-out comeback tour last year.&nbsp;"Don't Look Back in Anger" promises a behind-the-scenes look at the Oasis mania sparked by the reunion, produced by Steven Knight, the creator of the "Peaky Blinders" series.&nbsp;<h2>- Palestine -</h2>&nbsp;A new documentary called "NAZA" from two of the directors of Oscar-winning Israeli-Palestinian production "No Other Land" is one of several films in Venice about Israel's war in Gaza.&nbsp;Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor explore Israel's AI-assisted targeting systems in Gaza where an estimated 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since 2023, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;Other documentaries on the conflict include "Citizen Osama" about a photojournalist in Gaza, while "Road to Jericho" by Israeli director Amos Gitai documents Jewish extremist settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.&nbsp;<h2>- Men's club -</h2>&nbsp;Venice supremo Alberto Barbera prompted a backlash by selecting just one film by a woman director in the initial 20-strong main competition announced in July -- the appropriately titled "Woman Unknown" by May El-Toukhy.&nbsp;The quality of submissions from women directors "was not enough to put them into the competition," he argued -- which led to an open letter from campaign and industry groups.&nbsp;The late addition of "NAZA" improved the gender balanced very slightly -- it is co-directed by a woman.&nbsp;<h2>- Spanish power couple -</h2>&nbsp;For fans of Spain's power couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, French director Florian Zeller's latest movie "Bunker" is a must-see.&nbsp;The real-life couple, who got together on the set of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2008, play partners in a faltering marriage whose relationship is tested by a lucrative professional project for a billionaire played by Paul Dano.

With Hollywood taking a backseat, the Venice Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, driven by indie highlights, powerful documentaries, and major star power.

The Venice Film Festival kicks off Wednesday with few Hollywood productions but plenty of indie gems, heavy-hitting documentaries and A-listers. AFP picks the films, the issues and the personalities that are likely to attract the most attention during one of the world's most glamourous film events, which runs until September 12. - Murdoch biopic - The festival and main competition starts with a promising opener by British "Trainspotting" and "Slumdog Millionaire" director Danny Boyle who is premiering his latest movie "Ink" about right-wing media tycoon Rupert Murdoch. Australia-born Murdoch, the 95-year-old Fox News owner, has been the subject of several new biographies recently and a dramatisation of his family's internal battles in hit HBO series "Succession". Boyle focuses on his arrival in the UK media industry in 1969 when he purchased The Sun tabloid. - 'Musk' - Oscar-winning documentary maker Alex Gibney, whose previous films chronicled US military abuse and corruption, has turned his attention to the world's richest man, Elon Musk. "Hit piece for sure. Gibney is incapable of anything else," the billionaire wrote on X last month of the nearly four-hour film titled "Musk". - Robert Pattinson - Robert Pattinson will be one of the biggest names on the Venice Lido this year, with the "Batman" and "The Odyssey" star appearing in "Primetime" by Lance Oppenheim. It is based on the real-life story of American TV show "To Catch a Predator" that sought to expose paedophiles, with Pattinson set to play presenter Chris Hansen. Hollywood favourite George Clooney will also add some stardust when he picks up a lifetime achievement Golden Lion award alongside Ellen Burstyn ("The Exorcist", "Interstellar"). - Studios and streamers - American industry behemoths -- the Hollywood studios and streamers Netflix and Amazon -- turned up en masse in Venice in 2025 with a slate of pretty underwhelming movies. They are skipping this year's edition, extending a trend seen at Europe's other two biggest film events in 2026, the Berlin and Cannes festivals, where they also shunned organisers. - Indie and arthouse - Hollywood's absence will leave more attention and eyeballs for some of the strong independently produced movies on offer. These include "Wild Horse Nine", a dark comedy by Ireland's Martin McDonagh starring John Malkovich and Sam Rockwell, "Company" by Casey Affleck, as well as "Bucking Fastard" by German veteran Werner Herzog, featuring sisters Kate Mara and Rooney Mara. Two of Asia's acclaimed filmmakers, Japan's Hirokazu Koreeda and South Korea's Lee Chang-dong, are also in the main competition with their latest "Look Back" and "Possible Love". - Manchester's finest - The oft-feuding Oasis rock'n'roll brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher are set to light up the Lido to promote a documentary about their sold-out comeback tour last year. "Don't Look Back in Anger" promises a behind-the-scenes look at the Oasis mania sparked by the reunion, produced by Steven Knight, the creator of the "Peaky Blinders" series. - Palestine - A new documentary called "NAZA" from two of the directors of Oscar-winning Israeli-Palestinian production "No Other Land" is one of several films in Venice about Israel's war in Gaza. Israeli directors Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor explore Israel's AI-assisted targeting systems in Gaza where an estimated 73,000 Palestinians have been killed since 2023, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Other documentaries on the conflict include "Citizen Osama" about a photojournalist in Gaza, while "Road to Jericho" by Israeli director Amos Gitai documents Jewish extremist settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. - Men's club - Venice supremo Alberto Barbera prompted a backlash by selecting just one film by a woman director in the initial 20-strong main competition announced in July -- the appropriately titled "Woman Unknown" by May El-Toukhy. The quality of submissions from women directors "was not enough to put them into the competition," he argued -- which led to an open letter from campaign and industry groups. The late addition of "NAZA" improved the gender balanced very slightly -- it is co-directed by a woman. - Spanish power couple - For fans of Spain's power couple Penelope Cruz and Javier Bardem, French director Florian Zeller's latest movie "Bunker" is a must-see. The real-life couple, who got together on the set of "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" in 2008, play partners in a faltering marriage whose relationship is tested by a lucrative professional project for a billionaire played by Paul Dano.

With Hollywood taking a backseat, the Venice Film Festival kicks off Wednesday, driven by indie highlights, powerful documentaries, and major star power.

Venice Film Festival 2026: Indie gems, star power, and controversy lead a Hollywood-light lineup

The latest "Spider-Man" epic held the North American box office in its web Sunday for a fifth consecutive week, displaying major staying power for a summer blockbuster that faced fierce competition from "The Odyssey."&nbsp;With its modest first-place haul of $22 million as students began returning to school, Sony's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," has now brought in $891.5 million in the United States and Canada -- and an additional $1.44 billion internationally -- according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations.&nbsp;The latest movie chapter in the Marvel comic book adventure starring Tom Holland and real-life wife Zendaya, and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, follows Peter Parker as he struggles with changes to his powers and lives in isolation after erasing his identity.&nbsp;Debuting in second place with $15.5 million was "Coyote vs ACME," a family-friendly animation-live action hybrid from Warner Bros. that explores the connection between children's entertainment and the financial interests of corporate America.&nbsp;The third Looney Tunes feature film stars professional wrestler-turned-actor John Cena, Will Forte and Lana Condor, along with several animated characters of yore.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/spider-man-brand-new-day-review-a-mature-peter-parker-navigates-heartbreak-loneliness-and-new-evil-1785397388024">Spider-Man: Brand New Day review: Peter Parker navigates heartbreak and new evil</a>&nbsp;"The BO (box office) numbers are fair, but the reception is excellent and the release should set up good ancillary business for kids' viewing, where the film should recoup its investment," analyst David A. Gross wrote in his industry newsletter.&nbsp;Holding steady in third spot was Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," the Universal film based on Homer's ancient poem that spent its first two weeks at number one before it was bounced by Spidey.&nbsp;The modern adaption of one of humanity's oldest stories added $14.3 million in its seventh week out, bringing its domestic total to $564 million with nearly $1 billion more in international ticket sales.&nbsp;Slipping from second to fourth place was the Sony Pictures-distributed "Insidious: Out of the Further," which earned $10.1 million in its second week for the sixth installment of the horror franchise.&nbsp;The movie, starring Amelia Eve and Brandon Perea, follows the story of a young woman who can bring spirits into the mortal world but is herself haunted.&nbsp;Entering at fifth was 20th Century's "The Dog Stars," a post-apocalyptic drama directed by Ridley Scott adapted from Peter Heller's 2021 novel and starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/tom-holland-s-spider-man-s-next-mcu-appearance-doomsday-secret-wars-what-the-brand-new-day-end-credits-reveal-1785573011599">Tom Holland's Spider-Man’s next MCU appearance: Doomsday, Secret Wars? What the Brand New Day end-credits reveal</a><h2>Rounding out the top 10 were:</h2>&nbsp;"Buddy" ($5.6 million)&nbsp;"The End of Oak Street" ($5.0 million)&nbsp;"Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie" ($4.9 million)&nbsp;"Mutiny" ($2.8 million)&nbsp;"Tony" ($2.2 million)

Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to dominate the North American box office for the fifth consecutive week. The latest movie chapter in the Marvel comic book adventure stars Tom Holland and his real-life wife Zendaya. The film has been directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

The latest "Spider-Man" epic held the North American box office in its web Sunday for a fifth consecutive week, displaying major staying power for a summer blockbuster that faced fierce competition from "The Odyssey." With its modest first-place haul of $22 million as students began returning to school, Sony's "Spider-Man: Brand New Day," has now brought in $891.5 million in the United States and Canada -- and an additional $1.44 billion internationally -- according to industry watcher Exhibitor Relations. The latest movie chapter in the Marvel comic book adventure starring Tom Holland and real-life wife Zendaya, and directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, follows Peter Parker as he struggles with changes to his powers and lives in isolation after erasing his identity. Debuting in second place with $15.5 million was "Coyote vs ACME," a family-friendly animation-live action hybrid from Warner Bros. that explores the connection between children's entertainment and the financial interests of corporate America. The third Looney Tunes feature film stars professional wrestler-turned-actor John Cena, Will Forte and Lana Condor, along with several animated characters of yore. Also read: Spider-Man: Brand New Day review: Peter Parker navigates heartbreak and new evil "The BO (box office) numbers are fair, but the reception is excellent and the release should set up good ancillary business for kids' viewing, where the film should recoup its investment," analyst David A. Gross wrote in his industry newsletter. Holding steady in third spot was Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," the Universal film based on Homer's ancient poem that spent its first two weeks at number one before it was bounced by Spidey. The modern adaption of one of humanity's oldest stories added $14.3 million in its seventh week out, bringing its domestic total to $564 million with nearly $1 billion more in international ticket sales. Slipping from second to fourth place was the Sony Pictures-distributed "Insidious: Out of the Further," which earned $10.1 million in its second week for the sixth installment of the horror franchise. The movie, starring Amelia Eve and Brandon Perea, follows the story of a young woman who can bring spirits into the mortal world but is herself haunted. Entering at fifth was 20th Century's "The Dog Stars," a post-apocalyptic drama directed by Ridley Scott adapted from Peter Heller's 2021 novel and starring Jacob Elordi and Josh Brolin. Also read: Tom Holland's Spider-Man’s next MCU appearance: Doomsday, Secret Wars? What the Brand New Day end-credits reveal Rounding out the top 10 were: "Buddy" ($5.6 million) "The End of Oak Street" ($5.0 million) "Paw Patrol: The Dino Movie" ($4.9 million) "Mutiny" ($2.8 million) "Tony" ($2.2 million)

Spider-Man: Brand New Day continues to dominate the North American box office for the fifth consecutive week. The latest movie chapter in the Marvel comic book adventure stars Tom Holland and his real-life wife Zendaya. The film has been directed by Destin Daniel Cretton.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day keeps spinning gold for North America box office

A minibus carrying churchgoers collided head-on with a truck in central Zimbabwe, killing at least 27 people, police said Saturday, in the latest deadly road crash to hit the country.The crash occurred at around 1830 GMT on Friday near Chivhu, about 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of the capital Harare, police said.The foreign-registered haulage truck was overtaking another vehicle when it collided with the minibus, which was carrying worshippers to a conference.Both vehicles were carrying an "unknown" number of passengers, police said. Seven people were injured in the crash.Footage shared on social media by public broadcaster ZBC showed the mangled minibus charred to a shell, with the truck coming to rest on the opposite side of the road.The crash occurred in a flat, remote stretch of road, with low vegetation lining the roadside and open terrain beyond.Traffic accidents are common in Zimbabwe, where roads are riddled with potholes due to years of underfunding and neglect, and driving standards can be poor.For everyday transport, many Zimbabweans rely on the privately run minibus taxis, known locally as kombi, but they are often criticised for overloading.In April, at least 18 people were killed when a minibus burst into flames on a highway in the south, while earlier that month a woman and her five children died when their vehicle collided with a haulage truck on another highway linking Zimbabwe and South Africa.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Footage shared on social media showed the mangled minibus charred to a shell, with the truck coming to rest on the opposite side of the road.

A minibus carrying churchgoers collided head-on with a truck in central Zimbabwe, killing at least 27 people, police said Saturday, in the latest deadly road crash to hit the country. The crash occurred at around 1830 GMT on Friday near Chivhu, about 140 kilometres (87 miles) south of the capital Harare, police said. The foreign-registered haulage truck was overtaking another vehicle when it collided with the minibus, which was carrying worshippers to a conference. Both vehicles were carrying an "unknown" number of passengers, police said. Seven people were injured in the crash. Footage shared on social media by public broadcaster ZBC showed the mangled minibus charred to a shell, with the truck coming to rest on the opposite side of the road. The crash occurred in a flat, remote stretch of road, with low vegetation lining the roadside and open terrain beyond. Traffic accidents are common in Zimbabwe, where roads are riddled with potholes due to years of underfunding and neglect, and driving standards can be poor. For everyday transport, many Zimbabweans rely on the privately run minibus taxis, known locally as kombi, but they are often criticised for overloading. In April, at least 18 people were killed when a minibus burst into flames on a highway in the south, while earlier that month a woman and her five children died when their vehicle collided with a haulage truck on another highway linking Zimbabwe and South Africa. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Footage shared on social media showed the mangled minibus charred to a shell, with the truck coming to rest on the opposite side of the road.

Zimbabwe crash: 27 churchgoers killed after minibus collides with truck

Indian authorities recovered seven bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, believed to be victims of devastating floods, officials said Friday, underscoring the scale of the deadly disaster.The bodies were found floating in rivers in the Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh state, which borders Nepal's southern flood-hit Chitwan region."Four unidentified bodies were recovered in the district on Thursday," Maharajganj district magistrate Gaurav Singh Sogarwal told AFP."We think they have been swept into India from Nepal following flash floods there."Three more bodies were recovered in Kushinagar district, around 70 kilometres (43 miles) downstream from the frontier, a police official confirmed.Authorities are working to identify the bodies.At least 472 people were killed in the floods, including 469 bodies recovered in Nepal, and three in China. At least 1,400 others are missing. The seven bodies in India are not included in that toll.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience. &nbsp;

Seven bodies believed to be Nepal flood victims were recovered from rivers in India’s Uttar Pradesh, as the disaster’s death toll reached 472, with 1,400 people still missing.

Indian authorities recovered seven bodies from rivers flowing from Nepal, believed to be victims of devastating floods, officials said Friday, underscoring the scale of the deadly disaster. The bodies were found floating in rivers in the Maharajganj and Kushinagar districts of Uttar Pradesh state, which borders Nepal's southern flood-hit Chitwan region. "Four unidentified bodies were recovered in the district on Thursday," Maharajganj district magistrate Gaurav Singh Sogarwal told AFP. "We think they have been swept into India from Nepal following flash floods there." Three more bodies were recovered in Kushinagar district, around 70 kilometres (43 miles) downstream from the frontier, a police official confirmed. Authorities are working to identify the bodies. At least 472 people were killed in the floods, including 469 bodies recovered in Nepal, and three in China. At least 1,400 others are missing. The seven bodies in India are not included in that toll. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Seven bodies believed to be Nepal flood victims were recovered from rivers in India’s Uttar Pradesh, as the disaster’s death toll reached 472, with 1,400 people still missing.

Nepal floods: 7 bodies wash up downstream in India’s Uttar Pradesh

Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European football's governing body expected to drop a threatened boycott of global competitions. UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-open-2026-watch-roger-federer-makes-winning-return-to-arthur-ashe-stadium-1787737438311">US Open 2026: Roger Federer makes winning return to Arthur Ashe Stadium</a>UEFA, under president Aleksander Ceferin, had described the proposal in scathing terms, labelling it a "shady, opaque backroom deal"."No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," said the European governing body in a strong statement widely credited as being pivotal in the controversial plan being quickly shelved.However, with UEFA executives and European member associations meeting in the glitzy surrounds of Monaco on Thursday just before the Champions League draw, sources told AFP the threat to boycott FIFA tournaments would "likely" be withdrawn.UEFA had demanded that the plan be ditched, but also sought assurances "that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again".One source on Wednesday told AFP that they were satisfied that second condition had now been met.The immediate result of that will be that UEFA does not risk undermining its united front in wanting Infantino to step down, which would be the case if not all of its members backed a boycott.The Under-20 Women's World Cup takes place in Poland next month and European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is still ongoing.<h2>PSG target three in a row</h2>Meanwhile, in the men's game, the focus reverts back to the cream of club football in the aftermath of the World Cup in North America.With the leading leagues in Europe getting going again, the continent's elite will discover later Thursday who they will face in the league phase of this season's Champions League.Paris Saint-Germain will begin their quest to win a third consecutive title after retaining the European Cup at the end of last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest.The Real Madrid team of 2016 to 2018 are the only side in the last 50 years to have been European champions three years running."We have won the last two, which means we can win a third. It will be very hard, but that is our ambition," PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters earlier this month.This is the third season since the introduction of a new format for the Champions League, with 36 teams now all pooled together in one giant league and each playing games against eight different opponents.Elite European club football is becoming increasingly polarised, and the continent's richest teams will again feature prominently and take away the majority of the riches on offer.Half the competing clubs will come from the leading domestic leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. The Premier League has five representatives in Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Spain also has five clubs including Real Betis who return to the Champions League after two decades away.Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, will feature for the first time after upsetting the traditional order in Italy.There will also be a Champions League debut for upstarts Sabah of Azerbaijan, who started out in the first qualifying round and have won four ties to reach this point.LASK of Austria also make their debut in the Champions League proper after a stunning comeback to beat Celtic in the play-offs.The first round of matches in this season's competition will take place between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10.The league phase will conclude in late January, while this season's final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

Thursday's draw for this season's Champions League has been somewhat overshadowed by the latest developments in the dispute between UEFA and FIFA over plans to bring private financing into the World Cup, with European football's governing body expected to drop a threatened boycott of global competitions. UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The proposal would have allowed private investors to acquire stakes in a company created under the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. Also Read - US Open 2026: Roger Federer makes winning return to Arthur Ashe Stadium UEFA, under president Aleksander Ceferin, had described the proposal in scathing terms, labelling it a "shady, opaque backroom deal". "No UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive," said the European governing body in a strong statement widely credited as being pivotal in the controversial plan being quickly shelved. However, with UEFA executives and European member associations meeting in the glitzy surrounds of Monaco on Thursday just before the Champions League draw, sources told AFP the threat to boycott FIFA tournaments would "likely" be withdrawn. UEFA had demanded that the plan be ditched, but also sought assurances "that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again". One source on Wednesday told AFP that they were satisfied that second condition had now been met. The immediate result of that will be that UEFA does not risk undermining its united front in wanting Infantino to step down, which would be the case if not all of its members backed a boycott. The Under-20 Women's World Cup takes place in Poland next month and European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil is still ongoing. PSG target three in a row Meanwhile, in the men's game, the focus reverts back to the cream of club football in the aftermath of the World Cup in North America. With the leading leagues in Europe getting going again, the continent's elite will discover later Thursday who they will face in the league phase of this season's Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain will begin their quest to win a third consecutive title after retaining the European Cup at the end of last season by beating Arsenal on penalties in the final in Budapest. The Real Madrid team of 2016 to 2018 are the only side in the last 50 years to have been European champions three years running. "We have won the last two, which means we can win a third. It will be very hard, but that is our ambition," PSG coach Luis Enrique told reporters earlier this month. This is the third season since the introduction of a new format for the Champions League, with 36 teams now all pooled together in one giant league and each playing games against eight different opponents. Elite European club football is becoming increasingly polarised, and the continent's richest teams will again feature prominently and take away the majority of the riches on offer. Half the competing clubs will come from the leading domestic leagues in England, Spain, Italy and Germany. The Premier League has five representatives in Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool and Aston Villa, while Spain also has five clubs including Real Betis who return to the Champions League after two decades away. Como, coached by former Arsenal, Barcelona and Spain star Cesc Fabregas, will feature for the first time after upsetting the traditional order in Italy. There will also be a Champions League debut for upstarts Sabah of Azerbaijan, who started out in the first qualifying round and have won four ties to reach this point. LASK of Austria also make their debut in the Champions League proper after a stunning comeback to beat Celtic in the play-offs. The first round of matches in this season's competition will take place between Tuesday, September 8 and Thursday, September 10. The league phase will conclude in late January, while this season's final will be played at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.

UEFA, whose clubs and national teams dominate football's global economy, reacted furiously when it emerged in late July that Gianni Infantino's FIFA was aiming to create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest events, such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.

UEFA to withdraw boycott threat against FIFA ahead of Champions League draw

Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.

Afp