SPORTS HEADLINES

Shelton ends Alcaraz’s title reign in late-night marathon, will face Tiafoe in US Open semis

NEW YORK (AP) — Ben Shelton ended Carlos Alcaraz’s title reign in the latest-finishing match in U.S. Open history as he pulled out a 6-7, 6-1, 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 victory in a marathon tussle that ended at 3:33 a.m. Alcaraz had his 18-match winning streak in Grand Slam tournaments ended in a match that lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes. Shelton next plays No. 11 seed Frances Tiafoe who kept coming back until he had reached his third U.S. Open semifinal by beating Alex Michelsen 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6. The U.S. is guaranteed to have a representative in Sunday’s final as it seeks its first men’s major title since Andy Roddick lifted the title in New York in 2003.

Aryna Sabalenka edges Linda Noskova to keep three-peat hopes alive in a marathon day at the US Open

NEW YORK (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka kept alive her hopes for a third straight U.S. Open title by fighting off Linda Noskova 7-6 (1), 3-6, 7-6 (10-7) in a thrilling quarterfinal matchup of major champions. Sabalenka finished off the match with a second-serve ace to turn back the Wimbledon champion and reach the semifinals in Flushing Meadows for the sixth straight year. Sabalenka — who needed to win to maintain any hope of keeping the No. 1 ranking — will face No. 3 Jessica Pegula on Thursday in the semifinals.

Tiafoe gives Michelsen a hug and a shoulder to cry on after his US Open victory

NEW YORK (AP) — Frances Tiafoe knew Alex Michelsen needed a shoulder to cry on. So after handing his fellow American a crushing defeat in the U.S. Open quarterfinals Tuesday, Tiafoe held Michelsen in a long embrace while the 22-year-old sobbed into his shoulder. Michelsen was playing in his first Grand Slam quarterfinal and was just a few points from winning it after winning the first two sets. The No. 11-seeded Tiafoe came back to win 5-7, 3-6, 7-5, 6-3, 7-6 (10-6), starting his turnaround after Michelsen failed to serve out the match with a 5-4 lead in the third set.

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers agree on a $165M, 3-year extension, AP source says

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed on a $165 million, three-year contract extension, a person with knowledge of the deal told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Tuesday because the team hasn’t announced the contract extension. Mayfield revived his career in Tampa Bay after replacing Tom Brady in 2023. He was entering the final season of his three-year, $100 million deal. Mayfield was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft by Cleveland. He made the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons in Tampa while leading the Bucs to consecutive NFC South titles.

LIV Golf files for bankruptcy protection as it tries to survive in a smaller version

LIV Golf has filed for bankruptcy protection in a New Jersey court. The move was widely expected after Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund abruptly cut off support. The fifth year of the breakaway league ended last month. LIV says part of its plan moving forward is to restructure with BC Partners as its lead investor. CEO Scott O’Neil says the plan is to expand the field to 75 players and have a 36-hole cut for the first time. LIV estimates some $500 million in debt. Still to be determined is whether LIV will keep some of its biggest names.

Zhang Ziyu towers in her World Cup debut as 7-foot-3 sensation hopes to get China to quarterfinals

BERLIN (AP) — Zhang Ziyu has made quite an impression in her women’s FIBA World Cup debut. While the 7-foot-3 center for China may not have had a breakout game yet, whenever she is on the court she is noticed. She’ll try and help China reach the quarterfinals when it faces Puerto Rico on Wednesday in a qualification game. Paige Bueckers had a moment with Zhang on the court when the U.S. played China in the opener of pool play for both teams. A video went viral of the pair chatting. Bueckers told the AP the conversation was all fun.

Southeastern Conference leaders to discuss expelling LSU, which backs off rostering pro players

The Southeastern Conference plans to meet Thursday to discuss possibly expelling LSU over a dispute over whether the school can use players who signed with NFL teams as undrafted rookies. An LSU official confirmed the final roster excludes these players. LSU’s membership is under scrutiny due to alleged violations of conference rules. Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the importance of adhering to SEC principles. The meeting will address concerns about LSU’s leadership and potential rule breaches.

Aaron Judge goes 0 for 3 with 2 Ks in return to Yankees after 99-day absence caused by broken rib

NEW YORK (AP) — Aaron Judge struck out twice and flied out as he returned to the New York Yankees after a 99-day absence — a gap that matched his uniform number. Recovered from a broken rib, Judge started in right field and batted third Tuesday night in a 5-3 win over the Colorado Rockies that drew a sellout crowd of 46,211. Judge swung under a four-seam fastball from rookie right-hander Gabriel Hughes in the first inning and flied out to deep right-center in the fourth, then took a called third strike on a full-count pitch from rookie left-hander Mark Manfredi in the sixth.

Alcaraz says ‘I leave with a smile’ after epic US Open loss to Shelton

NEW YORK (AP) — When Ben Shelton defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set match at the US Open it was the latest finish in the tournament’s history. The match concluded at 3:33 a.m. But despite the loss Alcaraz smiled and expressed pride in his performance. He says he left the court happy, healthy and proud of the fight he put up. Shelton’s victory propels him to the semifinals against Frances Tiafoe. Alcaraz praised Shelton’s mature play and called him “a beast.” The match captivated fans, including two friends and Alcaraz supporters who attended their first tennis tournament.

McIlroy says Trump’s Irish Open visit will bring tight security and a different feel

DOONBEG, Ireland (AP) — Rory McIlroy says President Donald Trump’s planned visit to the Irish Open poses logistical challenges and will change the atmosphere. Trump plans to attend the tournament at his golf course in Doonbeg, County Clare. His trip will require extra security measures. McIlroy told BBC Sport that Trump’s golf resorts have hosted major events and he is a big supporter of golf. According to the BBC, Trump may present the Irish Open winner with the trophy on Sunday evening. McIlroy added that crowds will be limited during the weekend due to the visit.