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Alexander Zverev gave himself a memorable birthday gift on Sunday, defeating Ben Shelton 6-2, 6-4 to win the BMW Open in Munich.
On his 28th birthday, the German secured his third title at the tournament in front of his home fans in just 71 minutes. It was his 24th ATP Tour victory.
Since reaching the Australian Open final in January, Zverev was just 6-6 in tour matches, but he seemed refreshed in Munich, taken to three sets just once on the road to the final of the clay-court tournament.
In the final, Zverev won 89% of points on his first serve and had just seven unforced errors compared to 21 for Shelton. He didn't face a break point and broke Shelton's serve three times as he moved to 2-0 in his career against the 22-year-old American.
Zverev previously won in Munich in 2017 and 2018.
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US Open mixed doubles proves to be huge hit with fans, new attendance record set at 2025 event
The 2025 US Open kicked off this week, with the revamped mixed doubles tournament taking place over two days. Although there were several complaints regarding the new format, this did not stop fans from flocking to the venue, as organizers revealed a new fan attendance record had been set at this year's event. The newly reimagined mixed doubles tournament saw several top ATP and WTA stars join forces to compete as teams, with only one pair of doubles specialists invited to the Grand Slam event. Former singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Emma Raducanu were a highly popular team, as they competed against the likes of Jessica Pegula and Jack Draper, and the exciting team of Naomi Osaka and Gael Monfils. Former WTA World No.1 Iga Swiatek and Norwegian star Casper Ruud stunned the field to reach the final, taking down top seeds Pegula and Draper. However, it was the wildcard pairing of defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori who emerged victorious, defeating Swiatek and Ruud in a dramatic final to claim victory for their snubbed doubles brethren on tour. The final took place in front of a packed crowd at Arthur Ashe stadium, with thousands of fans visiting the grounds over the two-day competition. Arthur Ashe Stadium was sold out on both days, and 20,000 visitors also scanned their fan access passes to view the matches for free in Louis Armstrong Stadium on August 19. US Open announces new fan attendance record The tournament organizers were quick to take a tally of the total number of fans in attendance during the mixed doubles event. They would later release the actual numbers, stating a record 78,000 fans had descended upon the courts in New York to watch the highly-anticipated event. "We’ve always believed that mixed doubles is undervalued in our sport and has the potential to engage and captivate many more fans," said US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster. “This year, we made bold changes in scheduling, format and player field to showcase the uniqueness of the top men and women in the world competing on the largest tennis stage in the world and fans and players loved it." Following the commercial success of this new format, the onus will be on the other Grand Slams as fans will eagerly await to see if they adopt this new version of mixed doubles.
Cowboys' Micah Parsons seen taking bizarre action in preseason finale
Micah Parsons showed up for the Dallas Cowboys' preseason finale against the Atlanta Falcons in body only. The star pass-rusher showed no spirit and did not dress amid his hold-in for a contract extension. On Thursday, Parsons scrubbed the Cowboys from his social media feed. During Friday's game, he couldn't be bothered to be with his teammates on the sideline watching the whole game. Per a photo posted on X by The Athletic's Jon Machota, Parsons was seen lying down on a trainer's table during the contest. Parsons' actions come amid a turbulent week between his representation and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. In separate interviews, Jones told both Michael Irvin and ESPN's Stephen A. Smith that he did not plan to back down from his agreement with Parsons to work with agent David Mulugheta. During the pregame show on Friday, Jones boasted to 105.3 The Fan that defensive end is where the Cowboys have the most depth on the roster. "Frankly, our defensive ends may be the best depth, where we have the most talent of any position on the field," Jones said via Machota. "I'm excited about our depth and our numbers at pass rusher. ... I'm concerned because of having space on the roster to keep that many of our guys that have pass rushing ability." Following Friday night's game, the Cowboys' preseason is over. The situation between Jones and Parsons is not ideal for first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who is tasked with trimming the roster to 53 players by Tuesday. If Parsons is traded or chooses not to play in Week 1, Schottenheimer is going to have to decide to take away depth from what Jones sees as a weaker part of the team to boost a unit that is without their best player because he won't negotiate with Mulugheta.
Dallas Stars lock up one of the league's best players with massive extension today in hockey history
The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
Falcons HC speaks out after offensive starter gets carted off practice field with concerning injury
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris announced that starting right tackle Kaleb McGary will miss “significant time” with a left leg injury suffered in Wednesday’s practice. "The thing I will say to you now is that he will miss significant time," Morris said after the Falcons' last preseason game in Dallas, per the team's official website. "Looks like it will be IR, whatever the case may be, we will have to see there, but he will miss significant time for us." McGary went down during individual drills and had to be carted off the field. Although Morris indicated that the six-year veteran will land on injured reserve, that could come with a return designation if the Falcons believe he can return this season. The 30-year-old just negotiated a $3.5M raise earlier this month with a two-year, $15M extension. With Michael Penix Jr. entering his first full season as a starter, McGary may have had some added leverage as the left-handed quarterback’s new blindside protector. McGary’s injury will stretch an already-injured tackle room even further. Swing tackle Storm Norton is recovering from ankle surgery and former UDFA Tyrone Wheatley Jr. is out for the year. If Norton isn’t ready for Week 1, it’s unclear who will start at right tackle. Morris specifically mentioned Elijah Wilkinson as a player who is expected to step up amid the injuries. He’s currently listed as the backup left guard on the Falcons’ unofficial depth chart, but the eight-year veteran moved to left tackle for the team’s second preseason. He also has 20 career starts at right tackle, though the last came in 2021. Brandon Parker is listed as Atlanta’s backup right tackle, but has lined up at left tackle in the preseason. Like Wilkinson, he has plenty of past experience at right tackle as well. Rookie Jack Nelson could also be a factor after starting both preseason games at right tackle, but the seventh-rounder may not be trusted to protect Penix’s blind side right away. If McGary and/or Norton begin the season on IR, UDFA Jordan Williams could make the roster as extra depth after getting a handful of snaps at right tackle in the preseason.
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