Sports

Aryna Sabalenka Forced to Apologise Over Treatment of Wuhan Open Ball Boy

Published

10 months ago

October 12, 2025

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Aryna Sabalenka has been forced to apologise to a ball boy following a furious outburst at the Wuhan Open that could have seen her disqualified. The tennis world number one, who was seeking to win the competition for a fourth-straight time, began to lose her cool as the pressure ramped up in the deciding set of her semi-final clash with Jessica Pegula.

With the match level at one set apiece after two sets, Sabalenka had looked on course to book her place in the final as she led 5-2 in the third. A gutsy fightback from American Pegula, however, levelled the set at 5-5, at which point Sabalenka.

Sensing she was losing her grip on the match, Sabalenka exploded with rage after sending a ball narrowly out at the end of an intense rally. Her actions, though, nearly had some serious consequences.

Sabalenka Risked Disqualification at Wuhan Open

Immediately after losing the point, Sabalenka recklessly launched her racket off court in the direction of a ball boy.

“The racket goes flying and who has she hit there with the racket? That is dangerous territory for Sabalenka,” remarked the commentator for Sky Sports. Replays later showed that the racket had only narrowly avoided making contact with both the youngster and a cameraman.

Had the racket struck either party, the defending champion would likely have been thrown out of the man and the tournament immediately. As it was, she only received a warning from the umpire for racket abuse. She may well have saved herself because she immediately held her hand up in apology as soon as she realised what she had done.

“She is lucky it is not more,” admitted the commentator.

While Sabalenka may have escaped disqualification, she couldn’t find a way to recover her previous momentum. She even failed to take advantage of four Pegula double-faults in the final game of the match, ultimately falling to a 2-6, 6-4, 7-6 defeat.

Prior to the defeat, Sabalenka had been on a 20-match winning streak at the tournament. It was a run that saw her become just the fourth female player to win their first 20 main draw matches in a single WTA level event since 1990. Her record at Wuhan was something the Russian was fiercely proud of, which is perhaps why she was so emotional when her 2025 campaign crumbled against Pegula.

The Wuhan collapse mirrors much of Sabalenka’s 2025 season. Despite winning the US Open, she suffered heartbreaking defeats in both the French Open final and the Wimbledon semi-finals.

Sports

Celtic Close to Agreeing Deal to Sign ‘Outstanding’ Engels Replacement

Published

14 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

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A third summer signing looks to be on the brink of completing a move to Celtic as Martin O’Neill’s side prepare to defend their Scottish Premiership title.

The Bhoys began the transfer window with the arrival of Colombian striker Camilo Duran, who arrived from Azerbaijani outfit Qarabag. Norweigan attacker Kasper Hogh followed him to Parkhead from Bodo/Glimt.

A new midfielder has been on the agenda amid growing doubts over Arne Engels’ future with the Scots. West Ham United are reportedly close to sealing a deal for the Belgian, and it appears a replacement has already been lined up.

Celtic Close to Signing Mika Baur

Celtic are set to turn to Paderborn’s Mika Baur and TEAMtalk reports that negotiations between the two clubs are at an advanced stage. The German midfielder has informed his club that he wants to join the Hoops which has helped push the deal closer to completion.

Baur has agreed on personal terms, and his agent has been in Glasgow to finalise details ahead of the proposed switch. The club are said to have made an improved bid of €3.5 million (£3m) plus €1m (£850k) in add-ons, bringing the total package to €4.5m (£3.85m)

This is still below Paderborn’s €5m (£4.3m) valuation, but talks between the clubs are now nearing an agreement and could come as soon as the next 24 hours. He is tipped for a bright future, having played a key role in his club’s promotion to the Bundesliga last season.

The 22-year-old registered four goals and six assists in 36 games across competitions. He possesses a versatile profile, able to play in central midfield as well as further up the pitch and he’s prioritising Celtic over several other interested clubs from around Europe.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Celtic Needed to Replace Arne Engels

Engels has been an important member of Celtic’s midfield, including last season when he helped the Scots win the Premiership. The 22-year-old does sometimes go missing but his physicality proved vital for O’Neill.

A move to West Ham is sure to raise eyebrows because he’ll be heading to the EFL Championship rather than the Premier League. He also proved effective in front of goal, finding the back of the net seven times in 46 games last season.

Baur, described as “outstanding”, will add much-needed creativity to the midfield and help deal with Engels’ departure. He’s an exciting prospect who could prove to be a long-term solution for the Bhoys.

Sports

Tottenham Consider Move For 23-Goal Luis Suarez Regen

Published

31 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

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Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up alternatives to Junior Kroupi after deciding to delay a pursuit of the Bournemouth striker.

The young French forward suffered a foot injury during pre-season with the Cherries and has undergone surgery. He’s set to miss the next 3-4 months, and as a result, Spurs are reportedly set to wait until next year to move for the 20-year-old.

Roberto De Zerbi is still expected to be handed a new number nine this summer, and the club have a list of other targets. Having already forked out over £230 million on new signings, including £100m on Sandro Tonali, the transfer chiefs may be cautious about overspending with a future Kroupi pursuit in mind.

Tottenham Eyeing Tresoldi Following Kroupi Injury

One of the names on Tottenham’s list is Club Brugge’s Nicolo Tresoldi, who has been talked up for a move to one of Europe’s big guns this summer. He is highly sought after, and Barcna are also admirers of the German-Italian youngster.

According to TEAMtalk, Spurs have done substantial work on Tresoldi and Hoffenheim’s Fisnik Asllani and are impressed. They are tracking both players closely and could move for one of them.

Tresoldi has also garnered interest from Borussia Dortmund and AS Roma following an eye-catching season in the Belgian Pro League. He found the back of the net 23 times in 58 games across competitions, including in a 3-3 draw against Barca in the Champions League.

At just 21 years old, he could be a long-term acquisition for the Lilywhites while also helping add much-needed firepower to De Zerbi’s squad. He is a modern centre-forward who makes deep runs and links up well with his fellow attackers.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Spurs Risking Kroupi If They Move For Tresoldi

AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates — AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates

Spurs could reap the rewards of swooping for Tresoldi, dubbed a ‘Luis Suarez regen’ given his potential and the need for De Zerbi to have more potency up top. Richarlison’s future is uncertain, while Dominic Solanke’s injury record is a concern ahead of the Italian’s first full campaign in charge.

The Kroupi situation will surely be factored in, though, as moving for a young striker could jeopardise a pursuit of the 20-year-old. It’s important that the higher-ups consider the knock-on effect of the German’s potential arrival.

If the Lilywhites intend to move for Kroupi, signing a player of a similar age doesn’t feel like the best approach. Instead, moving for a short-term experienced solution, much like Chelsea swooping for Danny Welbeck, could be the answer.

Sports

Newcastle Close in on Deal For ‘Excellent’ Star as Jaissle’s First Signing

Published

52 minutes ago

July 31, 2026

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Newcastle United are closing in on Matthias Jaissle’s first signing ahead of his expected appointment as Eddie Howe’s replacement.

Jaissle is set to take the reins at St James’ Park following Howe’s shock resignation this week. The Magpies have endured a frustrating summer transfer window and have already sold two of their top stars.

Anthony Gordon joined Barcelona in a £69 million deal while Sandro Tonali headed to Tottenham Hotspur for £100 million. There’s a good chance Bruno Guimaraes is the next big name to depart as Arsenal are reportedly close to agreeing a deal for the Brazilian midfielder.

Newcastle Closing in on Hornicek Deal

Czech Republic's Lukas Hornicek during the warm up before the match

While replacing Guimaraes will undoubtedly be one of Newcastle’s top priorities, they are on the brink of signing Braga goalkeeper Lukas Hornicek. David Ornstein of The Athletic reports that they are in advanced negotiations over a deal for the Czech shot-stopper, who has a €30 million (£25m) release clause in his contract.

A move for Hornicek is progressing quickly, and he’s set to become the Tyneside outfit’s second goalkeeping acquisition this summer. Ewen Jaouen arrived from Reims after the club opted against signing Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdale permanently.

Hornicek, dubbed “excellent”, has been Braga’s number one since the 2024-25 campaign and earned a call-up to the Czech Republic national team for the World Cup. Despite not featuring, he is tipped for a bright future and could replace Nick Pope, who is expected to leave.

The 24-year-old kept 24 clean sheets in 55 games last season and is a modern sweeper-keeper. Should he arrive at St James’ Park, he’ll become the first addition made to Jaissle’s squad, which is undergoing a rebuild.

Fees correct prior to summer 2026

All 10 found — excellent!

Newcastle Need To Back Jaissle

While signing a new goalkeeper has been an obvious need for Newcastle, the higher-ups are continuing to let their top stars depart. That may have largely led to Howe’s departure and Guimaraes’ likely exit may have been the tip of the iceberg.

Lewis Hall could be the next high-profile sale amid reports claiming Manchester United are weighing up a move for the English left-back. If the Magpies do agree to sell, it must be the last of a mass exodus that is threatening to ruin the growth achieved under Howe.

Jaissle should ideally be backed with marquee signings to address those departures. Hornicek certainly isn’t one of them, but he does have the ability to replace Pope and compete with Jaouen for the number one spot.