Serena Williams made her long-awaited return to the courts of Wimbledon on Tuesday in a losing effort to Australian Maya Joint, but it is what happened afterwards that has seemed to cause some controversy.

Centre Court was at a fever pitch as the legendary Williams walked out in front of the crowd, ready to play in her first competitive singles match since her 2022 retirement. She was up against Maya Joint, a 20-year-old Australian who currently sits 87th in the WTA rankings, which would prove to be a stern test for the American legend.

In the first set, it was Joint who came out on top, winning 6-3. She outpaced the returnee, Williams, and took advantage of the early rustiness on show from the seven-time Wimbledon winner.

In set two, however, Williams rolled back the years, really dialling in her serving prowess to save a match point before sending the second set into a tense tiebreak. She came out on top this time, winning 8-6 to send Centre Court into a frenzy.

The final set started well for Williams as well, who initially went a break up for a 3-1 lead. However, physical fatigue set in for the 44-year-old, and Joint took advantage by winning five consecutive games and, after nearly two-and-a-half hours played, saw out the greatest win of her young career.

Serena Williams’ Post-Match Antics Cause Controversy

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It was what happened next which caught the attention of fans online, however, as many feel, Williams’ post-match handshake was tame, to say the least.

Todd Scoullar on X wrote: “…(Serena) gets a wildcard into the biggest tournament on the calendar…gives a rubbish handshake…didn’t need her at Wimbledon.”

Many fans agreed with this sentiment, with users saying that “She shouldn’t have been there full stop. Just one big ego trip. I’m so pleased to see the back of her,” and “Serena’s oversized ego got the better of her. She thinks she’s still the star. Go home before you embarrass yourself any further.”

Williams also refused the traditional press conference, which brought extra scrutiny towards the 23-time Grand Slam champion, with one user on X saying: “Typical Serena. Thinks she’s bigger than the game…”

She instead released a statement through the tournament organisers and said that it was ‘truly incredible to be back at Wimbledon,’ before praising the ‘incredible’ atmosphere and making it clear that she ‘enjoyed every moment more than anything.’

This isn’t the end for Serena at this year’s event, however, as she will team with her sister Venus in their doubles comeback this week. They will go up against Colombian Camila Osorio and her Argentinian partner Solana Sierra in a match the legendary duo will be hoping to win en route to a potential seventh doubles title.

Lamine Yamal has caused a huge stir because of comments he made about France ahead of their 3-0 victory over Sweden on Tuesday night. Kylian Mbappe and co. showed why they are among the favourites for glory this summer with yet another barnstorming attacking performance, as the Real Madrid star combined with Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise to coast to victory.

The result means Les Bleus will take on Paraguay in the World Cup Round of 16. However, with the way this year’s knockout bracket has fallen, it may not be long before they come up against Yamal’s Spain. A mouthwatering semi-final clash could be on the cards if both sides continue their winning form. It would appear the teenage sensation is already eyeing up that potential showdown with a strong sense of confidence.

Yamal, who remains just 18 until July 13, has never been afraid to talk a big game. That was evident when he put Real Madrid on blast for “robbing” ahead of the El Clasico in October. Sometimes his confidence is vindicated, and he performs exactly as he promises; other times, he’s been left to eat his words.

His comments about France have now added extra fuel to the fire ahead of what could be a blockbuster encounter deeper into the tournament.

Heiko Becker Via Reuters

During a recent interview, Yamal was asked whether France is better than Spain. His answer was short, sweet, and guaranteed to get people talking. He said (watch the full segment in Spanish below):

He goes on to explain that “previous matches don’t matter”, and that there are no “clear favourites” at the World Cup because of the nature of knockout football. But Yamal has come under fire for his comments, with one X user remarking: “He’s lost it,” as another added: “He never learns. Always yaps before match and ends up getting spanked every time.”

A third wrote – in part, reference to the fact Yamal snubbed all French players when naming the three players that have impressed him this summer: “If it ends up France vs Spain, Mbappe’s gonna punish ’em.” Meanwhile, a fourth concluded: “Talks too much for someone who hasn’t won anything yet.”

France Look the Real Deal Again Under Didier Deschamps

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It’s one thing having squad depth so impressive that it allows you to leave the likes of Desire Doue and Rayan Cherki on the bench, but it’s an entirely different ball game getting the best out of the talent at your disposal. Right now, Didier Deschamps appears to have struck that balance perfectly, with France navigating a 100% start to the 2026 World Cup while firing on all cylinders.

The slick passages of play in the final third have understandably grabbed the headlines, but not enough is being said about how complete this French side looks in every phase of their game. Their counter-attacking displays are a sight to behold, yet it is every player’s willingness to track back and contribute defensively that has laid the foundations for what are arguably the standout performances of the tournament so far. In many ways, they have the look of a team with every box ticked.

Yamal has often shown in the past that he can walk the walk after talking the talk, but France currently look like the team to beat. As things stand, only Argentina appear capable of giving the 2018 winners a run for their money. But of course, football has a habit of making fools of predictions, and only time will tell how it all pans out.

Manchester United have been forced back into the transfer market looking for midfield options, after being rejected by West Ham ace Mateus Fernandes.

The Red Devils were interested in a deal for the Portuguese star, but in the end, it was Tottenham who won the race for his signature, agreeing a transfer worth up to £85 million.

Those were figures that Man United weren’t willing to match, and the player quickly opted to join Spurs, with some final touches needed before the deal gets sealed.

It means Michael Carrick and his team will go back to the drawing board to look at other midfielders who could join the club instead.

So, with that said, here’s a look at five options Man United could consider for the midfield moving forward.

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)

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With Tottenham spending a lot on Fernandes, the path may now be clear for Man United to go and sign Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United.

The Italian international appears open to an exit, and has shown plenty of quality during his time in the Premier League so far, and may offer exactly what the club need in an all-round midfielder.

There may be some concerns over a fee, considering it could reach £100 million, but the 26-year-old could bring some quality that has been missing in the middle of the park.

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United)

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Another Newcastle star who should be considered is Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has arguably been more important to the Magpies than Tonali, providing plenty of quality as a box-to-box presence.

With just two years remaining on his contract, there could be an opportunity for Man United to seal a deal for a player entering the peak years of his career.

Guimaraes would add plenty of off-the-ball quality, while bringing some threat to the opposition box with the final-third chaos he is capable of causing.

Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

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If Man United want a different profile and look towards adding a number six to their midfield, then look no further than Adam Wharton.

The England international is the king of progressive passes, always looking to receive the ball from the backline before punching through balls to those in front of him.

Considering Man United’s verticality in their attacking play, Wharton would be an ideal addition for covering the deeper role, potentially freeing up a box-to-box presence next to him as well as Bruno Fernandes in a more advanced role.

Carlos Baleba

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Man United have historical interest in Carlos Baleba, and could revisit that once again this summer. The Brighton star was a target last summer, but Brighton ultimately turned down a late approach for the Cameroon international.

While he struggled in the campaign that followed, there is still plenty of quality and potential there for Baleba that United could tap into.

He could prove to be a much cheaper acquisition than some of the others, and could grow into the player that the club needs in the midfield for years to come.

Lucas Bergvall

With Tottenham bolstering their midfield, there is a potential exit on the cards for Lucas Bergvall this summer. The Swedish star has asked to leave the club in search of a new challenge, with the competition intensifying in his position.

While Spurs haven’t got the most out of him, the youngster has shown some quality and the potential to grow further, which clubs will be looking to tap into this summer.

Man United could be the beneficiaries of that, if they push for a deal. Bergvall may need some work and more experience to get to the top, but much like Baleba, he could grow into a star for the future.