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(Reuters) – Rising American teenager Amanda Anisimova has withdrawn from the U.S. Open following the death of her father and longtime coach Konstantin Anisimova, ESPN reported on Monday. The cause of death was unknown. The world number 24 and 2017 U.S. Open junior champion looked to be a danger in Flushing Meadows after she upset defending French Open champion Simona Halep to reach the semi-finals of that tournament earlier this year. Konstantin and wife Olga moved to the U.S. from Russia in 1998 and under his guidance the 17-year-old rose up the WTA ranks. (Reporting by Rory Carroll; Editing by Amlan Chakraborty) … [Read more...] about Anisimova withdraws from U.S. Open following father’s death

(Reuters) – Former world number one Serena Williams will begin her 2020 season with a return to the Auckland Open in January, her first appearance at the tournament since she was ousted in the second round in 2017. The Auckland Open serves as a warm-up before the year’s first Grand Slam, the Australian Open, which begins on Jan. 20 next year. On her last Auckland appearance, then top seed Williams hit 88 unforced errors in windy conditions, losing to compatriot Madison Brengle, who was ranked 70 rungs lower. “Oh man, I want to win that title so bad,” Williams was quoted as saying by the tournament organisers. “Last time I was there I had so much going on and although I fought through to win my first match, I know I didn’t play to my level. “I have such amazing memories that are really special to me from Auckland,” she added, referring to her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian days before the 2017 tournament. “I would … [Read more...] about Serena to begin 2020 season with return to Auckland

WELLINGTON (Reuters) – Steve Hansen will not be wrapping his players in cotton wool ahead of the Rugby World Cup with the All Blacks coach confirming he will give his core group a run against Tonga in their final match ahead of the global showpiece. The All Blacks, who name their 31-man World Cup squad on Aug. 28, play the Pacific Islanders in Hamilton on Sept. 7 before facing South Africa in their opening Pool B clash two weeks later. Hansen said he was wary of his first-choice players losing sharpness between last weekend’s 36-0 victory over Australia at Eden Park and their World Cup opener. “We’d like probably most of the frontliners to get some form of game-time in the Tonga game, otherwise it’s too big a break before we play South Africa,” Hansen said in comments published by Stuff Media on Tuesday. Several of the players in the 34-man squad for the Bledisloe Cup tests have been released to play in New Zealand’s provincial championship … [Read more...] about All Blacks to field strong side for final World Cup warmup

(Reuters) – Defender David Luiz said he decided to move from Chelsea to Premier League rivals Arsenal for a different challenge after an “honest conversation” with manager Frank Lampard about the Stamford Bridge club’s new direction. Luiz, 32, made a deadline day move across London to Arsenal where he signed a two-year contract after spending three seasons in a second stint with Chelsea. He made his Arsenal debut last weekend in a 2-1 home win over Burnley. With Chelsea operating under a FIFA transfer ban, Lampard’s policy has been to build the side with younger players, choosing to start Andreas Christensen and Kurt Zouma in central defence in his first two league games. “Everyone knows I was so happy in Chelsea and won many trophies there. I had a real honest conversation with Lamps and Lamps had different ideas for his plans for the year,” Luiz told reporters. “So the best way for me to respect the club where I can was to move on, try … [Read more...] about Moved to Arsenal to experience new challenge, says Luiz

(Reuters) – Italian striker Mario Balotelli has joined his hometown club Brescia on a free transfer, the Serie A side said on Sunday. Balotelli, who was released by Marseille at the end of last season, returns to Italy for his third stint after playing for Inter, where he won three league titles, and AC Milan. The 29-year-old Italy international would be presented at the Stadio Mario Rigamonti later on Monday https://www.bresciacalcio.it/news/ultime-news/12438/balotelli-e-ufficialmente-un-nuovo-giocatore-del-brescia-calcio, with media reporting he had signed a three-year deal with the club, who are back in the top flight for the first time since 2011. The new league season begins this weekend but Balotelli must wait to make his debut as he serves a four-match ban after getting a straight red card in his final game for Marseille against Montpellier in May. (Reporting by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford) … [Read more...] about Balotelli joins hometown club Brescia on free transfer