Sports
French Open: Coco Gauff Battles Back to Upset Sabalenka and Claim Her First Title at Roland Garros
Coco Gauff from the United States has clinched the French Open Women’s singles title, defeating World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in an exhilarating final held in Paris on Saturday. The 21-year-old showed remarkable resilience, coming back after losing a gripping 78-minute first set on a tiebreak to triumph with scores of 6-7(5), 6-2, 6-4 in a thrilling three-set match on Court Philippe-Chatrier that lasted two hours and 38 minutes. This victory adds her first Roland-Garros title to her US Open success from 2023.
As the world No.2, Gauff becomes the first American to win the Roland Garros singles title since Serena Williams in 2015 and the youngest American champion since Williams in 2002.
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The match began with Sabalenka making a strong start, securing a double break for a 4-1 lead in the first set. However, Gauff fought back fiercely, leveling the score to 4-4 after trailing at 4-1, 40-0. Sabalenka, who struggled with her consistency, made two double faults during that pivotal game, which marked a turning point as errors began to creep into her game.
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Despite visible frustration, Sabalenka regained her composure to break again, leading 5-4 and creating two set points during a lengthy 13-minute service game but was unable to secure the set. Gauff kept her cool, breaking back again to make it 5-5, and they served to take the set into a tiebreaker.
In the tiebreak, Sabalenka demonstrated remarkable mental strength, ultimately prevailing 7-5. She fought back from 4-1 down, clinching the first set with a short volley on her third set point.
However, Gauff responded powerfully in the second set, quickly overcoming her disappointment from the breaker. She dominated the early game, breaking Sabalenka’s serve in the opening game and earning a 4-1 double break lead. Though she let a game point slip while serving for 5-1, she ultimately took the second set 6-2 in just 32 minutes, leveling the match.
The final set was fiercely contested, with Gauff breaking in the third game for a 2-1 edge. Despite Sabalenka’s spectacular play, including a beautiful tweener, Gauff maintained her momentum. Sabalenka managed to fight back from 1-3 to equalize at 3-3, but Gauff would not be deterred, sealing the set 6-4 to capture her first French Open title. Overwhelmed with joy, she fell to the court in celebration, shedding tears of happiness.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru created history in the Women’s Premier League by scoring the highest number of runs in the first over of a match. RCB scored a massive 23 runs in the opening over, setting a new WPL record.
This historic moment took place during the match against Gujarat Giants at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai. Gujarat Giants bowler Renuka Singh Thakur conceded 23 runs in the first over, making it the most expensive opening over in WPL history.
Renuka began the over with a wide delivery. The ball went past the wicketkeeper and crossed the boundary, resulting in five runs. RCB batter Grace Harris then took charge of the over. She smashed four consecutive boundaries, putting the Gujarat Giants under pressure.
During the over, Renuka Singh bowled two more wides, adding extra runs to the total. On the final delivery of the over, Grace Harris struck another boundary. This completed a dramatic and record-breaking first over for RCB.
With this, Renuka Singh Thakur recorded the most expensive first over ever bowled in the Women’s Premier League. The previous record was held by Tanuja Kanwar. She had conceded 21 runs in the first over while playing for Gujarat Giants against Mumbai Indians in the 2023 season.
In the same match, Royal Challengers Bengaluru batted first and put up a strong total. RCB scored 182 runs for the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs. The team showed aggressive batting throughout the innings.
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Gujarat Giants chased the target but failed to keep up with the required run rate. They were bowled out for 150 runs in 18.5 overs. As a result, Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the match by 32 runs.
This victory strengthened RCB’s position in the tournament and added a historic achievement to the Women’s Premier League records.
On the first day of the second Test between India and South Africa at Barsapara Stadium, South Africa made a strong start, reaching 247 for 6 at stumps.The venue, Barsapara Cricket Stadium, hosted its very first Test match in history — making the day special for Guwahati and cricket in Assam.
South African skipper Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first.Their openers, Aiden Markram (38) and Ryan Rickelton (35), gave a solid start with a partnership of 82 runs.Later, Tristan Stubbs added 49 before getting out, while Bavuma made 41.
India fought back well thanks to a strong performance by spinner Kuldeep Yadav. He picked up 3 wickets and gave away only 48 runs in 17 overs.Ravindra Jadeja also chipped in with an important wicket, dismissing Bavuma. In the final over before stumps, Mohammed Siraj struck, getting Tony de Zorzi out.At the end of play, Senuran Muthusamy was unbeaten on 25, and Kyle Verreynne was 1 not out.
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The light became a concern late in the day. As visibility dropped, play was stopped, and light issues forced the umpires to call it a day early.Overall, India ended Day 1 with a degree of satisfaction. The bowling attack showed discipline, especially through their spinners, and they managed to check the South African momentum.
India A began their Asia Cup Rising Stars 2025 campaign with a huge total against the UAE in Doha. Captain Jitesh Sharma won the toss and chose to bat first. Vaibhav Suryavanshi then produced a stunning innings. He scored 144 runs from just 42 balls. His knock included 11 fours and 15 sixes.
Suryavanshi reached his fifty in 17 balls. He completed his century in only 32 balls. He added 163 runs for the second wicket with Naman Dhir, who made 34. Jitesh Sharma also played a quick innings and scored a fast fifty.
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India A finished at 297 for 4 in 20 overs. The team now holds a strong position in the match.
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