Sunday, 31 May 2026
LUIS ENRIQUE REACTS TO HONESTLY TO ARSENAL TACTICS AFTER PSG WIN BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
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| PSG manager Luis Enrique, Champions League trophy |
Luis Enrique gave his honest assessment of Arsenal’s tactics in their Champions League final defeat to PSG, while one reporter claims it’s now ‘inevitable’ the Gunners break their UCL duck.
Arsenal never really laid a glove on PSG in more than 120 minutes in Budapest. Thankfully, their crop of world class defenders ensured the Parisians struggled to craft much by the way of clear-cut chances either.
The Gunners defended manfully throughout the contest and in truth, it was the rearguard that gave Arsenal a sniff of glory by forcing a shoot-out.
Ultimately, Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes failed to convert after failing to hit the target altogether with their spot-kicks.
It ensured Arsenal’s historic season that brought their first league title in over two decades ended on the sourest of notes, though one person who wasn’t prepared to stick the boot in was PSG boss Enrique.
Speaking post-match, the Spanish manager summed up his emotions when stating: “I’m mixed. Excitement, fatigue.
“Everything but this is the best moment of the season. We are still champions, two in a row, it’s amazing.
“We deserved that. Our supporters, during the whole season. We deserve to be in the final.”
Luis Enrique reacts to Arsenal tactics
On Arsenal’s style of play that centres on disruption, defending deep and in numbers, and is generally reliant on set piece goals, Enrique admitted his PSG side were suitably challenged.
“It was very tough and difficult,” he admitted. “Congratulations to Arsenal, it was very tough.
“They played great. It’s normal. They try to take the match into phases they are strong. We tried to control the ball and press. We have won the title.”
Enrique has now won back-to-back UCLs and has taken his tally in this competition to three after previously winning the tournament with Barcelona back in 2015.
But while some managers – a certain special one, perhaps? – might get carried away after this accomplishment, Enrique insisted he’s got no interest in blowing his own trumpet.
Asked whether he should now be considered a legendary manager, Enrique replied: “Legend? I’m not interested in that.”
Arsenal, meanwhile, will win the Champions League with this current crop of players and Mikel Arteta at the helm.
That’s according to French journalist, Julien Laurens, who declared during the post-match fallout: “It is cruel for Arsenal fans, but it is inevitable that this club win the Champions League.”
He added: “Mikel Arteta will see the positives because that is the kind of guy he is.
“Arsenal are getting closer and closer. This team adds a bit more attacking power and desire. This team can have everything. It will hurt tonight.”
- Steve Pearson
MIKEL ARTETA THINKS ARSENAL WERE ROBBED IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
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| Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta |
Mikel Arteta couldn’t understand why the incident involving Nuno Mendes and Noni Madueke didn’t result in Arsenal being awarded what could and probably would have been a decisive penalty in the Champions League final defeat to PSG.
Arsenal fell to PSG in the penalty shoot-out, though in Arteta’s mind, it was the penalty in normal time and another that wasn’t given that are the real talking points from Budapest.
Arsenal’s rearguard across the entire 120-plus minutes were only breached from the penalty spot. Cristhian Mosquera bundled over Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in the box to tee up Ousmane Dembele to cancel out Kai Havertz’s opener during regular time.
However, the Gunners and Arteta believed they should have been awarded a penalty of their own when substitute Madueke took a tumble under pressure from Mendes in the first period of extra time. The incident can be viewed here.
Speaking to TNT Sports post-match, Arteta couldn’t wrap his head around why different decisions were made for what he perceived to be two very similar incidents.
Mikel Arteta angered by non-awarding of penalty
He bemoaned: “I watch it back and [Mendes on Madueke] could easily be a penalty. Especially when we see the penalty they gave me this year in the competition.
“This season, the referee made a decision, and he made a different one with Cristhian Mosquera and that is an important one.”
During his post-match press conference, Arteta again took umbrage at the perceived difference in officiating.
He said: “When something had to go our way, especially in the boxes with the penalty that was given against Mosquera and then no penalty to Madueke, those didn’t go for us.”
Speaking about the game in general, the Spaniard told TNT Sports: “Yes, it is very tough to accept when you are so consistent in the competition all the way to the final and in the end you lose the trophy on penalty kicks, so it is a difficult one.”
He later added: “We haven’t done it for 22 years [reached the Champions League final], so imagine the second time in our history that we have done it, and we need to recognise the season we had, but at the moment nobody is going to take the pain away from you.”
On PSG, who have now gone back-to-back in the UCL, Arteta said: “They are a superb team and I congratulate them. Individual quality they have, the manner they are coached, they are a top, top team.
“You have to go through the emotions and if you’re in pain, then go through the pain.
"Think you could do something else, then learn from it. Reflect on that and show the ambition that we want to have again.”
On what message he has for his players, Arteta concluded: “That I am so proud of them, with this season we have had under the circumstances. Internally, we know what we have been through.
"It is just a privilege to manage this group of players and this team the way they carry this badge and how much they put into it. We got a big one [Premier League] and missed out on the biggest one.”
- Steve Pearson
RAHEEM STERLING ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DRUG DRIVING AFTER M3 CRASH
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| Getty |
Former England star Raheem Sterling has been arrested on suspicion of driving “whilst unfit through drugs” after crashing his Lamborghini on the M3 at 9am on Thursday, a source close to the footballer says.
The source said the ex-Manchester City and Chelsea winger, who ended this season playing for Feyenoord in the Netherlands, had been suffering from “immeasurable” psychological strain after an “extremely tough couple of years”.
Sterling, 31, was arrested on Thursday morning by Hampshire Constabulary while driving a Lamborghini on the southbound carriageway of the M3.
In a statement, the force said: “Just before 9am on Thursday (May 28), we received reports that a Lamborghini was in collision with barriers on the M3 southbound, close to the Minley Interchange.
“No other vehicles were involved and no injuries were reported.
“The driver, a 31-year-old man from Berkshire, has been arrested on suspicion of driving a vehicle whilst unfit through drugs, driving dangerously, possession of a class C drug and failing to provide a specimen. He has been bailed while our inquiries continue.”
Confirming Sterling's arrest, the source said the incident "brings into the spotlight modern treatment of players who are no longer ‘fit for purpose’ – disposable".
“How a prolific English international who has steered the England squad to significant heights over the last decade has been made to feel worthless – forgotten about,” they said.
“The psychological strain that has put on him is immeasurable. Isolated. The second he touches a ball, being told he’s a flop and he’s finished. Mocked. Heckled.
“He moved to the Netherlands to escape and rediscover his love for the game but the negativity followed. It’s been an extremely tough couple of years for him and this incident encompasses that.”
The source said they wanted to emphasise that Sterling had been arrested “under suspicion”, adding there is no “proof of anything in his system”.
Sterling, of Berkshire, has been bailed while inquiries continue. ITV News has contacted representatives of Sterling for comment.
The player scored 20 goals in 82 appearances for England, helping Gareth Southgate’s side reach the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and the final of Euro 2020.
He came through the academy at QPR before joining Liverpool, where he made his senior debut.
Sterling moved to Manchester City in 2015 and won four Premier League titles, five League Cups and the FA Cup in 2019.
He left for Chelsea in 2022 but after falling out of favour spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Arsenal.
After leaving Stamford Bridge, Sterling joined Feyenoord on a short-term deal in February and played eight times in the Dutch top flight.
In the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list, he was made an MBE for services to racial equality in sport amid controversy over England fans booing players taking the knee at matches as a gesture against intolerance.
Saturday, 30 May 2026
SOCCER WORLD REACTS TO PSG WINNING CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL AGAINST ARSENAL
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| Getty |
Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title on Saturday, defeating Arsenal in a dramatic penalty shootout after the final finished 1-1 following extra time at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
The result made PSG only the second club to win back-to-back Champions League titles since the competition was reformatted in 1992, joining Real Madrid’s run of three consecutive crowns between 2016 and 2018. The French champions also became the 10th club in European Cup history to win consecutive titles.
Arsenal appeared on course for a historic victory after Kai Havertz gave the Premier League champions an early lead in the sixth minute. However, PSG responded in the second half when Ousmane Dembele converted a penalty after Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was fouled inside the box. The match eventually went to penalties, where Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhães missed the decisive kick as PSG secured a 4-3 shootout victory.
Emmanuel Macron, Rio Ferdinand and Fans React to PSG’s Historic Triumph
The victory quickly sparked reactions from across the soccer world.
French President Emmanuel Macron celebrated PSG’s achievement on social media.
“A new star shines over Paris! Bravo to PSG for making all of Europe dream. France is proud,” Macron wrote.
Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand also praised the French club and manager Luis Enrique after the final.
“Back to Back Champions Leagues… Congrats to PSG! Luis Enrique absolute genius 🏆,” Ferdinand posted.
He also acknowledged Arsenal’s effort during their domestic and European campaign.
“Shout out to Arsenal, brilliant season, changed the narrative. Gabriel an absolute rock & no shame when it comes down to penalties! Respect 👊🏽,” Ferdinand added.
Supporters also flooded social media following the final whistle.
One fan wrote: “Let’s go!!! Great games intense till the end!! Congrats.”
Another described the dramatic finish by saying: “Ice in their veins. PSG hold their nerve to defend their Champions League crown, while Arsenal endure absolute heartbreak at the death. What an unbelievable night in Budapest! 🏆🔥”
A third supporter praised the champions’ accomplishment.
“Well deserved. No team should win a champions league final through the back door. Arsenal almost succeeded 😅.”
Another fan highlighted PSG’s journey over the past two seasons.
“A tremendous achievement for PSG, who let their star players leave, won the hearts of fans around the world and came out on top. Two years in a row, and today was a tough one, because they were up against a defensive wall.”
ESPN Notes PSG’s Place in Champions League History
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| Paris Saint-Germain’s Spanish head coach Luis Enrique touches the trophy after winning the UEFA Champions League final. Getty |
The final result also added another chapter to PSG’s growing European legacy.
ESPN Stats & Information highlighted the significance of the achievement shortly after the match concluded.
“PSG are back-to-back UEFA Champions League champions 🏆🏆,” ESPN posted.
The network added: “They become just the 2nd club to repeat as UCL winners, joining Real Madrid, who won three straight from 2016-18.”
ESPN also noted the broader historical context.
“Overall, PSG are the 10th club in European Cup history (since 1955-56) to win consecutive titles.”
The final itself was tightly contested.
Arsenal struck first through Havertz after a defensive mistake allowed the German forward to break through and finish from a narrow angle.
PSG pushed for an equalizer throughout the second half and finally found one when Dembélé converted from the penalty spot following a foul on Kvaratskhelia.
Neither side could find a winner in extra time, sending the Champions League final to penalties for the first time since Real Madrid defeated Atlético Madrid in a shootout 10 years ago.
PSG ultimately held their nerve from the spot, completing another successful European campaign and becoming the first club since Real Madrid to retain the Champions League trophy.
For Arsenal, the search for a first European Cup title continues despite winning the Premier League and reaching their first Champions League final in two decades.
- Debayan Biswas
FIFA REAFFIRM OKOCHA'S HISTORIC WORLD CUP DRIBBLING RECORD
World football governing body, FIFA, has reaffirmed that Nigerian football icon, Jay-Jay Okocha still holds the record for the most successful dribbles in a single FIFA World Cup match.
According to FIFA, Okocha completed 15 successful dribbles during Nigeria’s Round of 16 encounter against the Italy National Football Team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, a feat that remains unmatched more than three decades.
The former Super Eagles captain achieved the milestone against a formidable Italian side that featured renowned stars such as Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Demetrio Albertini.
FIFA noted that the record continues to stand despite the emergence of several world-class dribblers over the years. Former Brazilian forward, Jairzinho and former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne are joint second on the list with 13 successful dribbles in a single World Cup match.
Other legendary players recognised among the competition’s greatest dribblers include Eusebio, Johan Cruyff, Diego Maradona and Jamal Musiala.
FIFA also highlighted that Lionel Messi holds the record for the most successful dribbles across all World Cup appearances with 125, while Maradona remains the player with the highest number of successful dribbles in a single tournament, recording 53 during the 1986 World Cup.
The recognition further cements Okocha’s status as one of the most skilful footballers in World Cup history and one of Nigeria’s most celebrated sporting figures.
- Kabeer Bello
LIVERPOOL COULD HOLD TALKS WITH TWO ANDONI IRAOLA ALTERNATIVES AFTER FIRING ARNE SLOT
Former Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is one of the leading favorites to replace Arne Slot in the Liverpool dugout after the Dutchman was sacked, but there could be some interesting alternatives
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| Liverpool could turn its attention to Lens boss Pierre Sage (L) and Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness (R) and alternatives to Andoni Iraola this summer |
Liverpool could look to turn its attention to two relatively unheard-of European managers as potential replacements for Arne Slot this summer.
The Reds decided to part ways with Slot, 47, following an end-of-season review this week, concluding that a fresh approach is required after the team failed to secure any silverware and limped to a fifth-placed finish in the Premier League a year on from winning the title.
Heading up the list of frontrunners to replace the Dutchman in the hot seat at Anfield is Andoni Iraola, who is set to leave Bournemouth upon the expiry of his contract this summer following a record-breaking three years on the south coast.
The Spaniard led the Cherries to a sixth-place finish - three points behind Liverpool - and European football for the first time in the club's history after they secured a spot in the Europa League with a final-day 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Perhaps surprisingly, Iraola, 43, is yet to be snapped up by another club, but the timing of Slot's sacking makes him a leading favorite to replace the former Feyenoord boss at Anfield.
However, according to several reports, the Reds are also willing to cast their eye over the European market once more, just as they did with Slot, with Stuttgart coach Sebastian Hoeness and Lens boss Pierre Sage said to be potential options, per The Athletic.
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| Hoeness, 44, recently qualified Stuttgart for the Champions League with a fourth-placed finish in the Bundesliga this season |
Hoeness, 44, is coming off the back of a season in which he led Stuttgart to a fourth-placed finish in the Bundesliga - securing Champions League football in 2026/27 in the process - and the Last 16 of the Europa League.
Last weekend, the German - who spent two seasons in charge of TSG Hoffenheim before being appointed at Stuttgart in April 2023 - saw his side defeated 3-0 by Bayern Munich in the DFB-Pokal final in Berlin, 12 months on from winning the competition.
Honess likes to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation and according to Bundesliga.com, "strikes the necessary balance between defensive stability and expansive attacking football. When his team finds that perfect flow, the results are spectacular."
As for Sage, he guided Lens to a remarkable second-place finish in Ligue 1 this season, pushing eventual winners PSG all the way right up until the final week of the season, eventually finishing six points behind the reigning champions.
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| Sage, 47, led Lens to its first-ever Coupe de France title last weekend |
The Frenchman, who previously managed Lyon between November 2023 and January 2025, was rewarded with the UNFP Ligue 1 Manager of the Year for his efforts, while last weekend saw him guide Lens to its first-ever Coupe de France title, with a 3-1 victory over Nice at the Stade de France.
Ironically, Sage, 47, made headlines in France last weekend by telling Téléfoot that his dream was to manage Liverpool amid continued doubts over his future.
It can be imagined, then, that the Reds would have no issue bringing the Frenchman to Anfield should they so wish, although he remains contracted at the Ligue 1 club until the summer of 2028.
- Tom Malley
Friday, 29 May 2026
FIA SCRAPS F1 STRAIGHT MODE IN MONACO GP – HERE'S WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THE PECKING ORDER
The FIA has chosen not to use straight mode in Monaco for safety reasons. With fixed aerodynamic profiles, could we see wings designed specifically for Monte Carlo? Or are teams averse to spending their budget cap on a single grand prix?
The news is official: active aerodynamics will not be used at the Monaco Grand Prix. The FIA made the decision with safety in mind. There was a risk of seeing cars become too fast at the exit of the Tunnel, given the limited run-off areas, and it was considered prudent to forgo one of the key features of the 2026 Formula 1 cars.
The race in the principality will therefore be run with fixed aerodynamic surfaces and without straight mode. This is a major change, as there will not even be the DRS option that was available until last year.
Monte Carlo thus becomes a unique event that teams will try to prepare for in a specific way. The race among the manhole covers and curbs of the street circuit becomes a great opportunity for anyone hoping to challenge the otherwise unbeatable Mercedes.
On paper, Monaco should be favourable territory for Ferrari. The SF-26 suffers from a lack of power from its power unit at high engine speeds, but it is widely regarded as the best car in terms of chassis and aerodynamics through medium- and low-speed corners.
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| Photo: Erik Junius |
As a result, the principality could become Ferrari’s chance for redemption. On a track where horsepower is far from the dominant performance factor, and where the aerodynamic efficiency obsessively pursued during the first five races will give way to the search for maximum downforce.
Downforce will once again become the defining characteristic of cars that were otherwise designed to minimise drag. In short, we may see a shift in philosophy that could lead to some surprises. So far, Mercedes has displayed an embarrassingly large advantage over the competition.
Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have won every grand prix so far this year (four to one in favour of the young Itralian), and the latest upgrade package introduced on the W17 in Montreal was specifically aimed at increasing downforce. Mercedes must therefore be considered one of the clear favourites, even if Ferrari will have to play the role of the team whose car seems almost tailor-made for the streets of Monaco.
And McLaren, which has the shortest wheelbase on the grid, can also nurture significant ambitions in Monaco’s roulette wheel of a race. Everyone knows that success here is built on a perfect qualifying lap, since overtaking during the race is practically impossible unless the driver ahead makes a mistake.
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| Clive Mason/Getty Images |
It will be interesting to see who chooses to invest special resources into the Monaco Grand Prix. Since there is no point in using rear wings such as Ferrari’s “Macarena” design or Red Bull’s reverse-wing concept, could someone develop a solution specifically for Monte Carlo?
McLaren, for example, will assemble the combination of available components that generates the most downforce. However, it appears that the Woking-based team has not been willing to spend additional budget-cap resources to challenge Mercedes’ supremacy. Led by Rob Marshall, the engineers will try to avoid the disappointment of Canada with an MCL40 that should nevertheless feel very much at home in Monaco.
And Ferrari? Team boss Fred Vasseur has promised a second upgrade package for the Spanish Grand Prix, which follows the Monaco race. It therefore seems unlikely that those updates would be brought forward for the event most eagerly anticipated by the home crowd’s favourite driver.
Still, it cannot be ruled out that some teams may unveil special solutions on their cars, hoping to pull off a dramatic surprise in Monte Carlo.
- Franco Nugnes
ISLE OF MAN TT RIDER DANIEL INGHAM DIES AFTER CRASH
We are saddened to hear the passing of Daniel Ingham at the Isle of Man TT - The accident occurred at Doran’s Bend, on the first lap of the third qualifying session.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
- SuperBike News
ISRAEL FOOTBALL DISPUTE TO 'HEAT UP' AFTER PROTEST IN IRELAND
Ireland’s football match against Qatar was stalled by pro-Palestinian protests as pressure builds on upcoming games against Israel.
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| Palestine flags are displayed in the stands as part of a protest during the match in Dublin [Cathal Mcnaughton/Reuters] |
Republic of Ireland midfielder Jamie McGrath has warned that the controversy surrounding Nations League games against Israel could intensify after their friendly win over Qatar in Dublin was disrupted by pro-Palestinian protests.
Ireland are set to host Israel at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on October 4, while a September 27 fixture designated as an Israel home match is expected to be staged at a neutral venue.
Qatar"s match against Ireland was part of their preparations for this summer’s World Cup, where they begin their campaign against Switzerland on June 13. Ireland failed to qualify for the event.
Earlier this month, leading Irish footballers joined with celebrities in a campaign calling for a boycott of Israel’s matches, but Ireland’s governing body for football (FAI) has said it will go ahead with the fixtures and that a refusal to play could lead to disciplinary measures.
Tennis balls featuring the Palestinian flag were thrown on to the pitch in Thursday’s friendly, causing the match to be halted twice, and McGrath expected more protests to follow.
“I’m sure it’s going to heat up over the next few months. We (the players) don’t want to be put into a position,” he told the BBC’s Northern Ireland bureau after the match.
“It’s obviously a unique scenario. The people [protesters], we have to listen to them, they have the right to do what they do, as long as it’s done in a peaceful way, that’s all that matters.
“Hopefully, the powers above us can work something out or use it for the greater good, I’m not sure what the process will be as it heats up.
"At the end of the day, we’re footballers and we don’t want to be caught in this, but sometimes we might have to.”
In November last year, 93 percent of FAI members voted for its leadership to press UEFA to suspend the Israel Football Association from Eu huropean competitions.
On Tuesday, the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign held a protest at the Dail (Irish parliament).
Ireland manager Heimir Hallgrimsson has also regularly weighed in on the debate and, ahead of the Qatar match, said his players must “win this war” against Israel in the upcoming matches.
McGrath was pressed further on the matter as to whether he believed a resolution would be found ahead of the matches.
“To be honest, I’ve no idea,” he replied.
“We obviously touched on it a few days, I’m sure as it heats up, it might be taken out of our hands, I’m not sure.”
- Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters
LEAVE NAOMI OSAKA ALONE - HER FASHION SHOW IS EXACTLY WHAT WOMEN'S TENNIS NEEDS
As the 28-year-old sports star comes under fire for another head-turning outfit at the French Open, Lydia Spencer-Elliott argues why her wardrobe should be championed not criticised.
Naomi Osaka knows how to make an entrance. At the Australian Open, the four-time Grand Slam champion, 28, arrived in a mesmerising jellyfish-inspired ensemble (elegant wide-brimmed hat, long white veil), designed by Beyoncé’s regular couturier, Robert Wun.
For this week’s French Open, it was impossible to predict how she’d surpass herself; then she stepped out in a black corset and cascading pleated skirt by Kevin Germanier (beloved by Lady Gaga and Björk), which she promptly shed to reveal a glittering copper tennis dress.
“I actually got a little worried because when the sun hits the dress, it reflects a lot, so I was a little scared the umpire was going to kick me off the court,” Osaka said of the sparkling “Eiffel Tower at night” ensemble.
“I’ve got two backup, normal dresses – thankfully I didn’t have to wear them,” she added. “Sometimes people say athletes are in show business… For me, Grand Slam walk-ons are the only time that I possibly feel like I’m an entertainer,” the tennis pro explained.
Osaka’s opponent, Germany’s Laura Siegemund (whom she beat 6-3 7-6 (7-3) to reach the second round), it’s fair to say, was fuming. “I couldn’t care less,” she told TNT Sports. “I come here to play tennis, not put on a fashion show.” Nevertheless, Siegemund then went on to claim that Osaka’s big outfit reveal had broken time-keeping rules: “Once again, bigger names are treated differently,” she hit out.
So, perhaps, she did care – just a little bit.
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| Leave Naomi Osaka alone, her fashion show is exactly what is needed Glittering: The four-time Grand Slam champion wore copper on the court AP |
Throughout her tennis career, Osaka has been treated differently – rarely for the better. After winning her first-ever Slam against American great Serena Williams at just 20 years old, she broke down in tears of dismay instead of joy. The umpire, Carlos Ramos, had accused Williams of receiving on-court coaching and docked her game, leading Williams to call him a “thief” and later accuse him of sexism.
As Osaka collected her trophy, boos rang around Arthur Ashe Stadium while she wept. “Not only was a game taken from me but a defining, triumphant moment was taken from another player,” Williams later wrote in an essay for Harper’s Bazaar. “My heart broke.”
The incident was all the more gut-wrenching as Williams is Osaka’s icon. This can be seen again in her fashion choices, as she follows in the footsteps of the former World No 1 to serve draw-dropping looks on the court that unapologetically allow her to express herself, when the backwards governance and antiquated confines of the sport, perhaps, won’t. Notably, Osaka faced intense racial abuse after supporting Black Lives Matter in 2020.
Williams has frequently challenged traditional tennis dress codes with pioneering ensembles; her 2018 French Open catsuit, which she said made her feel “like a superhero”, was banned for no other reason than that the French Tennis Federation felt it didn’t “respect the game and the place”. Nevertheless, months later she stepped out at the US Open in a black one-shoulder tennis dress complete with a tutu. "It's easy to play in, kind of aerodynamic,” she said.
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| Pushing boundaries: Serena Williams, an inspiration to Osaka, in her tutu at the 2018 US Open (Getty) |
The star’s wardrobe has sparked debates around the policing of women’s bodies in sport and the functionality of athletic wear. Many noted at the time that the clothing controversy felt like another reason to slate a Black player in an overwhelmingly white, historically exclusionary, elite sport. A tutu somehow became perceived as a threat to tennis’ status quo.
Notably, few have been up in arms over Aryna Sabalenka wearing £76,000 worth of diamonds and garnets with a sheer Nike super suit at Roland Garros. “I love it,” the Belarusian defended Osaka’s latest ensemble. “She feels confident. That’s the beauty of the fashion world. There’s a space for everything. I love that she’s bringing it on [to] the court.”
Sabalenka shared that she too hoped to one day “come up with something cool” for an Open entrance like Osaka’s.
Elite sportswomen, of course, don’t want to be known or judged for their outfits alone, but – when the coverage of and prime time slots for women’s tennis at tournaments like the French Open still drastically lag behind the men’s game – it also can’t hurt to turn a few heads and garner extra attention using a bit of tulle and some sequins, right?
“I tend to win more when I’m having fun,” Osaka previously told Vogue of her relationship with sport and fashion. So far, so true – and the tennis season is just getting started.
MAGNUS CARLSEN HAD TO FIGHT 'DOUBTS' TO BEAT GUKESH 'WHO WAS UP FOR A FIGHT' AT NORWAY CHESS
It wasn’t a straightforward victory for Magnus Carlsen over D Gukesh at Norway Chess on Thursday. The former world champion had to overcome mental battles to conquer the reigning king.
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| D Gukesh discussed his mistakes with Magnus Carlsen after losing the match. Image: Norway Chess |
Magnus Carlsen had to fight doubts before beating world champion D Gukesh in their latest encounter at the Norway Chess 2026 on Thursday as the world No 1 secured his first Classical victory on the ongoing tournament. So far in the last three rounds, Carlsen had suffered two defeats and secured one win via Armageddon.
But five-time world champion Carlsen turned the tables against Gukesh on the eve of the Indian Grandmaster’s 20th birthday, winning in 42 moves. Gukesh remained solid in the match during the opening and middlegame with the White pieces, but lost the initiative in the endgame under time pressure.
Gukesh was eventually forced to resign as Carlsen picked up a crucial win after tough three rounds.
Carlsen relieved after beating Gukesh
In the post-game interview with Take Take Take, Carlsen said that his recent Classical defeats to Alireza Firouzja and R Praggnanandhaa of India had shaken his confidence, and that the victory over world champion Gukesh had come as a big relief.
“It was a huge relief,” Carlsen said. “After missing a few chances, you get a little bit of doubt, like what it’s going to take for me to get back. Feels really good to get that monkey off the back.
“He was up for a fight today, but so was I.”
There’s no doubt the victory has come as a big relief for Carlsen, even if he remains the top-ranked chess Grandmaster. Amid his recent poor form, his critics have been constantly questioning him holding onto the world No 1 ranking despite playing only a few tournaments.
Hand Niemann, who in 2022 was accused of cheating by Carlsen, has said that FIDE needs to change its ranking methodology to reward the players who are more active on the circuit.
A few other critics have started to signal that it’s the start of the end for Carlsen, but the truth is the Norwegian remains the most consistent player across formats.
- FP Sports Desk
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