aikidogs.com – Local Reports & Special Coverage

US Open: Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz headline high-octane third-round action

US Open 2025, August 29: Day six of the tournament promises high-octane action as third-round matches feature some of the sport's biggest stars. World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz will take on Italy's Luciano Darderi, while Novak Djokovic returns to Centre Court to face Cameron Norrie.

US Open Day 5: Gauff's Tears, Biles' Inspiration, and Townsend-Ostapenko Feud Dominate Headlines; Sinner & Swiatek Advance

Coco Gauff overcame immense pressure and serve struggles, drawing inspiration from Simone Biles to win her second-round match on Day 5 at the US Open. Thursday's action also saw reactions unfold on the heated exchange between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko a day prior. Elsewhere, Jannik Sinner advanced easily, while Iga Swiatek fought hard for her victory. In doubles, Venus Williams, partnering with Leylah Fernandez, secured a notable doubles win.

Neeraj Chopra Takes Silver at Diamond League Finals as Federer Watches; Cites Timing Issues Ahead of World Championships

Neeraj Chopra finished second at the Diamond League Finals in Zurich, with a best throw of 85.01m. Germany's Julian Weber won with a season-leading 91.57m. Chopra, despite struggling with his timing, secured the runner-up position in his final attempt. He expressed optimism about improving before the World Championships, acknowledging technical challenges and a persistent groin injury.

R Ashwin Eyes Global Cricket Stage After IPL Exit, Registers for Overseas League

Ravichandran Ashwin, after retiring from the IPL with 187 wickets, has announced his intention to play in overseas franchise leagues. He has already registered for one league, seeking to enjoy cricket without pressure and recapture the joy of street cricket on the global stage.

Rohit Sharma to report to BCCI's CoE on September 13 for fitness tests

Rohit Sharma, India's ODI captain, is set to undergo fitness assessments at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru starting September 13, including the newly-introduced Bronco Test. He'll also practice there to prepare for the Australia white-ball tour in November.

Venus Williams, Leylah Fernandez get upset win in US Open doubles

Venus Williams, who won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena, teamed with Leylah Fernandez to win her first doubles match at the US Open since 2014.

Messi set for 'very special' last World Cup qualifier in Argentina

Lionel Messi is set to play his final World Cup qualifier at home in Argentina when Venezuela visits Buenos Aires next week.

National Sports Day report card for federations: F for AIFF, A for NRAI

We choose certain key federations and grade them (from A to F, but you already knew that) on four key criteria.

National Sports Day: Neeraj Chopra, D Gukesh and Indian football team feature in highlights of past year

New world champions, legends transcending their sport, underdogs defeating the system and more.

'Worst thing you can say to a Black player': Naomi Osaka on Jelena Ostapenko-Taylor Townsend clash

A US Open face-off between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko ignited controversy after Ostapenko's unsportsmanlike remarks. Naomi Osaka weighed in, highlighting the racial insensitivity of such comments, especially directed at a Black player in tennis. The dispute arose from a disagreement over tennis etiquette.

Watch: Pakistan captain can’t hide his reaction after journalist calls Afghanistan Asia's No. 2 team

Ahead of the Asia Cup, Pakistan's new T20I captain, Salman Ali Agha, faced scrutiny after a journalist's comment about Afghanistan's T20 World Cup performance sparked a viral reaction. As Agha leads a young team, Pakistan aims to regain consistency in the upcoming tri-series against Afghanistan and UAE.

'Bronco Test introduced to keep Rohit Sharma out of India’s ODI team': Ex-India cricketer’s shocking claim

Manoj Tiwary, former Indian cricketer, suggests the newly introduced Bronco Test in Indian cricket might be a strategy to exclude Rohit Sharma from the team, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. He questions the timing of this endurance-focused test, contrasting it with previous instances where fitness benchmarks seemingly sidelined senior players like Gambhir and Sehwag.

'In Iran no dancing. In Goa, Iranians danced': Chess World Cup returns after 23 years

Goa is set to host the FIDE World Cup in 2025, marking its return to India after 23 years, reminiscent of the 2002 World Junior Championship where Levon Aronian emerged victorious. The event not only boosted Goa's tourism, particularly attracting Russian visitors, but also showcased the region's hospitality and organisational capabilities.

Unseen video: Harbhajan Singh nearly punched Sreesanth in IPL 2008 - WATCH

Lalit Modi's recent revelation on a podcast has brought the infamous Harbhajan Singh-Sreesanth "slap-gate" incident from the inaugural IPL season in 2008 back into the spotlight. Modi claimed to possess unseen footage of the altercation, which resulted in Harbhajan's suspension and sparked significant controversy. The resurfacing of this incident reminded fans of the fiery early years of the league.

Diamond League Final: Rare off-day for Neeraj as fans reminded how high the bar is

Neeraj Chopra was comfortably outclassed by Julian Weber in the Diamond League Final on Thursday. A rare stumble for a relentless champion, he still reminds fans why they expect nothing less than greatness.

Naomi Osaka condemns Jelena Ostapenko over heated US Open row with Townsend

Naomi Osaka condemned the use of terms like "no education" and "no class" against a Black tennis player, calling them among the worst things to say, as the row between Taylor Townsend and Jelena Ostapenko sparked fierce debate at the US Open on Thursday.

Chelsea Reportedly Clinches £40M Deal for Man Utd's Garnacho Amidst Bayern Interest

Manchester United have agreed a £40 million ($54 million) deal to sell Argentine winger Alejandro Garnacho to Chelsea, according to a source close to the club on Thursday.

R Ashwin breaks silence on IPL retirement, reveals overseas leagues plans

Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has opened up on his sudden retirement from the Indian Premier League (IPL) and revealed his aspirations to play in the foreign leagues.

US Open: Altmaier stuns Tsitsipas; De Minaur, Anisimova ease into Round 3

US Open 2025: Stefanos Tsitsipas crashed out after losing to Germany's Daniel Altmaier in a gripping five-set second-round match. Meanwhile, Amanda Anisimova and Alex de Minaur cruised into the third round with convincing straight-set victories.

Duleep Trophy 2025: Mohammed Shami hits his stride on red-ball return

Approaching 35, Mohammed Shami, despite subtle hints to retire, remains determined, eyeing the 2027 World Cup. In a Duleep Trophy match, his first red-ball game since November 2024, Shami focused on accuracy over speed, testing his body after injury. He bowled 17 overs, finding success in his third spell and eventually claiming a wicket late in the day.