The brothers jointly announced it Tuesday on social media, describing it as, “The moment you’ve waited a decade for.”
But there’s mounting speculation − and good reason to believe − this will not be an actual boxing match.
The post from the brothers on X, formerly Twitter, indicates the event will be streamed March 27 on Max.
More information is expected Thursday that likely will clarify the nature of the event.
It is not listed on BoxRec, which charts sanctioned professional and amateur fights. BoxRec does not list exhibitions.
A prospective fight between Logan Paul and Conor McGregor has failed to materialize and Jake Paul has yet to announce his next fight since beating Mike Tyson on Nov. 15 by unanimous decision.
It’ll be hard to top the numbers from Paul’s blockbuster bout against Tyson. That fight, held in front of 72,300 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, generated more than $18 million at the live gate – more than any boxing event in the U.S. outside of Nevada, according to Most Valuable Promotions, a company founded by Paul.
Netflix said its broadcast of the fight peaked with 65 million concurrent livestreams, including 38 million in the U.S.
In an exciting announcement, Jake Paul has revealed his next opponent for his upcoming boxing match. Stay tuned for more updates on this highly anticipated bout! #JakePaul #boxing #announcement
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South Carolina basketball is set to face its eighth ranked opponent of the year, and it is still looking for its first conference win. After a quick road trip to Athens, the Gamecocks are back in Columbia for a home game.
The Gamecocks (10-11, 0-8 SEC) will face No. 13 Texas A&M at Colonial Life Arena on Saturday night. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
Here are three things to watch for, an opponent scouting report on the Aggies, plus the latest injury report.
Getting on the boards and getting on the board
Rebounding is a strength for Texas A&M, as they are third in the SEC with an average of 42.0 RPG. The Gamecocks aren’t bad, at a 36.0 RPG clip, but that’s closer to 16th in the SEC than it is to the Aggies’ mark. The Aggies crash the offensive glass in particular. Their mark of 16.7 offensive rebounds is tops in the nation, and they have three players averaging over 2.5 offensive rebounds per game.
Collin Murray-Boyles and Nick Pringle both have a defensive rebounding percentage over 20.0%, which bodes well for a potential negation of the Aggies’ rebounding prowess. That is, if they can stay out of foul trouble. Texas A&M is one of just three SEC teams attempting more free throws per game than South Carolina.
Getting off to a quick start is paramount. In all three of South Carolina’s wins over Power Five competition, the Gamecocks had a 10-point lead at some point in the first half (Fun fact: South Carolina has more ACC wins than NC State, Boston College, and Miami).
Home field advantage could play a factor in the end result
Despite an 0-8 record in SEC games, the Gamecocks have been competitive at Colonial Life Arena. In their past three SEC home games, they’ve been outscored by just nine total points. All three of those close losses happened to come against ranked teams, as well.
Entering Friday night, the Gamecocks are listed as just +5.5 point underdogs. Despite a 1-5 road record, they are 8-5 at home this season. Additionally, several Gamecocks are more efficient at home than on the road.
Murray-Boyles’s turnover percentage drops from 29.4% on the road to 13.4% at Colonial Life. Jacobi Wright’s 3PT% rises from 25.0% to 37.0%. Zachary Davis’s steal percentage almost doubles from road games (1.5%) to home games (2.9%). Morris Ugusuk is an exception, with a TS% of 76.1% on the road and 44.0% at home. Here’s to hoping he scores 25 points at Rupp against Kentucky.
In front of a crowd likely eager to see the Gamecocks record victory numero uno against the Aggies, South Carolina could use a friendly environment to its advantage.
Keeping control of the ball is a must
South Carolina basketball’s Achilles heel, if an observer had to pick just one, has been turnovers. The Gamecocks offense has given away opportunities at a high rate ever since the close loss to Auburn. Despite a season-long average of 13.1 turnovers per game, South Carolina is averaging 18.6 per game in their past five contests. Is that bad? If it was extrapolated over the course of the season, it would rank dead last out of 364 D-I basketball teams.
South Carolina’s shooting clips over that span aren’t too far off from their season average. But because of the dearth of opportunities provided by volatile ball-handling, the Gamecocks aren’t getting the same number of shots off. After averaging 75.6 PPG in non-conference games, that mark is down to 62.8 PPG against SEC competition.
If this team can take care of the basketball, the offense has a chance to get into a rhythm and make shots. But if the turnover woes continue, there’s no way for the Gamecocks to achieve their offensive goals.
For South Carolina, Myles Stute is OUT (blood clot).
For Texas A&M, Solomon Washington is OUT.
Game details
Who: South Carolina (10-11, 0-8 SEC) vs. No. 13 Texas A&M (16-5, 5-3 SEC)
When: Saturday, Feb. 1 at 8:30 p.m.
Where: Colonial Life Area (18,000)
How to watch/listen: SEC Network/107.5 The Game
ESPN gives South Carolina a 27.4 percent chance to win
The highly anticipated matchup between South Carolina and Texas A&M is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting the showdown between these two powerhouse teams. As both teams gear up for battle, here are three key things to watch for in the upcoming game:
1. Quarterback battle: South Carolina’s quarterback, Luke Doty, has been impressive so far this season, showcasing his dual-threat ability and playmaking skills. On the other side, Texas A&M’s quarterback, Zach Calzada, has also shown flashes of brilliance and has the potential to lead his team to victory. The matchup between these two signal-callers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game.
2. Defensive showdown: Both South Carolina and Texas A&M boast strong defensive units that have been able to shut down opposing offenses. The Gamecocks have been particularly stout against the run, while the Aggies have been effective at generating pressure on the quarterback. It will be interesting to see how these defenses match up against each other and which unit will come out on top.
3. Special teams impact: Special teams can often be the X-factor in close games, and both South Carolina and Texas A&M have shown the ability to make game-changing plays on special teams. Whether it’s a big return, a clutch field goal, or a momentum-shifting blocked punt, special teams could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game.
Scouting the opponent:
Texas A&M comes into this game with a strong 4-1 record, with their only loss coming against the top-ranked team in the country. The Aggies have a balanced offensive attack led by quarterback Zach Calzada and running back Isaiah Spiller, and their defense has been formidable, allowing just 19.4 points per game. South Carolina will need to be prepared for a physical, hard-fought battle against a talented Texas A&M team.
Injury report:
South Carolina and Texas A&M have both been dealing with injuries throughout the season, and the status of key players will be a factor to watch leading up to the game. Both teams will need to have their depth tested and be ready to adjust if key players are unable to suit up. Keep an eye on the injury reports in the days leading up to the game to see who will be available for this crucial matchup.
Overall, the South Carolina vs. Texas A&M game promises to be an exciting and closely contested battle between two talented teams. Keep an eye on the quarterback battle, defensive showdown, and special teams impact, as well as the injury reports for both teams, to see how the game unfolds.
Terrance McKinney is ready to prove that he’s a contender at lightweight.
McKinney is set to return to the Octagon at UFC Saudi Arabia against Damir Hadzovic. It’s his first fight since May when he was knocked out by Esteban Ribovics. After the loss, McKinney wanted to make sure he was completely healthy and made a change in his camp, which led to a longer layoff.
“Exactly, make sure my body is healthy and make sure I’m with the right team so we can start eliminating these mistakes… I train at Fusion XL in Florida, Mike Davis, Lucas Alexander, Phil Rowe, and so many talented guys who are always coming in. I moved down to Orlando and it’s been a huge blessing,” McKinney said on Just Scrap Radio on BJPENN.com.
Once McKinney was ready to return, he wasn’t sure who he would get. He will face Damir Hadzovic at UFC Saudi Arabia, and McKinney calls it the perfect opponent for him.
“I don’t mind it, everything happens for a reason. This is a perfect opponent for me to come back to and get back in my groove and get back in my winning ways,” McKinney said. “I know he’s a scrapper, he’s a veteran, and his defense is solid. I’m taking it seriously.”
Terrance McKinney, the rising UFC lightweight prospect, is set to face off against Damir Hadzovic at UFC Saudi Arabia. And McKinney believes he couldn’t have asked for a better opponent.
In a recent interview, McKinney expressed his confidence in facing Hadzovic, stating that he sees him as the “perfect” opponent to showcase his skills and prove himself in the octagon. McKinney believes that Hadzovic’s fighting style plays into his strengths, and he is fully prepared to come out on top in their upcoming bout.
With a record of 12 wins and 3 losses, McKinney is determined to continue his impressive run in the UFC and prove that he belongs among the top contenders in the lightweight division. And facing Hadzovic is just another step towards achieving his ultimate goal of becoming a champion.
Fans can expect an exciting and action-packed fight when McKinney takes on Hadzovic at UFC Saudi Arabia. Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling showdown between two talented fighters.
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Terrance McKinney, Damir Hadzovic, UFC Saudi Arabia, MMA Fight, Perfect Opponent, UFC Matchup, Fighter Showdown, McKinney vs Hadzovic, Lightweight Bout, Saudi Arabia UFC Event
Like several other Utah Utes sports teams before it have already experienced, the Utah women’s basketball program will get its first taste of facing rival BYU as a Big 12 foe on Saturday.
This one comes at the Marriott Center, as the Utes travel to Provo for an afternoon tilt (2:30 p.m. MST, ESPNU).
The rivalry is a familiar one to players like Gianna Kneepkens and Jenna Johnson, as well as head coach Gavin Petersen.
This will be the fourth time both Kneepkens and Johnson have played BYU — the pair have a 2-1 record against the Cougars.
Petersen, who spent the previous nine years at Utah as an assistant, is heading into his first matchup as the Utes’ head coach.
This will be the first year, though, that all three have the experience of facing BYU twice in a year, as fellow Big 12 schools. The Utes will host the Cougars on March 1 in the regular-season finale.
Kneepkens, who said she’s looking forward to facing BYU twice now that the schools are in the same conference again, lit up when talking about her team’s next opponent after the Utes beat Kansas on Wednesday.
“I think rivalry games are the best, just because a lot of people come out for them, the environment’s great, they’re always good games,” she said.
Kneepkens pointed to the atmosphere at Utah’s 73-72 victory over BYU when the men’s teams played at the Huntsman Center last Saturday as evidence for just how enjoyable the rivalry can be.
“Like we saw with our men’s game this weekend, just in a great environment, playing high-level basketball against the team that’s 40 minutes away is going to be a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to it,” Kneepkens said.
Johnson is expecting to get BYU’s best shot, even if the Cougars are coming in on a three-game losing streak and are 1-6 in Big 12 play.
“I think in big rivalry games and stuff, you get that team’s best shot, and we’re going to bring the same,” Johnson said. “I think that’s just what I’m looking forward to, is competing hard and knowing that we’re going to get BYU’s best.”
There’s a workmanlike mentality to Utah’s approach, echoed from both coaches and players.
“We’ll prepare the same. We’re gonna get after it and be prepared and take the bus down there and go to work,” Petersen said.
Utah Utes head coach Gavin Petersen calls out to his players during game against Arizona State University held at the Jon M. Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. Saturday’s game at BYU will be Peterson’s first taste of the rivalry as the Utes’ head coach. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News
Utah is coming off a 79-61 victory over Kansas, where both Kneepkens and Johnson were chasing a triple-double that fell just short.
Kneepkens ended up scoring a career-high 30 points, while adding 10 rebounds and eight assists.
Johnson put up 13 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, as the Utes built a 16-point lead after one quarter and played even with the Jayhawks after that.
The Cougars, meanwhile, are struggling under third-year coach Amber Whiting. Since Big 12 play began, their only win has come against Houston, and BYU will be decided underdogs with Utah coming to town.
The Utes have won the past two games in the series, beating BYU 76-59 in Provo two years ago and 87-68 last season in Salt Lake City, though that victory had a sour note for Utah, as Kneepkens broke her foot late in the game and was lost for the season.
Petersen recalled his thoughts toward the rivalry when he first arrived with former Utah head coach Lynne Roberts at Utah a decade ago.
“When we got here, I still remember that first year, I just was so into it, and then I was like, why? Why are you so intense? And it’s just all the fans and everybody,” he said.
Utah on the air
Utah (14-5, 5-3) at BYU (10-8, 1-6)
Saturday, 2:30 p.m. MST
At Marriott Center
TV: ESPNU
Radio: 103.9 & 98.3 FM, BYU Radio
“I was able to, you know, with my older age, step back and be like, it’s one game. It’s one game.”
With it being a conference matchup now, there is a bit more added significance, though the approach doesn’t change.
“Well, now it’s not just one game — it actually means something in the conference standings, so I’m gonna have to remind myself, like, yes, it is a rivalry, but at the end of the day, it’s still one game. And always, our mission is to go 1-0, no matter who it is,” Petersen said.
BYU Cougars center Sara Hamson (22) defends Utah Utes guard Gianna Kneepkens (5) as Utah and BYU women compete in a basketball game at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
As a longtime rival, the return of BYU as a conference opponent for the University of Utah is a monumental occasion for both schools and their passionate fan bases. The Deseret News explores what this matchup means for the Utes and the implications it has on the landscape of college football.
For Utah, facing off against BYU brings a renewed sense of excitement and intensity to their schedule. The rivalry between these two teams runs deep, with a history of close games and memorable moments that have left a lasting impact on both programs. The opportunity to once again go head-to-head with their longtime foe is a chance for the Utes to prove their dominance and assert their place as a top contender in the conference.
But beyond the on-field competition, the return of BYU as a conference opponent signifies a shift in the dynamics of college football in the state of Utah. With both teams now competing in the same conference, the stakes are higher and the pressure to perform is greater. Every game against BYU becomes a crucial battle for bragging rights and a chance to assert dominance in the state.
As fans gear up for the highly anticipated matchups between these two teams, the Deseret News will be there every step of the way to provide in-depth analysis, game previews, and post-game coverage. Stay tuned as we witness the renewed rivalry between Utah and BYU unfold and see which team comes out on top in this thrilling conference showdown.
NEW YORK (AP) — Discount store chain Target said Friday that it would join rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that have come under attack from conservative activists and, as of this week, the White House.
The Minneapolis-based retailer said the changes to its “Belonging at the Bulleye” strategy would include ending a program it established to help Black employees build meaningful careers, improve the experience of Black shoppers and to promote Black-owned businesses following the police killing of George Floyd in 2020.
Target, which operates nearly 2,000 stores nationwide and employs more than 400,000 people, said it also would conclude the diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, goals it previously set in three-year cycles.
The goals included hiring and promoting more women and members of racial minority groups, and recruiting more diverse suppliers, including businesses owned by people of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, veterans and people with disabilities.
In a memo to employees, Kiera Fernandez, Target’s chief community impact and equity officer, as a “next chapter” in a decades-long process to create “inclusive work and guest environments that welcome all.”
“Many years of data, insights, listening and learning have been shaping this next chapter in our strategy,” Fernandez wrote in the memo, which Target shared Friday. “And as a retailer that serves millions of consumers every day, we understand the importance of staying in step with the evolving external landscape, now and in the future.”
There’s no doubt the U.S. civil rights landscape has undergone a massive transformation in the five years since much of corporate America adopted DEI goals in response to the Black Lives Matter protests that followed Floyd’s death in Minneapolis.
A 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions emboldened conservative groups to bring or threaten lawsuits targeting corporate initiatives such as employee resource groups and hiring practices that prioritize historically marginalized groups.
President Donald Trump this week signaled his administration’s agreement with conservatives who argue that policies designed to increase minority representation by considering factors such as race, gender and sexual orientation are unconstitutional.
On his first day in office, Trump signed an executive order aimed at ending DEI programs across the federal government. The order calls for revoking all DEI mandates, policies, preferences and activities, along with the review and revision of existing employment practices, union contracts, and training policies or programs.
Unlike some of the companies retooling or retiring their diversity initiatives, Target’s work to build a more inclusive workforce predated 2020, and the company also was long seen as a trailblazer with respect to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
But the employee memo shared Friday said Target no longer would participate in surveys designed to gauge the effectiveness of its actions, including an annual index compiled by the Human Rights Campaign, a national LGBTQ+ rights organization. Target said it would further evaluate corporate partnerships to ensure they’re connected directly to business objectives, but declined to share details.
Getting corporations to withdraw from the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index and to stop sponsoring Pride activities have been goals of DEI opponents.
Steering clear of a backlash from conservative customers and organizations is something that Target has tried to navigate for a while. As transgender rights became a more prominent issue in 2016, the company declared that “inclusivity is a core belief at Target” and said it supported transgender employees and customers using whichever restroom or fitting room “corresponds with their gender identity.”
But after some customers threatened to boycott Target stores, the company said that more stores would make available a single-toilet bathroom with a door that could be locked.
In 2023, Target removed some of its Pride Month merchandise after online complaints and in-store confrontations that the retailer said threatened employees’ well-being. The company decided last year not to stock Pride Month products at every U.S. store.
Still, some prominent companies have resisted public pressure to retreat from their diversity plans. On Thursday, Costco shareholders rejected a proposal urging the wholesale club operator to evaluate any risks posed by its diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
According to preliminary results shared by Costco executives, more than 98% of shares voted against the proposal submitted by a conservative think tank based in Washington. Costco’s board of directors had recommended a no vote.
Target, one of the largest retail corporations in the United States, has announced that it will be ending its diversity goals in light of a new administration in the White House that is seen as a strong opponent of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.
This decision comes as a blow to many employees and advocates who have been pushing for greater diversity and representation within the company. Target had previously set forth ambitious goals to increase the number of women and people of color in leadership positions, as well as to improve overall diversity and inclusion within the company.
However, with the new administration in power, Target has decided to shift its focus away from these goals, citing a desire to align with the current political climate. This move has sparked backlash from employees and customers who believe that diversity and inclusion should be a top priority for all companies, regardless of political changes.
As a major player in the retail industry, Target’s decision to abandon its diversity goals sends a troubling message to other companies and organizations that are committed to DEI efforts. It serves as a reminder that progress towards a more diverse and inclusive workplace can be easily derailed by political shifts and external pressures.
It is important for companies to remain steadfast in their commitment to diversity and inclusion, regardless of external influences. By continuing to prioritize DEI initiatives, companies like Target can help create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
The 24th-ranked Wisconsin Badgers are riding the momentum of four straight Big Ten conference victories out to Los Angeles to take on a rising USC Trojans basketball team at the Galen Center. Tip-off on the Big Ten Network is Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
After leading the first half by 17, Wisconsin started to falter down the stretch as Ohio State chipped away at the lead. Despite the Buckeyes’ best efforts, the Badgers survived and squeaked out a 70-68 win at the Kohl Center last Tuesday.
Wisconsin’s free-throw shooting was the difference in the game, as the Badgers converted 25-of-28 free throws in the win. John Tonje, who went 10-for-10 at the free throw line, finished with 17 points and scored nine of the Badgers’ last 12 points in regulation.
What should Badger fans know about USC?
Opponent Preview
Basketball coaching veteran Eric Musselman came to USC last offseason after five seasons at Arkansas and inherited a roster with 11 transfers. The Trojans went through some initial growing pains with a 9-6 record that featured a 36-point outing against Saint Marys in the Acrisure Classic and a 1-3 record in conference play. Now, USC is riding momentum with an impressive victory over no. 13 Illinois in Champaign on January 11th and a 10-point home win over Iowa last Tuesday.
Xavier transfer Desmond Claude has been the star of the Trojan basketball team. Claude was sensational against Fighting Illinois, where he dropped 31 points on 12-of-20 shooting. Coming into this game, Claude is averaging 22 points per game in Big Ten games and is the leader in assists for the Trojans with 4.2 assists per game. The Trojans’ no. 2 scorer, Chibuzo Agbo, is averaging 12.8 points per game and is USC’s best three-point threat amongst its starters. Agbo’s 2.4 three-pointers made per game are fifth in the Big Ten.
Washington transfer Wesley Yates III has started to heat up in scoring for the Trojans. Yates has averaged 16.8 PPG in the last five games and is coming off a 21-point display against Iowa, where he went 4-for-5 from behind the three-point line.
In the frontcourt, 6’ 7” forward Saint Thomas averages 6.2 rebounds, while Michigan transfer Terrace Williams II is second with 4.6 rebounds per game. Williams started six of seven games for the Trojans, but he is out for this game and could miss the remainder of the season with a broken wrist. The tallest player among the starters for USC is 6’ 10” Josh Cohen, who averages 8.3 points, 1.5 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game.
Score Prediction
We are starting to see the USC team Big Ten fans were thinking about once Musselman took over. This game should go down to the last few minutes with Claude and John Tonje trading buckets. USC is the worst rebounding team in the conference with 32.7 rebounds per game, so I’m picking Wisconsin to get just enough stops to get a big win in Los Angeles.
Prediction: Wisconsin 81-77.
The No. 24 Wisconsin Badgers are set to face off against the USC Trojans in an exciting matchup. Both teams have had successful seasons so far and will be looking to come out on top in this highly anticipated game.
The Badgers, led by head coach Greg Gard, have been playing solid basketball all season. They have a strong defense and are known for their tough, physical style of play. Players like Johnny Davis and Brad Davison have been key contributors on offense, while Tyler Wahl has been a force on the boards.
On the other side, the USC Trojans are a talented team with a high-powered offense. Led by head coach Andy Enfield, they have been scoring at a high clip all season. Players like Isaiah Mobley and Boogie Ellis have been leading the charge, while Drew Peterson has been a versatile weapon on both ends of the court.
This game is sure to be a battle between two top-tier teams, and fans can expect a competitive and intense matchup. Be sure to tune in to see who comes out on top in this exciting showdown between the Wisconsin Badgers and USC Trojans.
Australia’s top-ranked women’s player Kim Birrell was driven to tears in the aftermath of a shock straight sets defeat to an opponent she only found out she was playing minutes before her round-one clash at Melbourne Park on Tuesday.
Lucky loser Eva Lys made the most of an unlikely opportunity in a 6-2, 6-2 victory, receiving a call-up immediately before the Australian Open match on Kia Arena that lasted just 70 minutes.
Birrell – who survived qualifiers and is ranked No 101 in the world – said she was affected by the 11th-hour switch in opponent due to the withdrawal of No 13 seed Anna Kalinskaya. “To find out that she withdrew and that I was playing someone completely different, it did rattle me unfortunately,” she said.
“It felt like it just got away from me. Beforehand my nerves elevated quite a bit, then when you’ve got the nerves going, your tendency is to do the opposite of what you need to, and you just rush.”
Breaking down in the press conference, the 26-year-old said she didn’t want her Australian season, which also included a run to the quarter-finals in Brisbane, to be defined by the defeat.
“I’m an emotional person, I’m human,” Birrell said. “I put a lot of hard work and effort into this sport, and then to obviously also play some really good matches and then have a day like today is a hard pill to swallow.”
Lys was beaten by another Australian, Destanee Aiava, in qualifying but has spent the past three days at Melbourne Park in the hope of a last minute call-up. She had been on the treatment table when she was told she was playing in the next match on Kia Arena, following a men’s clash that was in its final stages.
“I found out about it 10 minutes before the match, so I didn’t have time to get nervous,” Lys said. “That was the thing that really helped me, I had a pretty loose arm.”
Birrell’s defeat marks a change in fortune for the local contingent after nine Australians won first round matches on Monday.
Australia’s Emerson Jones shake hands with Elena Rybakina after their round one match at the 2025 Australian Open. Photograph: Robert Prange/Getty Images
Rinky Hijikata lost to world No 146 Mitchell Krueger in straight sets in the afternoon. The American had won through qualifying and continued his good form with a 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 victory, landing almost 80% of his first serves across 131 minutes on court three.
Another to meet defeat on Tuesday was highly-touted teenager Emerson Jones, who was given a rude initiation as sixth-seed Elena Rybakina dominated their contest on Margaret Court Arena to win 6-1, 6-1 in just 53 minutes.
Jones said she will be better for the experience. “The whole match I was a bit nervous because I didn’t really know what to expect, but now I think it’s great that I’ve had that experience. Hopefully I’ll do better next time.”
The 16-year-old wildcard held serve early in both sets, but couldn’t stay in touch with her powerful Khazakh opponent, who won almost twice as many points as Jones and reeled off 11 aces.
Four of them came consecutively in a barrage during the final game of the first set, where the Australian had streaked to a 0-40 advantage and was hoping to reverse the momentum which to that point had been mostly one way.
When it was suggested by on-court interviewer Alicia Molik afterwards that the sequence was rough on a 16-year-old, Rybakina laughed it off. “I lost my concentration and focus, so I was pretty quick to be 0-40, and then I knew that I needed to step up and serve,” she said.
Jones had become the first Australian since Jelena Dokic in 1998 to be the world’s top junior, and shocked world No 37 Xinyu Wang in Adelaide in the lead-up.
But the Queenslander was clearly out-matched against Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion and 2023 Australian Open finalist. The world No 7 said afterwards Jones had a bright future, and she just needed to “be patient and work hard”.
No 8 seed Alex de Minaur and 25th seed Alexei Popyrin headline the evening session on Tuesday at Melbourne Park, which also includes Olivia Gadecki.
Australian tennis player Kim Birrell was left devastated after a late change of opponent led to her defeat in the Australian Open 2025. Birrell, who had been preparing to face off against a familiar opponent, found out just hours before the match that she would be up against a last-minute replacement.
The sudden change threw Birrell off her game, and she struggled to find her rhythm against the new opponent. Despite putting up a valiant fight, Birrell ultimately fell short and was reduced to tears as she came to terms with the unexpected turn of events.
It was a heartbreaking moment for Birrell, who had been looking forward to competing in front of her home crowd and had put in hours of hard work and preparation for the tournament. The disappointment of the loss was evident on her face as she walked off the court, her dreams of a successful run in the Australian Open shattered.
But despite the setback, Birrell vowed to bounce back stronger and continue to chase her dreams of success on the tennis court. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity serve as an inspiration to all aspiring athletes, reminding us that setbacks are just temporary roadblocks on the journey to achieving our goals.
As Birrell wipes away her tears and looks ahead to the future, we can only hope that she will come back stronger and more determined than ever to make her mark on the tennis world.
Tags:
Kim Birrell, Australian Open 2025, tennis, opponent change, defeat, emotions, tears, sportsmanship, professional athlete, Grand Slam, upset, competition, Australian tennis player, challenging match
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – NOVEMBER 27: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers gestures at the crowd during the fourth quarter in the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 27, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Green Bay Packers will face the Bears in Week 18, and they’ll be without star cornerback Jaire Alexander. Head coach Mike Lafleur announced that the Packers’ veteran cornerback will miss the remainder of the regular season following knee surgery.
Matt LaFleur says Jaire Alexander is most likely done for the season because of his knee injury. He’s having surgery.
With an 11-5 record, Green Bay has clinched a spot in the postseason for the second year. Who they play, however, has yet to be officially determined.
The Packers are the seventh seed in the NFC following the Washington Commanders’ victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17. Although Green Bay and Washington have identical 11-5 records, the Commanders hold the tiebreaker over the Packers because they have a better conference record. If Green Bay loses or Washington wins in Week 18, they will officially be set as the seventh seed.
The Packers are expected to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild-Card Round of the NFL Playoffs at Lincoln Financial Field.
The Philadelphia Eagles potential wild card opponent, the Los Angeles Rams, will be without their All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey after he undergoes knee surgery. This news comes as a blow to the Rams defense, as Ramsey has been a key player for them all season. The Eagles will look to take advantage of Ramsey’s absence and exploit the Rams secondary in their upcoming playoff matchup. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story. #FlyEaglesFly #NFLPlayoffs
The results of the Saturday games not only provided more clarity for the Miami Dolphins in terms of their playoff situation, they also determined one more opponent for next season.
With the Los Angeles Chargers defeating the New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos losing in overtime against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium, the Chargers became the final AFC opponent on the Dolphins’ 2025 schedule.
The victory clinched second place in the AFC West for Jim Harbaugh’s team and that will send them to Miami to face the Dolphins, who are locked into second place in the AFC East this season.
This sets up a fourth career meeting between fellow 2020 draft quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert following games in the 2020, 2022 and 2023 seasons. The Dolphins are 2-1 in those games, the victories coming in 2020 and 2023.
When the Houston Texans defeated the Dolphins in Week 15 to clinch the AFC South, it also ensured the Indianapolis Colts would be another 2025 Miami opponent based on their second-place finish.
The one 2025 Dolphins opponent that remains undetermined is the one for the so-called 17th game, and it’s set to be the team from the NFC East that finishes in the same spot in the division standing coming to Miami. That team will be the Washington Commanders unless they win their final two games and the Philadelphia Eagles lose their final two, in which case Washington would win the NFC East and the Eagles would become that final Dolphins opponent.
Based on the NFL’s rotation formula, we already knew 14 of the Dolphins’ 17 opponents (technically 11 of 14 opponents because they face the Bills, Jets and Patriots twice), and the three remaining opponents to determine are those that will finish in the same place in their division standings in the AFC South, AFC West and NFC East.
2025 Home Opponents
Buffalo, New England, N.Y. Jets, Baltimore, Cincinnati, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, L.A. Chargers, NFCE (currently Washington)
2025 Away Opponents
Buffalo, New England, N.Y. Jets, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, Carolina, Indianapolis Colts
Exciting news for Miami Dolphins fans – the 2025 opponent list is now almost complete! As the team gears up for another thrilling season, fans can start looking ahead to the matchups that await.
With games against division rivals like the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, as well as non-conference showdowns against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys, the Dolphins will have their work cut out for them.
Stay tuned for the official announcement of the full schedule, but in the meantime, start marking your calendars and getting ready to cheer on the Dolphins as they take on some of the best teams in the NFL in 2025. Let’s go Dolphins! #MiamiDolphins #2025Season #OpponentList
