Sports

Naomi Osaka’s comeback is about more than tennis—it’s a candid look at how motherhood reshapes a champion. A new documentary follows her journey, blending family, identity, and resilience as she gears up for a marquee U.S. Open showdown with Coco Gauff.

Coco Gauff is proving that technique and mindset can grow together at the US Open. As she tests a bold serve overhaul and channels emotion into focus, her evolving balance of pace, precision, and resilience hints at a deeper late‑season surge.

Labor Day brings a three-game WNBA slate with cautious bets and one standout value hiding in the numbers. A concise, data-driven angle using TSIs, pace, and ATS trends teases where a smart edge could emerge.

Veteran lefty Andrew Heaney is back in the Dodgers’ orbit on a minor-league deal, headed to Oklahoma City to add depth as October approaches. With playoff pedigree and a recent rough stretch, his next chapter could hinge on rekindling past form.

September roster expansion brings a jolt to Seattle as top prospect Harry Ford is promoted to the majors. A blend of veteran depth and fresh talent signals a late-season push and a look at the Mariners’ near- and long-term plans.

The Lakers are quietly plotting a bold offseason around Luka Dončić and LeBron James, targeting a reliable lob threat to unlock their prime years. P.J. Washington has been floated as the fit, but cap space and timing will determine how far this high-stakes plan can go.

September baseball is underway as the Blue Jays head to Cincinnati for a Labor Day showdown. With a reshaped bullpen and fresh depth for the stretch run, Toronto aims to keep its momentum and tighten its grip on the postseason race.

Casey Mize takes the mound as Detroit tries to snap a rough road stretch. A steady start and a timely offensive spark could set the tone for the Tigers’ road trip, highlighting how the young rotation and bullpen handle a pivotal night.

Labor Day at Fenway kicks off a crucial September as Boston hosts Cleveland in a three-game set. With Bello on the mound and a right-handed-heavy lineup, the Red Sox push for momentum in the Wild Card race.

Jaylen Warren inked a two-year extension, cementing his rise as a versatile pillar of the Steelers’ backfield. A budding dual-threat threat, his new deal hints at a bigger role for Pittsburgh’s offense in the seasons ahead.

Two Swiss stories, one unbreakable grind. Leandro Riedi fights his way into the US Open Round of 16, turning a long road back from injury into momentum—and sharing the moment with rising teammate Jérôme Kym. The resilience chapter is far from over.

Dodgers add left-hander Heaney on a minor-league deal, headed to Triple-A Oklahoma City to begin a new chapter. His swingman versatility could give L.A. added depth as the season unfolds. For Heaney, it’s a chance to reinvent himself in a top development system and chase a return to the majors.

Seattle adds a promising catching prospect to its major league roster, boosting depth behind Cal Raleigh and Mitch Garver. Known for elite on-base ability and surprising speed for a catcher, the young backstop could move quickly if he translates his tools to the majors. A developing asset with potential to shape Seattle’s catching future.

With the US Open entering its second week in New York, the round of 16 is delivering upsets, bold comebacks, and fresh contenders that are reshaping the title race. Expect dramatic matchups, standout performances, and a few American breakthroughs that could redefine the tournament’s momentum.

Jaylen Warren is locked in as Pittsburgh reshapes its backfield with fresh depth in the mix. As the Steelers eye a more prominent ground attack, questions about carries and roles add intrigue heading into training camp.

Could Aaron Rodgers’ veteran savvy reshape the Steelers’ offense this season? As he builds early chemistry with coach Arthur Smith and the unit leans into a creative, run-first approach, Pittsburgh faces a high-stakes test on health and timing. If Rodgers stays healthy, a surprising push could be in reach.

Georgia State adds a veteran quarterback to steady a shaky passing attack as Week 2 arrives. TJ Finley brings a long, varied college career and a chance to spark the Panthers’ offense.

With Sinner, Alcaraz and Djokovic grabbing the headlines, Alex de Minaur quietly sits on the brink of a breakthrough. His relentless consistency and daily grind could turn the US Open into a coming‑out party, reshaping the narrative around majors this year.

Two late U.S. Open clashes will decide the remaining quarterfinalists: Rublev vs. Auger‑Aliassime—power, nerves, and a tense head-to-head history—and De Minaur facing breakout Swiss Leandro Riedi in a veteran-versus-upstart duel. Expect hard-fought rallies, sharp breaks, and a pivotal moment as the Open narrows toward its business end.

Sharjah hosts a pivotal clash as UAE and Afghanistan chase their first win in the tri-series. Expect pressure-packed bowling, late fireworks, and a crucial swing in momentum as both teams push for a path toward the final.

Today’s Connections Sports Edition fuses four sports worlds—baseball, volleyball, legendary NFL coaches, and MLS towns—into a fresh four-group word puzzle. Each day a new board resets, inviting fans to shuffle, spot the shared threads, and test their cross-sport intuition. Can you crack the connections before the day ends?