Karolina Pliskova heads into the second round of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open after a straight-sets win over Ysaline Bonaventure
Pliskova had been scheduled to face two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza, but the Spaniard withdrew earlier in the day, citing "personal reasons".
She will face Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina for a place in the quarter-finals.
Williams to face Australia's Joint in Wimbledon comeback
American great Serena Williams will face Australian 20-year-old Maya Joint in the first round of her eagerly awaited return to Wimbledon, a potentially tricky tie for the seven-time champion playing at the tournament for the first time since 2022.
Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA
Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.
Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through
The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.
Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.
New Zealand openers break record against England
New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.
The UAE's National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) says a technical issue in the early warning system has been resolved after it led to the sending of incorrect alert messages.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has held a phone call with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi to discuss the latest regional developments.
The UAE's latest mediation effort between Russia and Ukraine has led to the release of 160 captives from each side.
