Author: Rupert Murdoch

Serena Williams made a winning start to her competitive tennis comeback in the doubles event at Queen’s, claiming her first professional victory in nearly four years.The 44-year-old – making her first appearance since the 2022 US Open – partnered Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko to a 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 victory over third-seeded duo Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Erin Routliffe. Williams was given a standing ovation as she walked onto the grass court at the Andy Murray Arena, her debut at the Queen’s Club, with the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion putting in an impressive display. Image: Williams claimed her first professional win…

Africa’s top referee will not be allowed to officiate at the World Cup after he was refused entry to the USA, FIFA has confirmed.Omar Artan was set to become the first referee from Somalia at a World Cup but he was forced to fly back to Istanbul after he was turned back at Miami International Airport. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed Artan, who was named CAF’s referee of the year in 2025, would miss out on the tournament, saying: “FIFA can confirm that match official Omar Abdulkadir Artan will be unable to train and officiate at the FIFA World Cup 2026…

Scotland latest: Clarke urges his squad to soak up atmosphere

The top stories and transfer rumours from Monday’s newspapers…PREMIER LEAGUEManchester United’s impending move for Ederson could be delayed after midfielder was called-up to Brazil’s World Cup squad to replace the injured Wesley -The Mirror Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Manchester United have agreed a deal to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson – but what can they expect from the Brazilian? Crystal Palace value Adam Wharton at £100m amid interest from Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool -The Sun £100m is also the asking price from Newcastle United for midfielder Sandro Tonali – Gazzetta dello SportDean Henderson…

Thomas Tuchel was frustrated by England’s “freestyle” first-half display against New Zealand as World Cup preparations stepped up with a scrappy 1-0 win in sweltering Florida conditions.Harry Kane scored the only goal just before the break, instinctively steering home a Djed Spence cross at a sparsely-filled Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. Tuchel played a different XI in each half in the first of two warm-up games before the tournament and liked more of what he saw from the second half, having been frustrated by some of the players’ earlier approach. Image: Tuchel watched England scrape to a 1-0 win over…

Live Chris Billam-Smith and Ryan Rozicki meet in a huge cruiserweight clash in Bournemouth; Jack Massey faces Cheavon Clarke in chief support bout; watch Billam-Smith vs Rozicki on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Action and Sky One from 7pm on Saturday

England and New Zealand begin three-Test series at Lord’s, ahead of further games at The Kia Oval (June 17) and Trent Bridge (June 25); this is England’s first Test since the 4-1 Ashes thrashing over the winter; Durham opener Emilio Gay makes debut in place of the dropped Zak Crawley

The top stories and transfer rumours from Thursday’s newspapers…Premier LeagueEderson is set to be the first of five signings at Manchester United as Michael Carrick looks to bolster his squad with three centre midfielders, a left-back and a striker – The Times Manchester United have paused contract talks with captain Bruno Fernandes but remain relaxed about his future – The Mirror Arsenal believe they will be in pole position if Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers becomes available this summer – The MirrorNottingham Forest have rejected an opening offer from Manchester City for midfielder Elliot Anderson – The Athletic Please use…

Benvenuto Cellini heads the 14 declarations for the Betfred Derby as Aidan O’Brien launches a four-strong assault in search of a record-extending 12th success in the Epsom Classic.The master of Ballydoyle has proved unbeatable on the Surrey Downs in recent years with this year’s contingent attempting to make it four in a row for the Irishman after Auguste Rodin (2023), City Of Troy (2024) and Lambourn’s (2025) respective triumphs. Chester Vase winner Benvenuto Cellini will be joined by stablemates Pierre Bonnard, Action and Christmas Day, with Pierre Bonnard held in the highest regard despite yet to strike this term and…

The top stories and transfer rumours from Wednesday’s newspapers…Premier LeagueManchester United are confident captain Bruno Fernandes will decide to stay this summer – talkSPORT Aston Villa hope to resist offers for Morgan Rogers this summer amid growing interest from rival clubs, including Arsenal – The Telegraph Chelsea value Enzo Fernandez at £120m amid interest from Real Madrid. The LaLiga side could look to include players in a swap deal, such as reuniting defender Dean Huijsen with former boss Xabi Alonso – Daily MailChelsea are interested in Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen, although the Hammers insist…