Naomi Osaka has vowed to continue shining a light on racial injustice, following her first round win over Misaki Doi at the US Open which began yesterday behind closed doors in New York. 22-year-old Osaka wore a facemask bearing the name of Breonna Taylor - who was shot dead by police in Louisville in March - on court at Flushing Meadows, as she won 6-2, 5-7, 6-2. Osaka plans to wear a different mask bearing the name of a different shooting victim throughout the tournament, she said: "Actually I have seven (masks), and it's quite sad that seven masks isn't enough for the amount of names. So hopefully I will get to the finals and you can see all of them." Meanwhile Novak Djokovic cruised through his first round match against Damir Dzumhur, a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory seeing him extend his winning streak to 24. Djokovic will play Britain's Kyle Edmund next up, with Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas also progressing.
Elsewhere in his column this morning Gerry Thornley has suggested this year's coronavirus-enforced break could be beneficial for players who are approaching the twilight of their career - a chance to refresh and recharge and increase their longevity. He writes: "Careers may have become shorter but, with a little luck in avoiding injuries, many players are liable to produce their best rugby after turning 30 - all the more so if afforded a break of five months from playing matches. Sexton looks stronger and younger (maybe it's the Peaky Blinders haircut) and at just 31, Conor Murray still has plenty to offer. . ." Meanwhile Stuart Lancaster is under no illusions of the challenge facing Leinster when they take on Munster in Friday night's Pro14 semi-final, which will "without a doubt" be the unbeaten province's hardest match of the season to date.
Shamrock Rovers will play seven-time champions of Europe AC Milan in the second round of Europa League qualifying, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic's side visiting Tallaght on September 17th. However, the Premier Division leaders will be unable to reap the financial awards, with the fixture to be played behind closed doors. Stephen Bradley's side moved into the FAI Cup quarter-finals yesterday after a 2-1 win over Cork City, while Bohemians also progressed thanks to a 2-0 win over Cabinteely. Meanwhile the FAI EGM was held yesterday, with members overwhelmingly backing the reform measures required to release over €30 million of State funding.
There was Tour de France heartbreak for Sam Bennett yesterday, as he was pipped on the line by Australian Caleb Ewan as the third stage from Nice to Sisteron reached a thrilling conclusion. Bennett was looking for his first stage win in the race, and was bidding to become just the second Irish rider in history to win a stage in all of the Grand Tours, after Shay Elliott.
And in today's 'sporting upset' Malachy Clerkin has looked back to the 2014 All-Ireland semi-finals, when Jim McGuinness's Donegal beat defending champions Dublin, 3-14 to 0-17. He writes: "But it is precisely because they were so in their pomp when Donegal turned the tables on them that Gavin was forced over the winter that followed to go away and rethink what he was doing with his Dublin team. Donegal turned their bloodlust against them - they sucked them high up the pitch and filled their boots on the counter."
