Around the Betting Planet: Will Serena be fit for French Open?

US

Serena Williams withdraws from Italian Open

After Serena Williams lost in three sets to Victoria Azarenka during the US Open, she’s announced that she’s withdrawing from the Italian Open. During the match against Azarenka, she had to call for a medical timeout.

The global tennis star battled an Achilles strain during her last US Open match and has cited it as the reason for pulling out of the Italian Open. She’s hopeful that she’ll recuperate in time for the French Open, which hits off next week.

UK

Bournemouth edge 11-10 shootout in Carabao Cup

Bournemouth and Crystal Palace played out a goalless 120 minutes in the second round of the Carabao Cup. That led to an intense penalty shootout, which concluded with Bournemouth victorious with a scoreline of 11-10.

Bournemouth goalie Asmir Begovic emerged as the hero of the marathon shootout. Unfortunately for Crystal Palace, it’s the second year they’ve left the campaign in the second round.

Africa

Can Smith win Golden Boot in Finland?

Over in Finland, striker Darren Smith scored his eighth goal of the Ykkonen League against Ekenas IF on Saturday. His team also defeated Kokkolan Palloveikot 2-0, with the second goal coming from Pasi Forsman.

The South African is one of this season’s top contenders for the Golden Boot. Smith is currently two goals short of the leader, Anthony Olusanya.

Europe

Kamna wins Stage 16 of Tour de Frane

German cyclist Lennard Kamna claimed his maiden Tour de France stage victory on Tuesday. However, the race times for the 16th leg don’t change the current standing that much.

Primoz Roglic of Slovenia is still ranked at number one and appeared to be taking this leg more relaxed. That’s not surprising, as the next stage is arguably the most challenging of the final week and the entire tour. The cyclists will head up the French Alps from Grenoble to Meribel Col de la Loze, which has a 7,559ft (2,304m) elevation.

South America

Copa Libertadores is back

After a six-month hiatus, there’s some football action in South America once again as Copa Libertadores returns. The campaign kicked off where it halted on day three of the series, with four group-stage matches.

Due to the tournament being paused by the COVID-19 pandemic, each team is now left with four matches as they battle it out to reach the top 16. The campaign finals will be held in January 2021 at Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.

Australia

Last-chance saloon for AFL finals contenders

Round 18 of the 2020 AFL season will kick off on Thursday, but it’s looking like a close call. It’s difficult to say which team is the likely winner, as the top two are sitting on equal points, and the third to fifth positions are at similar rankings.

The AFL has proven time and time again that anything can happen in the finals. In 2016, the Western Bulldogs won the AFL Premiership finishing the regular season seventh on the ladder. We’ll have to wait for a while longer to see how this year plays out, but it seems the top five will duel it out for the crown.

New Zealand

More All Blacks to join Rugby Championship squad

The 35-man All Blacks squad will see an increase of 10 or 11 players. Ian Foster is set to bring weekly rotations back to the team. He wants to ensure that they can counter any setbacks that might occur.

Both Foster and the team don’t want to be stuck with a man down due to an injury or illness when they visit Australia for the Rugby Championship. The pressure and fitness level of a replacement needs to be on par with that of the starting team.

The full extended squad, which is still be announced, will tour Australia and train together. It’s easier to have everyone on site than replace someone when there’s a 14-day quarantine period. A 45 or 46 man squad ensures they have all the bases covered.