Aryna Sabalenka likes the idea of a safe place to blow off steam. Just maybe not after she is done with it.

The world number one laughed at the concept of tournament “rage rooms,” a space where players can vent away from cameras, after the ATX Open in Austin introduced one following a high-profile outburst by Coco Gauff at the Australian Open.

“Oh, that’s cool, let’s do that,” Sabalenka said Tuesday ahead of Indian Wells. “But I think after me there will be nothing to destroy. I would be there the whole day.”

The Austin initiative came in response to Gauff’s racket-smashing moment in Melbourne, when her quarterfinal loss frustrations were broadcast worldwide. The episode sparked a broader conversation about privacy and how much access tournaments should allow behind the scenes.

Gauff, 21, initially thought news of the rage room was fake.

“That was real? I thought it was AI,” she said, laughing. “My mom sent it to me, and I told her it was AI. She believes so many AI things.”

Once convinced, she embraced it.

“If I felt like I needed to let go some frustration, I would definitely be in the rage room,” Gauff said, adding that smashing plates might be more satisfying than sacrificing another racquet.

The debate has drawn support from leading voices. Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek have both called for stronger protections for players away from constant camera coverage, arguing that raw moments should not always become viral content.

Ring before the swing

While Sabalenka joked about destruction, she also delivered joyful news.

The Belarusian announced her engagement to Georgios Frangulis, CEO of global health brand OakBerry, just days before returning to competition. The pair have been dating since 2024.

“All good guys, everything happened, but look how I look,” she told her 4.7 million Instagram followers, flashing her ring.

She had hinted at the next step after winning the Brisbane International in January, thanking her boyfriend and teasing, “Hopefully, soon I’ll call you something else.”

Sabalenka has not played since falling to Elena Rybakina in the Australian Open final. Now she returns at Indian Wells with a bye into the second round, refreshed and still atop the rankings.

The combined ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 main draws begin Wednesday, launching the desert swing with plenty of star power and, if Austin’s experiment catches on, perhaps a few shattered plates behind closed doors.

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As the 2026 FIFA World Cup nears its June 11 kickoff across stadiums in the United States, Canada and Mexico, the global football community faces an unprecedented ticket scramble.

FIFA has received more than 500 million requests, eclipsing all prior tournaments, even as ticket prices soar to record levels, sparking widespread criticism.

This surge in demand unfolds amid rising geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, mass protests and political unrest worldwide, raising questions about security, participation and the tournament’s role as a unifying event.

Ticket demand soars

The World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, has seen ticket sales in multiple high-pressure phases.

FIFA launched a Visa presale in September 2025, followed by an early ticket draw and the Random Selection Draw from Dec. 11, 2025, to Jan.13, 2026.

By late 2025, nearly two million tickets had been sold, with five million requests flooding the third phase in the first 24 hours.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the demand as “unbelievable,” rising from 150 million requests in December 2025 to more than 500 million by early 2026.

Early interest concentrated on marquee group-stage matchups, including Colombia vs. Portugal in Miami, the U.S. opener against Paraguay in Los Angeles and Mexico vs. South Africa in Mexico City.

However, the frenzy has drawn sharp criticism over affordability.

Tickets for the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey started at $4,185, rising to $8,680 for premium seats.

Fan groups, including Football Supporters Europe, decried the prices as “extortionate,” five times higher than Qatar 2022.

FIFA’s $60 “affordable tickets” program for loyal supporters did little to ease concerns and critics warned that secondary markets had worsened access.

Resale platforms have seen extraordinary inflation. In January 2026, final match tickets listed for as much as $230,000, while opening match seats exceeded $5,324.

Infantino acknowledged speculative buying further pushed prices upward.

In February, FIFA unexpectedly opened a limited sales window for 64 of 104 games, revealing unsold tickets despite claims of overwhelming demand.

The Last-Minute Sales phase, scheduled for April 2026, is expected to intensify competition, alongside hospitality packages, corporate travel bundles and promotions like Bank of America Visa-linked ticket access.

Blockbusters drive interest

Matchups across key host cities have fueled the frenzy. Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium will host Colombia vs. Portugal, a clash projected to draw near-capacity crowds.

Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium sees the U.S. face Paraguay in the tournament opener, while Mexico City hosts a group-stage showdown between Mexico and South Africa.

Early interest in these games underscores the allure of a North American World Cup, combining historic football nations with host-market appeal.

Global unrest

The tournament’s ticket mania coincides with worldwide unrest.

The U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have reignited nationwide protests.

Demonstrations that began in December 2025 over economic hardship spread across 31 provinces and more than 210 cities.

Authorities employed mass arrests, internet blackouts and violent crackdowns; human rights groups report at least 65 deaths and thousands detained.

The unrest has spread internationally.

Protests erupted in Pakistan, India, Yemen, Iraq, Türkiye and northern Nigeria, with curfews imposed in some cities.

Anti-war rallies in the U.S., including nationwide demonstrations on March 2 and crowds in New York City’s Times Square, denounced military escalation.

Political protests targeting the Trump administration’s policies, such as the March 28 “No Kings” march, reflect domestic tensions alongside global instability.

Elsewhere, regional crises intensify uncertainty.

Russia-NATO tensions, Syria’s resurgent civil war, insurgencies in Cameroon, election delays in South Sudan, gang violence in Ecuador and Haiti and U.S. actions in Venezuela compound security risks.

Greenland, Canada and Mexico face potential geopolitical strain, further complicating the World Cup’s environment.

Security challenges

Participation for some teams is uncertain.

Iran, drawn into Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, faces travel restrictions and unrest that could hinder its involvement.

U.S. bans also affect qualifiers like Ivory Coast, Senegal and Haiti.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and others have called for boycotts over U.S. policies, including tariffs, military actions and foreign aid cuts.

Security experts warn of “catastrophic” risks for the 11 host cities, prompting FIFA to consider enhanced measures, venue adjustments and contingency plans.

FIFA maintains that relocation is unlikely, emphasizing preparations to stage a safe, successful tournament.

Yet the organization confronts a rare test: balancing commercial success, fan accessibility and global security amid one of the most unstable international backdrops in recent history.

The Houston Rockets overcame a late surge by the Washington Wizards to claim a 123-118 victory Monday night at Capital One Arena, fueled by standout performances from Alperen Şengün and Kevin Durant.

Şengün poured in 32 points with 13 rebounds, while Durant added 30 points, seven assists, six boards, and a perfect 11-for-11 from the free-throw line in a rare appearance near his Maryland home this season.

Houston established control early, capitalizing on Washington’s inside struggles.

The Wizards hit 12 of 19 three-pointers in the first half but managed just 6 of 28 on two-point attempts, giving the Rockets a 60-51 halftime lead.

Amen Thompson and Durant fueled a decisive third-quarter run, expanding the lead to 18.

Though Washington rallied with a 38-point fourth quarter, including big contributions from Bilal Coulibaly (23 points) and Sharife Cooper (21), Houston held on, sealing the win with clutch free throws and Şengün’s finishing inside.

Rising stars shone alongside Houston’s veterans.

Thompson contributed 22 points and 12 rebounds, showcasing the athleticism that makes him one of the league’s top young forwards.

Rookie Reed Sheppard recorded his first career double-double with 19 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds, and six steals, tying a Rockets rookie record for steals in a game since James Harden.

Şengün’s versatile scoring, 13 of 20 from the field, including crafty post moves, and rebounding anchored Houston’s interior presence and control of the glass.

For the Wizards, injuries and roster transitions remain central.

Trae Young, expected to debut Thursday against Utah after limited action with Atlanta due to knee and quadriceps injuries, was ejected in the third quarter after leaving the bench during a scuffle between Houston’s Tari Eason and Washington’s Jamir Watkins.

Washington coach Brian Keefe had anticipated Young’s near-term return, but the ejection highlighted ongoing integration challenges for the All-Star guard.

Other Wizards contributions included Coulibaly’s efficient scoring and Cooper’s dynamic playmaking off the bench.

Rookie center Julian Reese, brother of WNBA star Angel Reese, made his NBA debut, starting and logging 28 minutes despite fouling out with two points.

Houston shot 48% from the field, 35% from three, and dominated inside the paint 64-48.

Turnovers and free throws played a critical role: Washington committed 18 miscues, leading to 24 points for Houston, while the Rockets went 28-of-32 from the line.

Looking ahead, Houston hosts the Golden State Warriors Thursday, aiming to continue their push in the Western Conference standings. The Wizards visit Orlando Tuesday, trying to integrate Young and build momentum for the remainder of a season focused on youth development.

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Fenerbahçe head to Gaziantep Stadium Wednesday to face Gaziantep FK in the fourth matchday of Group C in the Ziraat Turkish Cup, aiming to bounce back from a challenging run in the Süper Lig and refocus on domestic silverware.

Kickoff is set for 8:30 p.m. local time.

The Yellow Canaries have struggled in recent league action, drawing 1-1 at home to Kasımpaşa on Feb. 23 and 2-2 at Antalyaspor on March 1, dropping points that leave them second in the standings with 54 points from 15 wins and nine draws.

Their European campaign also ended abruptly, with a 4-3 aggregate defeat to Nottingham Forest in the UEFA Europa League playoff round, despite a 2-1 away win in the second leg on Feb. 26.

In the Turkish Cup, Fenerbahçe stumbled in their opener against arch-rivals Beşiktaş, losing 2-1 at home, but followed with wins over Beyoğlu Yeni Çarşı Spor (3-1) and Erzurumspor FK (1-0), placing them third in Group C with six points and a plus-two goal difference.

With only the top two in the five-team group guaranteed knockout spots, a win against Gaziantep FK is vital to secure advancement.

Gaziantep FK has proven a tough opponent at home, beating Kocaelispor 4-1 and Rizespor 3-2 while narrowly losing 1-0 to Beşiktaş.

Fenerbahçe has historically dominated the fixture, winning eight of the last ten meetings, including a 2-0 league victory at home on November 23, 2025, but the host’s home form combined with Fenerbahçe’s recent inconsistencies sets up a competitive showdown.

Adding to Fenerbahçe’s challenges is a growing injury list.

Key absentees include defenders Milan Skriniar and Çağlar Söyüncü, midfield anchor Edson Alvarez, creative midfielder Anderson Talisca, and right-back Nelson Semedo, who was recently involved in a car accident.

Backup options such as Jayden Oosterwolde, Mert Müldür, and Tarık Çetin could be called upon, while forwards Kerem Aktürkoğlu and Marco Asensio will be asked to lead the attack.

Head coach Domenico Tedesco, who guided Fenerbahçe to an unbeaten league start until the recent draws, will lean on squad depth and tactical flexibility to navigate the injury-hit lineup.

A win in Gaziantep would not only keep their cup ambitions alive but also provide momentum heading into their Süper Lig clash with Adana Demirspor on March 8.

Fenerbahçe supporters, known for their passionate backing and a fan base exceeding 50,000 official members, will hope for a decisive performance to reignite the team’s winning rhythm.

Beşiktaş lead Group C with seven points and a plus-four goal difference, followed by Gaziantep FK with six points and a plus-two goal difference, while Fenerbahçe sit third with six points and the same goal difference.

Rizespor and Kocaelispor trail the group, leaving Fenerbahçe with little margin for error in a must-win encounter.

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Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton are among the top athletes whose schedules face uncertainty as the Middle East conflict intensifies.

Cancellations and travel restrictions are already affecting events after the United States and Israel launched a series of strikes on Iran Saturday.

Organizers of Formula One races and major football fixtures now face tough decisions on whether competitions can proceed as planned.

Over the past decade, Middle Eastern nations have become central to global sports, hosting major events, funding teams and employing some of the world’s top athletes.

Pressure is mounting over the Finalissima football match on March 27 in Qatar, which would see European champions Spain face South American champions Argentina. The game offers Messi another shot at adding to his glittering trophy haul.

Qatar suspended all football matches Sunday until further notice. Argentina was also scheduled to face Qatar in a friendly on March 31.

“UEFA is monitoring and carefully assessing all developments in cooperation with CONMEBOL and the local organizing committee,” European football body UEFA told The Associated Press Monday.

Ronaldo’s football team, Saudi club Al-Nassr, has already been affected by a wave of cancellations of Asian Champions League games. The team was scheduled to play Wednesday in Dubai.

F1 has races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia next month. Teams typically start flying in staff and equipment weeks in advance, limiting the time to make a decision on whether to proceed. Governing body FIA said its priority is “safety and well-being.”

The men’s and women’s tennis tours and golf’s European Tour have just finished their Middle East tournament swings and are not due back for months. The LPGA Tour is playing a tournament in China this week, then most players will head east back to North America, so their travel should be unaffected.

Iran is due to send its men’s football team to the U.S. for the World Cup in just over three months, with a first game June 16 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California.

There is doubt over whether Iran can or will take part in the tournament. Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said, “We cannot be expected to look forward to the World Cup with hope.”

The U.S. government has promised exemptions from its travel bans for athletes and coaches at events like the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Even if some events go ahead, a major concern for athletes and teams will be how they can travel in and out of the region safely.

Former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev is among a group of tennis players waiting in Dubai for a chance to fly out after a tournament concluded there last week. Delays could affect the BNP Paribas Open starting Wednesday in Indian Wells, California.

There are also travel difficulties for some athletes heading to the Winter Paralympics, which start Friday in Italy. The International Paralympic Committee said most teams are already in Europe for training and it is helping others with travel. Iran is expected to have one skier at the Paralympics.

Cricket and basketball players face challenges as well, along with thousands of foreign tourists. The West Indies cricket team that participated in the Twenty20 World Cup has been stranded in India while awaiting clearance to return to the Caribbean.

Formula One personnel are also seeking alternative travel routes to avoid the region on their way to this week’s Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

The Middle East’s influence on world sports has surged in recent years as countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar have hosted major events and become crucial financial backers.

Besides football and auto racing, Qatar has a World Endurance Championship sportscar race this month, a MotoGP motorcycle race, a gymnastics World Cup next month, and hosts the first Diamond League track meet of the year in May.

Qatar also owns the Champions League-winning football team Paris Saint-Germain.

Saudi Arabia, which will host the 2034 World Cup in men’s football, has funded the LIV Golf breakaway league and become a major player in world boxing.

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Lionel Messi scored twice, Telasco Segovia netted the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute and added two assists, and Inter Miami rallied for a 4-2 victory over Orlando City on Sunday night.

Trailing 2-0 at halftime, the Herons responded with four unanswered goals in the second half. Mateo Silvetti sparked the comeback with a goal and an assist as Miami erased the deficit. The victory moved Inter Miami to 1-1-0 for three points, a strong response after a 3-0 season-opening loss to Los Angeles FC.

Messi began the rally with a goal in the 57th minute and added another in the 90th, giving him eight goals in five career meetings with Orlando City in all competitions.

Marco Pasalic and Martin Ojeda scored for Orlando City, which fell to 0-2-0 after losing control in the second half.

Orlando failed to clear its defensive third on the decisive sequence. Miami’s Germán Berterame gained possession to start the play. Segovia eventually received the ball and fired a right-footed shot into the net in the 85th minute.

Three minutes later, Orlando City’s Colin Guske was shown a second yellow card for pulling down Messi. The automatic red card reduced the Lions to 10 men for the remainder of the match, which included 10 minutes of stoppage time.

Messi converted a free kick in the 90th minute, curling a left-footed shot past the wall and inside the left post to extend Miami’s lead to two goals.

Dayne St. Clair made three saves for Miami, which outshot Orlando City 16-12 and put eight shots on target to the Lions’ five. Maxime Crepeau finished with four saves for Orlando.

Orlando City won both regular-season meetings last season, 4-0 and 3-1.

Silvetti cut the deficit in the 49th minute, striking a right-footed shot from outside the box into the left corner. Messi equalized eight minutes later, placing a left-footed shot inside the right post.

Ojeda nearly restored Orlando City’s lead in the 70th minute, but St. Clair made a kick save on his close-range attempt.

Orlando opened the scoring in the 18th minute when Ivan Angulo set up Pasalic, whose left-footed shot deflected off St. Clair and into the net. Six minutes later, the Lions doubled the lead as Ojeda completed a give-and-go with Griffin Dorsey and sent a right-footed shot into the right corner.

Crepeau made three saves in the first half, including one on Messi in the 28th minute. Messi also sent a late first-half free kick wide left.

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