Defending champion Jannik Sinner suffered a surprise second-round exit at the Halle Open on Thursday, falling 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 to Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in his first tournament since losing the French Open final.

The Italian world No. 1, who had beaten Bublik comfortably just weeks ago in the Roland Garros quarterfinals, was handed his first loss to a player ranked outside the top 20 since mid-2023.

With Wimbledon just 10 days away, Bublik – ranked No. 45 – earned only his second win in six meetings against Sinner, flipping the script on their Paris showdown and dealing a rare grass-court blow to the 23-year-old.

“We are tennis players and we try to win every match we play, but it is a special one,” Bublik said. “I had never beaten a No. 1 in the world. It is an accomplishment.”

Sinner, who had beaten Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets in the first round, cruised through the opening set against Bublik without facing a break point.

The Italian had three break points early in the second set, but Bublik held and then went on the attack, hitting 20 winners and securing the crucial break in the sixth game.

The 28-year-old broke Sinner’s serve in the deciding set with a flashing forehand.

“I had an amazing forehand to break in the third set and then I kept serving,” Bublik said. “On grass, if you lose your serve, it is maybe tough, and I am a guy who doesn’t lose a lot of serves. I just kept serving and putting him in uncomfortable positions and it worked well.”

“He is an unbelievable player and I was not thinking that I could beat him,” Bublik added. “But I had a few chances and executed them well.”

The Kazakh will face Tomas Machac in the quarterfinals after the Czech defeated Hungarian Fabian Marozsan 6-2, 6-3.

Earlier, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev rallied from a set down to defeat Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego.

The 28-year-old German won 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (2) against the 46th-ranked Sonego and will next face another Italian, Flavio Cobolli, for a place in the semifinals.

A finalist in Halle in 2016 and 2017, Zverev notched his fifth victory in as many meetings with Sonego, a year after beating him at the same stage of the same tournament.

Sonego took advantage of his only break opportunity in the first set at 4-3. Zverev struggled to break serve throughout but dug deep in the second, taking it 6-4, and dominated the final tiebreak.

Argentina’s 63rd-ranked Tomás Martín Etcheverry also reached the quarterfinals after a three-hour duel against fourth seed Andrey Rublev, winning 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (6).

Etcheverry saved two match points in the deciding-set tiebreak to set up a clash with Russia’s Karen Khachanov.

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Lionel Messi delivered another moment of brilliance with a trademark free kick to lift Inter Miami to a stunning 2-1 comeback win over Porto in the Club World Cup on Thursday.

The Argentine icon curled a pinpoint second-half set piece into the top corner, capping a dramatic turnaround that leaves the MLS side in strong contention to advance from Group A.

Inter Miami and Palmeiras now sit level with four points apiece after the Brazilian champions defeated Al Ahly 2-0 earlier in the day. Porto and the Egyptian club trail with one point each.

Porto dominated the first half and took the lead through Samu Aghehowa’s early penalty, creating several chances to extend their advantage. But Telasco Segovia brought Miami back into the match with a thunderous equalizer before Messi’s moment of magic sealed the upset.

Founded in 2020 and co-owned by former England star David Beckham, Inter Miami’s global profile soared with Messi’s arrival in 2023, and on Thursday, the club delivered a result to match the hype.

It marked the first competitive victory by an MLS side over European opposition in the Club World Cup, following Chelsea’s win over Los Angeles FC earlier in the week.

“It’s a huge joy. The whole team made a big effort; we worked really well,” Messi told DAZN.

“It’s a really important win for us, and we have to enjoy it.

You can see that we want to compete, and today we competed against a really good European team. We knew that today we were weaker, but we had our strengths.”

Even with Messi – arguably the face of the tournament – the Mercedes-Benz Stadium was under half full at kickoff, hindered by a 3 p.m. start time on a weekday, just as it had been for Chelsea’s opener at the venue.

More fans streamed in throughout the match, eager to glimpse the 37-year-old widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. By full-time, attendance had climbed to nearly 32,000.

Messi didn’t disappoint, standing out as the game’s most influential player from the opening whistle.

The former Barcelona great clipped a dipping ball in behind the defense for veteran striker Luis Suarez, who could only prod it at the goalkeeper.

Porto struck in the eighth minute after being awarded a soft penalty via VAR review, with Miami defender Noah Allen making light contact with João Mario in the box.

Spain international Aghehowa beat Oscar Ustari, who had saved a penalty in the goalless draw against Al Ahly, despite the Miami goalkeeper getting a hand to the low effort.

Uruguayan striker Suarez, 38, nearly equalized after Messi threaded him through on goal, but forced onto his weaker left foot, he was denied by Porto goalkeeper Claudio Ramos.

Javier Mascherano’s side almost drew level through U.S. international Benjamin Cremaschi, after a charging run from Suarez split Porto’s back line, but Ramos made a smart near-post save.

Maximiliano Falcon made a brilliant header off his own goal line after Ustari was beaten by Rodrigo Mora’s effort, keeping Inter Miami’s hopes alive.

Ustari denied Aghehowa again, then scrambled to clear after a powerful Alan Varela shot ricocheted off the post and struck the back of his head – another moment of chaos in a dominant Porto spell before the break.

‘Clutch moment’

Inter Miami equalized just after halftime, with Segovia smashing home Marcelo Weigandt’s low cutback to stun the Portuguese side.

Then came Messi’s signature moment in the 54th minute.

The playmaker was brought down just outside the area and, after dusting himself off, curled a classic left-footed free kick into the top right corner.

“(Messi) is a leader. He’s the player he is – the greatest player in the world,” Inter Miami forward Fafa Picault told DAZN.

“I had a feeling (the free kick) was going in. That was a great goal, a great show of leadership, and it came in a clutch moment for us.”

Miami dug deep to defend their lead, and groans echoed around the stadium when seven minutes of stoppage time were announced.

Mascherano’s players threw themselves in front of every shot – in a manner reminiscent of the Argentine defensive midfielder himself – and Inter Miami ultimately secured a landmark win.

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Turkish motorsport is gearing up for a landmark weekend as Deniz Öncü returns to the track following his historic Moto2 win, and Kadir Erbay readies for his international debut in the Spanish Superbike Championship.

Öncü, 21, heads to Italy’s legendary Mugello Circuit looking to back up his groundbreaking victory at the Aragon Grand Prix earlier this month, where he edged out the win by a mere 0.003 seconds – the closest finish in Moto2 history. It was a watershed moment for Turkish motorcycling, and the Red Bull KTM Ajo rider now aims to prove it wasn’t a one-off.

“I’ve got good memories here,” Öncü said ahead of Sunday’s 19-lap race. “We’ve been working on setup since Barcelona and feel confident heading into Mugello.”

Racing on a Boscoscuro chassis with a Triumph 765cc triple, Öncü enters the ninth round of the Moto2 World Championship with growing momentum, bolstered by recent test data and a chassis setup focused on late-race tire management.

The Mugello circuit, known for its 1.1-kilometer straight and punishing elevation shifts, promises a stiff challenge – but also a chance for Öncü to cement his place among the class’s elite.

His 2025 season marks a breakout campaign after years of grinding in Moto3, where he earned respect but never cracked the top step.

Mentored by Turkish racing legends Kenan Sofuoğlu and Toprak Razgatlıoğlu, Öncü’s trajectory is now closely watched across the paddock.

Turkish fans, still buzzing from his Aragon triumph, will again tune in via S Sport for Sunday’s race, scheduled for 1:15 p.m. local time.

Meanwhile, Kadir Erbay, another product of Türkiye’s fast-growing motorsport system, is set to make his mark in Spain.

The 600cc Supersport rider will line up at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in the ESBK’s Next Generation category, riding for Spain’s I+DENT Racing team in what will be his debut in the series.

A relative newcomer to the international scene, Erbay has climbed through domestic championships and now faces a double-header weekend – Race 1 on Saturday at 4:40 p.m., Race 2 on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. (local times).

His Yamaha R6 will go toe-to-toe with a competitive grid featuring top Spanish and European talent.

Though his racing resume remains modest, the TMF sees Erbay as a rider with potential.

With strong performances in Barcelona, he could stake a claim for further international starts, joining the growing wave of Turkish riders moving beyond national borders.

Öncü and Erbay are part of a generation shaped by Sofuoğlu’s Supersport dynasty and Razgatlıoğlu’s Superbike reign.

That legacy now fuels Türkiye’s presence across racing classes – from grassroots circuits to MotoGP-bound stars.

With TMF support and growing visibility, the country’s footprint in two-wheeled motorsport has never been larger.

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After a decade of success in para-swimming, 22-year-old Turkish athlete Esra Nisa Özkılsız is making a name for herself in powerlifting, with her sights now firmly set on qualifying for the 2028 Paralympic Games.

Özkılsız, who began swimming at age 10 and amassed 90 medals – including multiple national titles – made the switch to powerlifting two years ago on her coach’s recommendation.

Since then, she has added two more national medals to her tally and quickly established herself as one of Türkiye’s rising stars in the sport.

At the Turkish National Championships for Physically Disabled Youth and Seniors held in Kırıkkale on Tuesday, Özkılsız claimed silver in the 41 kg. weight class after lifting 77 kg.

The performance marked her 92nd career medal and highlighted her rapid progression in a new discipline.

“I’ve been told I couldn’t succeed, but I’ve always turned those words into motivation,” Özkılsız told Anadolu Agency (AA). “I want to represent Türkiye at the 2028 Olympics and raise our flag high.”

She initially took up swimming after being advised by another disabled female athlete to strengthen her bones and improve her posture. For 10 years, she dominated national competitions but was unable to gather enough international points to qualify for global events.

Recognizing her physical potential for lifting, her coach recommended a switch to powerlifting. The results came fast: in 2023, she won the national title in Ankara by lifting 65 kg.

This year, she added 12 kg. to her best to take second in Kırıkkale.

“I believe the best is yet to come,” she said. “I train three hours a day and I’m fully focused on qualifying for international championships.”

Coach Ali İhsan Güneş praised her commitment and discipline, describing her as a “positive and promising athlete” with the potential to shine on the world stage.

“She’s consistent, never misses training, and has the mindset of a champion,” Güneş said. “We’re confident she can earn a spot at the Paralympics by collecting the necessary international points.”

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Galatasaray have kicked off a bold summer transfer campaign as the reigning Turkish champions aim for a fourth straight Süper Lig crown and a deeper push into the UEFA Champions League, targeting marquee signings such as Manchester City’s Ilkay Gündoğan and Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

After confirming their place in the 2025-26 Champions League group stage, the Istanbul club made an early statement by signing German winger Leroy Sane on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract with Bayern Munich.

The 29-year-old’s arrival signals Galatasaray’s intention to compete not only domestically but also on the European stage.

Manager Okan Buruk is now focusing on several high-profile targets, with İlkay Gündoğan, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, and Inter Milan’s Hakan Çalhanoğlu all under consideration as the club seeks to build a squad capable of long-term success.

Gündoğan the maestro

Top of Galatasaray’s wishlist is Gündoğan.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who played a key role in Manchester City’s recent dominance of English and European football, is reportedly open to returning to his ancestral homeland.

While Gündoğan is under contract at City until 2026, Turkish media report that negotiations are progressing steadily, with Galatasaray offering a salary package in the range of 3-5 million euros ($3.4 million-$5.7 million) annually.

Buruk is said to be personally invested in securing the Turkish-German midfield maestro.

Gündoğan’s leadership, technical quality and experience in high-pressure matches make him a potential linchpin for Galatasaray’s European ambitions.

Although clubs in Saudi Arabia and Qatar have previously shown interest, Galatasaray’s position in the Champions League and cultural ties to the midfielder provide a strong advantage.

Goalkeeper search intensifies after Muslera’s exit

Galatasaray are also looking to replace club legend Fernando Muslera, who ended his 14-year tenure in 2025.

The top candidate is Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, though talks have become complicated.

The 33-year-old German’s position at Barcelona has grown uncertain following the arrival of 24-year-old Joan Garcia.

Garcia’s rise has shifted the club’s long-term vision, and Ter Stegen – one of Barça’s highest earners at 12 million euros per year – may no longer be central to their plans.

Galatasaray have reportedly engaged agent Harun Arslan to facilitate a deal, though Sabah reports that the player’s salary demands have caused negotiations to stall.

As a more affordable and long-term alternative, the club is also pursuing Chelsea’s Djordje Petrovic.

The 24-year-old Serbian impressed in 31 matches during the 2024-25 season and is seen as a promising replacement.

Galatasaray initially proposed a 5 million euro loan with a 15 million euro purchase clause, but Chelsea rejected the offer.

A revised proposal increasing the clause to 18 million euros is reportedly in the works.

Osimhen’s price tag

Galatasaray are also working to keep Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen, who has been on loan from Napoli since August 2024.

Osimhen has scored eight goals in ten league matches and played a key role in Galatasaray’s attack, but no purchase option was included in the deal.

Napoli are said to value the 26-year-old at 75 million euros – an amount that presents a major obstacle for Galatasaray.

The club is exploring financing options in hopes of retaining the striker, whose physical presence and clinical finishing have added a new dimension to their offense.

Çalhanoğlu talks still on hold

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Çalhanoğlu is another long-term target for the club.

The Turkish international is seen as an ideal partner for Gündoğan in midfield, particularly for his set-piece expertise and creative playmaking.

However, his 6 million euro salary and Inter’s reluctance to sell have slowed talks, with no significant progress reported by mid-June.

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Turkish Süper Lig giants Fenerbahçe have filed a formal complaint with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF), demanding a full investigation into leaked private messages allegedly written by members of the Professional Football Disciplinary Committee (PFDK).

The club claims the messages, which surfaced earlier this week, expose a hostile and biased tone among PFDK officials toward certain teams, including Fenerbahçe itself, raising serious concerns about the impartiality of Turkish football’s most powerful disciplinary body.

Allegations of bias

The scandal centers on leaked messages reportedly exchanged by PFDK members, though the content has not yet been made public in full.

Reports by Turkish media suggest the communications include language that reflects personal grudges, favoritism, and a desire to target specific clubs unfairly.

While the TFF has not officially responded, the leaks have reignited long-standing suspicions over bias within the disciplinary system, especially from Fenerbahçe supporters who view the PFDK as repeatedly acting against their club’s interests.

In a statement issued June 18, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Burak Kızılhan, Fenerbahçe accused the PFDK of violating fundamental principles of impartiality and called for immediate action from the TFF.

“If these allegations are accurate,” the club stated, “the impartiality of the committee is compromised, the credibility of the federation is damaged, and the disciplinary system itself becomes meaningless.”

The club is urging the TFF to open both administrative and disciplinary investigations into the leaked communications and to pursue any individuals found responsible.

Pattern of conflict

Fenerbahçe’s complaint is the latest episode in a turbulent history with the TFF.

The club has repeatedly voiced frustration over what it sees as inconsistent and politically motivated disciplinary rulings.

In March 2025, Fenerbahçe publicly challenged the three-match suspension handed to striker Edin Dzeko for dissent – a penalty they argued was disproportionately harsh compared to similar incidents involving rival teams.

The current controversy builds on that perceived pattern of unfair treatment.

This isn’t new territory for the club.

Fenerbahçe was at the heart of the 2011 match-fixing scandal, which led to major sanctions and a prolonged legal fight that still colors their relationship with Turkish football authorities.

What’s at stake

The PFDK holds significant authority, issuing penalties for infractions ranging from player misconduct to crowd disturbances. In a football environment where passion often spills over into chaos, these decisions can alter title races, tarnish reputations, or calm tensions, depending on how they’re handled.

But the leaked messages, if authenticated, could cast a long shadow over that authority.

A 2024 poll by Sporx found that 62% of Turkish football fans believe the TFF favors certain clubs.

This scandal threatens to turn skepticism into open distrust, prompting calls for structural reform within the federation’s disciplinary framework.

Possible repercussions

As of Wednesday, the TFF had yet to comment publicly on Fenerbahçe’s complaint.

However, sources suggest that the federation’s Disciplinary Inspection Board may soon launch an internal review, potentially including forensic analysis of digital data to verify the messages’ origins.

Should the allegations be substantiated, PFDK members could face suspension or removal.

The federation may also be forced to consider reforms aimed at transparency, such as publishing detailed disciplinary rulings or introducing external oversight.

The TFF now finds itself in a precarious position.

Dismissing Fenerbahçe’s concerns risks escalating tensions with one of its most influential members.

But acknowledging bias within its own disciplinary body could open the door to widespread discontent and legitimacy crises among other Süper Lig powerhouses, including Galatasaray, Beşiktaş and Trabzonspor.

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