Alex Eala keeps raising level of play with wins over world’s top players

The NBA’s investigation involving Kawhi Leonard and the Los Angeles Clippers remains ongoing, with the league’s review now stretching into its 11th month and potentially continuing into 2027 if no agreement is reached on the findings or any disciplinary action. The investigation centers on allegations that the Clippers may have violated the NBA’s salary cap regulations. League officials launched the probe in September 2025, and it has since become one of the longest-running investigations involving a high-profile player and franchise in recent years. The unresolved case has also affected player movement across the league. A proposed trade that would send Leonard from the Clippers to the Toronto Raptors has been placed on hold until the NBA completes its investigation. While both organizations are still believed to support the deal, league rules prevent the transaction from being finalized while the inquiry remains active. The extended timeline has created uncertainty for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA season. Leonard’s future remains undecided, with the outcome of the investigation expected to play a significant role in determining when, or if, the trade can move forward. Another potential complication involves the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), which could challenge any disciplinary action through arbitration if it believes the NBA lacks sufficient evidence to justify sanctions. Such a move could further prolong the process, adding another layer of legal review before the matter reaches a conclusion. Kawhi Leonard has denied any wrongdoing and maintains that he has not violated league rules. The Los Angeles Clippers have also strongly rejected claims that they breached the NBA’s salary cap regulations. In a statement, the franchise said it has fully cooperated with the league throughout the investigation. According to the team, it has participated in numerous interviews, provided extensive documentation, and granted investigators access to staff members in an effort to assist with the review. The Clippers also addressed allegations involving businessman Joe Sanberg and the financial company Aspiration, both of which have been linked to the investigation. The organization denied claims that it directed money to Leonard through Aspiration or any related arrangement. Instead, the franchise argued that it was itself harmed by an alleged fraudulent scheme connected to Sanberg. The team stated that, like several investors, financial institutions, and business partners, it was a victim of fraud rather than a participant in any improper financial activity. According to the Clippers, Sanberg has already been convicted and sentenced to 14 years in prison, and the organization insists that those events are separate from any suggestion that it attempted to circumvent NBA financial rules. The NBA has not announced when the investigation will conclude or whether any disciplinary measures will ultimately be imposed. Until a final decision is reached, Leonard’s proposed move to Toronto will remain on hold, leaving both franchises awaiting clarity on one of the league’s most closely watched investigations.

World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz has officially withdrawn from the Cincinnati Masters as he continues to recover from a wrist injury that has kept him off the ATP Tour since April, casting fresh doubt over his participation in this month’s US Open. Tournament organizers confirmed on Tuesday that the Spanish superstar will not defend his Cincinnati title, citing an “ongoing wrist injury.” The ATP Masters 1000 event, scheduled to begin on August 13, is regarded as the final major warm-up tournament before the US Open. Tournament director Bob Moran expressed support for the 23-year-old, saying everyone at Cincinnati hopes to see him back on court soon. “We know Carlos is doing everything he can to get back to playing tournaments as soon as possible. We wish him the best with his recovery and look forward to welcoming him back to Cincinnati in the future,” Moran said in an official statement. The withdrawal has intensified speculation surrounding Alcaraz’s fitness ahead of the US Open, which begins on August 30 in New York. As the defending champion, his absence from Cincinnati leaves him with little opportunity to regain competitive rhythm before the year’s final Grand Slam. Alcaraz has not played a competitive match since suffering a wrist injury during the opening round of the Barcelona Open in April. Since then, he has withdrawn from several high-profile tournaments, including the Madrid Open, Italian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and now Cincinnati. When announcing his decision to miss Roland Garros earlier this year, Alcaraz described it as “the most prudent” choice after discussions with his team. Although his rehabilitation has reportedly progressed well, the Spaniard has repeatedly stressed that he would only return when fully fit. His absence from Wimbledon proved particularly significant, as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner successfully defended his title by defeating Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the final. Despite his lengthy spell on the sidelines, Alcaraz enjoyed a remarkable start to 2026. He completed the career Grand Slam by winning the Australian Open in January, becoming the youngest men’s player to achieve the feat. He followed that historic triumph with another title in Doha in February, taking his Grand Slam tally to seven. With the countdown to Flushing Meadows underway, tennis fans will now be anxiously waiting for an official update on whether one of the sport’s biggest stars will be fit in time to defend his US Open crown.

MANCHESTER: Manchester City have brought Argentina international goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli back to the Etihad Stadium, signing the 34-year-old from Marseille on a two-year contract. Rulli will arrive as City’s second-choice goalkeeper behind Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma, adding experience and international pedigree to Pep Guardiola’s squad. The move is also a return to familiar territory for Rulli, who spent the 2016-17 season with Manchester City. His first spell, however, ended without a senior appearance, making his return a very different opportunity. “This is an amazing opportunity for me and one I had to grasp,” Rulli said after completing the move. The goalkeeper added that joining City was an opportunity he could not afford to overlook, praising the club’s long-standing success and demanding standards. Rulli has earned eight Argentina caps and was part of the squad that lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa America. He also travelled with Argentina to last month’s World Cup final, where they suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain. His career has taken him across several major European leagues. Before arriving at Marseille, Rulli represented Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Montpellier and Ajax, gaining extensive experience at both domestic and European level. One of the most memorable moments of his career came in the 2021 Europa League final, when Villarreal faced Manchester United. Rulli not only converted his penalty during the dramatic shootout but also saved David de Gea’s effort as Villarreal won 11-10. Now, years later, the Argentine goalkeeper returns to Manchester with a new role and a wealth of experience behind him. The transfer also provides financial relief for Marseille, who are under pressure to balance their books after being fined €10 million for failing to meet UEFA break-even requirements. Marseille’s fifth-place Ligue 1 finish in the 2025-26 campaign also means they will miss out on Champions League revenue, increasing the need for player sales during the summer. Rulli’s departure follows several other exits from the French club. Argentine defender Facundo Medina has moved to Bayer Leverkusen, while high-profile forwards Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have also left. For City, meanwhile, Rulli offers a reliable and experienced option between the posts. For Rulli himself, the move represents a second chance at a club where his first chapter never truly began.