Digest

TENNIS

Kenin withdraws from star-shorn US Open

Sofia Kenin

Fifth-ranked Sofia Kenin pulled out of the US Open on Wednesday because she recently tested positive for COVID-19, even though she said she has received a vaccine.

Kenin announced what she called "disappointing news" on social media.

The 22-year-old American won the 2020 Australian Open and was the runner-up at the French Open later last year. Her best showing at the US Open is a fourth-round finish last year.

"Fortunately I am vaccinated and thus my symptoms have been fairly mild," Kenin wrote. "However I have continued to test positive and thus will not be able to compete at the US Open next week."

The year's last Grand Slam tournament starts Monday in New York, with spectators allowed at 100 percent capacity after no fans could attend last year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Earlier Wednesday, sisters Serena and Venus Williams said they would not be able to play in the tournament because of leg injuries. Serena owns 23 Grand Slam singles titles; Venus has seven. Roger Federer (right knee) and Rafael Nadal (left foot)－who each has won 20 majors－already had said they were done for the season.

SOCCER

Second-string Bayern romps to 12-0 triumph

Bayern Munich's reserves routed fifth-tier side Bremer SV 12-0 in a rescheduled German Cup game Wednesday to ease into the second round.

The match was originally supposed to have been played on Aug 6 but was postponed due to a number of coronavirus infections in the Bremen-based club's squad.

Bremer coach Benjamin Eta had called it a "game for the ages" and said that his personal wish was to see counterpart Julian Nagelsmann "jumping up because he's unhappy".

Nagelsmann had very little jumping to do, however, as his heavily rotated team took a 5-0 lead by halftime, with Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting netting a hat-trick.

The Bayern coach left Robert Lewandowski, Leon Goretzka and Manuel Neuer in Munich, while Dayot Upamecano, Alphonso Davies and Serge Gnabry were all on the bench.

Nuno hails Kane as transfer saga ends

Harry Kane

Tottenham manager Nuno Espirito Santo admits it was vital to the club's ambitions to keep Harry Kane as he labeled the England striker "one of the best players in the world".

Kane ended his long-running transfer saga on Wednesday when he announced he was staying at Tottenham "this summer" after accepting that he would be unable to force a move to Manchester City.

The 28-year-old wanted to join the Premier League champion after growing frustrated at Tottenham's 13-year trophy drought.

But City baulked at the 150-million-pound ($206-million) asking price for Kane, who said he is"100 per cent" focused on Spurs.

"To us it says we are able to keep one of the best players in the world, this is important," said Nuno, whose side has won its opening two Premier League games.

"I think all the players have to show this belief that together we can make good things."

Agencies