Indian prodigy D. Gukesh and world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen squared off for their third rapid/blitz encounter at the SuperUnited Rapid & Blitz in Zagreb on July 6, 2025. The game, featuring the Ruy Lopez Berlin Defense, concluded in just 14 moves and 1 minute 4 seconds, with both agreeing to a threefold repetition draw—Gukesh retained 5:10 and Carlsen 4:45 on the clock . Carlsen, previously in "survival mode," was “surprised” by the swift end . This draw sealed their head‑to‑head score at 1‑1‑1 in Zagreb. Carlsen went on to win the event overall; Gukesh finished a strong third. (PC: The Indian EXPRESS)

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is now valued at ₹1.58 lakh crore (USD 18.5 billion), a 12.9% rise from last year, says a report by Houlihan Lokey. The league’s brand alone is worth USD 3.9 billion. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the 2025 champions, is the most valuable team at USD 269 million. Mumbai Indians is second, while Chennai Super Kings dropped to third. Punjab Kings saw the biggest growth—up 39.6%. The IPL 2025 final got over 67.8 crore views on Jio Hotstar. “IPL sets new records in sports business,” said Harsh Talikoti from Houlihan Lokey. (PC: BCCI)

Aryna Sabalenka has become the second woman since 2000, after Serena Williams, to reach 10 Grand Slam semi-finals in just 11 appearances. She achieved this milestone after defeating Laura Siegemund in a hard-fought Wimbledon quarter-final. Sabalenka lost the first set but fought back to win 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Despite Siegemund’s tricky grass-court tactics, Sabalenka adapted her game to secure the win. The world number one showed strength and determination under pressure. This record places her alongside Serena Williams, one of tennis’s greatest players, marking a major achievement in Sabalenka’s rising career. She now advances to her third Wimbledon semi-final. (PC: Getty Images)

Spanish police believe Liverpool and Portugal forward Diogo Jota, 28, was driving a rented Lamborghini Huracán at high speed when it suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking another vehicle on the A‑52 near Cernadilla, Zamora, early on 3 July. The car veered off-road, collided with a barrier, burst into flames, and both Jota and his brother André Silva, 25, died at the scene. Investigators cite evidence from tyre marks and possible speeding well above the 120 km/h limit. Experts also point to poor road conditions and recent similar accidents at the same location. The final technical report will be submitted to a court in Puebla de Sanabria. (PC: People.com)

Jasprit Bumrah is poised to return for the third Test between India and England after a rigorous training session at the nets. After being rested for the second Test to manage workload, Bumrah bowled extensively at full tilt under the supervision of the coaching staff. His sharp rhythm and intensity were evident, suggesting full fitness. Bumrah's return will bolster India’s bowling attack, which struggled without him. With the series currently level, his inclusion is expected to provide a significant edge. The team management is reportedly satisfied with his recovery and fitness level, and an official announcement confirming his return is likely soon.(PC: PTI)

Wimbledon 2025 quarterfinals begin with defending champion Carlos Alcaraz facing Britain’s Cameron Norrie. Alcaraz aims to become the fifth man in the Open era to win three straight titles. Top women’s seed Aryna Sabalenka, unbeaten in the tournament so far, meets Germany’s Laura Siegemund, chasing her first Wimbledon crown. In other ties, Taylor Fritz takes on Karen Khachanov, having never beaten the Russian, while Amanda Anisimova battles Grand Slam veteran Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. Sabalenka called Wimbledon “her dream,” while Norrie hopes to rally home support. The matchups promise high drama as stars fight for a spot in the semi-finals. (PC: News18)

Virat Kohli, in his first public interview since the Bengaluru stampede, compared the pressure of playing at Wimbledon to an India-Pakistan World Cup clash. Speaking to Star Sports’ Vijay Amritraj at Centre Court, Kohli said, “It’s not as intimidating on the cricket field unless it’s an India-Pakistan World Cup game.” The former India captain praised tennis players for their composure, calling Centre Court pressure “tremendous.” Kohli attended the Djokovic-De Minaur Round of 16 match with wife Anushka Sharma. Having retired from Tests and T20s, Kohli will now focus on ODIs, though India has no scheduled matches until October. (PC: News18)

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic thanked Indian cricket star Virat Kohli for calling him a "gladiator" during his dramatic fourth-round Wimbledon win over Alex de Minaur. After losing the first set, Djokovic staged a stunning comeback to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Kohli praised the Serb’s resilience in an Instagram story, prompting Djokovic to reply, “Thank you for supporting.” Djokovic, now in his 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal, is chasing a record-equaling 8th title at the All England Club. The duo share mutual admiration, with Djokovic once saying, “I started to play cricket” after watching Indian players. He now faces Italy’s Flavio Cobolli next. (PC: India Today)

Following a heavy 336-run defeat at Edgbaston, England have requested a livelier pitch at Lord’s for the 3rd Test against India starting July 10. Coach Brendon McCullum wants more bounce and pace to aid returning pacers Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson. Archer, who last played a Test in 2021, is set for a comeback after injury struggles. Atkinson, recovering from a hamstring issue, also returns to the squad. McCullum said, “Jofra is looking fit and strong.” India leveled the series 1-1 in Birmingham, and a spicy surface at Lord’s may set up a thrilling encounter for the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. (PC: NDTV)          

Novak Djokovic reached his 16th Wimbledon quarterfinal on Monday, defeating Alex de Minaur 1-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. The Serbian star finally broke what he jokingly called the “Federer curse” — a streak of never winning a match when Roger Federer was in the stands. Federer watched from the Royal Box as Djokovic rallied from a set down. "It’s probably the first time I’ve won with him watching," Djokovic said. The two legends shared a moment of mutual respect, delighting fans. Djokovic will now face Italy’s Flavio Cobolli. His win came after a gritty comeback in a match lasting over three hours. (PC: India Today)