The Times of India

From practicing on cracked public courts in Compton to becoming one of the greatest athletes in history, Serena Williams built a career defined by resilience, ambition and perseverance through grief, racism, injury and illness. Her story remains a powerful reminder that background does not define potential, and that dreams can survive even in the most difficult circumstances.

With the 2026 World Cup expanding amid relentless fixture congestion, football risks prioritising revenue over player welfare. PFA chief Maheta Molango warns exhausted stars face unsafe workloads, extreme heat and inadequate recovery, turning elite competition into survival of the fittest. As players grow more willing to resist scheduling demands, governing bodies must impose calendar limits before burnout damages athletic quality.

Indian-origin billionaires are increasingly powering the UAE's wealth, with nine individuals on Forbes Middle East's 2026 list commanding $49.9 billion. These entrepreneurs have built multi-billion-dollar businesses across various sectors, reflecting the UAE's appeal as a hub for global wealth due to its business-friendly policies and strategic location.

UAE employees can now legally switch jobs after their contracts end or by mutual agreement, with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation clarifying new rules. While job mobility has been eased, certain violations like unauthorized absence can still result in a one-year work permit ban.

All of Earth's deepest ocean trenches are located in the Pacific Ocean, a result of intense tectonic plate subduction. These trenches, like the Mariana and Tonga, are formed where oceanic plates dive beneath continental plates, creating geological wounds. These dynamic features offer clues to Earth's self-transformation and the potential for life elsewhere.

Beneath Australia's arid outback lies a vast, hidden underground ocean, the Great Artesian Basin, larger than Alaska. This ancient water source, some two million years old, is under immense pressure, naturally flowing to the surface through bores. This subterranean marvel sustains billions in economic activity, supports towns, agriculture, and unique desert oasis, proving that the most vital elements are often unseen.

Former QPR midfielder Amrit Bansal-McNulty, who is half-Indian, has partially won his employment tribunal case against ex-Crawley Town manager John Yems after racial harassment claims were upheld. The former Northern Ireland youth international is now pursuing around 12 million in compensation, alleging the abuse caused psychiatric damage and ended his football career. Claims against QPR were dismissed, while Crawley Town was found vicariously liable.

Lewis Hamiltons Ferrari future is under growing scrutiny amid a difficult 2025 season, with no wins and ongoing struggles against Charles Leclerc. Former drivers and pundits have fuelled retirement talk, with some suggesting Silverstone could be a turning point. However, others insist the seven-time world champion will continue as long as he remains competitive and motivated.

Sky Sports commentators were forced to apologise live on air after cameras captured Hamad Medjedovic vomiting on court during his dramatic Italian Open victory over Mariano Navone. The exhausted Serbian battled through physical collapse to secure the biggest Masters 1000 win of his career, reaching the Rome round of 16 after an emotional three-hour comeback that left players, fans and broadcasters stunned.

Jannik Sinners coach Darren Cahill has admitted he remains uncertain about his future with the Italian star beyond 2026, despite delaying retirement after Sinners Wimbledon triumph. Cahill confirmed the pair will reassess their partnership at seasons end, while insisting Sinner will be the final player of his coaching career. Meanwhile, Sinner continues his dominant run on the ATP Tour.