Swiatek set to square off with Paolini

The contrasts between the French Open finalists are obvious: Iga Swiatek, who turned 23 last week, already owns four Grand Slam titles, including three in Paris. Jasmine Paolini, 28, had never been past the second round at any major tournament until this season. Entering Saturday, Swiatek, pictured, is on a 20-match winning streak at Roland Garros as she pursues a third consecutive championship on the red clay, and the Polish star’s career record at the place is 34-2. Paolini was 3-5 at the French Open until this six-win run over the past two weeks. Swiatek has spent nearly every week since April 2022 at No. 1 in the WTA rankings and was guaranteed to remain there even if she had lost in the first round in Paris. Paolini is currently No. 15 but is going to make her debut in the top 10 on Monday, no matter what happens against Swiatek on Saturday. “Iga is an unbelievable player. ... So young, but so many achievements and Grand Slams,” Paolini said. Asked Thursday what her confidence and comfort level are on clay, Swiatek paused before responding with a shrug, “High.”

Sooners win record 4th straight title

Patty Gasso’s Oklahoma Sooners have done it again. Oklahoma slugged its way to a record fourth straight NCAA softball title, getting a go-ahead, bases-clearing double from Cydney Sanders and beating Texas 8-4 on Thursday night for a two-game sweep of the Women’s College World Series championship. The Sooners won their eighth title overall, all under coach Gasso, and moved into a tie with Arizona for the second-most World Series championships behind UCLA’s 12. Jayda Coleman, Tiare Jennings, Kinzie Hansen, Rylie Boone and pitcher Nicole May were significant contributors to each of the Sooners’ past four championship teams. “They’ve cemented this program in history,” Gasso, pictured, said. “They’ve cemented themselves in history. History can change, but these guys will never, ever be forgotten.” The Sooners felt the pressure along the way. “‘Heavy is a head that wears the crown’ is the one thing that really stuck out,” Gasso said. “I heard someone say that. That really has felt true. It’s been exhausting. These players are exhausted, but they keep going.”

Tyson-Paul fight changed to Nov. 15

Mike Tyson’s fight with Jake Paul is now set for Nov. 15 after the former world heavyweight champion fell ill on a flight last month. The fight was originally set for July 20 in Arlington, Texas, home to the NFL’s Cowboys, and will be aired on Netflix. Tyson became nauseous and dizzy during the final hour of a flight from Miami to Los Angeles. His plane was met by first responders, while Tyson’s camp attributed the episode to an ulcer problem and said he would need to do light training for several weeks. Tyson turns 58 on June 30. “Although we had to postpone the fight, I will resume training shortly. I am thankful to the medical staff that treated me and to MVP, Netflix, and AT&T Stadium for working diligently to find the best reschedule date for all parties,” Tyson said in a statement released by Netflix. “While we have a new date, the result will be the same no matter when we fight. Jake Paul is getting knocked out.” The fight was originally slated for a Saturday, but will be held on a Friday as the Cowboys prepare to host the Texans on Nov. 18 for Monday Night Football. —Associated Press