austin halewood, bbc news.exciting days in the grandslam tennis calendar and once again we've seen another upset, as we have throughout these wimbledon championships. women's quarter—finals day to come on day eight, arguably the standout game to come, former french open champion jelena 0stapenko up game to come, former french open championjelena 0stapenko up against dominika cibulkova of slovakia. that's your tennis and now the first of the world cup semifinals kicked off in under2li of the world cup semifinals kicked off in under 2a hours. the 1998 champions france against belgium, the team that knocked brazil out in the team that knocked brazil out in the quarter—finals. france go in as slight favourites, winning all three meetings between the sides at major tournaments. both sides trained on monday and our reporterjohn bennett was watching. this isn't just was watching. this isn'tjust a local geographical derby, this is a game with stars that know each other very well, both stars packed with english premier

austin halewood, bbc news.n the tour de france ahead of the race hitting the pyrenees on tuesday. so a perfect opportunity for the bbc to catch up with the race leaders. team sky's geraint thomas is in the yellowjersey with a 1 minute 39 second lead over his teammate and compatriot chris froome. but when push comes to shove in the final week, are the two riders on the same side or now direct rivals? it's quite funny because everyone‘s so it's quite funny because everyone‘s so keen to try to talk up this rivalry between myself and g, but it doesn't exist. win on looking at each other as rivals, we're looking at the guys in third and for the fifth, they're the ones that could put us under pressure but between us, itjust put us under pressure but between us, it just doesn't put us under pressure but between us, itjust doesn't exist like that —— we're looking. we've been teammates for years, we've been mates for years, we started out professionally cycling for me back in 2008. 0ur careers have sort of followed each

austin halewood has the details. to be the pillar of consistency in women‘s tennis. and although it‘s only her 13th match back since the birth of her child, her best game looks to be back with her. julia gorges broken in the first set. and that proved to be the breaking point. williams taking the opener in just 33 minutes. after a run of five first—round exits at wimbledon, reaching a maiden grand slam semi is some achievement byjulia gorges. but like so many before her, serena was a step too far. williams constantly forcing the german back. too powerful and ultimately to good. —— too. despite a late rally, serena came through in straight sets. the queen of centre court will be back for a 10th wimbledon final. it's crazy, i don‘t even know how to feel because literally didn‘t expect to do this well in my fourth tournament back and 16 months, you know? ifeel like when i don‘t have anything to lose, i just played like when i don‘t have anything to lose, ijust played so free and that‘s kind of what i‘m doing. first on c

austin halewood watched all the action. it was japan that had the better of a dull first half. thibaut courtois not helping the belgium nerves. but into the second, the match exploded into life. rock solid jan vertonghen crumbling and letting japan in. genki haraguchi converting under pressure. in a world cup of huge upsets what followed should not have been a surprise. takashi inui with a rocket from outside the box. belgium shell shocked not dead yet. vertonghen atoning for his earlier mistake and soon they were back level. pin—point from hazard, marouane fellaini once again the man to turn to in times of trouble. with all of rostov ready for extra time, a brilliant half of football had one last twist. naser chadli finishing a textbook break to win the game in the final minute. their prize a showdown with favourites, brazil, whose fans, as always, expect. with messi and ronaldo already home, russia is in the market for a new star — neymar did not disappoint. his performance so instrumental, that frustrations boiled over.

austin halewood, bbc news.e first round. swiss top seed federer began his bid for a record—extending ninth men's title with a win over serbia's dusan lajovic. and serena williams made herfirst wimbeldon appearance since having a baby, reaching the second round. more coming up this hour in sport today. taking new to those live pictures from northern thailand. pictures of rescue efforts. the operation continuing into a 10th day. on monday, that extraordinary news emerged that the 12 boys and their football coach have been found alive. food and medical supplies are being taken in to bring their strength at the decision now is whether to try to teach them the rudiments of cave diving and bring them out or keep them in there until them out or keep them in there until the water goes down. good morning. the summer of 2018 is shaping up to be quite memorable. june may be a distant memory, it looks as though the statistics will make it go down in history. this was glasgow last week, june 28 in motherwell, where we saw a

austin halewood reports.ating roger federer, few have made it

austin halewood reports.y have stepped on to centre court dreaming of beating roger federer, few have made it a reality. leucocyte was the next, his attempt didn't last long. after that took the opener, the second was a serving masterclass is. not appoint conceded in the entire set, flawless. and in the third, the resistance was broken. the number one seed taking it 6-1, broken. the number one seed taking it 6—1, gliding into the third round. i have almost lost in the first round and ended up winning the tournament, or i have a one in straight sets like last year. i clearly enjoyed the past where it comes easier, i am happy, clearly enjoyed the past where it comes easier, iam happy, the clearly enjoyed the past where it comes easier, i am happy, the team is happy and we are looking forward to the third round. in the women's draw, the seeds continued to. it caroline wozniacki was the latest to 90, caroline wozniacki was the latest to go, level at one set all and four matchpoint. they all came and went. but aft

here is austin halewood.terfinal for serena williams, her 13th at wimbledon, to be exact. it isa her 13th at wimbledon, to be exact. it is a tale we have all seen before, but italy's georgi was determined not to follow the script, hammering home the advantage in taking the first set. but anger serena williams at your own peril. the seven time champion straight back to level at 1—1, and fired up for more. the battle continued into the third, but in a match of fine margins, serena had the edge, just. this has been my fourth tournament back thomas i don't feel pressure, i don't feel i have to win this, i don't feel i have to win this, i don't feel i have to lose this. i am just here just to be don't feel i have to lose this. i am just herejust to be here, and to prove that i am back. and i feel like i am back, and i still have a long way to go to be where i was. next she will face 13th seed gorges after she beat bertens in three sets. kerber is the highest seed left in london and while her opponent isn't quite a

austin halewood, bbc news. brazil will play belgium on friday in kazan in their quarter—final.er roberto martinez said after their win against manager roberto martinez said after theirwin againstjapan, manager roberto martinez said after their win against japan, brazil are their win against japan, brazil are the best side in the tournament, no one will expect too much from belgium but the players are relishing the opportunity to try and cause an upset. the quarter—final lineup is almost complete. on tuesday, in clearly the softer side of the draw, switzerland and sweden will slug it out in st petersburg for a place in the last eight and in moscow at the spartak stadium, england are looking to win their first knockout tie in a major championship in 12 years against colombia. all eyes on their team sheet, willjames rodriguez be fit? to wimbledon, where this year's championshiips opened on monday with 8—time men's champion roger federer in action. the swiss made a solid start to the defence of his title with a straight—sets victory, while serena williams was also back on the grass

austin halewood reports.n, a a new season, a new a new season, a new kit and a new start for arsenal. after 22 years at the helm, arsene wenger‘s reign ended against atletico madrid. it started the same way, luciano vietto heading his side into the lead. both sides had a youthful feel about them, but eager to impress, 17—year—old emilie smith rowe did just that, the gunners level back in singapore. at the naivete of youth almost came back to port them, playing out from the back is the way forward in the modern foot all, just not that far back. atletico going close. and so came penalties, the toughest of all tests in professional football, or so we thought. for the atletico keeper, it is surprisingly easy, three says, a possible four. and then the winner to seal it, he is only their backup goalkeeper. translation: i am happy because above all, what of the guys played really well, especially the younger ones are. we have been able to incorporate them in a strong defensive structure we have had over the last few

austin halewood reports.y one of the open, carnoustie ‘s fairways looked more like a sir bernard in scotland, conditions that make the ball roll hard to predict. speed returned as champion and made he from the rough early on —— jordan spieth. he soon faltered on the back nine, four shots dropped injust four holes to leave him 1—over. maidana south carolina sun, kevin kisner thrived on the conditions. the american with a par at the last to ta ke the american with a par at the last to take the overnight lead on 5—under. for rory mcilroy, there we re 5—under. for rory mcilroy, there were moments of brilliance. there it is. too many loose shots, though, will have left him thinking what might have been. but only three of the lead, he is still one to keep an eye on. before the championship began, it was the americans who were favourites, having won the last five may have majors. brooks koepka one, 2...0f may have majors. brooks koepka one, 2... of them, but no matter what he tried, it was just one of those days. th

austin halewood reports: under clear blue skies at the world ina under clear blue skies at the worlddegrees heat venus williams was caught cold by kiki bertens, first game first break. and the world over 20 continued to pile on the pressure. kiki bertens more than a match for everything venus could throw at her as she took the first set. the american looking for a nswe i’s. set. the american looking for answers. in the second, she found some, forcing a tie—break venus was too good, back to her dominant best. but into a decider, kiki bertens would not go away. the dutch player dominating from the baseline. and after almost three hours on court, she sealed it, herfirst after almost three hours on court, she sealed it, her first win over a top ten player on grass, bringing an end to venus‘s 20th wimbledon. top ten player on grass, bringing an end to venus's 20th wimbledonlj played end to venus's 20th wimbledon.” played her in miami, had a few match point there so of course there was going into my mind sometimes but i was like 0k, keep on going for it. you are in wimbledon and the third

the tour but also for his team, team sky, who win their sixth tour de france in seven years — austin halewoodt the latest chapter of british success in the race.. so long, british cycling was lost in the world wilderness when it came to the world wilderness when it came to the tour de france. they waited 109 yea rs before the tour de france. they waited 109 years before their first win was finally crowned, but now they are dominating the world's greatest grand tour. the revolution began in 2012, with sir bradley wiggins. he broke the mould, and one for the first time. chris froome was second that year, and from that point on, his domination began in france. he w011 his domination began in france. he won four titles in five years, between 2013, 2017, before of course, geraint thomas, became the third british winner on sunday. for so third british winner on sunday. for so long, thomas has played a supporting role within teams guy, but finally it was his turn to drink champagne on the champs—elysees in paris. we can take a look back in his career, now. it started in 2007 with his first tour appe

now it's time to get all the latest wimbledon action from the bbc sports centre with austin halewood.reaming of beating roger federer. few have made it reality. lukas lacko gave it a go. his attempted not make long. after federer took an open the second was a serving masterclass. not a point conceded in this set. flawless. and in the third lacko's reserve was broken with the number one seed taking it 6—1, gliding into the third round. number one seed taking it 6—1, gliding into the third roundlj number one seed taking it 6—1, gliding into the third round. i have not won them all. i enjoy the path where it doesn't come easy. we are looking forward to the third round. for the women the seeds continue to fall. caroline wozniacki was the latest. level at 1—1, katarina makarrata had three match points. they came and went. when the world number two got it back to 5—5, this time the opportunity would not pass her by. five of the top eight women seeds out of the third round. when it was 5—5 i started thinking about the match points and my server but i started to tell myself, no, you're not go

austin halewood watched all the action.ter of a dull first half. into the second, the match exploded into life. japan in. haraguchi converting under pressure. in a world cup of huge upsets what followed should not have been a surprise. inui with a rocket from outside the box. belgium shell shocked not out yet. they were soon back level. fellaini once again the man to turn to in times of trouble. almost ready for extra time, a brilliant half of football it had w011 brilliant half of football it had won last chris basham chadli winning in the last minute. with messy and ronaldo are already home, russia is in the market for a new star and neymar did not disappoint. his performance so instrumental, frustration boiled over. as mexico tried to bully their way back into the game, brazil ran away with it, roberto firmino tapping the favourites into the quarter—finals. brazil peking at just favourites into the quarter—finals. brazil peking atjust the right time. —— rising. for more on the world cup, head to the bbc sport website. yo

austin halewood, bbc news. two more knockout matches to look forward to today. english football, —— english football's finest hour. but that was as good as it cuts, since then england have had to use deal with setbacks, disappointments and years. but england always expect. the venue for their latest date with destiny, a match against colombia, takes place in moscow. both teams have a similar ranking, so this could go either way. but it could be an inspiration, not just the challenge way. but it could be an inspiration, notjust the challenge of. it is ten yea rs notjust the challenge of. it is ten years since we won a knockout fixture, so for this, it is a brilliant opportunity to go beyond where more experienced teams have gone before. i think they are relishing the chance. waiting to play the minute winners of that match will be switzerland and sweden, who go head—to—head in saint petersburg. the swiss are looking to qualify for the court finals for the first time in more than 60 years, but this is a team that is confident its whole is bigger than the sum of it

austin halewood was watching the ation. and a clear blue skies, a storm was brewing.ens. first game, first break. we welcome 20 continued to pressurise, kiki bertens more they match everything venus could throw at her. she took the first set, the american looking for a nswe i’s. set, the american looking for answers. any second, she found some, forcing a tight tie—break, venus was too good. back to her dominant best. into a decider, kiki bertens would not go away, the dutch player dominated from the baseline. after almost three hours on court, she sealed it. a first win over a top ten player on grass, bringing an end to venus‘ 20th wimbledon. ten player on grass, bringing an end to venus' 20th wimbledonlj ten player on grass, bringing an end to venus' 20th wimbledon. i had if you match points that i lost, so going into my mind sometimes, but i was just that, deep for it! you are in wimbledon, and the third round, you have never reached a third round, nothing to lose, just go for your shots. at the same time on centre court, serena williams was broken by christina mage

here's the bbcs austin halewood. sweet dreams are made of this. dreams are made of this. their team in uncharted waters. they may not be two of world football biggest names, russia switzerland and sweden have been two of the most consistent. marcus burke had the first clear chance at full stretch. keeping them out. but in a game lacking any real quality, both sets of fa ns lacking any real quality, both sets of fans demanded more and finally the breakthrough came. the shot, given a helpful deflection, sweden on the brink of the quarters. the goal had woken switzerland up but for all of their endeavours, they could not break through. leaving themselves open at the back, martin 0lson man through, penalty. until they decided it was outside the box. straight at the keeper, but his team straight into the last eight. for switzerland, there are 64 year wait for quarterfinal goes on. it can be a brutal game. the hopes of a nation dashed in a moment. it can also be perilous for the animals brought in to pick the match winner. this is japan's ‘psychic‘ octo

austin halewood has more?rld cup's ever continues. it's been the fall of giants tournament — brazil, argentina and germany all gone. you have moved seamlessly on. i was talking about tennis. i can talk about football all day long. it is live television, you get the odd glitch. pretend what you were doing. ican glitch. pretend what you were doing. i can talk football until the cows come home. can i tell you, saturday was the first game where i got to sit and watch it. on wednesday i will be with you were the semifinal is on. do you know what my producer has done? on sunday, if we get to the final, someday i will be at heathrow getting a flight to helsinki for that meeting between donald trump and vladimir putin. i have seen wandering, the quarterfinal. i think, have seen wandering, the quarterfinal. ithink, christian, i can feel a lot of sudden and very day —— like very serious illnesses coming on and you needed to stay at home. you might be on your own on wednesday, i have a list of excuses lam going wednesday