Sharapova mocks critic Wozniacki

TENNIS:

Maria Sharapova fired back at Caroline Wozniacki over the Dane’s criticism of the US Open’s scheduling. Wozniacki, an outspoken critic of Sharapova since her return from a 15-month doping ban, said it did not set a good example to give the Russian prime-time billing. Sharapova (inset) played her third contest in a row on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Friday and defeated American teenager Sofia Kenin 75 6-2 to reach the third round. On Wozniacki, who was beaten in round two by Ekaterina Makarova, Sharapova said: ‘I don’t make the schedule. I’m a pretty big competitor. If you put me out in the parking lot of Queens in New York City, I’m happy to play there. All that matters to me is I’m in the fourth round. I’m not sure where she is.’

CYCLING:

Chris Froome retained the lead in La Vuelta as Bora-Hansgrohe’s Rafal Majka soloed to victory on stage 14 from Ecija to Sierra de La Pandera. Team Sky rider Froome (above), who is bidding to become only the third rider to win La Vuelta and the Tour de France in the same year, crossed the line 31 seconds down on the Polish rider after the 175km stage. However, his lead was trimmed by four seconds as Vincenzo Nibali (Bahrain-Merida), second overall, pipped him to third place on the day, picking up four bonus seconds on the line. The Italian now trails Froome by 55 seconds. Nicolas Roche finished 19th on the day, one minute 44 seconds behind Froome and he dropped to 13th overall. Conor Dunne is 171st and last on the overall standings for Irish team Aqua Blue Sport.