All about Federer's position in US Open, Serena's need of balance, Connecticut Open

Roger Federer heads to the U.S. Open as the third favorite behind longtime rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal after a season that has nose-dived since he won the Australian Open at the start of the year.

Federer lags behind big rivals in U.S. Open Betting

Roger Federer heads to the U.S. Open as the third favorite behind longtime rivals Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal after a season that has nose-dived since he won the Australian Open at the start of the year. This time last year, Federer was the pundits' pick to claim a third Grand Slam title of 2017 in New York, after roaring back from a season decimated by injury to win the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Got the team on lock 🔒 @rogerfederer #zverev @GrigorDimitrov @David__Goffin @kyle8edmund #TeamEurope @LaverCup pic.twitter.com/YPXyAUbbUn

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) August 21, 2018

MLB notebook: Trout off DL, back in the lineup

Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout was activated from the disabled list and back in the lineup for Friday's game against the Houston Astros, the club announced. Trout is playing center field and batting third against Houston left-hander Dallas Keuchel.

NFL notebook: Browns, Eagles offer updates on banged-up QBs

Cleveland Browns quarterback Tyrod Taylor dislocated his pinky finger when he hit the ground with his left hand in the team's 5-0 preseason victory Thursday over the Philadelphia Eagles, but head coach Hue Jackson said he will not miss time. Taylor sustained the injury when he fell awkwardly on his left wrist in the first quarter, after throwing an incomplete pass on a failed fourth-down conversion.

Golf: Yang leads CP Women's Open, Park charging

South Korea's Amy Yang took sole possession of the lead at the CP Women's Open on Friday after shooting 7-under 65 in the second round at Wascana Country Club in Regina, Saskatchewan. Yang sits at 13-under 131 for the tournament after shooting 66 on Thursday.

Koepka's late blitz catches Lovemark as Woods barely makes cut

PGA champion Brooks Koepka charged into a share of the lead with Jamie Lovemark as Tiger Woods struggled on the greens to narrowly make the cut at the Northern Trust on Friday. Koepka caught fire after an eagle at the 13th to blitz home with a six-under 65 and tie Lovemark at the top at 10-under 132. Lovemark shot 66 for the second day at Ridgewood Country Club in Paramus, New Jersey.

French Open to ban Serena's 'catsuit'

The French Open is introducing a dress code for next season, with an official pointing out three-time champion Serena Williams as a prime reason. French Tennis Federation president Bernard Giudicelli said the "catsuit" worn by Williams during this year's tournament would be out of bounds going forward.

Serena must balance daughter's birthday with U.S. Open demands

Serena Williams' return to the U.S. Open for the first time since becoming a mother will be an emotional experience, not least because her daughter Alexis-Olympia's first birthday is right in the middle of the tournament. Serena will have the fans firmly behind her in New York and the 36-year-old is also the bookmakers' favorite to win a 24th Grand Slam title and equal Australian Margaret Court's record haul after the American's run to this year's Wimbledon final.

The idea that Serena Williams' catsuit signals she doesn't respect the game of tennis is ridiculous for a number reasons, but especially because her catsuit wasn't unprecedented. Anne White wore a catsuit back in 1985 at Wimbledon. pic.twitter.com/ekAzc9k1De

— Nadra Nittle (@NadraKareem) August 24, 2018

Ravens' decision to keep quarterback Griffin will go down 'to the wire'

Quarterback Robert Griffin III's chance to remain with the Baltimore Ravens during the regular season will go "right to the wire," according to head coach John Harbaugh. Veteran Joe Flacco and rookie Lamar Jackson, a first-round pick, already have their spots on the roster secured, so Griffin's NFL future in Baltimore will depend on whether the Ravens decide to keep three quarterbacks, something they haven't done since 2009.

Tennis: Johnson to meet Medvedev in Winston-Salem final

American Steve Johnson overcame second-seeded Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta 6-3 6-4 to reach the final of the Winston-Salem Open. Johnson served strongly to close out the match and will try to become the first player in 2018 to win a title on three different surfaces.

Tennis: Sabalenka reaches final at Connecticut Open

Aryna Sabalenka moved within one win of her first WTA victory after defeating fifth seed Julia Goerges 6-4 7-6(3) on Friday to reach the final of the Connecticut Open. The 20-year-old Belarusian put Goerges under constant pressure with her aggressive style, winning 14 break points to grind the German down.

(With Inputs From Reuters)