Know why Serena not looking past Sevastova, Kenyan officials' extortion charges

Serena Williams, who is gunning for a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title, and rising Japanese talent Naomi Osaka are each a win away from meeting in what could prove to be a fascinating U.S. Open women's final.

Serena not looking past Sevastova semi-final showdown

Serena Williams, who is gunning for a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title, and rising Japanese talent Naomi Osaka are each a win away from meeting in what could prove to be a fascinating U.S. Open women's final. The next obstacle standing between Williams and a ninth trip to the final is rejuvenated Latvian Anastasija Sevastova in Thursday's first semi-final at the Arthur Ashe Stadium before Osaka faces 2017 runner-up Madison Keys.

If you don't dare to try and chase your dreams, you'll rob yourself the joy of doing it. Don't just dream it. #JustDoIt pic.twitter.com/tjpZzVdP8I

— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) August 27, 2018

Panthers, Cowboys debut new-look offenses

A couple of teams that made big gains on the ground last season are meeting in Sunday's opener when the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers collide at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte. Major adjustments on offense might reveal the most about their 2018 fortunes when the season begins.

Ground Hero: Giants unveil prized rookie Barkley vs. stingy Jags

One of the NFL's best defenses carried the Jacksonville Jaguars within a game of advancing to its first Super Bowl. The New York Giants finished with a dismal 3-13 record, which brought the high draft pick that goes with it and a coaching change that is another byproduct of an awful season. The Jaguars begin what they hope is another successful season Sunday when they visit the Giants, who are unveiling running back Saquon Barkley and playing their first game under new coach Pat Shurmur.

Athletics - Kenyan officials cleared of extortion charges

Former senior Kenyan athletics official David Okeyo, who was last week banned from the sport for life for siphoning sponsorship funds, has been cleared a extorting money from athletes in exchange for lighter sentences in doping cases. Okeyo, a former Secretary-General and Vice President of Athletics Kenya (AK) as well as a member of the IAAF Council, and Isaac Mwangi, former CEO of AK, were both cleared of extortion changes by an IAAF Ethics Board on Thursday in a 62-page judgment.

Keys lock another U.S. Open semi-final

American Madison Keys clinched her second consecutive U.S. Open semi-final berth on Wednesday, using her powerful serve to get an edge on 30th seed Carla Suarez Navarro and win 6-4 6-3. While the pair initially seemed evenly matched, the momentum shifted in Keys' favor in the second set of the 83-minute affair, as she dominated with her powerful service game.

Rising star Osaka has a bright future to lead sport

A U.S. Open that began by celebrating the 50th anniversary could end with Serena Williams snatching a record-equaling 24th Grand Slam title but it may well be remembered as Naomi Osaka's coming out party. While the big names that fill the stands - Venus and Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Caroline Wozniacki - have slowly aged, the people who run and market women's tennis have patiently waited for the arrival of a fresh young face with a compelling story, big serve and punishing groundstrokes.

Overhauled Seahawks open season against Keenum's Broncos

Five years ago Seattle and Denver were the top teams in the NFL. The Seahawks and Broncos were the class of their conferences, reaching Super Bowl XLVIII in New Jersey in what was anticipated to be a close game. The Seahawks strolled to a 43-8 victory. Two years later the Broncos won their title in the same fashion Seattle did - with a dominant defense.

Soccer: La Liga games in U.S. 'make sense' - NBA's Gasol

San Antonio Spurs' Spanish basketball player Pau Gasol says he supports La Liga's plans to play one top-flight Spanish soccer game per year in the United States, although he believes local supporters should be compensated for missing a home match. According to widespread reports in the Spanish media, Girona will face champions Barcelona on Jan. 26 in Miami as part of a previously announced 15-year partnership between La Liga and U.S entertainment company Relevant.

Young drivers pose a triple headache for Mercedes F1 boss

Formula One world champions Mercedes may have to rethink their junior program if young drivers like Frenchman Esteban Ocon are unable to find a race seat, according to team boss Toto Wolff. The sport's annual game of driver musical chairs is in full swing but Mercedes have a problem, with three of their highly-rated proteges still looking for a place and not enough available.

Djokovic beats heat and Millman to reach U.S. Open semis

Novak Djokovic sweated it out from behind the baseline to beat Australian John Millman 6-3 6-4 6-4 at the U.S. Open on Wednesday and set up a semi-final with Japan's Kei Nishikori. Djokovic, a two-times champion at Flushing Meadows, struggled with the humidity at Arthur Ashe Stadium but kept his cool mentally, saving the only break point he faced in the first set and wrapping up the opener in an hour.

Novak Djokovic advances to the US Open semis! 😎 pic.twitter.com/1luMGYmxVc

— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2018

(With inputs from Reuters)