Sports News Roundup: Westbrook open to Heat trade; Commish denies intentional juicing of baseballs

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Serena survives Riske business to reach Wimbledon semis

Serena Williams clubbed her way into the Wimbledon semi-finals, draining the last drop of fight from fellow American Alison Riske before sealing a 6-4 4-6 6-3 win in a rip-roaring Centre Court contest on Tuesday. For two sets, Riske absorbed every last punishing blow from the seven times champion, while her own lightweight jab inflicted some early pain and then leveled the see-saw encounter at 1-1.

Chiefs' Hill denies assault in new audio excerpt

In a full version of an audio recording aired by a Kansas City radio station on Tuesday, Chiefs star wide receiver Tyreek Hill is heard denying assaulting his fiancée, although Hill pleaded guilty to an assault and battery charge in 2015. Dan Graziano of ESPN reported that NFL investigators have already heard the full recording and are including that in deciding any potential discipline to be levied on Hill.

Halep steers steady path past Zhang into Wimbledon semis

Former world number one Simona Halep reached her second Wimbledon semi-final after overcoming an early onslaught to deliver another textbook example of matchplay tennis and dispatch China's unseeded Zhang Shuai 7-6(4) 6-1 on Tuesday. Just as she did in quelling the lively challenge of 15-year-old Coco Gauff on Monday, Halep initially struggled and looked in real danger when 4-1 down and facing more break points in the opening set. However, the Romanian dug in to see off the threat then played her usual percentage tennis as Zhang lost her way.

Commish denies intentional juicing of baseballs

Commissioner Rob Manfred says there is no scientific evidence to support complaints about "juiced" baseballs and insists Major League Baseball did nothing to intentionally boost the number of home runs. Manfred addressed reporters Tuesday in Cleveland ahead of the All-Star Game, one day after American League starter Justin Verlander called the current baseballs "a f---ing joke."

Serena thrills as 'Dream Team' turn mean machine at Wimbledon

Wimbledon's Centre Court is the property of the All England Club, but on Tuesday it belonged to Serena Williams. After reaching her 37th Grand Slam singles semi-final, she returned with Britain's Andy Murray in a fist-pumping, high-fiving, forehand-slapping frenzy as the mixed doubles 'Dream Team' put on a show for the thousands of fans who had hung around into the evening to watch.

Brain beats brawn as Strycova ends Konta's hopes

Johanna Konta played almost perfect tennis for the opening five games of her Wimbledon quarter-final against unseeded Czech Barbora Strycova on an expectant Centre Court on Tuesday. Her power game was locked and loaded and there appeared little Strycova could do to prevent the Briton steaming into a semi-final showdown with seven-time champion Serena Williams.

NBA notebook: Westbrook open to Heat trade

Russell Westbrook is warming to the idea of leaving Oklahoma City, and the Miami Heat are high on the All-Star point guard's list. According to multiple reports, Westbrook signed off on general manager Sam Presti taking trade offers. The decision comes on the heels of the Thunder shipping 2019 MVP finalist Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers for five future first-round picks, forward Danilo Gallinari and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

No ride, Daly pulls out of Open Championship

John Daly withdrew from The Open Championship after his request for a medical exemption to use a golf cart was denied. Daly's decision was announced Tuesday by the R&A, which confirmed Kevin Streelman as Daly's replacement at Royal Portrush.

Senator Manchin introduces bill to enforce equal pay for U.S. national teams

Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) introduced a bill Tuesday preventing the federal government from providing funding for the 2026 FIFA World Cup until the United States Soccer Federation agrees to equal pay for its men's and women's national teams. "No federal funds may be appropriated or otherwise made available to provide support for the 2026 World Cup, including support for a host city, a participating State or local agency, the United States Soccer Federation, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), or the Federation de Football Association (FIFA), until the date on which the United States Soccer Federation agrees to provide equitable pay," the bill reads.

Report: Knicks reworking Bullock deal, may land PF Morris

The New York Knicks are reworking a two-year, $21 million deal with free agent guard Reggie Bullock, which could lead to an opening for power forward Marcus Morris to pass on a deal with the San Antonio Spurs and join New York, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. Morris agreed to a two-year, $20 million deal with San Antonio, according to multiple reports on Saturday. But with the deal still unsigned, Morris is reportedly considering an offer from the Knicks, who would create the necessary salary cap room by redoing Bullock's deal.