Swiatek avoids another upset against Eala at Madrid Open, Gauff recovers from 0-6 start

MADRID >> This time, Iga Swiatek had the answers against teenage sensation Alexandra Eala.

After a quarterfinal loss to the rising star from the Philippines last month in Miami, Swiatek rallied to a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 victory in the second round of the Madrid Open on Thursday. The second-ranked Swiatek, who is the defending Madrid champion, is trying to reach her first final of the season.

“On clay I feel like I have a little bit more advantage sometimes in the situations, where Alexandra could take more advantage on faster hard courts,” the four-time French Open champion said. “I understand that there’s hype about these young players, but you got to be focused on yourself.”

The 19-year-old Eala, a product of Rafael Nadal’s academy, defeated Swiatek in straight sets during her breakthrough run in Miami.

Eala broke Swiatek’s serve early and cruised to victory in the first set at the Caja Magica center court, but the former No. 1 regained her control for the rest of the match, taking advantage of a letdown by her young opponent.

“From the beginning I didn’t play smoothly, but I managed to solve some problems,” said the 23-year-old Swiatek.

Bologna advances to face AC Milan in Italian Cup final

BOLOGNA, Italy >> Bologna advanced past Empoli to reach its first Italian Cup final in more than half a century on Thursday.

Thijs Dallinga’s 87th-minute header earned Bologna a 2-1 win and the team advanced 5-1 on aggregate.

Giovanni Fabbian opened the scoring for Bologna with a header seven minutes in. Then Viktor Kovalenko equalized for Empoli in the 30th by turning in a rebound to finish off a counterattack.

Bologna won the first leg 3-0.

In the May 14 final in Rome, Bologna will face AC Milan, which eliminated city rival Inter Milan on 4-1 aggregate following a 3-0 win on Wednesday.

Bologna last reached the Cup final in 1974, when it claimed its second title in the competition.

It’s the fourth final for Bologna coach Vincenzo Italiano in three seasons, having guided Fiorentina to the last two Conference League finals and the Cup final in 2023.

Bob Costas wins Baseball Digest lifetime achievement award

NEW YORK >> Bob Costas has won the fifth Lifetime Achievement Award presented by Baseball Digest.

The longtime broadcaster was honored Thursday with an annual distinction that “recognizes a living individual whose career has been spent in or around Major League Baseball and who has made significant contributions to the game.”

Willie Mays won the inaugural award in 2021, followed by Vin Scully (2022), Joe Torre (2023) and Dusty Baker (2024).

“Baseball hasn’t just been a big part of my career. It’s been a big and ongoing part of my life,” Costas said in a news release. “Someone once said of me, ‘He is a citizen of the game.’ I hope that was true. I hope I have meant something to the game. I know it has meant a great deal to me.”

Costas has hosted or called seven World Series, 10 League Championship Series and eight All-Star Games. He’s been with MLB Network since its inception in 2009. He stopped doing play-by-play following the 2024 postseason but will continue to contribute to the network’s coverage.

— The Associated Press

He received the National Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award in 2018 for major contributions to baseball broadcasting.

“As one of the most decorated sports broadcasters of all-time, Bob Costas’ love of baseball and passion for the game has always been evident,” MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said. “Bob has been a part of some of the most important moments in MLB history. His vast baseball knowledge and experience has allowed him to provide thoughtful commentary and valuable historical context throughout his career working with MLB’s broadcast partners and MLB Network.”

Costas was chosen in voting by a 19-member panel from a list of 10 finalists that also included Terry Francona, Sandy Koufax, Tony La Russa, Jim Leyland, Lou Piniella and Bud Selig, among others.

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb