Jack Norris 
Daniil Medvedev obliterated a racquet during his defeat at the hands of Matteo Berrettini in Monte Carlo. Medvedev suffered the first 6-0 6-0 loss of his career. Andrey Rublev also suffered an early exit.
Max Verstappen is set to lose his long-time engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, who will depart Red Bull at the end of 2027 to join McLaren. The 45-year-old, who also serves as head of racing, has accepted a lucrative deal with McLaren. This move follows McLaren’s previous recruitment of personnel from Red Bull.
Rory McIlroy begins his Masters title defence at 15:31 BST on Thursday, 9 April. Scottie Scheffler starts his quest for a third Green Jacket at 18:44. The ceremonial tee shots will be hit at 12:25 by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson.
Anthony Davis has aired his grievances regarding his departures from both the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans. Davis felt he ‘deserved much more respect’ from the Lakers. He also said the Pelicans’ lack of tribute video was ‘the final straw’.
Phoenix Suns rookie center Khaman Maluach has been named in the starting lineup for the game against the Dallas Mavericks. The 7-foot-1 player had not yet started an NBA game. He received extended playing time in March, averaging 14.3 minutes per game.
The Los Angeles Clippers are preparing to face the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kawhi Leonard is expected to be in the lineup. Leonard has played in nine straight games after missing time due to a left ankle sprain.
Liga MX continues to dominate the CONCACAF Champions Cup, having lost just two finals in the past 20 years. Club América and Cruz Azul are the most decorated sides in the competition, with seven titles apiece. Liga MX teams have played in 60 finals in the history of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Los Angeles Clippers star Kawhi Leonard’s fifth signature shoe with New Balance was revealed. Images of Leonard’s Kawhi 5 model were released, featuring a premium and soft upper material for lockdown and comfort, a dual-density FuelCell midsole and a Y-Plate at the forefoot. The shoes will launch in summer 2026.
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Portland Trail Blazers 112-101, even with Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle sidelined by injuries. De’Aaron Fox scored 25 points for the Spurs. The Trail Blazers have now lost two straight.
Devin Booker recently had an ‘and-1’ play. Other sports news includes Wyndham Clark, who nailed a second hole-in-one in a Par 3 contest.