Current Sports News Briefs: Woods accepts special exemption into U.S. Open, Rublev reaches Madrid Open final, MLB roundup, IOC hints at lack of solidarity in athletics prize money decision, Verstappen says future is with Red Bull, Alcaraz withdraws from Italian Open, Coburn to miss US Olympic trials, Biden to honor Ledecky and Yeoh with Medal of Freedom, Medvedev joins growing injury list ahead of French Open, British Triathlon confident France will deliver safe Seine for Games.

Tiger Woods, the legendary golfer, has accepted a special exemption into the upcoming U.S. Open at Pinehurst Resort and Country Club in North Carolina. This news comes after Woods’ recent performance at the Masters, where he finished last among the players who made the cut.

In tennis news, Andrey Rublev secured his spot in the Madrid Open final with a convincing win over American Taylor Fritz. The Russian player, seeded seventh in the tournament, showed great form on the clay court and is now a favorite to claim his second title of the year.

In Major League Baseball, Mike Yastrzemski homered to help the San Francisco Giants avoid a series sweep by the Boston Red Sox. Yastrzemski’s home run was a special moment as he was visited by his grandfather, Red Sox legend Carl Yastrzemski, before the game.

On the Olympic front, there seems to be a lack of solidarity in athletics prize money decisions. IOC President Thomas Bach suggested that World Athletics should focus on supporting athletes rather than offering prize money to Olympic gold medallists.

In motor racing, Max Verstappen hinted at a possible future with Red Bull but left the door open for other opportunities. With Red Bull’s top designer leaving, there has been speculation about Verstappen’s future with the team.

Unfortunately, there have been some setbacks in tennis and athletics. Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the Italian Open due to an arm injury, while steeplechaser Emma Coburn will miss the US Olympic trials after breaking her ankle.

Despite these challenges, there are still moments of celebration. U.S. President Joe Biden will honor Olympian Katie Ledecky and others with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing their contributions to sports and society.

As the sports world continues to evolve, athletes face both triumphs and setbacks, but their resilience and determination shine through in every competition.