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World number one Aryna Sabalenka passed her first major test of the Australian Open on Friday, fending off a serious challenge from Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round with a tense 7-6(4) 7-6(7) win, Reuters reported. 

At a Grand Slam spiked with geopolitical tension, Potapova played for Austria after a recent nationality switch from Russia, and represented the central European nation with distinction in the early match at Rod Laver Arena.

Seemingly down and out at 4-0 in the second set, the world number 55 broke Sabalenka three times and nudged ahead to 6-5, forcing the Belarusian into a surprising scrap to the finish, according to Reuters. 

AS Roma took a big step towards qualifying for the Europa League last 16 with a 2-0 win over VfB Stuttgart on Thursday, after Aston Villa and Olympique Lyonnais had earlier become the first teams through to the knockout stage, Reuters reported. 

Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli slotted in to give his side the lead shortly before halftime and added another in stoppage time to seal the win.

Disturbances in the stands marred many of the evening matches. In France, tensions escalated between Nice fans and Go Ahead Eagles supporters, prompting security forces to intervene for several minutes before order was restored, with Nice ultimately securing a 3-1 win, according to Reuters. 

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro will leave the Premier League side at the end of the season upon the expiry of his contract, the club said on Thursday, Reuters reported. 

The 33-year-old does have a one-year extension option, but the club has chosen not to activate it according to a team source.

United's decision not to extend or renew his contract was made far in advance of Thursday's announcement as part of long-term squad overhaul plans. Casemiro had requested the club confirm his summer departure at this time, according to Reuters. 

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has praised Mohamed Salah’s professionalism, after the forward returned in a 3-0 victory at Marseille on Wednesday as the Reds took a big step towards automatic qualification for the Champions League last 16, Reuters reported. 

Dominik Szoboszlai put the six-time European champions ahead on the stroke of half-time, before a Geronimo Rulli own goal and Cody Gakpo strike added gloss to the scoreline in the second period.

Slot’s men, now unbeaten in 13 matches in all competitions, climbed to fourth in the 36-team table and will secure a top-eight finish with a win over Azeri side Qarabag at Anfield next week, according to Reuters.