NEW YORK (AP) — Novak Djokovic (NOH’-vak JOH’-kuh-vich) is playing in the U.S. Open final for the ninth time and has never had more at stake. The top-ranked player will complete a calendar-year Grand Slam and collect a men’s-record 21st major title with a victory over No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev (DAN’-ihl MEHD’-veh-dehv). Djokovic beat Medvedev in the Australian Open final, then won the French Open and Wimbledon. He is trying to become the first man to win all four Grand Slams in the same year since Rod Laver in 1969. If he does, Djokovic will break a tie with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal for most major titles among men.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Maia Chaka is making history today, becoming the first black woman to officiate an NFL game. She is working as a line judge for the Jets-Panthers game. Chaka said on the official NFL Instagram post before the game that “it’s a privilege that I’ve been chosen to represent women and women of color in the most popular sport in America.” She is just the third on-field female NFL official, joining Sarah Thomas and Shannon Eastin.

UNDATED (AP) — Seven teams are opening their NFL seasons with new head coaches, and Jacksonville’s game at Houston features two rookie coaches. Jacksonville’s Urban Meyer is getting his first chance at pro football after a long and successful stint as a college coach. The Texans’ new coach is David Culley. Three other head coaches are making their debuts in the early games, including the Chargers’ Brandon Staley, Lions’ Dan Campbell and Jets’ Robert Saleh.

HOUSTON (AP) — Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson is inactive as expected for the Texans’ opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach David Culley said early in the week that Watson would not play and named Tyrod Taylor the team’s starting quarterback. Watson’s future with the Texans is uncertain after he requested a trade, and 22 women filed lawsuits alleging sexual assault or harassment. Watson, who led the NFL in passing yards last season, participated in individual drills during training camp but never worked during team drills.

MONZA, Italy (AP) — Daniel Ricciardo (rih-KAHR’-doh) has won the Italian Grand Prix for McLaren’s first win in nearly nine years. It’s Ricciardo’s first win since Monaco in 2018. He finished 1.747 seconds ahead of teammate Lando Norris and 4.921 ahead of Valtteri Bottas, who turned in a strong performance after starting from the back of the grid after a penalty for taking a new engine. Championship leader Max Verstappen and defending champion Lewis Hamilton crashed out. Both drivers were able to walk away from their cars though Hamilton took a long time getting out of his.

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