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There have been at least 160 attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East since mid-October, following this weekend’s attack on a base in Jordan near the Syrian border that left three American soldiers dead and dozens of others injured, U.S. officials said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin addressed Sunday’s attack and vowed the U.S. would ‘take all necessary actions’ to keep U.S. troops in the region safe.

‘Let me start with my outrage and sorrow for the deaths of three brave U.S. troops in Jordan and for the other troops who were wounded,’ Austin said.

He added, ‘The president and I will not tolerate attack on U.S. forces. And we will take all necessary actions to defend the U.S. and our troops.’

Fox News’ Jennifer Griffin reported Austin’s return to the Pentagon on Monday. His first time working in-person since his prostate cancer surgery comes after Sunday’s attack, which was the deadliest on U.S. forces since 2021. Griffin reported that Austin is ‘actively engaged’ in talks regarding the U.S. response.

The base that was hit by a drone on Sunday is known as Tower 22. The outpost houses about 350 service members, most of whom were asleep when the drone struck the base, Griffin reported.

The service members stationed there are focused on the defeat-ISIS mission.

Several U.S. service members required serious medical treatment but are in stable condition, defense officials said. They are continuing to be medically evacuated for their injuries.

Austin’s comments Monday echoed those from the White House, which expressed its ‘deepest condolences’ for those who were killed.

‘We are mourning with Americans across the country today who are mourning the deaths of three souls, three service members who lost their lives,’ White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said Monday. ‘As we all know, yesterday was a very dark day.’

‘Today is a very difficult day for Americans,’ she continued. ‘So our deepest condolences go out to the families, the friends and the units. You heard that from the president yesterday. He said … we shall respond. The president has always been very clear as commander-in-chief, one of the things that he focuses on is making sure that we protect our troops.’

‘We send our deepest, deepest condolences and our prayers, to the friends of families of the three service members that we lost yesterday,’ she added.

Sunday’s attack was the deadliest since suicide bombers attacked U.S. forces at the Kabul airport’s Abbey Gate in Afghanistan following the chaotic withdrawal in August 2021.

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The Supreme Court will hear arguments in a case challenging access to the abortion pill and its regulatory approval process on March 26, the court announced Monday. 

In December, the nation’s highest court agreed to consider appeals from the Biden administration and drug manufacturer Danco defending several moves by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) intended to make it easier to access and use the mifepristone pill in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade last year.

In overturning Roe v. Wade in June 2022, the Supreme Court ruled in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization that the U.S. Constitution does not guarantee the right to an abortion and that the matter may be decided by the states.

In the aftermath, 14 states have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions, and two others have banned abortion once a fetal heartbeat is detected, which is around six weeks of gestation. 

The Biden administration and the maker of the drug mifepristone are asking the high court to reverse an appellate ruling that would cut off access to the drug through the mail and impose other restrictions, even in states where abortion remains legal. 

The restrictions include shortening from the current 10 weeks to seven weeks, the time during which mifepristone can be used in pregnancy. The nine justices rejected a separate appeal from abortion opponents who challenged the FDA’s initial approval of mifepristone as safe and effective in 2000.

Erin Hawley, counsel for the civil rights firm Alliance Defending Freedom challenging the Biden administration, accused the Biden administration of ‘defending the FDA’s reckless removal of the safety standards it originally deemed necessary for women who use abortion drugs.’

‘The FDA’s own label for these drugs says that roughly one in 25 women who take them will end up in the emergency room. The agency’s removal of in-person doctor visits and consistent, ongoing care has subjected more women to suffering severe, even life-threatening, medical conditions,’ Hawley said in a statement. 

‘Regardless of Americans’ beliefs about abortion, no one should be okay with the FDA leaving girls to take these high-risk drugs all alone,’ she added. 

The Supreme Court will hear arguments in the case called FDA v. Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine on Tuesday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. 

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The Israeli military will not allow Israeli citizens to rebuild settlements in Gaza after the war against Hamas, Israeli Defense Secretary Yoav Gallant confirmed Monday.

Gallant confirmed this in a meeting with members of President Biden’s administration last week, according to a report from Axios. Israeli settlements in Gaza were originally dismantled in 2005 when Israel withdrew from the region, but hardline members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have recently called for the settlements to be rebuilt.

Gallant met with U.S. Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew and assured him that the settlements would not return. He also said the 1-kilometer buffer zone Israel plans to establish in Gaza will also not be used for settlements. Gallant says the buffer zone is only for security purposes and will be temporary, according to Axios.

The assurances come days after several prominent Israeli officials attended a conference in Jerusalem calling for the return of settlements in Gaza. Three ministers who attended were from Netanyahu’s Likud Party.

Israel on Monday also provided the Biden administration with a new dossier with information about how staffers for a United Nations agency assisted or supported the Hamas terror attacks on Oct. 7.

The dossier alleges that 12 employees who worked with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) aided the attack in various capacities.

According to the dossier, seven U.N. staffers crossed into Israel on Oct. 7 while others were accused of ‘participating in a terror activity’ or coordinating vehicle movements.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the individuals who were alleged to have been involved in the attack are no longer employed. 

‘Of the 12 people implicated, nine were immediately identified and terminated by the commissioner-general of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini; one is confirmed dead, and the identity of the two others is being clarified,’ said Guterres.

He also said on Sunday that any U.N. employee who is found to have been involved in terror acts ‘will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution.’

Fox News’ Lawrence Richard contributed to this report.

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The White House says ‘developers of the most powerful AI systems’ will now have to report AI safety test results to the Department of Commerce in the wake of an executive order issued by President Biden aimed at ‘managing the risks’ of the technology. 

The news comes as Deputy Chief of Staff Bruce Reed is convening the White House AI Council on Monday, consisting of ‘top officials from a wide range of federal departments and agencies’ who have reported completing 90-day actions and advancing other directives tasked by the order Biden signed last October, according to the White House. 

Among those actions was that they ‘[u]sed Defense Production Act authorities to compel developers of the most powerful AI systems to report vital information, especially AI safety test results, to the Department of Commerce,’ the White House said. 

‘These companies now must share this information on the most powerful AI systems, and they must likewise report large computing clusters able to train these systems,’ the White House added. 

WHITE HOUSE URGES CONGRESS TO ACT FOLLOWING ‘ALARMING’ AI TAYLOR SWIFT IMAGES 

The White House added the order is focused on ‘assessing AI’s risks for critical infrastructure, and hindering foreign actors’ efforts to develop AI for harmful purposes.’ 

ISRAEL CREATES AI PLATFORM TO TRACK THE HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA 

Ben Buchanan, the White House special adviser on AI, told The Associated Press that the U.S. government wants ‘to know AI systems are safe before they’re released to the public – the president has been very clear that companies need to meet that bar.’ 

‘We know that AI has transformative effects and potential,’ Buchanan added. ‘We’re not trying to upend the apple cart there, but we are trying to make sure the regulators are prepared to manage this technology.’ 

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There are no second acts in American public life – but there are reruns. So, this year, like it or not, American voters appear to face a November choice between former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.

More than just allowing debate moderators to address each opponent as ‘Mr. President,’ this would be the first election in over 100 years in which both major parties nominated candidates who had actual experience in the job. That is likely to dramatically affect the way each conducts their campaign.

In 1892, former President Grover Cleveland (D) ran against Benjamin Harrison (R) who had defeated him in the election of 1888. 

In 1888, even though Cleveland had successfully appointed a large number of judges to the courts, he was hampered by his unpopular effort to reduce tariffs designed to protect U.S. manufacturing. Despite winning the popular vote, the tariff issue caused him to lose several important manufacturing states–including Illinois (by 3 points), Indiana (by less than 1 point), New York (by 1 point), and Ohio (by 2 points)–and cost him the vote in the Electoral College. 

In 1892, however, the tariff issue worked against Harrison as voters tired of paying more for imported goods and he was seen as being too supportive of big business. His heavy-handed response to labor strikes was especially damaging with working-class voters.

Yes, in American politics, the names and the dates change, but the issues remain.

Typically, when an incumbent is running for reelection, voters get to choose ‘the devil they know’ or the ‘devil they don’t know.’ Insiders call them ‘referendum elections,’ in which the record of the incumbent is the main basis for voters’ decisions. The challenger matters, of course, but the main hurdle is presenting oneself as a plausible alternative should voters decide to ‘fire’ the incumbent. 

The last election, 2020, was a classic ‘referendum’ election. The incumbent (Donald Trump) was running – in the midst of the COVID pandemic – against a plain-vanilla former senator and vice president. It was an election that the incumbent (despite all the baggage acquired before and during the pandemic) came very close to winning.

Fast-forward four years – and we have two actual incumbents, with track records that the vast majority of likely voters have observed in real time.

Views of the first incumbent (Trump) are firmly held. While Democrats want voters to remember the economic trough brought on by COVID, almost all Republicans have  favorable memories of the Trump era. A recent YouGov/CBS News poll asked Trump supporters (representing roughly half of the 2024 electorate) why they were supporting him. Fully 97% of Trump supporters said ‘things were just better under Trump.’ In other words, essentially all Trump supporters view his presidency as just plain better.

One can reasonably argue that the last year of the Trump administration – with the pandemic resulting in lockdowns, historic job losses, a recession, enormous government spending to prop up the economy, combined with his refusal to accept the results of the election and his second impeachment – cast a shadow over Trump’s entire four-year term.

But that’s not how Trump supporters view his term. If one just looks at the three years from January 2017 through February 2020, the economy was growing, interest rates were low, inflation was essentially non-existent, and our involvement in overseas wars appeared to be ending. Indeed, the Trump supporters’ view of his presidency seems to take February 2020, just before public notice of the COVID-19 virus, as its endpoint.

The second 2024 ‘incumbent,’ Joe Biden, has not been as fortunate. A year ago, we posited that Biden’s reelection efforts depended less on his (lackluster) polling than on how things would turn out in four hot issue areas – the economy, efforts to counter the global impact of China, the war in Ukraine, and the Middle East. Biden’s fingerprints are all over each of them, and the public will judge the incumbent Biden based on how they look in the fall, just before the election. 

The difficulty for Biden is that all four areas remain challenging both in reality as well as in public perception.

Yes, inflation is down from the 2021 highs, but prices at the grocery store and the gas pump remain higher than they were when Trump was in office. Yes, Biden coaxed the Congress to help U.S. companies invest in high-tech chips, but China still seems to be making inroads in the global economy and continues to appear to be a threat to Taiwan. Yes, the efforts of the U.S. have helped Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression,  but the war still appears to be at a stalemate. Yes, the Israel-Hamas war may be waning, but Iranian- backed Houti rebels and others remain a threat to U.S. interests and show no signs of backing down in the face of American attacks. 

Significantly, three of the four ‘open questions’ are foreign policy-based. And while it’s true that foreign policy rarely is decisive in American politics, actions on the foreign stage are highly dramatic and give US presidents an opportunity to demonstrate their skills … or failings. Jimmy Carter failed to secure the release of U.S. hostages in Iran. Conversely, Ronald Reagan effectively confronted the Soviet Union with his challenge to Mikhail Gorbachev to ‘tear down this wall.’ 

Recent presidents have managed small wins that nevertheless helped build the case for their seriousness and expertise. Barack Obama helped negotiate the Iranian nuclear deal and led the effort to kill Usama bin Laden, while Donald Trump opened a dialogue with North Korean dictator Kim Jung Un and helped broker a series of bilateral agreements between Gulf States and Israel.

Bottom line: While the verdict on the Trump incumbency is settled – with a large chunk of Americans concluding that ‘things were pretty good’ – Biden’s record remains incomplete. We don’t know how voters will view his economy, his efforts in the Mideast, whether Ukraine-Russia will remain a stalemate, and the extent to which China will remain a clear threat ten months from now.

But that’s the campaign we’ll be seeing: A race between two incumbents (all caveats about the actuary perils of assuming that Biden and Trump will be the major party candidates notwithstanding). And, in the highly polarized America of 2024, their focus needs to be less on campaigning against the other as highlighting and defending their own records. Their strategic focus needs to be reminding their respective partisan bases of the efficacy of their presidencies.

Trump’s current edge in the polls is based on the fact that his partisans have already concluded that ‘things were better’ under Trump. But Biden has an opportunity because his incumbency remains ongoing and he can use his presidency to make the case to skeptical supporters that he has done a good job. 

But the ‘known unknowns’ remain. Maybe they improve for Biden, and maybe they do not. If they improve, Biden could be one of the least expected two-term presidencies of all time. Or they could turn south and he can become this century’s Benjamin Harrison.

Daron Shaw is a member of the Fox News Decision Team.

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A former Starbucks employee is suing the coffee chain, saying he was wrongly terminated after he confronted robbers at his store.

NBC affiliate KSDK of St. Louis reported that Michael Harris, 20, was working a drive-thru shift last month when, he said, two men entered the store and began frisking customers.

When the two men demanded cash from the register, Harris said, he tried to open it. At that point, one of the robbers hit him on the head with a gun.

“I thought I was gonna die that day. … They walked in, announced that it was a robbery,” Harris recalled, according to the station.

He said he felt emboldened to stand his ground when he realized the gun was fake, the station reported, noticing that the trigger had fallen off.

“That’s when we noticed and started to fight back,” Harris said.

Eventually, one of the men took off; Harris and another co-worker were able to restrain the other until police arrived, the station reported.

But weeks after the incident, Harris said, he got a call saying he was being fired.

“They terminated me,” he said. “They didn’t really give me a reason why I was terminated. They just told me I was, and I just had to accept it.”

In a statement, Starbucks said it was “deeply disturbed to learn of this frightening incident. Partner safety is at the core of how we operate in our stores, and we are so grateful that our partners and customers did not come to greater harm in this situation.’

The company said all employees “are expected to follow our carefully crafted protocols to ensure the safety of customers and partners during these situations. In situations like this, our training and protocols guide our partners to comply and de-escalate, not just for their safety but for the safety of all in the store.”

Harris and his attorneys said Starbucks’ policy is unfair.

“There’s no way that an individual can be faced with danger, attempted potential death of themselves or another, and then once they’ve been hit or downed that they cannot defend themselves,” attorney Ryan Krupp said.

The incident echoes one last summer in which Lululemon fired employees at one of the chain’s outlets after they confronted robbers.

The National Retail Federation said in a statement Thursday that acts of violence have no place in retail stores. 

“The number one priority for retailers is ensuring the safety and security of both customers and workers,’ it said, noting retailers provide their teams with trainings like Starbucks’ to prevent or de-escalate situations that may result in confrontation and that partnerships with law enforcement are also designed to help resolve such incidents.

“Threats, violence and protest will not deter a retailer’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of the customers they serve and the people they employ,” the federation said.

But the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union said in a statement that while retail workers should never be asked to directly confront shoplifters, ‘there’s tons of nuance to each situation and a simple ‘don’t fight back’ is not enough.’

‘Workers need to be trained in addressing all the various forms of risks they could encounter,’ said the group, which does not represent Harris. ”Don’t fight back’ is not training. Workers need to be trained.’

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Patrick Mahomes, Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs are heading back to the Super Bowl.

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift will be there, too. 

Mahomes threw a touchdown to Kelce in the first quarter, Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco ran for another, and the Chiefs beat NFL MVP favorite Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens 17-10 to win the AFC championship game on Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

The Chiefs advance to the Super Bowl 58 in Las Vegas on Feb. 11, and await the winner of the NFC championship game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers.

The Chiefs hope to repeat as NFL champions after winning it all last year, and after the 2019 season. It’s Kansas City’s fourth trip to the Super Bowl over the last five years after playing in the past six AFC championship games. 

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

Mahomes finished 30 of 39 for 241 yards with a touchdown, finding his favorite target in Kelce, who finished with 11 catches for 116 yards to break Jerry Rice’s record for catches in postseason history. Pacheco added 68 yards rushing for the Chiefs. 

Jackson threw an interception in the fourth quarter — one series after rookie receiver Zay Flowers was penalized for taunting after a catch inside the 10-yard line and fumbled at the goal line for a crucial turnover. 

Jackson finished 20 of 37 for 272 yards passing with a touchdown and interception, and rushed the ball eight times for 54 yards for Baltimore. Flowers led the Ravens with 115 yards on five catches. — Safid Deen

Chiefs-Ravens highlights from AFC championship game

Chiefs-Ravens winners, losers from AFC championship game

WINNERS

Andy Reid’s first quarter coaching calls — This is why he’s one of the best to ever do it. Reid was calculated and confident in his decisions early in the first quarter. Namely, he trusted his defense to deliver a quick stop on the game’s opening drive after Kansas City won the coin toss and deferred. Then, he compounded the gains from that choice on the subsequent Chiefs series by going for it on fourth-and-2 from Baltimore’s 41-yard line. The play call wasn’t bad either; Mahomes took the shotgun snap, rolled to his right to get the Ravens defense off balance and found tight end Travis Kelce streaking across the middle of the field for 13 yards. The Chiefs would score, on a Kelce 19-yard grab, to take an early lead. In a close conference title game, in a hostile environment, these are the types of decisions that can win games. And, considering that Kansas City kicked a field goal just before halftime only to receive the kickoff to start the third quarter, Reid’s decisions played out perfectly.

Travis Kelce — Things are going well for him. He’s thriving off the field and he remains a force on it, especially in the playoffs. Kelce was dominant against the Ravens, catching all 11 of his targets for 116 yards and a touchdown. He broke all-time great Jerry Rice’s NFL record for most career receptions and tied Rice for most career postseason games with at least 100 receiving yards (eight).

LOSERS

Todd Monken’s inability to adjust — This season, among players with at least 250 passing attempts, Lamar Jackson ranked sixth in average time to throw at 2.95 seconds. Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo dialed up a consistent amount of pressure all game long. And if Baltimore offensive coordinator wasn’t expecting that, he at least should’ve done a far better job of adjusting. Monken continued to call seven-step drops and plays that took too long to develop, allowing Kansas City’s pass rush to disrupt the timing of Baltimore’s passing attack. Not only that, but Monken also didn’t see that Kansas City’s secondary was too tight down the field. Making matters worse, Monken completely abandoned the rushing game, which was Baltimore’s strength all season long.

Ravens drop early-game ball control edge — Kansas City knew the best defense against Lamar Jackson was, simply, to keep him off the field. The Chiefs, on both offense and defense, did their part. Midway through the second quarter, both teams had recorded three offensive possessions. In that span, the Chiefs led in time of possession (17:55 to 5:47), offensive plays (33 to 13), total yards (176 to 86), third down conversions (five-of-seven to one-of-three), trips to the red zone (three, with two conversions, to none), first downs (13 to four) and — most importantly — points (14 to 7). By the time halftime rolled around, Baltimore was actually losing the TOP battle 20:39 to 9:21. — Lorenzo Reyes

Can Taylor Swift make it from Tokyo to Super Bowl? In a word, yes!

It’s going to take a marathon of a trip after a marathon of a show for Taylor Swift to get to the Super Bowl.

Swift’s boyfriend Travis Kelce and his Kansas City Chiefs advanced to the NFL’s title game on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas. The pop superstar has been a frequent presence at Kansas City’s games this season, including Sunday’s AFC championship, and it seems unlikely she wouldn’t be present to watch the guy on the Chiefs try to win his third Super Bowl. But she wraps up a four-show stop of her Eras Tour in Tokyo the day before.

Can she get from one place to the other? In a word, yes!

Swift’s concert begins at 6 p.m. Saturday in Tokyo, which is 17 hours ahead of Las Vegas. Her shows last 3½ hours so, even allowing time for her to change and pack, figure she could be ready to go by 10:30 p.m. That’s 5:30 a.m. Saturday in Las Vegas.

The flight from Tokyo to Vegas is about 12 hours, which includes a stop, typically in Los Angeles. But that’s on a commercial flight, and Swift has a private jet. So even if she has to stop to refuel, she could be in Las Vegas by early evening Saturday night.

Plenty of time to get a good night’s sleep and be ready for the Super Bowl, which doesn’t kick off until 3:30 p.m. local time Sunday.  — Nancy Armour

Chiefs-Ravens score

Chiefs — 17
Ravens — 10
Final

Travis Kelce, Taylor Swift celebrate Chiefs AFC championship

Travis Kelce is living the good life.

The All-Pro tight end is heading to his second consecutive Super Bowl and fourth overall after the Chiefs defeated the Ravens in the AFC championship game. The Kansas City star more-than did his part with 11 receptions for 116 yards while breaking Jerry Rice’s record for most career catches in the postseason.

And, of course, he’s dating pop icon Taylor Swift, who greeted him on the field after the game to celebrate. — Casey Moore

Patrick Mahomes, Marquez Valdes-Scantling call game

The Chiefs possessed the football with 2:34 left in the game and milked the clock all the way down.

The Ravens had stopped Kansas City on first and second down, but on third-and-9 with 2:19 remaining in the game, Patrick Mahomes tossed a deep 32-yard pass to wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a first down just before the two-minute warning.

After the two-minute warning, the Chiefs got into victory formation and celebrated the victory. — Tyler Dragon

Ravens score: Justin Tucker 43-yard field goal

Justin Tucker scored the first points of the second half with 2:38 left in the game.

The league’s highest-paid kicker nailed a 43-yard field goal to bring the Ravens within one score.

On the drive, Lamar Jackson completed a series of passes, including an 11-yard throw to running back Justice Hill. Then three incompletions left Baltimore facing fourth-and-5 and Tucker scored.

The Chiefs are up 17-10. — Victoria Hernandez

Lamar Jackson throws interception in the end zone

The Ravens are running out of chances.

Lamar Jackson threw a pick in the end zone with just under seven minutes left in the AFC championship game.

On second-and-10 from the Kansas City 25, the NFL MVP candidate threw downfield trying to hit Isaiah Likely. The tight end was triple teamed and Chiefs safety Deon Bush jumped in front of the throw to snag the interception.

Veteran receiver Odell Beckham Jr. grabbed two catches on the drive.

But instead of scoring to help the Super Bowl champ return to the big game, the Ravens ended up committing their third turnover of the day. — Victoria Hernandez

Chiefs punt for fifth time

The Chiefs have punted on four consecutive drives.

After Zay Flowers’ costly fumble, the Chiefs offense was forced to punt the football in seven plays.

Ravens defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was called for a roughing the passer penalty that helped Kansas City extend its drive, but team failed to convert a third-and-13 and were forced to punt with 10:44 remaining in the game. — Tyler Dragon

Why does Baltimore have ‘M’ colored differently in the end zone?

Fans who are tuning into the AFC championship game at M&T Bank Stadium might be confused as to why two letters in ‘Baltimore’ in the end zone are a different color. The ‘MO’ is colored all gold while the rest of the letters are white.

This is to pay tribute to Mo Gaba, a Ravens and Orioles superfan who passed away from cancer as a young teenager in 2020. He would have celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday.

In 2019, Gaba was the first person to read a pick written in braille during the NFL draft. The Ravens selected guard Ben Powers in the fourth round. — Victoria Hernandez

Zay Flowers touchdown nullified by end zone fumble

The Ravens left a touchdown on the table to start the fourth quarter and it resulted in their second turnover of the game.

On second-and-8, Lamar Jackson threw a short pass to Zay Flowers, who caught it at about the 8-yard line and turned downfield. When he reached the end zone, he reached out to try to put the ball across the goal line. But Chiefs cornerback L’Jarius Sneed swiped at the rookie and the ball bobbled out for a fumble. It bounced in the end zone and cornerback Trent McDuffie landed on it.

The play was ruled a touchback and the Chiefs offense got the ball at the 20.

On the drive, Flowers made a monster 54-yard catch, but he was flagged for taunting when he stood over Sneed after being tackled. — Victoria Hernandez

Joe Burrow says let the players taunt in playoff game

For all the smack both teams have shared in this one, the last thing fans want is for referees to step in the middle of it.

Ravens receiver Zay Flowers was penalized for taunting after a 54-yard catch, when he stood over Chiefs defender L’Jarius Sneed, causing referees to throw a flag.

One star NFL quarterback says let the players play, and even more.

‘Let the guys taunt,’ Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow said on Twitter. — Safid Deen

End of third quarter: Chiefs 17, Ravens 7

The third quarter ended with no points added to the scoreboard, the first scoreless quarter of the game.

The Chiefs are still holding onto a 17-7 advantage into the fourth period.

The Ravens failed to cut into their deficit, but they are in the red zone entering the final quarter.

Lamar Jackson had 109 passing yards in the third period. Wide receiver Zay Flowers caught a long 54-yard pass from Jackson with under one minute to go in the third.

The Chiefs were held to just 44 yards and two first downs in the quarter. Patrick Mahomes was held to 28 passing yards. — Tyler Dragon

Chiefs offense forced to punt again

The Ravens are still in it. And the Chiefs offense has lost its rhythm in the second half.

Patrick Mahomes was unable to handle Baltimore’s pass rush, and running back Isiah Pacheco ran for four yards on two plays during Kansas City’s three-and-out.

Maybe, it was Baltimore introducing longtime defensive lineman Terrell Suggs to its home crowd that provided a spark.

It’s the third straight punt for the Chiefs, and fourth in their last five possessions. — Safid Deen

Lamar Jackson sacked to force another punt

The Ravens sputtered yet again.

This time, on third-and-9 from Kansas City’s 41, Lamar Jackson dropped back and tried to scurry around, but Chiefs safety Justin Reid wrapped him up for a sack. Baltimore was forced to punt for the fifth time this game.

The drive started well with a 16-yard pass from Jackson to Gus Edwards and then the quarterback ran for another 11 yards. But a few plays later, guard John Simpson was called for a holding penalty that sent the Ravens back 10 yards.

Baltimore is still down 17-7. — Victoria Hernandez

Chiefs injury: Charles Omenihu ruled out

The Chiefs downgraded DE Charles Omenihu to out.

Omenihu suffered a knee injury in the second quarter. He walked to the sideline before he was escorted to the locker room.

The Chiefs originally deemed Omenihu questionable but downgraded the defensive end in the third quarter.

Omenihu made a big impact before his exit. The defensive end had a strip sack on Lamar Jackson in the first quarter. — Tyler Dragon

Ravens go three-and-out to start second half

The Chiefs punted on their first drive of the second half and the Ravens didn’t fare any better, going three-and-out.

Gus Edwards ran for one yard, Zay Flowers ran for three and a Lamar Jackson throw fell to the turf. So Jordan Stout punted the ball away.

It was the Ravens’ fourth punt of the day. They remain down 17-7. — Victoria Hernandez

Chiefs first drive of second half ends in punt

Travis Kelce has 10 catches and 102 yards with a touchdown in this game.

Kelce’s 10th catch, which netted six yards, came during Kansas City’s first drive of the second half, but the drive ended after three plays. The Chiefs were unable to convert on third-and-3, with Mahomes looking for receiver Justin Watson blanketed in coverage.

Baltimore gets the ball back after Kansas City’s three-and-out. — Safid Deen

Ravens halftime leaders

Passing: Lamar Jackson 5-12, 67 yards, TD
Rushing: Lamar Jackson: 4 carries, 27 yards
Receiving: Zay Flowers 2 receptions, 39 yards, TD
Defense: Roquan Smith 10 tackles; Kyle Hamilton 9 tackles, tackle for loss

Chiefs halftime leaders

Passing: Patrick Mahomes 20-25, 161 yards, TD
Rushing: Isiah Pacheco 14 carries, 41 yards, TD
Receiving: Travis Kelce 9 receptions, 96 yards, TD
Defense: Drue Tranquill 4 tackles; Charles Omenihu 1 sack; George Karlaftis 1 fumble recovery

Halftime: Chiefs 17, Ravens 7

The Chiefs have dominated possession for the first half of the AFC championshp game and as a result, they carry a 17-7 lead into the locker room at M&T Bank Stadium.

Completing his first 11 passes of the game, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is 20-for-25 for 161 yards and a touchdown at the break. He’s also added 18 more yards on the ground.

Kansas City has outgained Baltimore 221-111 in total offense, going 5-for-8 on third down conversions and 1-of-2 on fourth down. The halftime margin could have been even larger if the Ravens hadn’t stopped Isiah Pacheco on a fourth-and-1 run at the Baltimore 13 late in the second quarter.

Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce leads all receivers with nine catches for 96 yards and a touchdown, while Pacheco is the game’s leading ball-carrier with 14 rushes for 41 yards and a score.

For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson is just 5-for-12 passing for 67 yards — with one of those completions to himself on a pass that was deflected at the line of scrimmage. Jackson is also the team’s leading rusher with 27 yards on four carries.

Kansas City will receive the kickoff to start the second half. — Steve Gardner

Chiefs score: Harrison Butker 52-yard field goal

Two roughing the passer penalties helped the Chiefs march down the field on an eight-play, 55-yard drive that led to a field goal.

After the two penalties, Patrick Mahomes tossed a 21-yard pass to tight end Travis Kelce to put the Chiefs in field-goal range. The Chiefs were then called for holding penalties on separate plays and had to settle for a 52-yard field goal by Harrison Butker to lift them to a 17-7 lead just before halftime. — Tyler Dragon

Ravens defense holds Chiefs to first three-and-out

The Chiefs were forced to punt for the first time in the AFC championship game after going three-and-out.

Patrick Mahomes threw three incomplete passes during the series and Kansas City had to punt the football back to the Ravens with under three minutes remaining in the second quarter.  — Tyler Dragon

WATCH: Lamar Jackson throws it to … himself

How about that, Gisele?

Tom Brady’s ex-wife Gisele Bündchen once said, ‘My husband cannot f****** throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.’

Well, Lamar Jackson can.

Check out this crazy Lamar Jackson highlight, where his pass was deflected but he still caught it for a 13-yard gain. The drive ended up stalling out and Baltimore was forced to punt. — Safid Deen

Chiefs turnover: Ravens stop Chiefs on fourth down

Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu’s strip sack set Kansas City’s offense up at Baltimore’s 33-yard line, but Patrick Mahomes and company couldn’t take advantage. 

The Chiefs turned the ball over on downs in seven plays. On fourth-and-1 from Baltimore’s 13-yard line, Chiefs ran power with running back Isiah Pacheco, but he was stopped short of the first down by Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton and Travis Jones.

The Ravens took over possession of the football. — Tyler Dragon

Travis Kelce breaks Jerry Rice’s playoff receptions record

With his seventh catch of the first half, the Chiefs tight end eclipsed Jerry Rice’s NFL record of 151 career receptions in postseason play.

Kelce broke the record on a 7-yard completion with 7:01 left in the second quarter.

In last week’s game, Kelce caught his 16th touchdown pass in the playoffs from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, breaking the record they shared with Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.

The Chiefs duo extended that record on a 24-yard scoring play in the first half against the Ravens. — Steve Gardner

Ravens turnover: Lamar Jackson fumbles, Chiefs force first turnover

The Ravens appeared to be marching again in the second quarter when Justice Hill powered for a first down on third-and-1.

But the next play, MVP candidate Lamar Jackson took the shotgun snap and dropped back. Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu snuck around behind him, beating tackle Ronnie Stanley, and got the strip-sack. The ball bounced on the ground and Kansas City defensive end George Karlaftis fell on it to grab the first turnover of the game. — Victoria Hernandez

Patrick Mahomes starts game with perfect first quarter

Patrick Mahomes is off to a hot start. He was 10 for 10 with 80 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter of Sunday’s game.

Mahomes started the game with 11 consecutive completions, his first miss coming early in the second quarter. But he was still able to lead a scoring drive, resulting in Isiah Pacheco’s touchdown run.

Mahomes is 13 of 14 for 106 yards, with 15 yards rushing, and a touchdown pass to Travis Kelce in the first quarter. — Safid Deen

Chiefs score: Isiah Pacheco 2-yard touchdown run

Isiah Pacheco powered his way to a 2-yard touchdown run to put the Chiefs back on top at the 10:56 mark of the second quarter. Pacheco’s TD capped a 16-play drive that resulted in a 14-7 Chiefs lead.

QB Patrick Mahomes connected on his first 11 passes of the game before finally misfiring on a short toss to Richie James. Later in the drive, Mahomes converted a crucial third-and-5 at the Ravens 27 when he scrambled around the pocket and connected with a leaping Kelce to pick up the first down.

With two receptions on the drive, Kelce now needs 1 more catch to tie Jerry Rice’s all-time playoff record.  (151) — Steve Gardner

WATCH: Travis Kelce highlight catch 

On third-and-5 during the second quarter, with Patrick Mahomes in trouble, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce made this stellar catch to keep Kansas City’s drive alive.

Here’s the highlight:

End of 1st quarter: Chiefs 7, Ravens 7

The Chiefs and Ravens are all tied up at the end of the first quarter in what is shaping up to be a classic AFC championship match.

Kansas City scored first with a 19-yard touchdown throw from Patrick Mahomes to star tight end Travis Kelce. Mahomes is a perfect 10-for-10 with 86 yards so far.

The Ravens answered with a 30-yard sling from Lamar Jackson to rookie Zay Flowers for a score that the offense celebrated by swag surfin’. It capped off a drive that featured Jackson rushing for 21 yards on fourth-and-1.

There was an ‘administrative timeout’ midway through the quarter due to a rogue drone in the area. — Victoria Hernandez

Is Mark Andrews playing?

Yes. The All Pro tight end is playing for the Ravens for the first time since Nov. 16, when he suffered a cracked fibula and ligament damage to his right ankle against the Bengals.

Andrews immediately burst on the scene in the AFC championship game, catching Lamar Jackson’s first pass attempt for nine yards — Casey Moore

Celebrities at Chiefs-Ravens AFC championship game

Former Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed were announced as the team’s ‘Legends of the Game’ and were recognized on the field pregame. Other former Ravens are involved as well, with Hall of Fame tackle Jonathan Ogden, receiver Anquan Boldin and linebacker Terrell Suggs all named honorary captains for the AFC title game.

In addition, Baltimore native and 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer Michael Phelps delivered the game ball. — Jack McKessy

Ravens score: Lamar Jackson 30-yard touchdown pass to Zay Flowers

Baltimore strikes back!

Lamar Jackson broke free for a 21-yard run on fourth-and-1, and found a streaking Zay Flowers in the end zone for a 30-yard touchdown to tie this game in the first quarter.

Jackson was nearly taken down on the play by the Chiefs defense, but he was able to shake free and deliver the pass down the field to Flowers in the end zone. — Safid Deen

Chiefs score: Travis Kelce 19-yard touchdown catch from Patrick Mahomes

Taking possession on their own 14-yard line, the Chiefs came out throwing on their opening possession and marched down the field to take an early 7-0 lead on a 19-yard touchdown reception by Travis Kelce.

It marked the eighth consecutive postseason game in which the Chiefs have scored on their first possession.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes completed his first three passes to three different receivers as the offense moved quickly into Ravens territory.

The key play of the drive came on a fourth-and-1 at the Baltimore 41, when Mahomes connected with Kelce for 13 yards and a huge first down. — Steve Gardner

Ravens’ first drive ends with punt

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense is heading to the bench.

Jackson missed receiver Nelson Agholor on a crossing route on third-and-7, and the Ravens are punting on their first drive of the game. A three-and-out wasn’t an ideal start. Now, the Ravens defense takes the field to defend Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs. — Safid Deen

Chiefs vs. Ravens game time

Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET from M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.

Chiefs vs. Ravens how to watch

The AFC championship game will be broadcast on CBS and Paramount+, and is also available to stream for free on Fubo.

Who is favored Chiefs or Ravens?

The top NFL betting apps favor the Ravens over the Chiefs in the AFC championship game.

Chiefs vs. Ravens spread

The Ravens are 3.5-point favorites over the Chiefs according to the BetMGM NFL odds.

Chiefs vs. Ravens over under

The over-under is 44.5, according to BetMGM.

Chiefs vs. Ravens moneyline

The Ravens are a -200 favorite on the moneyline. Meanwhile, the Chiefs are a +165 underdog, according to BetMGM.

Chiefs vs. Ravens weather

Chiefs vs. Ravens predictions

Lorenzo Reyes: Ravens 26, Chiefs 19
Tyler Dragon: Ravens 24, Chiefs 23
Safid Deen: Ravens 30, Chiefs 28
Victoria Hernandez: Ravens 28, Chiefs 23
Jordan Mendoza: Ravens 23, Chiefs 16
Jarrett Bell: Ravens 27, Chiefs 20
Chris Bumbaca: Ravens 27, Chiefs 23
Nate Davis: Ravens 27, Chiefs 20
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz: Ravens 24, Chiefs 23

Chiefs vs. Ravens history

The Chiefs and Ravens have gone head to head 12 times – 11 in the regular season and just once in the postseason. Kansas City leads the regular-season series 7-4, with the most recent game coming during the 2021 season when Baltimore won 36-35 with 12 fourth-quarter points. Their only encounter in the playoffs came after the 2010 season when the Ravens blew out the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Matt Cassel was at quarterback and Todd Haley was coaching Kansas City, and Joe Flacco threw two touchdown passes to lead Baltimore.

How many AFC championships has Patrick Mahomes been to?

Sunday’s game will mark the sixth time Mahomes has played in the AFC championship game — all of them consecutively. Mahomes’ first full season as the Chiefs’ starting quarterback was 2018, when Kansas City lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in the conference championship game. The Chiefs returned to the game and were victorious in 2019 (vs. Tennessee Titans) and 2020 (vs. Buffalo Bills). They lost in the AFC championship in 2021 to the Cincinnati Bengals, but got revenge in the same game last season by beating the Bengals 23-20.

AFC championship game history

The last 10 results in the AFC championship game:

2022: Chiefs 23, Bengals 20
2021: Bengals 27, Chiefs 24
2020: Chiefs 38, Bills 24
2019: Chiefs 35, Titans 24
2018: Patriots 37, Chiefs 31
2017: Patriots 24, Jaguars 20
2016: Patriots 36, Steelers 17
2015: Broncos 20, Patriots 18
2014: Patriots 45, Colts 7
2013: Broncos 26, Patriots 16

What uniforms are Chiefs wearing Sunday?

The Chiefs’ social media team sent out a picture with their uniform for Sunday’s AFC championship game.

Kansas City will be going with their white jerseys with red pants, the same combination the team wore during their divisional round victory against the Buffalo Bills.

What uniforms are Ravens wearing Sunday?

The Ravens tweeted out earlier in the week that they would be wearing their purple jerseys with black pants for Sunday’s AFC championship game. It’s the same combination Baltimore wore for its win in the divisional round against the Houston Texans.

What team has the most AFC championships?

Since 1970, these are the AFC teams who have won the most conference championships.

1. New England Patriots – 11
T2. Pittsburgh Steelers – 8
T2. Denver Broncos – 8
4. Miami Dolphins – 5
T5. Las Vegas Raiders – 4
T5. Buffalo Bills – 4

Chiefs playoff history

The Chiefs are 22-21 all-time in the NFL playoffs, including 2-0 this season. They’ve won seven consecutive playoff games, with their last loss coming in overtime in the AFC championship game against the Cincinnati Bengals after the 2021 regular season. K.C. has appears in eight conference championship games and has a 5-3 record in them.

Ravens playoff history

The Ravens have a 17-12 record in the NFL playoffs and are 1-0 this year. This marks the fifth time they will appear in the AFC championship game, and they have a 2-2 record in the game. The last time they played for the right to go to the Super Bowl was after the 2012 season, when they beat the New England Patriots and went on to win Super Bowl 47 against the San Francisco 49ers.

Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce vs. Justin Tucker

There’s some early gamesmanship going on during pregame warm-ups in Baltimore.

As Ravens kicker Justin Tucker was stretching near the end zone where the Chiefs were warming up, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce swooped in and moved a couple footballs and a Ravens helmet out of the way to allow quarterback Patrick Mahomes room to throw passes. Tucker seemed to find it humorous.

It didn’t end there as Mahomes proceeded to kick and toss aside Tucker’s holder while Baltimore’s kicker continued to stretch. Mahomes and Tucker exchanged words, though neither appeared to be angry. Just good, old-fashioned gamesmanship. — Casey Moore

Chiefs inactives against Ravens

Kadarius Toney, WR
Keith Taylor, CB
Ekow Boye-Doe, CB
Willie Gay, LB
BJ Thompson, DE
Joe Thuney, G
Felix Anudike-Uzomah, DE

Chiefs depth chart

RWR: Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Justyn Ross
LWR: Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman
LT: Donovan Smith, Wanya Morris 
LG: Nick Allegretti
C: Creed Humphrey
RG: Trey Smith Mike Caliendo
RT: Jawaan Taylor, Lucas Niang 
TE: Travis Kelce, Noah Gray, Blake Bell 
QB: Patrick Mahomes , Blaine Gabbert 
RB: Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, La’Mical Perine 
SWR: Rashee Rice, Richie James 

Defense 

LDE: George Karlaftis, Malik Herring
RDT: Mike Pennel, Tershawn Wharton
LDT: Chris Jones, Neil Farrell
RDE: Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu
WLB: Leo Chenal, Darius Harris
MLB: Nick Bolton, Cole Christiansen
SLB: Drue Tranquill, Jack Cochrane
RCB: Jaylen Watson, Joshua Williams
LCB: L’Jarius Sneed
SS: Justin Reid, Deon Bush 
FS: Mike Edwards, Chamarri Conner
NB: Trent McDuffie, Nic Jones

Is Taylor Swift at the Chiefs’ game against Ravens?

Yes!

The pop sensation rolled into M&T Bank Stadium with her hair down with natural curls. She was accompanied by Brittany Mahomes, wife of Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, sporting a black coat with a red sweater underneath.

Boyfriend and Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce similarly came to the game wearing all-black.

Ravens inactives against Chiefs

Malik Cunningham, QB
Tylan Wallace, WR
Rock Ya-Sin, CB
Del’Shawn Phillips, LB
Sam Mustipher, C
Sala Aumavae-Laulu, G
Josh Johnson, QB (third QB)

Ravens depth chart

Offense

LWR: Odell Beckham Jr.
RWR: Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay
LT: Ronnie Stanley, Patrick Mekari
LG: John Simpson
C: Tyler Linderbaum
RG: Kevin Zeitler, Ben Cleveland
RT: Morgan Moses, Daniel Faalele
TE: Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar
QB: Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, Josh Johnson
RB: Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Dalvin Cook
SWR: Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor

Defense

DE: Brent Urban
NT: Michael Pierce, Travis Jones
DT: Justice Madubuike, Broderick Washington
LOLB: Jadeveon Clowney, Tavius Robinson, Malik Harrison
LILB: Roquan Smith, Trenton Simpson
RILB: Patrick Queen
ROLB: Kyle Van Noy, Odafe Oweh
LCB: Marlon Humphrey
SS: Marcus Williams
FS: Geno Stone
RCB: Brandon Stephens, Ronald Darby
NB: Kyle Hamilton, Ar’Darius Washington, Arthur Maulet

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore shotguns beer with Ravens fans

You can’t say Maryland Gov. West Moore isn’t a man of the people. The 45-year-old Democrat appeared on social media with tailgating Ravens fans shotgunning beers before the AFC championship game against the Chiefs.

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It turns out Lamar Jackson can throw and catch the football at the same time.

Jackson, the likely 2024 NFL MVP, had a stellar throw and catch during the second quarter of the Baltimore Ravens’ home game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC championship game Sunday.

Jackson winded up for a check down to running back Justice Hill on his left side, but the pass was tipped into the air by Chiefs safety Justin Reid.

Luckily, Jackson thinks quickly on his feet. With the ball in the air, Jackson ran under it to make the catch and proceed up the field for 13 yards.

Jackson was credited with a 13-yard throw, and a 13-yard completion on the play.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

And it brought up old memories of a notorious quote by Tom Brady’s ex-wife Gisele Bündchen, who once said: “My husband cannot (expletive) throw the ball and catch the ball at the same time.”

Take that, Gisele.

Bündchen’s quote came after Super Bowl XLVI, where the Patriots lost to the New York Giants for the second time in 2012.

Unfortunately for Jackson and the Ravens, the play did not help them score against the Chiefs. They quickly punted four plays later after Jackson had two incompletions.

The Chiefs lead the Ravens 14-7 at halftime.

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It has all come down to this. Eighteen weeks of regular season play and three more weeks of playoffs paved the road for Super Bowl 58. With the Kansas City Chiefs taking on the San Francisco 49ers, the stage is set for a must-see showdown in Las Vegas. Here are all the details you need for TV, time, date and betting odds.

In one corner are the dynastic Chiefs, back in the big game for the fourth time in five years and looking for their third title in the Patrick Mahomes era.

Across the field are the 49ers, a team that often times this season looked like the best in the game. After a tough first half against the Detroit Lions, San Francisco showed what a sound all-around attack can do against a formidable opponent, taking the NFC championship game, 34-31.

Here’s everything to know about Super Bowl 58.

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

49ers vs. Chiefs: Super Bowl 58 odds, spread and lines

The Niners are favorites to defeat the Chiefs in Super Bowl 58 according to the BetMGM NFL odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering NFL betting promos in 2023.

All odds as of Sunday night.

Spread: Niners (-2)
Moneyline: Niners (-135), Chiefs (+115)
Over/under: 47

How to watch Super Bowl 58: [team] vs. Chiefs TV, streaming and schedule

When: Sunday, Feb. 11 at 6:30 p.m. ET

Where: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada

Cable TV: CBS

Streaming: Paramount+; YouTube TV; Sling; FuboTV

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Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

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The promise of Jannik Sinner wasn’t difficult to see. From the time he started knocking off top players as an 18-year old fresh face on the ATP Tour, the red-headed Italian stood out for his off-the-charts power and fast-twitch athleticism. 

And now he’s going to stand out for an entirely different reason: He’s a Grand Slam champion and maybe the best tennis player in the world. 

Sinner’s five-set comeback win over Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final on Sunday not only makes him the ninth active men’s tennis player to hold a major title, it establishes him as a legitimate superstar positioned to take over the sport alongside his rival Carlos Alcaraz.

Though it took Sinner 3 hours, 44 minutes to finish off Medvedev, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-3, he dominated this tournament from start to finish and has arguably been playing better than anyone since last fall. 

After winning titles in Beijing and Vienna, Sinner finished the year taking two out of three matchups against No. 1 Novak Djokovic, including a victory for Italy en route to the Davis Cup title. 

Sinner carried that momentum over to Australia, reaching the final by dropping one set and losing his serve just twice. But it was his semifinal victory, beating Djokovic once again in four sets, that that suggested a potential changing of the guard in tennis. 

Needing five sets in both the semifinals and quarterfinals − plus another five-setter in the second round − the Russian had spent more than six more hours on court than his opponent. With the possibility that he’d come out with tired legs, the typically patient Medvedev began the final by forcing the issue and trying to shorten points. Behind his big serve, Medvedev made it work and shot out to an early lead. 

But the longer the match went, it became clear he was on borrowed time. As Sinner snuck out the third set, then won the fourth after saving crucial break points late in the set, Medvedev’s energy started to run out. 

In the end, he spent more than 24 hours and 17 minutes on court − a new Grand Slam record. And for all that effort, it only earned Medvedev a third Australian Open finals defeat. He’s now the only player to lose two Grand Slam finals after leading two sets to love, matching the disappointment he experienced in 2022 at this tournament against Rafael Nadal. Medvedev’s lone major remains the 2021 U.S. Open.

This probably won’t be the last for Sinner, who stands poised at age 22 to be at the top of the sport for a long time. 

Though the hype around Sinner exploded at the French Open in 2020 when he reached the quarterfinals and pushed Nadal for two sets, his progress to this point has been pretty methodical. 

In 2022, he reached the quarterfinals of three Grand Slams, one of which was a loss to Djokovic at Wimbledon after being up two sets. Then at the U.S. Open that year, he lost to Alcaraz in a five-hour, 15-minute epic that stands as arguably the best match of the decade so far. 

Last August, Sinner broke through for his first Masters 1000 title at the Canadian Open and seemed poised for a big run at the U.S. Open. Instead, he suffered from cramps and lost another five-setter to Alexander Zverev in the round of 16, raising some questions about whether he had the endurance to make it through a Grand Slam.

That question was answered in Australia, as Sinner not only passed the physical test against Medvedev but the mental hurdle of beating Djokovic in a best-of-five situation. 

Winning his first Grand Slam did not change Sinner’s ranking − he came into the tournament as No. 4 and will leave as No. 4 behind Djokovic, Alcaraz and Medvedev − but it’s fair to say the gap between him and the top tier has been erased. 

Those four players have all won a major. You have to go all the way down to Andy Murray No. 49 to find another Grand Slam champion.

Though Djokovic will be No. 1 for the foreseeable future, the one-sided nature of his defeat to Sinner was eye-opening. He was so uncharacteristically flat that even he had difficulty explaining it − potentially the first sign that age is catching up to him as he turns 37 in a few months. 

Nobody will be bold enough to write off Djokovic as a contender, but both Sinner and Alcaraz have now beaten him in huge matches over the last seven months at the Australian Open and Wimbledon − his two most successful Grand Slams. 

At ages 22 and 20, respectively, they are on the precipice of taking over the sport. With two Slam titles, Alcaraz was already there. After Sinner’s breakthrough win Sunday, the future is now. 

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