News

Wimbledon finalist Karolína Muchová has cruised past Britain's Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-0 at the US Open to reach the third round in New York for the fourth consecutive year.

Wimbledon champion Linda Nosková and Jiří Lehečka have also advanced to the third round.

Sixth-seeded Nosková defeated Thailand's Lanlana Tararudee 6-4, 6-2 on the New York hard courts. Lehečka, seeded 12 places lower, beat Britain's Toby Samuel 6-4, 6-2, 6-4.

Karolína Plíšková was knocked out by 15th seed Diana Shnaider of Russia, losing 1-6, 6-7.

Russia is trying to create an atmosphere of distrust in European institutions and sow divisions among EU member states, President Pavel said in an interview with US broadcaster CNN.  Speaking to CNN’s Christiane Amanpour, the Czech head of state said Russia is aware that it cannot launch open military action against NATO, and has instead resorted to using indirect activities, from sabotage and violations of sovereign airspace to provocations at sea and disinformation campaigns to undermine public trust in institutions, divide Europe and discourage support for Ukraine. Pavel also warned that part of Russia's strategy is to create the impression that European countries are unable to respond effectively to such actions. He said that this strategy had backfired and had only made the European Union and NATO more united and determined to stand up to the aggressor and support Ukraine.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) has defended the proposed 2027 state budget, saying critics calling for cuts fail to say where the government could economize. He said he was ready to hear coalition partners Motorists and Freedom and Direct Democracy (SPD), who are also pushing for a lower deficit, but stressed that the government needs to invest now in order to boost growth and enable a gradual lowering of the deficit in the years to come.

The proposed draft budget for 2027 posts a deficit of 389 billion crowns, up from 310 billion this year. It must be submitted to the Chamber of Deputies by September 30 and approved by year-end.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš (ANO) said on Wednesday that the recent incidents in Germany involving acts of sabotage by Russia point to the seriousness of the security situation. Speaking to journalists he said he wants to discuss further strengthening security with his European counterparts.

“Czechia is ready to cooperate with Germany and other European and transatlantic partners and support all necessary measures to strengthen joint security,” Babiš said.

According to the German Interior Ministry, Russia is responsible for espionage and sabotage operations across Europe, and the August attack on Leipzig/Halle Airport fits a “known pattern of Russian hybrid operations.” An unknown object exploded near the main railway station in the southern German city of Augsburg on Wednesday, injuring two people. Local police have not yet disclosed what exploded at the site.