Analysis, features, news plus more – on European football and sports galore!
Aryna Sabalenka (#4) continued where she left off to cap another memorable week with her ninth WTA title and a new career-high world ranking no. 7 after dispatching unseeded Veronika Kudermetova in straight-sets – 6-2, 6-2 – extending an impressive win streak to 15 ahead of next month’s Australian Open, where the 22-year-old hopes to begin improving her Slam record.
Continue reading “WTA Abu Dhabi: Sabalenka beats Kudermetova for ninth WTA title, first of 2021”
Today features the start of 2021’s first WTA 500 event of the year from Abu Dhabi, with world number 15 Muguruza among those battling for the title as preparation for next month’s Australian Open. A beaten finalist in Melbourne last year, the Spaniard is excited at returning for the start of a new season, one where she’s reassured by health protocols and attention to detail. Continue reading “Garbine Muguruza: Excited for new tennis season, reassured of safety in Australia”
20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer is officially withdrawing from the 2021 Australian Open as he continues preparation ahead of a proposed return after two operations on his right knee. Elsewhere, Andy Murray (world no.122) has been granted a wildcard ahead of the first Slam tournament next year – two years after he feared the worst for his career in Melbourne. Continue reading “Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer withdraws, while Andy Murray given wildcard”
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Tennis Australia have announced the first wildcards for next year’s first Grand Slam, with former world no. 20 Daria Gavrilova headlining the notable selections – six Australian players across the men and women’s draw – granted an opportunity to shine in their home tournament. Continue reading “Australian Open 2021: Gavrilova headlines first wildcards revealed ahead of Feb. 8 start”
Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu has heaped praise on the Austrian, after an unforgettable year where the 27-year-old won his first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in September – having fallen short eight months earlier in his maiden hard-court final at the Australian Open. Critics believe this is just the start as he establishes his pedigree, a sentiment Massu agrees with. Continue reading “Thiem’s coach Nicolas Massu: I see a bright future, he can win more Slams”
Roger Federer hasn’t played a competitive match since losing in straight-sets against eventual champion Novak Djokovic in last year’s semi-finals at the Australian Open and the 20-time Grand Slam winner has recently admitted his recovery from a troublesome knee injury isn’t yet 100% – creating doubt as to whether he’ll be fit in time for the proposed February 8 start date. Continue reading “Australian Open 2021: Roger Federer doubtful to play, knee recovery not 100%”
Daniil Medvedev recovered from a set down to beat US Open champion Dominic Thiem and win this year’s Nitto ATP Finals, making history in London on Sunday. Eleven years after his Russian compatriot Nikolay Davydenko won the first edition at The 02, the 24-year-old defiantly rose to the occasion in a way that sets him – and others – up brilliantly for a promising 2021 campaign. Continue reading “Daniil Medvedev’s historic ATP Finals win sets up a very promising 2021”
World number two Rafael Nadal has echoed Stan Wawrinka’s belief that the 2020 tennis season could be over, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. He revealed he’s more concerned about preparing for next year’s Australian Open. Continue reading “Rafael Nadal believes 2020 tennis season is ‘practically lost’, preparing for 2021”
17-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic could benefit from this extended tennis break due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, according to 16-time GS doubles winner and current Australian pundit Todd Woodbridge.
Continue reading “Novak Djokovic could benefit from this break, says Todd Woodbridge”
It’s been a month since Maria Sharapova announced her retirement from tennis. With the coronavirus pandemic taking precedence, there hasn’t been much time to truly analyse the four-time Grand Slam champ departing. So without further ado…
Continue reading “Maria Sharapova’s retirement: Her lasting legacy, memories and controversy”
Novak Djokovic recovered from two sets to one down in a Grand Slam Final for the first time in his career (previously 0-7), earning a record-breaking eighth Australian Open title while sealing his 17th GS trophy with a five-set triumph 6-4, 4-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4 over a plucky Dominic Thiem – who was so close to his maiden Slam. Continue reading “Australian Open 2020: Novak Djokovic recovers to beat Dominic Thiem in five-set thriller, wins 17th Grand Slam”
Read below for my 2020 Australian Open preview, with a special guest contributor providing his thoughts too as we look ahead to the first Grand Slam tournament of the new decade…. Continue reading “2020 Australian Open Preview: Djokovic, Serena, Wozniacki’s last Slam and more”
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