Novak Djokovic dismisses wrist concerns ahead of Australian Open defence
Novak Djokovic is optimistic his wrist problems are behind him as he prepares to start his bid for an 11th Australian Open title.
Australia Sport News
Czech Lehecka claims first ATP title in Adelaide
ADELAIDE : Jiri Lehecka came from behind to claim his first ATP tour title with a 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over Briton Jack Draper in an absorbing final at the Adelaide International on Saturday.
Asian Cup, India vs Australia: Igor Stimac Warns Team 'Storm Is Coming'
India coach Igor Stimac warned his players "a storm is coming" as they prepare to face a physical Australia on Saturday in their Asian Cup opener. Graham Arnold's imposing side are one of the favourites and a major threat from set pieces, with Scotland-born defender Harry Souttar bagging 10 goals in 21 international appearances. "It's going to be a very difficult match for us because we all know the strength of Australia," Stimac said on Friday in Doha.
"Don't Really Like Waiting To Bat": Steve Smith On Playing As An Opener
Australian batter Steve Smith stated that the reason he moved to the opening spot following David Warner's retirement is simple, that he does not like to wait for his batting. Out of many incumbent players like Travis Head, the white-ball opener, Marnus Labuschagne and Mitchell Marsh, who has also opened in white-ball cricket, Smith put his hands up and offered to move to the very top of the batting line-up. This new look line-up will start its journey without Warner during the two-match Test series against West Indies from January 17 onwards at Adelaide.
"Brings Additional Pressure": South Africa Great On Big IPL Deals For Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins
Former South African all-rounder Chris Morris, who was once the most expensive player in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history, hailed the record-breaking bid of Australian pacer Mitchell Starc by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for the 2024 season, saying that it will add some pressure on him but the pacer will be able to justify it with his performances and experience. In a history-making move, Starc was bought by KKR for a whopping Rs 24.75 crore just hours after his skipper, Pat Cummins, breached the Rs 20 crore mark after being bought by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), becoming the most expensive player in the history of the IPL at the auction in Dubai held in December last year.
Djokovic backs schedule change at expanded Australian Open
MELBOURNE : John McEnroe has described the Australian Open's move to add an extra day to the schedule as a "money grab" but Novak Djokovic and other players hope the change will mean evening matches will no longer drag on until the early hours of the next morning.
Confident Alcaraz wants Djokovic final at Australian Open
MELBOURNE : Carlos Alcaraz would like nothing better than to take the title away from Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open in two week's time, the Spaniard said on the eve of the start of the year's first Grand Slam.
Qualifier Alejandro Tabilo Crowned Surprise Auckland Classic Champion
Chilean qualifier Alejandro Tabilo capped a "crazy ride" by winning the Auckland Classic on Saturday, beating Taro Daniel 6-2, 7-5 in a final between two tournament outsiders. World number 82 Tabilo bagged his maiden ATP title, which he says will deliver an injection of confidence heading into the Australian Open after two years of pain and frustration. The 26-year-old's only other final appearance came on clay at the Cordoba Open in 2022, before his career path took a downward spiral.