Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Australian Open: Djokovic row unfolds as Sinner and Svitolina progress

djokovic-getty

Djokovic sparked debate on Sunday when he refused to do the routine on-court interview after defeating Jiri Lehecka. (Photo: Getty Images)

NOVAK DJOKOVIC was at the centre of a dispute at the Australian Open on Monday, while Jannik Sinner battled through intense heat and a medical scare to secure a spot in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek cruised past her opponent, and American teenage qualifier Learner Tien's dream run ended due to injury.


Sinner overcame Danish 13th seed Holger Rune 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena despite needing medical attention for dizzy spells during the match.

Temperatures soared above 30 degrees Celsius for a second consecutive day, causing Sinner to struggle in the humid conditions.

His heart rate was checked during the third set before he took a medical timeout. He now awaits the winner of the match between Alex de Minaur and Alex Michelsen.

Djokovic sparked debate on Sunday when he refused to do the routine on-court interview after defeating Jiri Lehecka.

He later explained it was a protest against comments made by Tony Jones, a presenter with host broadcaster Channel Nine, who had called Djokovic a "has-been" and suggested he be "kicked out."

Djokovic said he would not engage with the network until he received a public apology.

Jones apologised on air on Monday, after which organisers Tennis Australia confirmed Djokovic acknowledged the apology and would now focus on his next match.

Djokovic’s boycott and subsequent video explanation, which garnered over 60 million views on X, drew responses from prominent figures, including Elon Musk and Australian prime minister Anthony Albanese.

Svitolina advances, maintains protest

Ukraine's Elina Svitolina defeated Russia's Veronika Kudermetova 6-4, 6-1 to advance to the quarter-finals for the third time at Melbourne Park.

Svitolina declined to shake Kudermetova's hand, continuing a stance taken by Ukrainian players against Russians due to the ongoing war.

Speaking after her win, Svitolina said, "To bring a little light, a little win for the Ukrainian people is something that I feel I am responsible for."

Organisers displayed a notice on large screens to inform the crowd of the no-handshake policy and requested respect for the situation.

Svitolina will face American Madison Keys in the next round, while her husband, Gael Monfils, was forced to retire from his match against Ben Shelton due to exhaustion.

Shelton now faces Lorenzo Sonego, who defeated Tien in four sets.

Tien's impressive campaign, which included a second-round victory over Daniil Medvedev, came to an end after he struggled with a thigh issue in his loss to Sonego.

(With inputs from AFP)

More For You

djokovic-getty

The 37-year-old, whose left leg was heavily taped after a quarter-final injury, withdrew after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5) to Alexander Zverev. (Photo: Getty Images)

Zverev advances to Australian Open final as Djokovic retires with injury

NOVAK DJOKOVIC retired from the Australian Open semi-finals on Friday due to a muscle tear, ending his bid for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

The 37-year-old, whose left leg was heavily taped after a quarter-final injury, withdrew after losing the first set 7-6 (7/5) to Alexander Zverev.

Keep ReadingShow less
madison-keys-getty

The 19th seed defeated world number two Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) in a final-set tiebreak. (Photo: Getty Images)

Australian Open: Keys stuns Swiatek to set up final with Sabalenka

MADISON KEYS staged a comeback from a set down on Thursday to defeat Iga Swiatek in a thrilling semi-final, securing a spot in the Australian Open final against Aryna Sabalenka.

The 19th seed defeated world number two Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (10/8) in a final-set tiebreak after Sabalenka eased past Paula Badosa in straight sets. It will be Keys' first final in Melbourne and her second in a Grand Slam.

Keep ReadingShow less
Djokovic-Getty

The match extended Djokovic’s career head-to-head lead over Alcaraz to 5-3. (Photo: Getty Images)

Australian Open: Djokovic triumphs over Alcaraz, Sabalenka advances

NOVAK DJOKOVIC defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a late-night thriller at the Australian Open to book a semi-final spot against Alexander Zverev, while defending women’s champion Aryna Sabalenka fought through to the last four.

Djokovic, 37, claimed a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-4 victory at Rod Laver Arena, securing the win close to 1 am. The Serb, who has won the Australian Open 10 times, is now just two wins away from an 11th title and a record 25th Grand Slam trophy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Alcaraz beats Djokovic in five sets to win first Wimbledon title

Alcaraz beats Djokovic in five sets to win first Wimbledon title

Eastern Eye

Carlos Alcaraz defeated seven-time champion Novak Djokovic to claim his first Wimbledon title on Sunday, shattering the Serb's dream of a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam crown.

World number one Alcaraz recovered from dropping the first set and saving a set point in the second to win 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 after four hours and 42 minutes on Centre Court.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vondrousova's victory at Wimbledon leaves Jabeur in tears

Vondrousova's victory at Wimbledon leaves Jabeur in tears

After completing one of the most unexpected runs to the Wimbledon title, Marketa Vondrousova punched away a volley and fell to the ground, probably leaving her with a whirlwind of thoughts running through her head.

On Saturday (15), anticipation had built up for Tunisian sixth seed Ons Jabeur, who was expected to make history as the first Arab and first African woman to win a Grand Slam title.

Keep ReadingShow less