Serena Williams blasted past Simona Halep to set up an Australian Open semi-final showdown with Naomi Osaka on Tuesday, as Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev extended his fairytale run.

Williams took a step towards a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-3 dismantling of second seed Halep, the American's nemesis in the 2019 Wimbledon final.

Williams, 39, said her level was improving ahead of her meeting with Japan's Osaka, who came out on top in their tempestuous 2018 US Open title match.

"Definitely think this is the best match I have played this tournament, for sure," said the 10th seed.

"Obviously I had to, going up against the number two in the world, so I knew I had to do better."&nbsp;

Their semi-final promises much after Osaka, the reigning US Open champion, looked in great touch in her 6-2, 6-2 win over Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei.

Displaying great focus against the awkward Hsieh, ranked 71 and playing her first Slam quarter-final aged 35, Osaka hit 24 winners and was detained on Rod Laver Arena for only 66 minutes.

"I told myself just to be really intense from the beginning," said the Japanese star, the reigning US Open champion.

"I felt like I knew what to expect and that I couldn't afford to be lazy with my footwork or anything."

Elsewhere, 114th-ranked Karatsev became the first man to reach a Grand Slam semi on debut when he ousted a hobbling Grigor Dimitrov 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2.

The 27-year-old has knocked out three seeds on his run to the last four, where he will face world number one Novak Djokovic or US Open finalist Alexander Zverev.

"It's an unbelievable feeling," said Karatsev, whose career so far has been badly compromised by injury.

"It was tough at the beginning for me to hold my nerves, but I tried to find a way to play."&nbsp;

<h2>- Djokovic faces test -</h2>

Karatsev becomes only the second qualifier to reach the Australian Open semi-finals after Bob Giltinan in 1977.

He is also the lowest-ranked man to make the semis at a Slam since 125th-ranked Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001.

After a five-setter with Felix Auger-Aliassime in round four, Karatsev had an easier ride against Dimitrov who was wincing with pain from the third set.

The Bulgarian 18th seed, who was barely able to serve because of back spasms, took a medical timeout, but his movement was always hampered and he limped off the court after Karatsev's win.

Later, eight-time champion Djokovic will test his powers of recovery against Zverev after sustaining an abdominal injury during his five-set win against Taylor Fritz on Friday.

The reigning title-holder was again made to work on Sunday by Milos Raonic, dropping another set, before reaching the quarter-finals for the 12th time.

Djokovic showed fewer signs of pain against Raonic, but still grimaced after stretching for some shots and admitted afterwards that he was risking an extended period on the sidelines by playing on.

"I mean, it's kind of a gamble, that's what the medical team told me," said Djokovic, who is chasing an 18th Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne.&nbsp;

It could be another long night for Djokovic, who beat sixth seed Zverev in a match that went the distance in the ATP Cup the week before the Australian Open.

"We played an exhausting match in the ATP Cup and I won't expect anything less," said the Serb, who has a 5-2 win-loss record against the German world number seven.

Serena Williams blasted past Simona Halep to set up an Australian Open semi-final showdown with Naomi Osaka on Tuesday, as Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev extended his fairytale run.

Serena Williams blasted past Simona Halep to set up an Australian Open semi-final showdown with Naomi Osaka on Tuesday, as Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev extended his fairytale run. Williams took a step towards a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title with a 6-3, 6-3 dismantling of second seed Halep, the American's nemesis in the 2019 Wimbledon final. Williams, 39, said her level was improving ahead of her meeting with Japan's Osaka, who came out on top in their tempestuous 2018 US Open title match. "Definitely think this is the best match I have played this tournament, for sure," said the 10th seed. "Obviously I had to, going up against the number two in the world, so I knew I had to do better." Their semi-final promises much after Osaka, the reigning US Open champion, looked in great touch in her 6-2, 6-2 win over Taiwan's Hsieh Su-wei. Displaying great focus against the awkward Hsieh, ranked 71 and playing her first Slam quarter-final aged 35, Osaka hit 24 winners and was detained on Rod Laver Arena for only 66 minutes. "I told myself just to be really intense from the beginning," said the Japanese star, the reigning US Open champion. "I felt like I knew what to expect and that I couldn't afford to be lazy with my footwork or anything." Elsewhere, 114th-ranked Karatsev became the first man to reach a Grand Slam semi on debut when he ousted a hobbling Grigor Dimitrov 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. The 27-year-old has knocked out three seeds on his run to the last four, where he will face world number one Novak Djokovic or US Open finalist Alexander Zverev. "It's an unbelievable feeling," said Karatsev, whose career so far has been badly compromised by injury. "It was tough at the beginning for me to hold my nerves, but I tried to find a way to play." - Djokovic faces test - Karatsev becomes only the second qualifier to reach the Australian Open semi-finals after Bob Giltinan in 1977. He is also the lowest-ranked man to make the semis at a Slam since 125th-ranked Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001. After a five-setter with Felix Auger-Aliassime in round four, Karatsev had an easier ride against Dimitrov who was wincing with pain from the third set. The Bulgarian 18th seed, who was barely able to serve because of back spasms, took a medical timeout, but his movement was always hampered and he limped off the court after Karatsev's win. Later, eight-time champion Djokovic will test his powers of recovery against Zverev after sustaining an abdominal injury during his five-set win against Taylor Fritz on Friday. The reigning title-holder was again made to work on Sunday by Milos Raonic, dropping another set, before reaching the quarter-finals for the 12th time. Djokovic showed fewer signs of pain against Raonic, but still grimaced after stretching for some shots and admitted afterwards that he was risking an extended period on the sidelines by playing on. "I mean, it's kind of a gamble, that's what the medical team told me," said Djokovic, who is chasing an 18th Grand Slam trophy in Melbourne. It could be another long night for Djokovic, who beat sixth seed Zverev in a match that went the distance in the ATP Cup the week before the Australian Open. "We played an exhausting match in the ATP Cup and I won't expect anything less," said the Serb, who has a 5-2 win-loss record against the German world number seven.

Williams, Osaka into semis as Russian fairytale continues

The Indian cricket team on Tuesday recorded their biggest-ever Test win against England in terms of runs as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated the visitors by 317 runs in the second match of the four-Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The 317-run margin is also India's fifth-highest ever win by runs as the hosts&nbsp;topped&nbsp;their previous biggest win against England (279-run win) at the&nbsp;Headingley&nbsp;in 1986.&nbsp;Overall, against all the opponents, India's 337-run win against South Africa in Delhi in the 2015-16 series remains the biggest followed by a 321-run win over New Zealand in Indore in 2016-17.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Third in the list remains India's massive 320-run win against Australia in Mohali in the 2009 series followed by a 318-run win over the West Indies in North Sound, Antigua in 2019.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indians-never-crib-about-overseas-conditions-r-ashwin-shuts-down-chennai-pitch-critics-364029" hreflang="en">Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics</a>

Notably, India's five of India's top six highest margins of wins (in terms of runs) have come under the leadership of Virat Kohli.&nbsp;

<h2 lang="EN-US" paraeid="{48739035-a540-4aef-bf1d-0534550b9036}{168}" paraid="1341085606" >Biggest Test wins for India (by runs)&nbsp;</h2>

337 vs SA Delhi 2015/16&nbsp; 
321 vs NZ Indore 2016/17&nbsp; 
320 vs Aus Mohali 2008/09&nbsp; 
318 vs WI North Sound 2019&nbsp; 
317 vs Eng Chennai 2020/21&nbsp; 
304 vs SL Galle 2017&nbsp;

&nbsp;England lost the second Test&nbsp;in Chennai&nbsp;by 317 runs as India drew level in the four-match series.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It was a bit strange in the first game to be playing at home with empty stands. We were pretty flat on the first two days over there to be pretty honest, myself included, didn't pick up energy on the field. But from the second innings onwards in the first game, we picked up and were on the money in terms of our body language,” skipper Virat Kohli told host broadcasters in the post-match presentation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-jump-to-2nd-place-after-chennai-test-win-check-updated-points-table-364014" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table</a>

"The crowds make a big&nbsp;difference,&nbsp;this game was an example of the grit and determination this side shows and the crowd is a big part of that. Chennai crowd are very intelligent, they understand their cricket really well. In a&nbsp;15-20 minute&nbsp;period where the bowler needs the support of the crowd, it is my responsibility to involve everyone and bring in the crowd. If I am running in to bowl in this heat, I need people to motivate me. It is a perfect game for us,” he added.&nbsp;

The Indian cricket team on Tuesday recorded their biggest-ever Test win against England in terms of runs as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated the visitors by 317 runs in the second match of the four-Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

The Indian cricket team on Tuesday recorded their biggest-ever Test win against England in terms of runs as the Virat Kohli-led outfit defeated the visitors by 317 runs in the second match of the four-Test series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The 317-run margin is also India's fifth-highest ever win by runs as the hosts topped their previous biggest win against England (279-run win) at the Headingley in 1986. Overall, against all the opponents, India's 337-run win against South Africa in Delhi in the 2015-16 series remains the biggest followed by a 321-run win over New Zealand in Indore in 2016-17. Third in the list remains India's massive 320-run win against Australia in Mohali in the 2009 series followed by a 318-run win over the West Indies in North Sound, Antigua in 2019. ALSO READ: Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics Notably, India's five of India's top six highest margins of wins (in terms of runs) have come under the leadership of Virat Kohli. Biggest Test wins for India (by runs) 337 vs SA Delhi 2015/16 321 vs NZ Indore 2016/17 320 vs Aus Mohali 2008/09 318 vs WI North Sound 2019 317 vs Eng Chennai 2020/21 304 vs SL Galle 2017 England lost the second Test in Chennai by 317 runs as India drew level in the four-match series. "It was a bit strange in the first game to be playing at home with empty stands. We were pretty flat on the first two days over there to be pretty honest, myself included, didn't pick up energy on the field. But from the second innings onwards in the first game, we picked up and were on the money in terms of our body language,” skipper Virat Kohli told host broadcasters in the post-match presentation. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table "The crowds make a big difference, this game was an example of the grit and determination this side shows and the crowd is a big part of that. Chennai crowd are very intelligent, they understand their cricket really well. In a 15-20 minute period where the bowler needs the support of the crowd, it is my responsibility to involve everyone and bring in the crowd. If I am running in to bowl in this heat, I need people to motivate me. It is a perfect game for us,” he added.

India's 2nd Test win in Chennai is their biggest win against England by runs

India on Tuesday completed a massive 317-run win over England in what was the second Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India with the win, levelled the series 1-1 with the next two Test scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad. There were plenty of opinions and debate surrounding the Chennai pitch in the second Test as the ball spun from Day 1 with Indian spinners and batsmen dominating the proceedings from the word go.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While Indian batsmen showed how to bat on a 'rank-turner', the Chennai strip irked some of the former cricketers as they expressed their displeasure surrounding the spinning track in the second Test. Veteran Indian spinner&nbsp;Ravichandran Ashwin, after the match&nbsp;said while everyone is within their rights to give their opinions, legends like Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri never cribbed or complained about the conditions when Team India played overseas tours.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The likes of Michael Vaughan, Matt Prior, Mark Waugh had earlier said that the Chennai pitch for the second Test wasn't prepared to play for five matches thus terming it as a 'beach'. However, Indian batters, over the course of two innings, scored two centuries (Rohit Sharma and Ashwin), and three half-centuries (Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli).&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Spot on Junior .. 👍 <a href="https://t.co/jZpsZoQQ3E">https://t.co/jZpsZoQQ3E</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360912714353287173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a>
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ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/as-an-8-year-old-emotional-r-ashwin-shares-childhood-tale-about-chepauk-stadium-364027" hreflang="en">'As an 8-year-old...': Emotional R Ashwin shares childhood tale about Chepauk stadium</a>

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Thank you, Chennai 🙏🙏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> <a href="https://t.co/3AOPyyD7h2">pic.twitter.com/3AOPyyD7h2</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361623073800163328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Everyone is entitled to their opinion and whoever is giving an opinion is well within their rights of giving an opinion.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;us who are reading into it and&nbsp;seeing if&nbsp;it is working or not.&nbsp;As cricketing fraternity or&nbsp;as a country dealing with such accusation (regarding the Chennai pitch)&nbsp;seems to get a little better. We must hold pride in how we are playing our cricket&nbsp;and obviously, Test matches are won over a period of time. You play a lot of overs and win matches,” Ashwin, who was named the Man of the Match for his eight wickets and century.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

"When people give their opinions and I am fine with it. We also give our opinions when we tour abroad.&nbsp;But we don't complain or crib, we just get on with it. We haven't seen our greats be it Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri, they have been on a&nbsp;lot of tours. I haven't seen them complain about a lot of grass or something like that.&nbsp;It's&nbsp;more of a mentality. When&nbsp;people come with such opinions, we should magnanimously deflect it,” he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-world-test-championship-india-jump-to-2nd-place-after-chennai-test-win-check-updated-points-table-364014" hreflang="en">ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table</a>

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💯 in the second innings 
8⃣ wickets in the match<a href="https://twitter.com/ashwinravi99?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashwinravi99</a> is the well-deserved Man Of The Match in the 2nd <a href="https://twitter.com/Paytm?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Paytm</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvENG</a> Test for his incredible all-round performance at Chepauk. 👏👏 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TeamIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TeamIndia</a> <a href="https://t.co/5v0FhxfwB1">pic.twitter.com/5v0FhxfwB1</a>
— BCCI (@BCCI) <a href="https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1361600888834461700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ashwin&nbsp;dismissed England's talisman Ben Stokes both the times in the second Test in Chennai with the veteran Indian spinner showing his class with the ball. While it was an unplayable, loopy off-spinner to get rid of the all-rounder in the first innings, Ashwin bowled a straighter one to find the edge of Stokes’ bat in the second innings.&nbsp;After the match, he shed light on how he planned Stokes’ dismissal.&nbsp;

"We all know what a fine player Ben (Stokes) is. It is more about trying to change angles against him. There was a lot of deviation&nbsp;from&nbsp;the surface.&nbsp;They&nbsp;weren't amazing balls that got wickets, it was&nbsp;more of the mind games that were being played. It was about staying positive. It was about bowling in the right areas, some of the balls got massive deviation, some of the balls were dying. In the first innings, I wanted to push the ball up&nbsp;so that I can get him to play an aggressive shot. In this innings, he was defending a lot. There was a bit of cross breeze so I tried to change my load-up,” Ashwin explained.&nbsp;

Ashwin was paired up against the likes of&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;Patel – a debutant – and&nbsp;Kuldeep Yadav, who was playing the first Test since January 2019. While&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;was the one who bowled in tandem with Ashwin for the majority of the match, Kuldeep also chipped in and ended up with two wickets in the second innings.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ravichandran-ashwin-is-one-of-the-greatest-stats-prove-it-363775" hreflang="en">Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it!</a>

"Jaddu&nbsp;(Ravindra Jadeja)&nbsp;is a massive presence in the team. I have been playing with him for years. I don't&nbsp;know how many matches we have played without each other in India but I thought&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;bowled beautifully, in the second innings he got his rewards. One of the ends was a touch slower, the other end had a bit of pace.&nbsp;Th end from which I was bowling was slow.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We believed Kuldeep might be&nbsp;effective from the other end. I thought Kuldeep bowled beautifully today. Sometimes as a spinner, when you are bowling after a long time&nbsp;and are wanting to get that confidence, early wickets become important. And the moment, he started to get the batsmen driving, he was always going to be effective.&nbsp;Axar&nbsp;did his role. He played his role to perfection,” Ashwin concluded.&nbsp;

India and England will now head to&nbsp;Ahmedabad for the last two Test of the series with the third match being the pink-ball Test, starting from February 24.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

India on Tuesday completed a massive 317-run win over England in what was the second Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India with the win, levelled the series 1-1 with the next two Test scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad.

India on Tuesday completed a massive 317-run win over England in what was the second Test of the four-match series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. India with the win, levelled the series 1-1 with the next two Test scheduled to be played in Ahmedabad. There were plenty of opinions and debate surrounding the Chennai pitch in the second Test as the ball spun from Day 1 with Indian spinners and batsmen dominating the proceedings from the word go. While Indian batsmen showed how to bat on a 'rank-turner', the Chennai strip irked some of the former cricketers as they expressed their displeasure surrounding the spinning track in the second Test. Veteran Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, after the match said while everyone is within their rights to give their opinions, legends like Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri never cribbed or complained about the conditions when Team India played overseas tours. The likes of Michael Vaughan, Matt Prior, Mark Waugh had earlier said that the Chennai pitch for the second Test wasn't prepared to play for five matches thus terming it as a 'beach'. However, Indian batters, over the course of two innings, scored two centuries (Rohit Sharma and Ashwin), and three half-centuries (Ajinkya Rahane, Rishabh Pant and Virat Kohli). Spot on Junior .. 👍 https://t.co/jZpsZoQQ3E — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × It’s entertaining cricket as things are happening all the time but let’s be honest this Pitch is a shocker .. Not making any excuses as India have been better but this isn’t a Test Match 5 day prepared Pitch ... #INDvENG — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × ALSO READ: 'As an 8-year-old...': Emotional R Ashwin shares childhood tale about Chepauk stadium Thank you, Chennai 🙏🙏#TeamIndia #INDvENG pic.twitter.com/3AOPyyD7h2 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2021 × "Everyone is entitled to their opinion and whoever is giving an opinion is well within their rights of giving an opinion. It's us who are reading into it and seeing if it is working or not. As cricketing fraternity or as a country dealing with such accusation (regarding the Chennai pitch) seems to get a little better. We must hold pride in how we are playing our cricket and obviously, Test matches are won over a period of time. You play a lot of overs and win matches,” Ashwin, who was named the Man of the Match for his eight wickets and century. "When people give their opinions and I am fine with it. We also give our opinions when we tour abroad. But we don't complain or crib, we just get on with it. We haven't seen our greats be it Sunil Gavaskar or Ravi Shastri, they have been on a lot of tours. I haven't seen them complain about a lot of grass or something like that. It's more of a mentality. When people come with such opinions, we should magnanimously deflect it,” he added. ALSO READ: ICC World Test Championship: India jump to 2nd place after Chennai Test win - Check updated points table 💯 in the second innings 8⃣ wickets in the match@ashwinravi99 is the well-deserved Man Of The Match in the 2nd @Paytm #INDvENG Test for his incredible all-round performance at Chepauk. 👏👏 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/5v0FhxfwB1 — BCCI (@BCCI) February 16, 2021 × Ashwin dismissed England's talisman Ben Stokes both the times in the second Test in Chennai with the veteran Indian spinner showing his class with the ball. While it was an unplayable, loopy off-spinner to get rid of the all-rounder in the first innings, Ashwin bowled a straighter one to find the edge of Stokes’ bat in the second innings. After the match, he shed light on how he planned Stokes’ dismissal. "We all know what a fine player Ben (Stokes) is. It is more about trying to change angles against him. There was a lot of deviation from the surface. They weren't amazing balls that got wickets, it was more of the mind games that were being played. It was about staying positive. It was about bowling in the right areas, some of the balls got massive deviation, some of the balls were dying. In the first innings, I wanted to push the ball up so that I can get him to play an aggressive shot. In this innings, he was defending a lot. There was a bit of cross breeze so I tried to change my load-up,” Ashwin explained. Ashwin was paired up against the likes of Axar Patel – a debutant – and Kuldeep Yadav, who was playing the first Test since January 2019. While Axar was the one who bowled in tandem with Ashwin for the majority of the match, Kuldeep also chipped in and ended up with two wickets in the second innings. ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin is one of the greatest - stats prove it! "Jaddu (Ravindra Jadeja) is a massive presence in the team. I have been playing with him for years. I don't know how many matches we have played without each other in India but I thought Axar bowled beautifully, in the second innings he got his rewards. One of the ends was a touch slower, the other end had a bit of pace. Th end from which I was bowling was slow. "We believed Kuldeep might be effective from the other end. I thought Kuldeep bowled beautifully today. Sometimes as a spinner, when you are bowling after a long time and are wanting to get that confidence, early wickets become important. And the moment, he started to get the batsmen driving, he was always going to be effective. Axar did his role. He played his role to perfection,” Ashwin concluded. India and England will now head to Ahmedabad for the last two Test of the series with the third match being the pink-ball Test, starting from February 24.

Indians never crib about overseas conditions: R Ashwin shuts down Chennai pitch critics

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev became the first man in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam semi-final on debut Tuesday, overcoming an injured Grigor Dimitrov in four sets at the Australian Open.

The 27-year-old's dream run continued with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2&nbsp;win against the Bulgarian on Rod Laver Arena to set up a last-four clash with top seed Novak Djokovic or sixth seed Alexander Zverev.

But it was achieved against a player grimacing with pain from late in the third set.

Dimitrov called for a medical timeout and was heard on the court microphone saying he had "spasms", with a trainer given him treatment to his lower back.

The 18th seed gamely returned but his movement was hampered as she struggled to serve and chase down returns.&nbsp;

"Unbelievable feeling, first time in semis. Incredible," said Karatsev.

"It was tough at the beginning for me to hold my nerves, but I tried to find a way to play."&nbsp;

In making the last four, he became just the second qualifier to do so at the Australian Open after Bob Giltinan in 1977.

He was also the lowest-ranked man, at 114, to make the semis at a Slam since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001 when ranked 125.

A virtual unknown before the tournament started, Karatsev has spent the bulk of his professional career fighting for points on the ATP Challenger Tour.&nbsp;

But he has played the tournament of his life in Melbourne, blitzing eighth seed Diego Schwartzmann and 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on his way to meeting Dimitrov.

Dimitrov served to love to open proceedings but Karatsev fixed his radar and broke for 2-1 when the Bulgarian fluffed a forehand.

But the advantage only lasted until the next game when Dimitrov levelled then broke again for 4-2, winning five games in a row to take the opening set in just 33 minutes.

The Russian was guilty of too many loose shots and had trouble landing his forehands.

But he is a fighter and refused to go quietly, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second on the back of a wild Dimitrov volley then breaking again to unexpectedly secure the second set.

His persistence began irritating Dimitrov, who started muttering to himself as frustrations crept in and he went 3-1 down in the third set.

The Bulgarian then began struggling as the set wore on and was barely able to serve at 1-5 before taking the medical timeout.

The 29-year-old returned but never looked like getting back in the match.

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev became the first man in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam semi-final on debut Tuesday, overcoming an injured Grigor Dimitrov in four sets at the Australian Open.

Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev became the first man in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam semi-final on debut Tuesday, overcoming an injured Grigor Dimitrov in four sets at the Australian Open. The 27-year-old's dream run continued with a 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win against the Bulgarian on Rod Laver Arena to set up a last-four clash with top seed Novak Djokovic or sixth seed Alexander Zverev. But it was achieved against a player grimacing with pain from late in the third set. Dimitrov called for a medical timeout and was heard on the court microphone saying he had "spasms", with a trainer given him treatment to his lower back. The 18th seed gamely returned but his movement was hampered as she struggled to serve and chase down returns. "Unbelievable feeling, first time in semis. Incredible," said Karatsev. "It was tough at the beginning for me to hold my nerves, but I tried to find a way to play." In making the last four, he became just the second qualifier to do so at the Australian Open after Bob Giltinan in 1977. He was also the lowest-ranked man, at 114, to make the semis at a Slam since Goran Ivanisevic at Wimbledon in 2001 when ranked 125. A virtual unknown before the tournament started, Karatsev has spent the bulk of his professional career fighting for points on the ATP Challenger Tour. But he has played the tournament of his life in Melbourne, blitzing eighth seed Diego Schwartzmann and 20th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime on his way to meeting Dimitrov. Dimitrov served to love to open proceedings but Karatsev fixed his radar and broke for 2-1 when the Bulgarian fluffed a forehand. But the advantage only lasted until the next game when Dimitrov levelled then broke again for 4-2, winning five games in a row to take the opening set in just 33 minutes. The Russian was guilty of too many loose shots and had trouble landing his forehands. But he is a fighter and refused to go quietly, breaking for a 3-2 lead in the second on the back of a wild Dimitrov volley then breaking again to unexpectedly secure the second set. His persistence began irritating Dimitrov, who started muttering to himself as frustrations crept in and he went 3-1 down in the third set. The Bulgarian then began struggling as the set wore on and was barely able to serve at 1-5 before taking the medical timeout. The 29-year-old returned but never looked like getting back in the match.

History-making qualifier Karatsev reaches Australian Open semis

World number two Rafael Nadal beat old nemesis Fabio Fognini in a scrappy affair at the Australian Open Monday to reach his 43rd Grand Slam quarter-final.

The Spaniard, bidding for a first title at Melbourne Park since 2009, has yet to drop a set and kept the record intact against the fiery Italian, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

It is the 13th time he has made the last eight in Australia, moving to joint third on the all-time list behind only Roger Federer (15) and John Newcombe (14).&nbsp;

The result keeps him on track to meet top seed Novak Djokovic in the final, with the Serb, who is carrying an abdominal injury, into his 12th quarter-final after seeing off the threat of Milos Raonic on Sunday evening.

"Happy to be in the quarter-final, positive start,"&nbsp;&nbsp;said Nadal, who is chasing his 21st major title and sole ownership of the men's record, which he currently shares with Federer.

"When you play round of 16 against a great player like Fabio they are always fighting. You can't expect to go on court and not have some problems facing these types of players."

Next up is either fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or ninth seed Matteo Berrettini, who play later Monday, with the Spaniard enjoying a stellar record against both.

Nadal owned a 12-4 advantage over flamboyant Fognini dating back to 2013 coming into the clash and, despite some lower back tightness, he looked sharp.&nbsp;

But it wasn't vintage tennis from the 34-year-old.

He didn't serve at his best but returned well, creating 19 break points chances, although he only put away six of them, with just 24 winners to the Italian's 32.

Nadal quickly raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set after hitting several stunning winners.

But the 33-year-old Italian is a fighter and gathered himself, breaking back before Nadal immediately broke again.

The Italian saved three sets points, but his resistence finally crumbled after 46 minutes.

The pair won their serves through the opening games of the second set until Fognini surprisingly made a move, breaking for 4-2 when Nadal fluffed a forehand from the baseline.

Both players were struggling on serve with Nadal earning five break points in the next game, finally converting and then saving three on his own service game.

But as Fognini's error-count began creeping up, Nadal broke once more and made no mistake to wrap up the set.

He accelerated in the third set as Fognini faded, lacking the fight shown in the first two sets as Nadal put his foot down and sprinted to the finish line.

World number two Rafael Nadal beat old nemesis Fabio Fognini in a scrappy affair at the Australian Open Monday to reach his 43rd Grand Slam quarter-final. The Spaniard, bidding for a first title at Melbourne Park since 2009, has yet to drop a set and kept the record intact against the fiery Italian, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena.

World number two Rafael Nadal beat old nemesis Fabio Fognini in a scrappy affair at the Australian Open Monday to reach his 43rd Grand Slam quarter-final. The Spaniard, bidding for a first title at Melbourne Park since 2009, has yet to drop a set and kept the record intact against the fiery Italian, winning 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 on Rod Laver Arena. It is the 13th time he has made the last eight in Australia, moving to joint third on the all-time list behind only Roger Federer (15) and John Newcombe (14). The result keeps him on track to meet top seed Novak Djokovic in the final, with the Serb, who is carrying an abdominal injury, into his 12th quarter-final after seeing off the threat of Milos Raonic on Sunday evening. "Happy to be in the quarter-final, positive start," said Nadal, who is chasing his 21st major title and sole ownership of the men's record, which he currently shares with Federer. "When you play round of 16 against a great player like Fabio they are always fighting. You can't expect to go on court and not have some problems facing these types of players." Next up is either fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or ninth seed Matteo Berrettini, who play later Monday, with the Spaniard enjoying a stellar record against both. Nadal owned a 12-4 advantage over flamboyant Fognini dating back to 2013 coming into the clash and, despite some lower back tightness, he looked sharp. But it wasn't vintage tennis from the 34-year-old. He didn't serve at his best but returned well, creating 19 break points chances, although he only put away six of them, with just 24 winners to the Italian's 32. Nadal quickly raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set after hitting several stunning winners. But the 33-year-old Italian is a fighter and gathered himself, breaking back before Nadal immediately broke again. The Italian saved three sets points, but his resistence finally crumbled after 46 minutes. The pair won their serves through the opening games of the second set until Fognini surprisingly made a move, breaking for 4-2 when Nadal fluffed a forehand from the baseline. Both players were struggling on serve with Nadal earning five break points in the next game, finally converting and then saving three on his own service game. But as Fognini's error-count began creeping up, Nadal broke once more and made no mistake to wrap up the set. He accelerated in the third set as Fognini faded, lacking the fight shown in the first two sets as Nadal put his foot down and sprinted to the finish line.

Nadal beats Fognini to reach 43rd Slam quarter-final

Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Former England cricketers Michael Vaughan&nbsp;and Matt Prior are among those who have heavily&nbsp;criticised&nbsp;the Chennai pitch for being a 'rank turner' and a 'dustbowl' as it&nbsp;assisted&nbsp;the spinners from Day 1 of the match.&nbsp;

While India posted 329 runs in the first innings following Rohit Sharma's sensational 161-run knock, England were outplayed by the Indian spinners with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up his 29th&nbsp;fifer in Test cricket. England were bundled out for 134 runs as&nbsp;former England cricketers came out with their critical takes on the pitch.&nbsp;

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It didn’t do anywhere near as much for 2 sessions ... Spun but not like what it’s doing now ... India would have drawn the first Test if they had batted anything like in the 1st innings ... This isn’t a good Test match pitch ... <a href="https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm">https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm</a>
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) <a href="https://twitter.com/MichaelVaughan/status/1360851288762814465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all??
— Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattPrior13/status/1360936650797428739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Hitting back at the critics over the Chennai pitch, Gavaskar said that it is always about Indian pitches when it starts to turn from Day 1 while adding no one bats an eye when seaming pitches are prepared in England.&nbsp;&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-pm-imran-khan-gives-thumbs-up-to-top-team-india-363684" hreflang="en">Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India</a>

"We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia&nbsp;get&nbsp;dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/watch-virat-kohli-does-the-whistle-podu-to-get-the-chennai-crowd-going-363578" hreflang="en">WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going</a>

While Rohit smashed a cracking century, Rahane scored a sublime 67 with Rishabh Pant ending up with unbeaten 58.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"It's not unplayable. It's a challenging pitch, and that's what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying 'it's boring, nothing is happening. It's so easy to bat.' So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time," the former India captain added.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, batting at the same Chennai pitch on Day 3, the Indian team has posted 156/6 on Lunch. Both Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been stitching a solid partnership and will look to continue the run-flow in the next session.&nbsp;

Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Former Indian captain and a legend of cricket, Sunil Gavaskar has ripped into the critics questioning the quality of the pitch in the second Test between India and England at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Former England cricketers Michael Vaughan and Matt Prior are among those who have heavily criticised the Chennai pitch for being a 'rank turner' and a 'dustbowl' as it assisted the spinners from Day 1 of the match. While India posted 329 runs in the first innings following Rohit Sharma's sensational 161-run knock, England were outplayed by the Indian spinners with Ravichandran Ashwin picking up his 29th fifer in Test cricket. England were bundled out for 134 runs as former England cricketers came out with their critical takes on the pitch. It didn’t do anywhere near as much for 2 sessions ... Spun but not like what it’s doing now ... India would have drawn the first Test if they had batted anything like in the 1st innings ... This isn’t a good Test match pitch ... https://t.co/HhK6dYLiHm — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) February 14, 2021 × When have we ever been able to prepare a green pitch? Always did the complete opposite because the club CEO wanted it to go five days! 100% agree on taking notes though. Any chance of you being able to speak to and help our spinners at all?? — Matt Prior (@MattPrior13) February 14, 2021 × Hitting back at the critics over the Chennai pitch, Gavaskar said that it is always about Indian pitches when it starts to turn from Day 1 while adding no one bats an eye when seaming pitches are prepared in England. ALSO READ: Pakistan PM Imran Khan gives thumbs up to 'top team' India "We saw how Rohit Sharma getting 150, and yesterday he was getting close to ball and batting. This criticism (on pitch) is pretty warranted," Gavaskar said on Star Sports. "Some of them are saying that - but you have a seaming pitch in England. Australia get dismissed for 46 - the ball keeps seeming all throughout. No one talks about that. It's always about Indian pitches, and when the ball starts to turn, people pose a problem," he added. ALSO READ: WATCH: Virat Kohli does the 'whistle podu' to get the Chennai crowd going While Rohit smashed a cracking century, Rahane scored a sublime 67 with Rishabh Pant ending up with unbeaten 58. "It's not unplayable. It's a challenging pitch, and that's what cricket should be about. In the first Test, on the first two days, when nothing was happening, people were saying 'it's boring, nothing is happening. It's so easy to bat.' So, there has to be a bit of balance between what is said. You cannot be complaining all the time," the former India captain added. Meanwhile, batting at the same Chennai pitch on Day 3, the Indian team has posted 156/6 on Lunch. Both Virat Kohli and Ravichandran Ashwin have been stitching a solid partnership and will look to continue the run-flow in the next session.

'When ball starts to turn...': Sunil Gavaskar hammers critics for slamming Chennai pitch in 2nd Test

French international defender Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig&nbsp;in the summer, the European champions confirmed on Sunday.&nbsp;

Bayern said the 22-year-old would sign a five-year contract but did not reveal the size of the transfer fee. German media reported that Upamecano had a €43 million buyout in his Leipzig contract.&nbsp;

Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic told German tabloid Bild on Friday that Bayern were signing Upamecano, but the club only officially confirmed that the deal had been completed on Sunday.

"We're happy that we've been&nbsp;able to&nbsp;sign&nbsp;Dayot&nbsp;Upamecano&nbsp;for&nbsp;FC Bayern Munich," Salihamidzic said on the club web site.&nbsp;"We're convinced that&nbsp;Dayot&nbsp;will be a very important member of&nbsp;our team in the coming years."&nbsp;

"We are happy to have been able to convince Dayot Upamecano to come to FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said on Sunday on the club's website. "Dayot will be a very important element for our team in the years to come."

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ℹ️ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FCBayern?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FCBayern</a> have agreed to sign Dayot <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Upamecano?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Upamecano</a> from 1st July 2021 🤝 
 
📰 <a href="https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG">https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MiaSanMia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MiaSanMia</a>
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Upamecano, who has three France caps, had also been linked with Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea.

"We knew that we had very strong competition," Salihamidzic told Bild. "Upamecano is a young player, 22, whose qualities are already exceptionally developed."

Bayern won the Club World Cup on Thursday to claim a sixth trophy in less than a year but are likely to have defensive vacancies by the summer when both David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract.

Alaba has made clear he plans&nbsp;to leave and, at 32, Boateng does not expect to be offered another contract.

Upamecano joined RB Salzburg at the age of 16 and moved to Leipzig 18 months later. He has played almost 140 matches for the club and helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time last season.

"We presented him with our vision of his career at FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said, adding that negotiations had continued while he was in Doha for the Club World Cup. "At the end of a long process, players, family and management were convinced that FC Bayern is the right partner."

Bayern already have a strong French connection with internationals Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, as well as the former Metz and Marseille player Bouna Sarr and 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, a product of the Paris Sain-Germain youth system who joined last summer.

French international defender Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer, the European champions confirmed on Sunday. Bayern said the 22-year-old would sign a five-year contract but did not reveal the size of the transfer fee.

French international defender Dayot Upamecano will join Bayern Munich from RB Leipzig in the summer, the European champions confirmed on Sunday. Bayern said the 22-year-old would sign a five-year contract but did not reveal the size of the transfer fee. German media reported that Upamecano had a €43 million buyout in his Leipzig contract. Bayern sports director Hasan Salihamidzic told German tabloid Bild on Friday that Bayern were signing Upamecano, but the club only officially confirmed that the deal had been completed on Sunday. "We're happy that we've been able to sign Dayot Upamecano for FC Bayern Munich," Salihamidzic said on the club web site. "We're convinced that Dayot will be a very important member of our team in the coming years." "We are happy to have been able to convince Dayot Upamecano to come to FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said on Sunday on the club's website. "Dayot will be a very important element for our team in the years to come." ℹ️ #FCBayern have agreed to sign Dayot #Upamecano from 1st July 2021 🤝 📰 https://t.co/h1HtzEKVDG#MiaSanMia — 🏆🏆🏆FC Bayern English🏆🏆🏆 (@FCBayernEN) February 14, 2021 × Upamecano, who has three France caps, had also been linked with Premier League clubs Liverpool and Chelsea. "We knew that we had very strong competition," Salihamidzic told Bild. "Upamecano is a young player, 22, whose qualities are already exceptionally developed." Bayern won the Club World Cup on Thursday to claim a sixth trophy in less than a year but are likely to have defensive vacancies by the summer when both David Alaba and Jerome Boateng are out of contract. Alaba has made clear he plans to leave and, at 32, Boateng does not expect to be offered another contract. Upamecano joined RB Salzburg at the age of 16 and moved to Leipzig 18 months later. He has played almost 140 matches for the club and helped them reach the Champions League semi-finals for the first time last season. "We presented him with our vision of his career at FC Bayern," Salihamidzic said, adding that negotiations had continued while he was in Doha for the Club World Cup. "At the end of a long process, players, family and management were convinced that FC Bayern is the right partner." Bayern already have a strong French connection with internationals Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso, Lucas Hernandez and Benjamin Pavard, as well as the former Metz and Marseille player Bouna Sarr and 18-year-old Tanguy Nianzou, a product of the Paris Sain-Germain youth system who joined last summer.

Upamecano joining Bayern from Leipzig

Manchester United's faltering Premier League title challenge suffered another blow in a 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a hat-trick in Arsenal's 4-2 win against Leeds on Sunday.

United have dropped points in five of their last seven league games to allow Manchester City to pull seven points clear, with a game in hand.

A point was enough to nudge Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men back above Leicester into second on goal difference.

But that was of little consolation to United against a West Brom side that had conceded 24 goals in taking just one point from their previous seven home games.

Indeed, it was Sam Allardyce's men who had the better chances to win the game and give their dwindling hopes of beating the drop a boost.

United made the worst possible start when Conor Gallagher swung in a cross and Mbaye Diagne outmuscled Victor Lindelof to power home a header after just 80 seconds.

"We gave ourselves a tough start," said Solskjaer, whose side have fallen behind in eight of their 12 away league games this season.

"You've got 90 odd minutes to make amends so there is no need to panic but I didn't feel we built that momentum until too late in the first half.

"Second half there was only one-way traffic but still there were a couple of moments where we could have lost the game."

United struggled to make the most of their territorial dominance until Bruno Fernandes produced a moment of magic with a dipping volley on his weaker left foot a minute before half-time.

Sam Johnstone denied Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay had an effort cleared off the line as United pressed for a winner after the break.

But it was Diagne who twice should have won the game late on as he was denied when one-on-one with David de Gea before blazing an enticing low cross over the bar.

Johnstone was required once more deep into stoppage time when he tipped Harry Maguire's header onto the post.

<h2>- Aubameyang propels Arsenal -</h2>

At the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang scored his first ever Premier League hat-trick to get the Gunners back on track after two successive defeats and three games without a win.

Aubameyang has endured a difficult season marred by poor form and his mother's illness, which prompted him to take a leave of absence recently.

The Arsenal captain struck in the 13th minute when he skipped away from Luke Ayling and fired low past Illan Meslier.

Aubameyang converted a 41st-minute penalty after Meslier lost possession and then fouled Bukayo Saka.

Hector Bellerin made it three on the stroke of half-time when his shot beat the hapless Meslier's weak attempted save at his near post.

Aubameyang completed his hat-trick in the 47th minute with a diving header from Emile Smith Rowe's cross for his 11th goal of the season.

Pascal Struijk's 58th-minute header and Helder Costa's strike in the 69th minute came too late for Marcelo Bielsa's men as Arsenal climbed above Leeds into 10th place.

"The hat-trick means a lot. It's been a tough time for me," Aubameyang said.

"Everyone was giving a lot of love to me, my mum and my family. I have to say thank you to everyone at the club and the fans."

Everton missed the chance to move level with neighbours Liverpool in fourth as they were well beaten 2-0 by Fulham.

Josh Maja scored twice for the visitors at Goodison Park to end Fulham's 12-game winless league run.

Scott Parker's men still face an uphill task to survive, but close the gap on Newcastle, who travel to Chelsea on Monday, to seven points.

Wolves moved 12 points clear of the drop zone after coming from behind for a 2-1 win that extended Southampton's six-game losing streak in the league.

The Saints had beaten Nuno Espirito Santo's men to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in midweek and made a promising start when Danny Ings converted Stuart Armstrong's cross.

But Ruben Neves' penalty and Pedro Neto's strike just past the hour earned only a second Wolves win in 11 league games.

Manchester United's faltering Premier League title challenge suffered another blow in a 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a hat-trick in Arsenal's 4-2 win against Leeds on Sunday.

Manchester United's faltering Premier League title challenge suffered another blow in a 1-1 draw at struggling West Brom, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang hit a hat-trick in Arsenal's 4-2 win against Leeds on Sunday. United have dropped points in five of their last seven league games to allow Manchester City to pull seven points clear, with a game in hand. A point was enough to nudge Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men back above Leicester into second on goal difference. But that was of little consolation to United against a West Brom side that had conceded 24 goals in taking just one point from their previous seven home games. Indeed, it was Sam Allardyce's men who had the better chances to win the game and give their dwindling hopes of beating the drop a boost. United made the worst possible start when Conor Gallagher swung in a cross and Mbaye Diagne outmuscled Victor Lindelof to power home a header after just 80 seconds. "We gave ourselves a tough start," said Solskjaer, whose side have fallen behind in eight of their 12 away league games this season. "You've got 90 odd minutes to make amends so there is no need to panic but I didn't feel we built that momentum until too late in the first half. "Second half there was only one-way traffic but still there were a couple of moments where we could have lost the game." United struggled to make the most of their territorial dominance until Bruno Fernandes produced a moment of magic with a dipping volley on his weaker left foot a minute before half-time. Sam Johnstone denied Mason Greenwood and Scott McTominay had an effort cleared off the line as United pressed for a winner after the break. But it was Diagne who twice should have won the game late on as he was denied when one-on-one with David de Gea before blazing an enticing low cross over the bar. Johnstone was required once more deep into stoppage time when he tipped Harry Maguire's header onto the post. - Aubameyang propels Arsenal - At the Emirates Stadium, Aubameyang scored his first ever Premier League hat-trick to get the Gunners back on track after two successive defeats and three games without a win. Aubameyang has endured a difficult season marred by poor form and his mother's illness, which prompted him to take a leave of absence recently. The Arsenal captain struck in the 13th minute when he skipped away from Luke Ayling and fired low past Illan Meslier. Aubameyang converted a 41st-minute penalty after Meslier lost possession and then fouled Bukayo Saka. Hector Bellerin made it three on the stroke of half-time when his shot beat the hapless Meslier's weak attempted save at his near post. Aubameyang completed his hat-trick in the 47th minute with a diving header from Emile Smith Rowe's cross for his 11th goal of the season. Pascal Struijk's 58th-minute header and Helder Costa's strike in the 69th minute came too late for Marcelo Bielsa's men as Arsenal climbed above Leeds into 10th place. "The hat-trick means a lot. It's been a tough time for me," Aubameyang said. "Everyone was giving a lot of love to me, my mum and my family. I have to say thank you to everyone at the club and the fans." Everton missed the chance to move level with neighbours Liverpool in fourth as they were well beaten 2-0 by Fulham. Josh Maja scored twice for the visitors at Goodison Park to end Fulham's 12-game winless league run. Scott Parker's men still face an uphill task to survive, but close the gap on Newcastle, who travel to Chelsea on Monday, to seven points. Wolves moved 12 points clear of the drop zone after coming from behind for a 2-1 win that extended Southampton's six-game losing streak in the league. The Saints had beaten Nuno Espirito Santo's men to reach the FA Cup quarter-finals in midweek and made a promising start when Danny Ings converted Stuart Armstrong's cross. But Ruben Neves' penalty and Pedro Neto's strike just past the hour earned only a second Wolves win in 11 league games.

Man Utd falter at West Brom, Aubameyang treble sinks Leeds

Novak Djokovic says it's a "gamble" to keep playing the Australian Open and his abdominal injury could have an impact on the rest of his season, but the world number one is prepared to take the risk.

The Serbian eight-time champion sustained a "muscle tear" during a thrilling five-setter against Taylor Fritz on Friday.

He didn't train the following day but took to Rod Laver Arena Sunday evening dosed up on painkillers to see off the threat posed by big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic over four sets and make the quarter-finals.

Djokovic said the pain was "bearable" and he "somehow managed to find a way and win".

But he is not planning to train again on Monday, instead working on his recovery ahead of his last-eight clash with sixth seed Alexander Zverev.

"I mean, it's kind of a gamble, that's what the medical team told me. It's really unpredictable, you can't know what's going to happen with you once you're on the court," he said.&nbsp;

"You're not gonna save yourself or think about going for that point or this shot or that shot. It just pulls you. It's normal. Playing at this level, you just want to give it your all.&nbsp;

"It could cause much more damage than it is at the moment, but also could go in a good direction."

The 33-year-old refused to say what exactly the problem was, although his abdomen was strapped against Raonic and he said after the Fritz clash that was it "a tear of the muscle".

<h2>- 'There is always a risk' -</h2>

"I know what it is, but I don't want to talk about it now. I'm still in the tournament," he said, conscious that he does not want to give Zverev any extra ammunition to target him.

"I hope you guys understand that. I don't want to speculate too much about it."

Djokovic's win against Raonic was his 300th at a Slam, only the second player in history to reach the mark after Roger Federer, who has 362.&nbsp;

It kept him on track for an 18th Grand Slam title in his bid to close in on the 20 held by the Swiss great and Rafael Nadal.

His drive for more Slam crowns is the reason he hasn't pulled out, making clear that if it was any tournament other than a Grand Slam he would have withdrawn.

But playing on could mean he faces a period on the sidelines after Melbourne to recover.&nbsp;

"I have talked a lot with my own medical team and also the medical team of Tennis Australia -- Australian Open," he said.&nbsp;

"They all share the opinion that there is a slight, very slight, slim chance that I will make a significant damage that would take me out of the tour for whatever, some extended period of time.

"So, yes, there is always a risk that the injury will get worse, but they don't think it's going to be very significantly worse that it's going to jeopardise my entire season.

"So it will jeopardise, depending on how I go here, certain tournaments that are coming after Australian Open that I was maybe thinking to play."

Novak Djokovic says it's a "gamble" to keep playing the Australian Open and his abdominal injury could have an impact on the rest of his season, but the world number one is prepared to take the risk.

Novak Djokovic says it's a "gamble" to keep playing the Australian Open and his abdominal injury could have an impact on the rest of his season, but the world number one is prepared to take the risk. The Serbian eight-time champion sustained a "muscle tear" during a thrilling five-setter against Taylor Fritz on Friday. He didn't train the following day but took to Rod Laver Arena Sunday evening dosed up on painkillers to see off the threat posed by big-serving Canadian Milos Raonic over four sets and make the quarter-finals. Djokovic said the pain was "bearable" and he "somehow managed to find a way and win". But he is not planning to train again on Monday, instead working on his recovery ahead of his last-eight clash with sixth seed Alexander Zverev. "I mean, it's kind of a gamble, that's what the medical team told me. It's really unpredictable, you can't know what's going to happen with you once you're on the court," he said. "You're not gonna save yourself or think about going for that point or this shot or that shot. It just pulls you. It's normal. Playing at this level, you just want to give it your all. "It could cause much more damage than it is at the moment, but also could go in a good direction." The 33-year-old refused to say what exactly the problem was, although his abdomen was strapped against Raonic and he said after the Fritz clash that was it "a tear of the muscle". - 'There is always a risk' - "I know what it is, but I don't want to talk about it now. I'm still in the tournament," he said, conscious that he does not want to give Zverev any extra ammunition to target him. "I hope you guys understand that. I don't want to speculate too much about it." Djokovic's win against Raonic was his 300th at a Slam, only the second player in history to reach the mark after Roger Federer, who has 362. It kept him on track for an 18th Grand Slam title in his bid to close in on the 20 held by the Swiss great and Rafael Nadal. His drive for more Slam crowns is the reason he hasn't pulled out, making clear that if it was any tournament other than a Grand Slam he would have withdrawn. But playing on could mean he faces a period on the sidelines after Melbourne to recover. "I have talked a lot with my own medical team and also the medical team of Tennis Australia -- Australian Open," he said. "They all share the opinion that there is a slight, very slight, slim chance that I will make a significant damage that would take me out of the tour for whatever, some extended period of time. "So, yes, there is always a risk that the injury will get worse, but they don't think it's going to be very significantly worse that it's going to jeopardise my entire season. "So it will jeopardise, depending on how I go here, certain tournaments that are coming after Australian Open that I was maybe thinking to play."

Pain game: Injured Djokovic 'gambles' to play on at Australian Open

Lionel Messi put his arm around Ilaix Moriba, the 18-year-old born in the same year Messi made his Barcelona debut and who was now being given his own chance to play for the club's first team.

Ilaix had just set up the opening goal against Alaves on Saturday when he was congratulated by his 33-year-old captain, whose task it is on Tuesday to lead this youthful Barca to an unfancied victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16.

From nurturing the next generation of Barcelona talents to confronting one of Europe's richest, most ambitious clubs, the fork in the road for Messi's future is becoming clear.

PSG may not be Messi's preferred choice this summer, especially if Manchester City decide the Argentinian is the final piece of the jigsaw for a team already ahead of the rest in the Premier League.

But the two clubs remain his most realistic destinations, both united in representing almost everything that staying put at Barcelona would not. Clubs ready, in theory, to win the biggest trophies immediately and able to spend whatever it takes to do it.

Meanwhile Messi's suspicions in August, when he sent the burofax requesting he depart for free, have arguably been confirmed. Barcelona appear neither ready to win the biggest trophies immediately nor able to spend what is needed to do it.

As it stands, Koeman's team sit third in La Liga, eight points behind Atletico Madrid. They were beaten by Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup and trail Sevilla 2-0 after the semi-final first leg of the Copa del Rey.

And yet while nobody knows what Messi will decide, perhaps not even Messi -- who told La Sexta in December he "wouldn't be right to say what I'm going to do because I don't know either" -- there is reason to think Barca's chances have not only survived the disappointments but been improved in spite of them.

<h2>- Barcelona stabilised -</h2>

When Messi explained to goal.com why he wanted to go last summer, he reiterated his desire for a "winning project" but also said he "wanted to live my last years in football happily". He admitted how hard it was to tell his family they were leaving.

For the first few weeks of the season, he seemed distracted, like a player giving his all while simultaneously wishing he was somewhere else.&nbsp;

Yet Barcelona stabilised under Koeman -- never perfect and always far from the finished article -- but with a renewed sense of purpose emerging.

Koeman has enabled struggling players to flourish and promising youngsters to shine.

Pedri, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has stood out, his eye for a pass chiming with Messi's quickness of thought.

"In Pedri, Messi has found a reason to enjoy the game again," wrote Diario Sport in January.

Ansu Fati sparkled before injury struck in November while&nbsp;in defence, the 21-year-old Ronald Araujo, who is also expected to miss the first leg with an ankle problem, emerged as Koeman's most reliable central defender.

Frenkie de Jong has excelled in recent weeks and Ousmane Dembele is enjoying his best spell at the club so far.&nbsp;Messi, like the team, has looked happy.

"He is focused, he is happy, he has found that ruthless streak again," said Koeman on Saturday.

Excitement may prove misplaced or, at least, premature given there are no guarantees Barcelona's depleted defence will not cave against PSG and Kylian Mbappe, even with Neymar absent.

Another humbling in Europe may not undo the good work Koeman has done but it would serve as a painful reminder to Messi of past failures and ground to make up.

A positive result could do the opposite, providing affirmation of steps already taken and evidence that a move even to the richest clubs would bring no guarantees.

Most importantly, there is an opportunity to rubberstamp what Koeman has started and to confirm the growing sense of a club slowly rebuilding again.

With presidential elections due next month, the reality is Koeman may not see this transition through but Messi can decide if his role in any revival will be fleeting or more fundamental.

"There is only one person who can choose his future and it is him," said Koeman. "I would like him to stay for many more years and I'm trying to make sure he is happy like he is now. But his future is in his hands."

Lionel Messi put his arm around Ilaix Moriba, the 18-year-old born in the same year Messi made his Barcelona debut and who was now being given his own chance to play for the club's first team.

Lionel Messi put his arm around Ilaix Moriba, the 18-year-old born in the same year Messi made his Barcelona debut and who was now being given his own chance to play for the club's first team. Ilaix had just set up the opening goal against Alaves on Saturday when he was congratulated by his 33-year-old captain, whose task it is on Tuesday to lead this youthful Barca to an unfancied victory against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16. From nurturing the next generation of Barcelona talents to confronting one of Europe's richest, most ambitious clubs, the fork in the road for Messi's future is becoming clear. PSG may not be Messi's preferred choice this summer, especially if Manchester City decide the Argentinian is the final piece of the jigsaw for a team already ahead of the rest in the Premier League. But the two clubs remain his most realistic destinations, both united in representing almost everything that staying put at Barcelona would not. Clubs ready, in theory, to win the biggest trophies immediately and able to spend whatever it takes to do it. Meanwhile Messi's suspicions in August, when he sent the burofax requesting he depart for free, have arguably been confirmed. Barcelona appear neither ready to win the biggest trophies immediately nor able to spend what is needed to do it. As it stands, Koeman's team sit third in La Liga, eight points behind Atletico Madrid. They were beaten by Athletic Bilbao in the Spanish Super Cup and trail Sevilla 2-0 after the semi-final first leg of the Copa del Rey. And yet while nobody knows what Messi will decide, perhaps not even Messi -- who told La Sexta in December he "wouldn't be right to say what I'm going to do because I don't know either" -- there is reason to think Barca's chances have not only survived the disappointments but been improved in spite of them. - Barcelona stabilised - When Messi explained to goal.com why he wanted to go last summer, he reiterated his desire for a "winning project" but also said he "wanted to live my last years in football happily". He admitted how hard it was to tell his family they were leaving. For the first few weeks of the season, he seemed distracted, like a player giving his all while simultaneously wishing he was somewhere else. Yet Barcelona stabilised under Koeman -- never perfect and always far from the finished article -- but with a renewed sense of purpose emerging. Koeman has enabled struggling players to flourish and promising youngsters to shine. Pedri, the 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has stood out, his eye for a pass chiming with Messi's quickness of thought. "In Pedri, Messi has found a reason to enjoy the game again," wrote Diario Sport in January. Ansu Fati sparkled before injury struck in November while in defence, the 21-year-old Ronald Araujo, who is also expected to miss the first leg with an ankle problem, emerged as Koeman's most reliable central defender. Frenkie de Jong has excelled in recent weeks and Ousmane Dembele is enjoying his best spell at the club so far. Messi, like the team, has looked happy. "He is focused, he is happy, he has found that ruthless streak again," said Koeman on Saturday. Excitement may prove misplaced or, at least, premature given there are no guarantees Barcelona's depleted defence will not cave against PSG and Kylian Mbappe, even with Neymar absent. Another humbling in Europe may not undo the good work Koeman has done but it would serve as a painful reminder to Messi of past failures and ground to make up. A positive result could do the opposite, providing affirmation of steps already taken and evidence that a move even to the richest clubs would bring no guarantees. Most importantly, there is an opportunity to rubberstamp what Koeman has started and to confirm the growing sense of a club slowly rebuilding again. With presidential elections due next month, the reality is Koeman may not see this transition through but Messi can decide if his role in any revival will be fleeting or more fundamental. "There is only one person who can choose his future and it is him," said Koeman. "I would like him to stay for many more years and I'm trying to make sure he is happy like he is now. But his future is in his hands."

Messi 'happy' leading Barca revival but PSG a reminder of what could await

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

The world number 192 from the United States&nbsp;broke the Russian's serve at 5-2 down in the first set but that was his only highlight.

"It was a great match," said Medvedev. "I was feeling great, I mean the only time I lost serve was in the first set."

Medvedev is into his first quarter-final at the Australian Open where he will play either countryman and ATP Cup-winning team-mate Andrey Rublev or Norway's Casper Rudd who play later Monday.

"I'm going to be rooting for Andrey because if he wins it's got to be at least one Russian in the semi-final," said Medvedev.

"Casper is a great opponent so I'm going to watch the match, enjoy it, and then prepare for my next opponent."

Medvedev's best Grand Slam performance to date was reaching the final at the 2019 US Open.

His win streak dates back to November and included titles at the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Fourth-seed Daniil Medvedev extended his win streak to 18 matches Monday when he took just 89 minutes to blow away Mackenzie McDonald 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open. The world number 192 from the United States broke the Russian's serve at 5-2 down in the first set but that was his only highlight. "It was a great match," said Medvedev. "I was feeling great, I mean the only time I lost serve was in the first set." Medvedev is into his first quarter-final at the Australian Open where he will play either countryman and ATP Cup-winning team-mate Andrey Rublev or Norway's Casper Rudd who play later Monday. "I'm going to be rooting for Andrey because if he wins it's got to be at least one Russian in the semi-final," said Medvedev. "Casper is a great opponent so I'm going to watch the match, enjoy it, and then prepare for my next opponent." Medvedev's best Grand Slam performance to date was reaching the final at the 2019 US Open. His win streak dates back to November and included titles at the Paris 1000, the ATP Finals in London and the ATP Cup.

Medvedev into Open quarters as he extends streak to 18

RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann is refusing to read too much into the Liverpool's poor recent results ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown in Budapest.

Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have won just three of their last 12 games and fly to Budapest for the last 16, first-leg tie against Leipzig on the back of three straight Premier League defeats.

On Saturday, Klopp admitted he does not think Liverpool can defend their Premier League title by closing the 13-point gap on leaders Manchester City after his side's 3-1 defeat at Leicester City.

In contrast, Leipzig are only second in the Bundesliga behind world champions Bayern Munich after winning their last three league games.&nbsp;

However, Leipzig boss Nagelsmann says Liverpool's poor Premier League form counts for little in Budapest.

"I don't think I need to warn my side about facing a wounded boxer - they know (Liverpool) is a world-class team," Nagelsmann told reports Monday.

"They don't have the results crisis in the Champions League, but in the Premier League.

"It's a completely different competition, they have crossed off the (Premier League) title and their focus is now only on the Champions League, where they can still win a title.

"They will try to shake off the negative things," Nagelsmann added with the first leg moved from Leipzig to Budapest due to Germany's Covid-19 travel restrictions.

"We have been warned - it'll come down to form on the day."

On Tuesday, Nagelsmann will be without Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg, who has failed to recover from a knee injury.

"He, unfortunately, won't make it - he still has problems changing direction when running," Nagelsmann revealed.

With Forsberg out, Dani Olmo is likely to play in the attacking midfield with Yussuf Poulsen and Christopher Nkunku up front for Leipzig.

RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann is refusing to read too much into the Liverpool's poor recent results ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown in Budapest.

RB Leipzig head coach Julian Nagelsmann is refusing to read too much into the Liverpool's poor recent results ahead of Tuesday's Champions League showdown in Budapest. Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool have won just three of their last 12 games and fly to Budapest for the last 16, first-leg tie against Leipzig on the back of three straight Premier League defeats. On Saturday, Klopp admitted he does not think Liverpool can defend their Premier League title by closing the 13-point gap on leaders Manchester City after his side's 3-1 defeat at Leicester City. In contrast, Leipzig are only second in the Bundesliga behind world champions Bayern Munich after winning their last three league games. However, Leipzig boss Nagelsmann says Liverpool's poor Premier League form counts for little in Budapest. "I don't think I need to warn my side about facing a wounded boxer - they know (Liverpool) is a world-class team," Nagelsmann told reports Monday. "They don't have the results crisis in the Champions League, but in the Premier League. "It's a completely different competition, they have crossed off the (Premier League) title and their focus is now only on the Champions League, where they can still win a title. "They will try to shake off the negative things," Nagelsmann added with the first leg moved from Leipzig to Budapest due to Germany's Covid-19 travel restrictions. "We have been warned - it'll come down to form on the day." On Tuesday, Nagelsmann will be without Swedish playmaker Emil Forsberg, who has failed to recover from a knee injury. "He, unfortunately, won't make it - he still has problems changing direction when running," Nagelsmann revealed. With Forsberg out, Dani Olmo is likely to play in the attacking midfield with Yussuf Poulsen and Christopher Nkunku up front for Leipzig.

Leipzig boss Nagelsmann wary of Liverpool despite results

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Subhayan Chakraborty

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