<p>Novak Djokovic was dragged into a dogfight by talented teenager Dino Prizmic and had to dig deep to open his Australian Open title defence with a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 victory in the first round on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Serbian, who played his first Australian Open a few months before the Croatian qualifier was born in August 2005, initially looked fully in control of the contest on the Rod Laver Arena court where he has won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles.</p>

<p>Prizmic had already shown glimpses of the weapons he possesses and broke the top seed with a brilliant crosscourt winner early in the second set, forcing Djokovic to raise his game to break straight back.</p>

<p>The 18-year-old world number 178, who needed a medical timeout to get some strapping on his thigh early in the match, was a man transformed, however, and kept up his level to even up the contest in the tiebreak with his third set point.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nba/news-boston-celtics-continue-unbeaten-run-at-home-with-win-over-houston-rockets-679770">Boston Celtics continue unbeaten run at home with win over Houston Rockets</a></strong></p>

<p>That merely set the tone for an enthralling third set in which 36-year-old Djokovic was put under intense pressure by his athletic opponent, making 20 unforced errors and facing six break points.</p>

<p>Djokovic broke Prizmic at the start but the teenager kept ripping huge forehands and stayed with the world number one in several rallies to put the match back on serve before breaking again for a 3-2 lead after a 15-minute battle of a game.</p>

<p>It had been six years and 28 matches since Djokovic last lost a match at the Australian Open and he was not going to put that record at risk easily.</p>

<p>He regrouped, changed his shirt and won the next four games to take the set, pumping his fist and letting out a huge roar in a tribute to the problems Prizmic had caused him.</p>

<p>More than three hours of playing with one of the best players of all time started to take its toll on Prizmic and Djokovic drove home his advantage to take his 90th win at the Australian Open in just over four hours.</p>

<p>The next challenge to Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title will come from one of two Australians, Alexei Popyrin or Marc Polmans.</p>


Novak Djokovic was dragged into a dogfight by talented teenager Dino Prizmic and had to dig deep to open his Australian Open title defence with a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 victory in the first round on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic was dragged into a dogfight by talented teenager Dino Prizmic and had to dig deep to open his Australian Open title defence with a 6-2 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 victory in the first round on Sunday. The Serbian, who played his first Australian Open a few months before the Croatian qualifier was born in August 2005, initially looked fully in control of the contest on the Rod Laver Arena court where he has won 10 of his 24 Grand Slam titles. Prizmic had already shown glimpses of the weapons he possesses and broke the top seed with a brilliant crosscourt winner early in the second set, forcing Djokovic to raise his game to break straight back. The 18-year-old world number 178, who needed a medical timeout to get some strapping on his thigh early in the match, was a man transformed, however, and kept up his level to even up the contest in the tiebreak with his third set point. ALSO READ: Boston Celtics continue unbeaten run at home with win over Houston Rockets That merely set the tone for an enthralling third set in which 36-year-old Djokovic was put under intense pressure by his athletic opponent, making 20 unforced errors and facing six break points. Djokovic broke Prizmic at the start but the teenager kept ripping huge forehands and stayed with the world number one in several rallies to put the match back on serve before breaking again for a 3-2 lead after a 15-minute battle of a game. It had been six years and 28 matches since Djokovic last lost a match at the Australian Open and he was not going to put that record at risk easily. He regrouped, changed his shirt and won the next four games to take the set, pumping his fist and letting out a huge roar in a tribute to the problems Prizmic had caused him. More than three hours of playing with one of the best players of all time started to take its toll on Prizmic and Djokovic drove home his advantage to take his 90th win at the Australian Open in just over four hours. The next challenge to Djokovic's bid for a record 25th Grand Slam singles title will come from one of two Australians, Alexei Popyrin or Marc Polmans.

Australian Open 2024: Novak Djokovic begins title defence with first-round win over teenager Dino Prizmic

<p>Top seed Aryna Sabalenka swept past Victoria Azarenka on Saturday into a Brisbane International final against world number four Elena Rybakina, setting up a replay of last year's Australian Open decider.</p>

<p>Sabalenka saw off her fellow Belarusian 6-2, 6-4 while 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina cruised past Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-2.</p>

<p>Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 5-2, including a three-set win in the Australian Open final last year that earned her a maiden Grand Slam title.</p>

<p>But their clashes are usually tight, with five of the seven meetings going to three sets.</p>

<p>"I think we both serve really well," Sabalenka said of Rybakina.</p>

<p>"We both play really super aggressive tennis. I think that's why all the matches are pretty tight. We both put each other under so much pressure."</p>

<p>Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina put on a serving masterclass against Noskova, blasting eight aces, breaking her opponent once in the first set and twice in the second.</p>

<p>She has only lost 12 games on the way to the final and is yet to drop serve in a perfect build up to this year's Australian Open.</p>

<p>"I didn't expect I would play that well this week," said the second seed, adding that she had been sick before arriving in Brisbane.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's an amazing start to the year for me."</p>

<p>World number two Sabalenka has also had an impressive tournament, not dropping a set.</p>

<p>She broke Azarenka twice in racing through the first set in just 35 minutes.</p>

<p>But two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka was better in the second and matched her younger rival until serving at 4-5 when she appeared to jar her knee.</p>

<p>She lost power in her serve and Sabalenka broke to take the match in 1hr 29min.</p>

<p>Azarenka later denied there was a problem with her knee, saying she instead had an issue with her side throughout the match.</p>

<p>"From the beginning of the match I wasn't able to do what I wanted with my serves," she said. "I definitely need a little rest and then I'll be getting ready for the Australian Open."</p>

<p>In the men's draw, top seed Holger Rune will play second seed Grigor Dimitrov in the final after the Dane beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 7-6 (7/0).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/david-warner-looking-forward-to-his-new-role-as-commentator-during-india-test-series-677197">Retired David Warner 'looking forward' to his new role as commentator during India Test series</a></p>

<p>Rune, the world number eight, was able to absorb the big-hitting of Safiullin, who hit 27 clean winners but also made 28 unforced errors.</p>

<p>After Rune broke Safiullin's opening service game and won the first set, the Russian had the better of the second set but collapsed in the tiebreak.</p>

<p>"It's been a great week so far," Rune said.</p>

<p>"Playing some good matches against some great players. I'm excited for tomorrow and then Melbourne."</p>

<p>Dimitrov eased through by seeing off Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat Rafael Nadal in the three-and-a-half hour marathon on Friday night.</p>

<p>Thompson fought hard once again, but Dimitrov broke him once in each set to win 6-3, 7-5.</p>


Top seed Aryna Sabalenka swept past Victoria Azarenka on Saturday into a Brisbane International final against world number four Elena Rybakina, setting up a replay of last year's Australian Open decider.

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka swept past Victoria Azarenka on Saturday into a Brisbane International final against world number four Elena Rybakina, setting up a replay of last year's Australian Open decider. Sabalenka saw off her fellow Belarusian 6-2, 6-4 while 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina cruised past Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-3, 6-2. Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 5-2, including a three-set win in the Australian Open final last year that earned her a maiden Grand Slam title. But their clashes are usually tight, with five of the seven meetings going to three sets. "I think we both serve really well," Sabalenka said of Rybakina. "We both play really super aggressive tennis. I think that's why all the matches are pretty tight. We both put each other under so much pressure." Russian-born Kazakh Rybakina put on a serving masterclass against Noskova, blasting eight aces, breaking her opponent once in the first set and twice in the second. She has only lost 12 games on the way to the final and is yet to drop serve in a perfect build up to this year's Australian Open. "I didn't expect I would play that well this week," said the second seed, adding that she had been sick before arriving in Brisbane. "It's an amazing start to the year for me." World number two Sabalenka has also had an impressive tournament, not dropping a set. She broke Azarenka twice in racing through the first set in just 35 minutes. But two-time Australian Open champion Azarenka was better in the second and matched her younger rival until serving at 4-5 when she appeared to jar her knee. She lost power in her serve and Sabalenka broke to take the match in 1hr 29min. Azarenka later denied there was a problem with her knee, saying she instead had an issue with her side throughout the match. "From the beginning of the match I wasn't able to do what I wanted with my serves," she said. "I definitely need a little rest and then I'll be getting ready for the Australian Open." In the men's draw, top seed Holger Rune will play second seed Grigor Dimitrov in the final after the Dane beat Russia's Roman Safiullin 6-4, 7-6 (7/0). ALSO READ | Retired David Warner 'looking forward' to his new role as commentator during India Test series Rune, the world number eight, was able to absorb the big-hitting of Safiullin, who hit 27 clean winners but also made 28 unforced errors. After Rune broke Safiullin's opening service game and won the first set, the Russian had the better of the second set but collapsed in the tiebreak. "It's been a great week so far," Rune said. "Playing some good matches against some great players. I'm excited for tomorrow and then Melbourne." Dimitrov eased through by seeing off Australian Jordan Thompson, who beat Rafael Nadal in the three-and-a-half hour marathon on Friday night. Thompson fought hard once again, but Dimitrov broke him once in each set to win 6-3, 7-5.

Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina set up Australian Open final rematch at Brisbane International

<p>Jannik Sinner stunned top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the Rotterdam ATP quarter-finals on Thursday while ninth-ranked Holger Rune was knocked out by world number 160 Gijs Brouwer.</p>

<p>Italian 21-year-old Sinner, ranked 14 in the world and fresh from his Montpellier title last weekend, came through 6-4, 6-3.</p>

<p>It was only his second win over world number three Tsitsipas in seven meetings and avenged a five-set loss to the Greek player in the last-16 at the Australian Open last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sinner will face Swiss veteran and three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals.</p>

<p>Highly-regarded 19-year-old Rune was trailing American-born Dutchman Brouwer 6-4, 4-0 when he quit their second-round tie.</p>

<p>Rune retired after a medical timeout failed to fix his physical problems.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-wins-his-10th-australian-open-title-beats-stefanos-tsitsipas-in-the-final-in-straight-sets-557024"><strong>Read more:&nbsp;Novak Djokovic wins his 10th Australian Open title, beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets</strong></a></p>

<p>Brouwer will face compatriot Tallon Griekspoor in Friday's quarter-finals.</p>

<p>Defending champion Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada eased past Gregoire Barrere to reach the last eight.</p>

<p>The 22-year-old from Montreal dispatched the last French player standing 6-4, 6-3 to set up a meeting with sixth seed Daniil</p>

<p>Medvedev, who beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 6-2, saving all six break points he faced.</p>

<p>Number three seed Auger-Aliassime secured his place in the last eight on the back of a solid first service, firing nine aces.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/novak-djokovic-wins-10th-australian-open-title-beats-tsitispas-557060"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Novak Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open Title, beats Tsitispas</strong></a></p>

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<p>Medvedev will be the favourite to win their encounter having won all of his four meetings with the Canadian, with all but one going the distance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Felix is a top player. He won here last year and played amazing at the end of last year. Looking forward to a tough match and hopefully I can be at my best," said Medvedev.</p>

<p>Australia's Alex de Minaur, who upset second seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets on Wednesday, plays Grigor Dimitrov in Friday's other quarter-final.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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Jannik Sinner stunned top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the Rotterdam ATP quarter-finals on Thursday while ninth-ranked Holger Rune was knocked out by world number 160 Gijs Brouwer.

Jannik Sinner stunned top seed Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets to reach the Rotterdam ATP quarter-finals on Thursday while ninth-ranked Holger Rune was knocked out by world number 160 Gijs Brouwer. Italian 21-year-old Sinner, ranked 14 in the world and fresh from his Montpellier title last weekend, came through 6-4, 6-3. It was only his second win over world number three Tsitsipas in seven meetings and avenged a five-set loss to the Greek player in the last-16 at the Australian Open last month. Sinner will face Swiss veteran and three-time major winner Stan Wawrinka for a place in the semi-finals. Highly-regarded 19-year-old Rune was trailing American-born Dutchman Brouwer 6-4, 4-0 when he quit their second-round tie. Rune retired after a medical timeout failed to fix his physical problems. Read more: Novak Djokovic wins his 10th Australian Open title, beats Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets Brouwer will face compatriot Tallon Griekspoor in Friday's quarter-finals. Defending champion Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada eased past Gregoire Barrere to reach the last eight. The 22-year-old from Montreal dispatched the last French player standing 6-4, 6-3 to set up a meeting with sixth seed Daniil Medvedev, who beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-2, 6-2, saving all six break points he faced. Number three seed Auger-Aliassime secured his place in the last eight on the back of a solid first service, firing nine aces. WATCH | Novak Djokovic wins 10th Australian Open Title, beats Tsitispas × Medvedev will be the favourite to win their encounter having won all of his four meetings with the Canadian, with all but one going the distance. "Felix is a top player. He won here last year and played amazing at the end of last year. Looking forward to a tough match and hopefully I can be at my best," said Medvedev. Australia's Alex de Minaur, who upset second seed Andrey Rublev in straight sets on Wednesday, plays Grigor Dimitrov in Friday's other quarter-final. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australian Open finalist Tsitsipas handed shocking loss by world number 160

<p>Novak Djokovic played with a three-centimetre (1.2 inches) tear in his hamstring during his run to a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Serbian, who suffered the hamstring injury en route to winning the warm-up title in Adelaide, won the season-opening major after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final for a men's record 22nd Grand Slam title, matching Rafa Nadal's haul. "This guy I did see, he had a three-centimetre tear in his hammy," Tiley told SEN Sportsday. "Absolutely (I saw the scans), the doctors are going to tell you the truth.</p>

<p>"There was a lot of speculation about whether it was true or not, it's hard to believe that they can do what they do with those kinds of injuries. "He's remarkable, to deal with it extremely professionally."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/novak-djokovic-in-numbers-grand-slam-career-of-oz-open-champion-who-equalled-rafael-nadals-tally-557157">Novak Djokovic in numbers: Grand Slam career of Oz Open champion who equalled Rafael Nadal's tally</a></strong></p>

<p>Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic said after the final that the world number one battled the injury, which would have forced most players to quit. "He's so focused on everything he does, with every single minute of the day," Tiley added. "That's what he eats, what he drinks, when he does it, how he does it.</p>

<p>"There's no breakdown or mental breakdown in anything that he does. He's been through a lot and to win 10 Australian Opens, I don't think that's ever going to be repeated... He'll hold a significant place in the history of the Australian Open."</p>


Novak Djokovic played with a three-centimetre (1.2 inches) tear in his hamstring during his run to a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday.

Novak Djokovic played with a three-centimetre (1.2 inches) tear in his hamstring during his run to a record-extending 10th Australian Open title, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday. The Serbian, who suffered the hamstring injury en route to winning the warm-up title in Adelaide, won the season-opening major after beating Stefanos Tsitsipas in Sunday's final for a men's record 22nd Grand Slam title, matching Rafa Nadal's haul. "This guy I did see, he had a three-centimetre tear in his hammy," Tiley told SEN Sportsday. "Absolutely (I saw the scans), the doctors are going to tell you the truth. "There was a lot of speculation about whether it was true or not, it's hard to believe that they can do what they do with those kinds of injuries. "He's remarkable, to deal with it extremely professionally." Also read: Novak Djokovic in numbers: Grand Slam career of Oz Open champion who equalled Rafael Nadal's tally Djokovic's coach Goran Ivanisevic said after the final that the world number one battled the injury, which would have forced most players to quit. "He's so focused on everything he does, with every single minute of the day," Tiley added. "That's what he eats, what he drinks, when he does it, how he does it. "There's no breakdown or mental breakdown in anything that he does. He's been through a lot and to win 10 Australian Opens, I don't think that's ever going to be repeated... He'll hold a significant place in the history of the Australian Open."

Novak Djokovic played Australian Open with 3cm tear in hamstring, reveals Craig Tiley

<p><strong>Australian Open 2023 player Tommy Paul:&nbsp;</strong>Tommy Paul has created history by reaching the 2023 Australian Open semi-finals. With Sebastian Korda's untimely withdrawal, Paul became the highest remaining American seed in the main draw. As a result, he has finally become the talk of the town, and he has a large number of supporters on his side. Along with Paul's fans, his girlfriend has been cheering him on from the stands. Since the match, Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze became the talk&nbsp;of the town as well along with the tennis pro.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Tommy Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze?</strong></h2>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cnk0zDQPivK/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Paige Lorenze (@paigelorenze)</a></p>
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<p>Tommy Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze is an Instagram influencer and has been seen recently cheering for her boyfriend, Tommy Paul.&nbsp;Though this is not how her dating has always been, she had quite a hard dating past.</p>

<h2><strong>Whom did Paige Lorenze have dated in the past before Tommy Paul?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Instagram influencer has a strange and potentially dangerous dating history. It includes the name of 'Call Me by Your Name' star <strong>Armie Hammer</strong>. He received positive feedback from both audiences and critics. However, when his "cannibalistic" messages surfaced on the internet, it became quite frightening. Paige Lorenze discussed her horrifying experience dating him, even if it was only for a short time.</p>

<p>She also dated <strong>Tyler Cameron</strong>, the runner-up of Bachelorette Season 15, who attracted a lot of attention due to his good looks. Her relationship with him, however, did not last long and ended within a month. She believed that the only reason he dated her was to gain some influence.</p>

<p>She also dated country music singer <strong>Morgan Wallen.</strong> Her relationship with Wallen appeared to be the beginning of something tangible. It did not, however, because the Instagram model accused him of cheating on her.</p>

<p>She also dated <strong>Kasperi Kapanen</strong>, a professional ice hockey player from Finland, for a few months before the couple split up.</p>

<p>The influencer started dating Tommy Paul back in 2022 and the two have been together since, also enjoying each other's company in Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Australian Open 2023: How Tommy Paul beats Ben Shelton in an all-USA Quarter-Final</h2>

<p>Tommy Paul reached his first Grand Slam semifinal and ended the surprising run of Ben Shelton by winning their all-American matchup at the Australian Open 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 35th-ranked Paul was a junior sensation, winning the French Open in 2015 and reaching the final at Flushing Meadows that year. As a pro, he has one tour-level title, which he won in Stockholm in 2021, and until this week, he had only made it to the fourth round of one Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon.</p>


Australian Open 2023 player Tommy Paul: Tommy Paul has created history by reaching the 2023 Australian Open semi-finals. With Sebastian Korda's untimely withdrawal, Paul became the highest remaining American seed in the main draw.

Australian Open 2023 player Tommy Paul: Tommy Paul has created history by reaching the 2023 Australian Open semi-finals. With Sebastian Korda's untimely withdrawal, Paul became the highest remaining American seed in the main draw. As a result, he has finally become the talk of the town, and he has a large number of supporters on his side. Along with Paul's fans, his girlfriend has been cheering him on from the stands. Since the match, Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze became the talk of the town as well along with the tennis pro. Who is Tommy Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze? View this post on Instagram A post shared by Paige Lorenze (@paigelorenze) × Tommy Paul's girlfriend, Paige Lorenze is an Instagram influencer and has been seen recently cheering for her boyfriend, Tommy Paul. Though this is not how her dating has always been, she had quite a hard dating past. Whom did Paige Lorenze have dated in the past before Tommy Paul? The Instagram influencer has a strange and potentially dangerous dating history. It includes the name of 'Call Me by Your Name' star Armie Hammer. He received positive feedback from both audiences and critics. However, when his "cannibalistic" messages surfaced on the internet, it became quite frightening. Paige Lorenze discussed her horrifying experience dating him, even if it was only for a short time. She also dated Tyler Cameron, the runner-up of Bachelorette Season 15, who attracted a lot of attention due to his good looks. Her relationship with him, however, did not last long and ended within a month. She believed that the only reason he dated her was to gain some influence. She also dated country music singer Morgan Wallen. Her relationship with Wallen appeared to be the beginning of something tangible. It did not, however, because the Instagram model accused him of cheating on her. She also dated Kasperi Kapanen, a professional ice hockey player from Finland, for a few months before the couple split up. The influencer started dating Tommy Paul back in 2022 and the two have been together since, also enjoying each other's company in Australia. Australian Open 2023: How Tommy Paul beats Ben Shelton in an all-USA Quarter-Final Tommy Paul reached his first Grand Slam semifinal and ended the surprising run of Ben Shelton by winning their all-American matchup at the Australian Open 7-6 (6), 6-3, 5-7, 6-4 on Wednesday. The 35th-ranked Paul was a junior sensation, winning the French Open in 2015 and reaching the final at Flushing Meadows that year. As a pro, he has one tour-level title, which he won in Stockholm in 2021, and until this week, he had only made it to the fourth round of one Grand Slam tournament, Wimbledon.

Who is Tommy Paul's girlfriend Paige Lorenze? All you need to know about IG model and tennis pro's love story

<p>One of India’s most decorated tennis players ever, Sania Mirza has said goodbye to Grand Slams at her favourite Australian Open after losing the mixed doubles finals with Rohan Bopanna on Friday in Melbourne. Bowing out early in the doubles category meant Sania’s last dance was only possible in the mixed doubles event, where she won her first Grand Slam in 2009 with compatriot Mahesh Bhupati. This time playing alongside her old dear friend Bopanna, Sania had hoped for a fitting farewell by winning the match against the Brazilian pair of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos, but that didn’t happen the way she would have wanted.</p>

<p>Following a straight-set loss (7-6, 6-2), Sania, holding back her tears, spoke for the one last time at the Grand Slam stage.</p>

<p>“If I cry – these are happy tears, not sad ones,” she said.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="art">❤️❤️ <a href="https://t.co/tUqTk1encx">https://t.co/tUqTk1encx</a></p>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1618843871538196480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/set-to-retire-in-february-2023-indias-sania-mirza-shares-emotional-note-ahead-of-her-final-grand-slam-552405">Set to retire in February 2023, India's Sania Mirza shares emotional note ahead of her final Grand Slam</a></p>

<p><strong>When 18-year-old Sania Mirza lived her dream</strong></p>

<p>Having made her Grand Slam debut at the tender age of 18 at Melbourne Park in 2005, Sania won her first two rounds and squared off against the greatest tennis player of all time, USA’s Serena Williams in the third round. Going down to Serena was possibly on the cards but that was one moment that instilled confidence in the Indian ace star and made her realise that she is living her dream and that she is here to stay. After Wednesday’s semifinal win at the ongoing Australian Open, Sania revealed her most special memory and it was this only.</p>

<p>“For me, the most special memory remains playing against Serena (Williams) here when I was 18 years old, even though I lost that match, got blown off the court,” Sania said after her semifinal victory&nbsp;on Wednesday at the Australian Open.</p>

<p>“Honestly, that was when belief was installed there that this is where I belong and this is where I want to be. Even though Serena won the tournament that year, for me, it made me believe that as a young Indian girl, the dream that I had to play in the slams, try and win them, was something that happened that year for me in 2005,” she added.</p>

<p><strong>2005 when the success story began</strong></p>

<p>That year brought more success as she went on to win the WTA Tour Title – the Hyderabad Open in February, thus becoming the first-ever Indian woman to achieve this feat. Though she lost her second-round match at Wimbledon the same year, by reaching the fourth round of the US Open in September she made history by becoming the first Indian tennis player since Ramesh Krishnan in 1987 to reach this far in a Grand Slam singles category.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-sania-mirza-rohan-bopannas-dream-run-ends-with-heartbreak-in-final-556376">Australian Open: Sania Mirza-Rohan Bopanna's dream run ends in heartbreak in Mixed Doubles final</a></p>

<p><strong>Sania’s rise in doubles rankings and more Grand Slam wins</strong></p>

<p>The following two years saw her rise in the women’s singles rankings as in 2007 she was seeded 27th – her best so far. Having claimed several wins in doubles and mixed doubles categories across tournaments in the same year, Sania was nearing her first Grand Slam win. The moment came two years later at the 2009 Australian Open when she was crowned the mixed doubles champion. She went on to repeat her feat at the 2012 French Open and at the US Open two years later in 2014.</p>

<p>Come 2015, Sania was all over the news for her commendable doubles category Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open. A few months later at the 2016 Australian Open, she entered the tournament with legendary Martina Hingis as the number one-seeded pair and won her third doubles slam.</p>

<p>While the country was celebrating various women athletes from different sports like MC Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, and even PV Sindhu by then, with six major titles to her name in doubles and mixed doubles categories, Sania had already cut herself a figure of an established female superstar athlete of India. Her career path had inspired so many young athletes in India and it would be fair to say she was one of the big reasons many young kids growing up picked up tennis rackets in this cricket-crazy country.</p>

<p>Although she did have&nbsp;her ups and downs and returns over the years, the veteran failed to win any more Slam titles post her Melbourne Park success in 2016. Even before the start of the 2023 Australian Open, she penned down an emotional post on her social media handles thanking everyone for standing by her side through her journey.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Life update :) <a href="https://t.co/bZhM89GXga">pic.twitter.com/bZhM89GXga</a></p>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1613868633327042561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>A super-mom, a tennis legend on the field, and a stereotype-breaker off it, Sania Mirza will be fondly remembered as one of India’s greatest sportspersons of the past two decades.</p>

<p>However, next month’s Dubai Open will be Sania’s last tournament as a professional Tennis player.</p>


One of India’s most decorated tennis players ever, Sania Mirza has said goodbye to Grand Slams at her favourite Australian Open after losing the mixed doubles finals with Rohan Bopanna on Friday in Melbourne.

One of India’s most decorated tennis players ever, Sania Mirza has said goodbye to Grand Slams at her favourite Australian Open after losing the mixed doubles finals with Rohan Bopanna on Friday in Melbourne. Bowing out early in the doubles category meant Sania’s last dance was only possible in the mixed doubles event, where she won her first Grand Slam in 2009 with compatriot Mahesh Bhupati. This time playing alongside her old dear friend Bopanna, Sania had hoped for a fitting farewell by winning the match against the Brazilian pair of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos, but that didn’t happen the way she would have wanted. Following a straight-set loss (7-6, 6-2), Sania, holding back her tears, spoke for the one last time at the Grand Slam stage. “If I cry – these are happy tears, not sad ones,” she said. ❤️❤️ https://t.co/tUqTk1encx — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) January 27, 2023 × ALSO READ: Set to retire in February 2023, India's Sania Mirza shares emotional note ahead of her final Grand Slam When 18-year-old Sania Mirza lived her dream Having made her Grand Slam debut at the tender age of 18 at Melbourne Park in 2005, Sania won her first two rounds and squared off against the greatest tennis player of all time, USA’s Serena Williams in the third round. Going down to Serena was possibly on the cards but that was one moment that instilled confidence in the Indian ace star and made her realise that she is living her dream and that she is here to stay. After Wednesday’s semifinal win at the ongoing Australian Open, Sania revealed her most special memory and it was this only. “For me, the most special memory remains playing against Serena (Williams) here when I was 18 years old, even though I lost that match, got blown off the court,” Sania said after her semifinal victory on Wednesday at the Australian Open. “Honestly, that was when belief was installed there that this is where I belong and this is where I want to be. Even though Serena won the tournament that year, for me, it made me believe that as a young Indian girl, the dream that I had to play in the slams, try and win them, was something that happened that year for me in 2005,” she added. 2005 when the success story began That year brought more success as she went on to win the WTA Tour Title – the Hyderabad Open in February, thus becoming the first-ever Indian woman to achieve this feat. Though she lost her second-round match at Wimbledon the same year, by reaching the fourth round of the US Open in September she made history by becoming the first Indian tennis player since Ramesh Krishnan in 1987 to reach this far in a Grand Slam singles category. ALSO READ: Australian Open: Sania Mirza-Rohan Bopanna's dream run ends in heartbreak in Mixed Doubles final Sania’s rise in doubles rankings and more Grand Slam wins The following two years saw her rise in the women’s singles rankings as in 2007 she was seeded 27th – her best so far. Having claimed several wins in doubles and mixed doubles categories across tournaments in the same year, Sania was nearing her first Grand Slam win. The moment came two years later at the 2009 Australian Open when she was crowned the mixed doubles champion. She went on to repeat her feat at the 2012 French Open and at the US Open two years later in 2014. Come 2015, Sania was all over the news for her commendable doubles category Slam wins at Wimbledon and the US Open. A few months later at the 2016 Australian Open, she entered the tournament with legendary Martina Hingis as the number one-seeded pair and won her third doubles slam. While the country was celebrating various women athletes from different sports like MC Mary Kom, Saina Nehwal, and even PV Sindhu by then, with six major titles to her name in doubles and mixed doubles categories, Sania had already cut herself a figure of an established female superstar athlete of India. Her career path had inspired so many young athletes in India and it would be fair to say she was one of the big reasons many young kids growing up picked up tennis rackets in this cricket-crazy country. Although she did have her ups and downs and returns over the years, the veteran failed to win any more Slam titles post her Melbourne Park success in 2016. Even before the start of the 2023 Australian Open, she penned down an emotional post on her social media handles thanking everyone for standing by her side through her journey. Life update :) pic.twitter.com/bZhM89GXga — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) January 13, 2023 × A super-mom, a tennis legend on the field, and a stereotype-breaker off it, Sania Mirza will be fondly remembered as one of India’s greatest sportspersons of the past two decades. However, next month’s Dubai Open will be Sania’s last tournament as a professional Tennis player.

Sania Mirza, a trailblazer, gets an almost fitting farewell at her last Grand Slam in 2023 Australian Open

<p>Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will clash in what promises to be a bruising Australian Open final on Saturday after both won in straight sets in the last four. Big-serving Wimbledon champion Rybakina defeated two-time Melbourne winner Victoria Azarenka 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 at a blustery and chilly Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Thursday. Powerful Belarusian Sabalenka then marched into the championship match with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 win over un-seeded Magda Linette. The 24-year-old Sabalenka will be contesting her first Grand Slam final. The fifth seed has battled nerves in big matches previously and worked with a sports psychologist, but said after dismissing the Pole that both were a thing of the past.</p>

<p>"I realised that nobody (other) than me will help, you know?" she told reporters. "On the pre-season I spoke to my psychologist, saying: 'I feel like I have to deal with that by myself because every time hoping that someone will fix my problem, it's not fixing my problem. I just have to take this responsibility and I just have to deal with that."</p>

<p>Whatever she is doing, it is working: Sabalenka has been in the form of her life since arriving in Australia. She won the Adelaide International warm-up tournament and has now extended her unbeaten streak to 10 matches, not losing a single set in any of them. And yet it was 30-year-old Linette, contesting her first major semi-final, who was out of the gate fastest, breaking to love in the opening game and holding for an early lead.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wwe-where-when-and-how-to-watch-2023-royal-rumble-live-streaming-details-start-time-and-match-cards-556237">WWE: Where, when and how to watch 2023 Royal Rumble? Live streaming details, start time and match cards</a></p>

<p>Sabalenka was being made to work hard and showed all her new-found patience to get back on terms with a break of her own, to love, for 2-2 and the set went to a tiebreak. Sabalenka timed her moment perfectly to up the aggression, and the decibel level, racing to 4-0 with a scream.</p>

<p>An ace that barely clipped the line stretched it to 5-0 and she closed out comfortably after 51 minutes, having smacked 20 winners to just seven from Linette.</p>

<p>"I would say that I didn't start really well," admitted Sabalenka. "And then on the tiebreak I kind of found my rhythm and just started trusting myself, started going for the shots. It was great tennis from me in the tiebreak."</p>

<p>Sabalenka showed no sign of letting up in the second set, breaking Linette and with a scream of "Come on!" holding for a 3-1 advantage.</p>

<p>A second break took her within sight of the finish line, which she raced across in 1hr 33min.</p>

<p><strong>- Missed opportunities -</strong></p>

<p>Reigning Wimbledon champion Rybakina, 23, said she hoped she had made her watching family proud after another impressive display. The Moscow-born Kazakh prevailed in 1hr 41min against the 2012 and 2013 champion Azarenka of Belarus to account for a third major winner in as many matches.</p>

<p>The 22nd seed Rybakina had already defeated reigning French and US Open champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round and 2017 Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals.</p>

<p>Rybakina said her semi-final triumph was even more special because she had her sister and parents all watching at Melbourne Park for the first time.</p>

<p>"I'm super happy that we can spend evenings together and they can watch me live," said Rybakina, whose parents were not there to see her win Wimbledon last year. "For sure it's great for them. I didn't even talk with them yet. I'm sure they're happy. They don't see me often playing live, so I think this time; it's a big result already. No matter how I play in the final, I think they're very proud and happy."</p>

<p>Azarenka, 33, was left to rue missed opportunities as her dream of a third Australian Open crown dissolved.</p>

<p>"Right now especially it's kind of hard to digest," she said. "I'm proud of myself how I fought and I tried. Tennis-wise I felt like I just wasn't there, especially in the important moments when I kept creating those opportunities for me. Just couldn't convert them."</p>


Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will clash in what promises to be a bruising Australian Open final on Saturday after both won in straight sets in the last four.

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina will clash in what promises to be a bruising Australian Open final on Saturday after both won in straight sets in the last four. Big-serving Wimbledon champion Rybakina defeated two-time Melbourne winner Victoria Azarenka 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 at a blustery and chilly Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Thursday. Powerful Belarusian Sabalenka then marched into the championship match with a 7-6 (7/1), 6-2 win over un-seeded Magda Linette. The 24-year-old Sabalenka will be contesting her first Grand Slam final. The fifth seed has battled nerves in big matches previously and worked with a sports psychologist, but said after dismissing the Pole that both were a thing of the past. "I realised that nobody (other) than me will help, you know?" she told reporters. "On the pre-season I spoke to my psychologist, saying: 'I feel like I have to deal with that by myself because every time hoping that someone will fix my problem, it's not fixing my problem. I just have to take this responsibility and I just have to deal with that." Whatever she is doing, it is working: Sabalenka has been in the form of her life since arriving in Australia. She won the Adelaide International warm-up tournament and has now extended her unbeaten streak to 10 matches, not losing a single set in any of them. And yet it was 30-year-old Linette, contesting her first major semi-final, who was out of the gate fastest, breaking to love in the opening game and holding for an early lead. ALSO READ: WWE: Where, when and how to watch 2023 Royal Rumble? Live streaming details, start time and match cards Sabalenka was being made to work hard and showed all her new-found patience to get back on terms with a break of her own, to love, for 2-2 and the set went to a tiebreak. Sabalenka timed her moment perfectly to up the aggression, and the decibel level, racing to 4-0 with a scream. An ace that barely clipped the line stretched it to 5-0 and she closed out comfortably after 51 minutes, having smacked 20 winners to just seven from Linette. "I would say that I didn't start really well," admitted Sabalenka. "And then on the tiebreak I kind of found my rhythm and just started trusting myself, started going for the shots. It was great tennis from me in the tiebreak." Sabalenka showed no sign of letting up in the second set, breaking Linette and with a scream of "Come on!" holding for a 3-1 advantage. A second break took her within sight of the finish line, which she raced across in 1hr 33min. - Missed opportunities - Reigning Wimbledon champion Rybakina, 23, said she hoped she had made her watching family proud after another impressive display. The Moscow-born Kazakh prevailed in 1hr 41min against the 2012 and 2013 champion Azarenka of Belarus to account for a third major winner in as many matches. The 22nd seed Rybakina had already defeated reigning French and US Open champion Iga Swiatek in the fourth round and 2017 Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the quarter-finals. Rybakina said her semi-final triumph was even more special because she had her sister and parents all watching at Melbourne Park for the first time. "I'm super happy that we can spend evenings together and they can watch me live," said Rybakina, whose parents were not there to see her win Wimbledon last year. "For sure it's great for them. I didn't even talk with them yet. I'm sure they're happy. They don't see me often playing live, so I think this time; it's a big result already. No matter how I play in the final, I think they're very proud and happy." Azarenka, 33, was left to rue missed opportunities as her dream of a third Australian Open crown dissolved. "Right now especially it's kind of hard to digest," she said. "I'm proud of myself how I fought and I tried. Tennis-wise I felt like I just wasn't there, especially in the important moments when I kept creating those opportunities for me. Just couldn't convert them."

Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina set up summit clash date at Australian Open 2023

<p>Novak Djokovic's father has been filmed posing with fans brandishing banned Russian flags at the Australian Open, including one featuring Vladimir Putin, in scenes Ukraine's ambassador Thursday slammed as "a disgrace". The Serbian star Djokovic had just booked his place in the tournament semi-final with a straight-sets thumping of Russian opponent Andrey Rublev at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night. After the match a group of fans unfurled Russian flags -- which are banned at Melbourne Park -- near the stadium and chanted pro-Russian and pro-Putin slogans. Tennis Australia said four people "revealed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards". Police were called and they were ejected from Melbourne Park.</p>

<p>A video later posted to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account showed Djokovic's father Srdjan posing with a man holding a Russian flag bearing President Putin's image. The man with the flag is wearing a black T-shirt with a "Z" on it -- a symbol supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The video is captioned: "Novak Djokovic's father makes bold political statement."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-nz-2023-opener-ruturaj-gaikwad-ruled-out-of-t20i-series-due-to-wrist-injury-556186">IND vs NZ 2023: Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of T20I series due to wrist injury</a></p>

<p>Serbian tennis reporters confirmed it was Djokovic's father and the Melbourne Age newspaper reported he said in Serbian: "Long live Russia."</p>

<p>Spectators are banned from having Russian or Belarusian flags at the Grand Slam after Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, demanded action when they were seen among the crowd last week.</p>

<p>At the time, Russia's embassy in Australia hit back, calling it "another example of unacceptable politicisation of sports".</p>

<p>Myroshnychenko said on Twitter on Thursday that the latest incident was shameful.</p>

<p>"It's a full package. Among the Serbian flags, there is: a Russian flag, Putin, Z-symbol, so-called Donetsk People's Republic flag," he tweeted with a link to the video.</p>

<p>"It's such a disgrace... @TennisAustralia @AustralianOpen."</p>

<p>Ukrainian player Lesia Tsurenko, who was defeated in the Australian Open first round, tweeted: "No words to say."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">No words to say😨😨😨😨 <a href="https://t.co/Zc0YKFNew3">https://t.co/Zc0YKFNew3</a></p>
— Lesia Tsurenko (@LTsurenko) <a href="https://twitter.com/LTsurenko/status/1618440929689624576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Another man was photographed by AFP inside the stadium during Djokovic's match with a pro-war "Z" symbol T-shirt.</p>

<p>Ukrainian former player Alex Dolgopolov, who is currently fighting in the war, asked on Twitter: "This guy will get banned for life, at least for all Australian events, right? @AustralianOpen."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This guy will get banned for life, at least for all Australian events, right? <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AustralianOpen</a> <a href="https://t.co/IpP5g4q9lr">https://t.co/IpP5g4q9lr</a></p>
— Alex Dolgopolov (@TheDolgo) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheDolgo/status/1618214572061757440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Novak Djokovic's father has been filmed posing with fans brandishing banned Russian flags at the Australian Open, including one featuring Vladimir Putin, in scenes Ukraine's ambassador Thursday slammed as "a disgrace".

Novak Djokovic's father has been filmed posing with fans brandishing banned Russian flags at the Australian Open, including one featuring Vladimir Putin, in scenes Ukraine's ambassador Thursday slammed as "a disgrace". The Serbian star Djokovic had just booked his place in the tournament semi-final with a straight-sets thumping of Russian opponent Andrey Rublev at Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday night. After the match a group of fans unfurled Russian flags -- which are banned at Melbourne Park -- near the stadium and chanted pro-Russian and pro-Putin slogans. Tennis Australia said four people "revealed inappropriate flags and symbols and threatened security guards". Police were called and they were ejected from Melbourne Park. A video later posted to a pro-Russian Australian YouTube account showed Djokovic's father Srdjan posing with a man holding a Russian flag bearing President Putin's image. The man with the flag is wearing a black T-shirt with a "Z" on it -- a symbol supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The video is captioned: "Novak Djokovic's father makes bold political statement." ALSO READ: IND vs NZ 2023: Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out of T20I series due to wrist injury Serbian tennis reporters confirmed it was Djokovic's father and the Melbourne Age newspaper reported he said in Serbian: "Long live Russia." Spectators are banned from having Russian or Belarusian flags at the Grand Slam after Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, demanded action when they were seen among the crowd last week. At the time, Russia's embassy in Australia hit back, calling it "another example of unacceptable politicisation of sports". Myroshnychenko said on Twitter on Thursday that the latest incident was shameful. "It's a full package. Among the Serbian flags, there is: a Russian flag, Putin, Z-symbol, so-called Donetsk People's Republic flag," he tweeted with a link to the video. "It's such a disgrace... @TennisAustralia @AustralianOpen." Ukrainian player Lesia Tsurenko, who was defeated in the Australian Open first round, tweeted: "No words to say." No words to say😨😨😨😨 https://t.co/Zc0YKFNew3 — Lesia Tsurenko (@LTsurenko) January 26, 2023 × Another man was photographed by AFP inside the stadium during Djokovic's match with a pro-war "Z" symbol T-shirt. Ukrainian former player Alex Dolgopolov, who is currently fighting in the war, asked on Twitter: "This guy will get banned for life, at least for all Australian events, right? @AustralianOpen." This guy will get banned for life, at least for all Australian events, right? @AustralianOpen https://t.co/IpP5g4q9lr — Alex Dolgopolov (@TheDolgo) January 25, 2023 × (With inputs from agencies)

Australian Open 2023: Novak Djokovic's father seen posing with a man holding a Russian flag

<p><strong>Australian Open 2023:&nbsp;</strong>The tennis duo from India, <strong>Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna</strong> reached the final reached the finals of the Australian Open 2023. This is the last Grand Slam tournament of Sania Mirza's career and she will now be eyeing to clinch her last title. The duo made their place in the Australian Open 2023 Mixed Doubles on Wednesday, 25 January.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unseeded Indian pair knocked out third seeds <strong>Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski</strong> 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 10-6 in the semifinal that lasted one hour and 52 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier Sania Mirza won three women's doubles and three mixed doubles titles in her career while Rohan Bopanna won one mixed doubles title.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">In a fitting farewell, <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a>'s last dance will take place on the grandest stage!<br />
<br />
She and <a href="https://twitter.com/rohanbopanna?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rohanbopanna</a> 🇮🇳 have qualified for the Mixed Doubles Final!<a href="https://twitter.com/wwos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wwos</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@espn</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/eurosport?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@eurosport</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/wowowtennis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wowowtennis</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/qHGNOvWMoC">pic.twitter.com/qHGNOvWMoC</a></p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1618181009182269440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Sania has announced that the WTA event in Dubai which is due in February, will be her last match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ahead of the start of the Australian Open 2023, Sania had already announced that this would be her final Grand Slam. Having qualified for the semi-finals, the ace Indian tennis star would be dreaming to go all the way and add another Grand Slam title to her name.</p>

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Australian Open 2023: The tennis duo from India, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna reached the final reached the finals of the Australian Open 2023. This is the last Grand Slam tournament of Sania Mirza's career and she will now be eyeing to clinch her last title.

Australian Open 2023: The tennis duo from India, Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna reached the final reached the finals of the Australian Open 2023. This is the last Grand Slam tournament of Sania Mirza's career and she will now be eyeing to clinch her last title. The duo made their place in the Australian Open 2023 Mixed Doubles on Wednesday, 25 January. The unseeded Indian pair knocked out third seeds Desirae Krawczyk and Neal Skupski 7-6(5) 6-7(5) 10-6 in the semifinal that lasted one hour and 52 minutes. Earlier Sania Mirza won three women's doubles and three mixed doubles titles in her career while Rohan Bopanna won one mixed doubles title. In a fitting farewell, @MirzaSania's last dance will take place on the grandest stage! She and @rohanbopanna 🇮🇳 have qualified for the Mixed Doubles Final!@wwos • @espn • @eurosport • @wowowtennis • #AusOpen • #AO2023 pic.twitter.com/qHGNOvWMoC — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 25, 2023 × Sania has announced that the WTA event in Dubai which is due in February, will be her last match. Ahead of the start of the Australian Open 2023, Sania had already announced that this would be her final Grand Slam. Having qualified for the semi-finals, the ace Indian tennis star would be dreaming to go all the way and add another Grand Slam title to her name. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Australian Open 2023: Indian duo Sania Mirza- Rohan Bopanna reaches final in mixed doubles category

<p>The Australian Open faced a scheduling disaster, with nearly half a day of play cancelled due to Melbourne's signature four-seasons-in-one weather. The rain prevented play on outside courts at the Australian Open compounded a scheduling backlog, making some players unhappy about it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Melbourne was facing extreme heat till Tuesday but on Wednesday the rains poured in the city causing a postponement of 4.5 hours in several matches, including mid-matches in many cases.</p>

<p>The weather bureau issued a squall warning for Port Phillip Bay and a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of central Victoria, as a cool change sweeps through Melbourne after days of high temperatures and fires.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-andy-murray-grinds-down-kokkinakis-in-late-night-epic-554249">Australian Open: Andy Murray grinds down Kokkinakis in late-night epic</a></p>

<p>The organisers at the AO 2023 thought of packing all the delayed matches into the Wednesday schedule only, which caused some matches to be stretched close to midnight. Plenty of players were far from happy with this new scheduling.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>How the new scheduling due to rains caused delays?</strong></p>

<p>The play was due to start at 11 am (GMT) but persistent rains hampered the play pushing the matches to 1 pm. But only matches on the three main stadiums with roofs were able to begin on time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>47 of the scheduled 64 matches were&nbsp;yet to be completed after a delay between 2 pm and 5 pm due to intense heat that reached over 37 degrees. When play was halted again around 8 pm, there were still over 30 first-round matches left to be played.</p>

<p>Tournament organisers eventually made a call after 9 pm to cancel most women’s singles matches that were yet to be played, moving them to Wednesday.</p>

<p>Three of the top seeds, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Maria Sakkari, all finished their second-round matches at the roofed courts early on Wednesday but the other 24 women couldn't even complete their first-round matches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Briton Jamie Murray, a top doubles player and brother of Andy Murray hit out on Twitter about Wednesday's schedule being released so late on Tuesday evening. During the changes in the schedule late in the evening, many players already went to sleep totally unaware of when they would start the other day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"11 am start on outside courts. Players arrive approx 8-8:30 am. The schedule was released at 11:30 pm. Unfair", he wrote on Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">11am start on outside courts.<br />
Players arrive approx 8-830am<br />
Schedule released 1130pm<br />
Unfair.<br />
<br />
On top of that the weather is crap. Just start matches later and give players more rest/prep time. You have lights!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ausopen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ausopen</a></p>
— Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) <a href="https://twitter.com/jamie_murray/status/1615473897377501184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Belgian veteran Kirsten Flipkens also voiced her concern.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">11:50pm.. I wont be one of them but how can you let the players play at 11am, if you still dont have a schedule at this time? 🤨</p>
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) <a href="https://twitter.com/FlipperKF/status/1615330792280068099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Tennis writer Jose Morgado also shared similar sentiments and wrote on Twitter, "Past midnight in Melbourne and no order of play for tomorrow apart from the three biggest stadiums".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Past midnight in Melbourne and no order of play for tomorrow apart from the three biggest stadiums. I guess they were already thinking they wouldn't finish today's matches. But most of the players have no idea at what time they have to wake up tomorrow. Special sport.</p>
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) <a href="https://twitter.com/josemorgado/status/1615334844325679105?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>With temperatures expected to remain high for the rest of the afternoon, tournament organisers were&nbsp;forced to fit in all of the first-round matches that caused some players playing matches till late in the night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Australian Open chief executive Craig Tiley lashed out at critics who demanded that the tournament be rescheduled when temperatures were not at their highest.</p>

<p>"You talk to every player, this is the season. It starts in January. It starts here in Australia."</p>

<p>"But Australia is the summer, Australia is January and this event is, from the players’ perspective, one of their favourite places to play."</p>

<p>"They’re coming here earlier, we’re now seeing players here for six weeks, for seven weeks and the preparation for the Australian summer is very normalised, they know what they need to do."</p>

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The Australian Open faced a scheduling disaster, with nearly half a day of play cancelled due to Melbourne's signature four-seasons-in-one weather. The rain prevented play on outside courts at the Australian Open compounded a scheduling backlog, making some players unhappy about it.

The Australian Open faced a scheduling disaster, with nearly half a day of play cancelled due to Melbourne's signature four-seasons-in-one weather. The rain prevented play on outside courts at the Australian Open compounded a scheduling backlog, making some players unhappy about it. Melbourne was facing extreme heat till Tuesday but on Wednesday the rains poured in the city causing a postponement of 4.5 hours in several matches, including mid-matches in many cases. The weather bureau issued a squall warning for Port Phillip Bay and a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of central Victoria, as a cool change sweeps through Melbourne after days of high temperatures and fires. Also Read | Australian Open: Andy Murray grinds down Kokkinakis in late-night epic The organisers at the AO 2023 thought of packing all the delayed matches into the Wednesday schedule only, which caused some matches to be stretched close to midnight. Plenty of players were far from happy with this new scheduling. How the new scheduling due to rains caused delays? The play was due to start at 11 am (GMT) but persistent rains hampered the play pushing the matches to 1 pm. But only matches on the three main stadiums with roofs were able to begin on time. 47 of the scheduled 64 matches were yet to be completed after a delay between 2 pm and 5 pm due to intense heat that reached over 37 degrees. When play was halted again around 8 pm, there were still over 30 first-round matches left to be played. Tournament organisers eventually made a call after 9 pm to cancel most women’s singles matches that were yet to be played, moving them to Wednesday. Three of the top seeds, Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, and Maria Sakkari, all finished their second-round matches at the roofed courts early on Wednesday but the other 24 women couldn't even complete their first-round matches. Briton Jamie Murray, a top doubles player and brother of Andy Murray hit out on Twitter about Wednesday's schedule being released so late on Tuesday evening. During the changes in the schedule late in the evening, many players already went to sleep totally unaware of when they would start the other day. "11 am start on outside courts. Players arrive approx 8-8:30 am. The schedule was released at 11:30 pm. Unfair", he wrote on Twitter. 11am start on outside courts. Players arrive approx 8-830am Schedule released 1130pm Unfair. On top of that the weather is crap. Just start matches later and give players more rest/prep time. You have lights!#ausopen — Jamie Murray (@jamie_murray) January 17, 2023 × Belgian veteran Kirsten Flipkens also voiced her concern. 11:50pm.. I wont be one of them but how can you let the players play at 11am, if you still dont have a schedule at this time? 🤨 — Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) January 17, 2023 × Tennis writer Jose Morgado also shared similar sentiments and wrote on Twitter, "Past midnight in Melbourne and no order of play for tomorrow apart from the three biggest stadiums". Past midnight in Melbourne and no order of play for tomorrow apart from the three biggest stadiums. I guess they were already thinking they wouldn't finish today's matches. But most of the players have no idea at what time they have to wake up tomorrow. Special sport. — José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 17, 2023 × With temperatures expected to remain high for the rest of the afternoon, tournament organisers were forced to fit in all of the first-round matches that caused some players playing matches till late in the night. Earlier this month, Australian Open chief executive Craig Tiley lashed out at critics who demanded that the tournament be rescheduled when temperatures were not at their highest. "You talk to every player, this is the season. It starts in January. It starts here in Australia." "But Australia is the summer, Australia is January and this event is, from the players’ perspective, one of their favourite places to play." "They’re coming here earlier, we’re now seeing players here for six weeks, for seven weeks and the preparation for the Australian summer is very normalised, they know what they need to do." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: What caused scheduling nightmare at Australian Open that delayed matches for more than 4 hours?

<p><strong>Australian Open 2023 Live streaming:&nbsp;</strong>The first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open is all set to start on Monday, 16 January in Melbourne. All the top tennis professionals have the reached venue and have been playing practice matches ahead of the mega sports event. Last year's Grand Slam featured some outstanding performances in both the men's and women's singles events. Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty have been crowned singles champions after beating Daniil Medvedev and Danielle Collins in the finals, respectively.</p>

<p>Though Barty will not be present at the AO 2023 as she announced her retirement from tennis but Nadal on the other will enter the tournament as the defending champion. from the last few matches, Nadal has not been in his greatest form as he only won one out of six matches since his fourth-round exit at the US Open.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The other strong contenders will be Djokovic and Iga Swiatek; if Djokovic wins this event, it will be his 10th Australian Open trophy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The following events will be played on hardcourt surfaces: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and junior championships. There will also be wheelchairs, legends, and exhibition events at the Open.</p>

<h2><strong>Full Schedule of the Australian Open 2023</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p><strong>Day 1 • Monday 16 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Singles<br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 3 • Wednesday 18 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Doubles<br />
Women's Doubles</p>

<p><strong>Day 4 • Thursday 19 January- Start of Round 1</strong></p>

<p>Mixed Doubles</p>

<p><strong>Day 6 • Saturday 21 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Junior Boy's Singles<br />
Junior Girl's Singles<br />
Legends' Doubles Exhibition</p>

<p><strong>Day 7 • Sunday 22 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Junior Boy's Doubles<br />
Junior Girl's Doubles</p>

<p><strong>Day 9 • Tuesday 24 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Wheelchair Singles<br />
Women's Wheelchair Singles<br />
Quad Wheelchair Singles<br />
Quarter Finals<br />
Men's Singles<br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 10 • Wednesday 25 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Wheelchair Doubles<br />
Women's Wheelchair Doubles<br />
Quad Wheelchair Doubles<br />
Quarter Finals<br />
Men's Singles<br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 11 • Thursday 26 January- Start of Semifinals</strong><br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 12 • Friday 27 January- Start of Semifinals</strong><br />
Men's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 13 • Saturday 28 January- Finals&nbsp;</strong><br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 14 • Sunday 29 January- Finals&nbsp;</strong><br />
Men's Singles Final<br />
Men's Singles</p>

<h2><strong>When is the Australian Open 2023?</strong></h2>

<p>The 2023 Australian Open begins on Monday, 16&nbsp;January&nbsp;and concludes on Saturday, 28&nbsp;January, with the women's final and Sunday, 29&nbsp;January&nbsp;with the men's final. The tournament will be held at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch the Australian Open 2023?</strong></h2>

<p>The Australian Open 2023 will be broadcasted on<strong> ESPN, ESPN2, and the ESPN</strong> family of networks. Check out the ESPN app and ESPN.com to watch the ESPN family of networks. You can use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, connected TV, or video game console to access the app or website.</p>

<p><strong>Sony Pictures Networks</strong>&nbsp;India will continue to broadcast the Australian Open from 2023. With this, the broadcaster will have TV and digital rights for the global sporting event across the Indian subcontinent including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The grand slam will be available on&nbsp;<strong>SPN’s sports channels</strong>&nbsp;as well as live-streamed on its OTT platform&nbsp;<strong>SonyLIV</strong>.</p>

<h2><strong>Who has won the Australian Open title most times?</strong></h2>

<p>Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds the most Australian Open titles (9) in the men's singles category. He is followed by Roger Federer and Roy Emerson, both of whom have won six times.</p>

<p>Margaret Court of Australia leads the women's singles chart with 11 titles. Serena Williams of the United States follows the Australian legend on the list with seven titles. The grand slam can also be live-streamed on the OTT platform SonyLIV.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Australian Open 2023 Live streaming: The first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open is all set to start on Monday, 16 January in Melbourne. All the top tennis professionals have the reached venue and have been playing practice matches ahead of the mega sports event.

Australian Open 2023 Live streaming: The first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open is all set to start on Monday, 16 January in Melbourne. All the top tennis professionals have the reached venue and have been playing practice matches ahead of the mega sports event. Last year's Grand Slam featured some outstanding performances in both the men's and women's singles events. Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty have been crowned singles champions after beating Daniil Medvedev and Danielle Collins in the finals, respectively. Though Barty will not be present at the AO 2023 as she announced her retirement from tennis but Nadal on the other will enter the tournament as the defending champion. from the last few matches, Nadal has not been in his greatest form as he only won one out of six matches since his fourth-round exit at the US Open. The other strong contenders will be Djokovic and Iga Swiatek; if Djokovic wins this event, it will be his 10th Australian Open trophy. The following events will be played on hardcourt surfaces: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, mixed doubles, and junior championships. There will also be wheelchairs, legends, and exhibition events at the Open. Full Schedule of the Australian Open 2023 Day 1 • Monday 16 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Singles Women's Singles Day 3 • Wednesday 18 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Doubles Women's Doubles Day 4 • Thursday 19 January- Start of Round 1 Mixed Doubles Day 6 • Saturday 21 January- Start of Round 1 Junior Boy's Singles Junior Girl's Singles Legends' Doubles Exhibition Day 7 • Sunday 22 January- Start of Round 1 Junior Boy's Doubles Junior Girl's Doubles Day 9 • Tuesday 24 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Wheelchair Singles Women's Wheelchair Singles Quad Wheelchair Singles Quarter Finals Men's Singles Women's Singles Day 10 • Wednesday 25 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Wheelchair Doubles Women's Wheelchair Doubles Quad Wheelchair Doubles Quarter Finals Men's Singles Women's Singles Day 11 • Thursday 26 January- Start of Semifinals Women's Singles Day 12 • Friday 27 January- Start of Semifinals Men's Singles Day 13 • Saturday 28 January- Finals Women's Singles Day 14 • Sunday 29 January- Finals Men's Singles Final Men's Singles When is the Australian Open 2023? The 2023 Australian Open begins on Monday, 16 January and concludes on Saturday, 28 January, with the women's final and Sunday, 29 January with the men's final. The tournament will be held at Melbourne Park in Melbourne, Australia. Where to watch the Australian Open 2023? The Australian Open 2023 will be broadcasted on ESPN, ESPN2, and the ESPN family of networks. Check out the ESPN app and ESPN.com to watch the ESPN family of networks. You can use your smartphone, tablet, laptop, connected TV, or video game console to access the app or website. Sony Pictures Networks India will continue to broadcast the Australian Open from 2023. With this, the broadcaster will have TV and digital rights for the global sporting event across the Indian subcontinent including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The grand slam will be available on SPN’s sports channels as well as live-streamed on its OTT platform SonyLIV. Who has won the Australian Open title most times? Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds the most Australian Open titles (9) in the men's singles category. He is followed by Roger Federer and Roy Emerson, both of whom have won six times. Margaret Court of Australia leads the women's singles chart with 11 titles. Serena Williams of the United States follows the Australian legend on the list with seven titles. The grand slam can also be live-streamed on the OTT platform SonyLIV.

Australian Open 2023 Live Streaming: When, where & how to watch matches of AO 2023 live on TV channels, mobile

<p><strong>Australian Open 2023 Schedule:&nbsp;</strong>Australian Open is just around the corner and all the Tennis stars have their eyes on the calendar. The first four Grand Slam events of the year will be held from&nbsp;<strong>16 January to&nbsp;29 January</strong> at Melbourne Park. It features men's and women's singles, mixed doubles, and junior championships. Novak Djokovic has been the most successful player at the Australian Open and has won a total of nine titles in the singles category till now. Notably, the two-time champion of the women's singles event, Naomi Osaka will miss the 2023 edition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Here's all you need to know about the upcoming event:</p>

<p>The Australian Open is the first of the year's four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. The others are the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. This will be the&nbsp;<strong>111th edition</strong> of the tennis tournament will since&nbsp;1905.</p>

<h2><strong>Australian Open 2023 Full Schedule:</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Day 1 • Monday 16 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Singles<br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 3 • Wednesday 18 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Doubles<br />
Women's Doubles</p>

<p><strong>Day 4 • Thursday 19 January- Start of Round 1</strong></p>

<p>Mixed Doubles</p>

<p><strong>Day 6 • Saturday 21 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Junior Boy's Singles<br />
Junior Girl's Singles<br />
Legends' Doubles Exhibition</p>

<p><strong>Day 7 • Sunday 22 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Junior Boy's Doubles<br />
Junior Girl's Doubles</p>

<p><strong>Day 9 • Tuesday 24 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Wheelchair Singles<br />
Women's Wheelchair Singles<br />
Quad Wheelchair Singles<br />
Quarter Finals<br />
Men's Singles<br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 10 • Wednesday 25 January- Start of Round 1</strong><br />
Men's Wheelchair Doubles<br />
Women's Wheelchair Doubles<br />
Quad Wheelchair Doubles<br />
Quarter Finals<br />
Men's Singles<br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 11 • Thursday 26 January- Start of Semifinals</strong><br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 12 • Friday 27 January- Start of Semifinals</strong><br />
Men's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 13 • Saturday 28 January- Finals&nbsp;</strong><br />
Women's Singles</p>

<p><strong>Day 14 • Sunday 29 January- Finals&nbsp;</strong><br />
Men's Singles Final<br />
Men's Singles</p>

<h2><strong>Where to watch all the matches of the Australian Open 2023 Live?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Sony Pictures Networks</strong> India will continue to broadcast the Australian Open from 2023. With this, the broadcaster will have TV and digital rights for the global sporting event across the Indian subcontinent including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The grand slam will be available on <strong>SPN’s sports channels</strong> as well as live-streamed on its OTT platform <strong>SonyLIV</strong>.</p>

<p>People outside India can watch and stream live action every day at Melbourne Park with Eurosport, the <strong>Eurosport App</strong> and <strong>discovery+</strong>.</p>

<h2><strong>Australian Open 2023 Prize Money:</strong></h2>

<p>At the 2023 Australian Open, players will compete for a record prize pool of <strong>A$76.5 million</strong> (a 3.4 per cent increase from 2022), with men's and women's champions pocketing AU$2.975 million, and a first-round loss netting AU$106,250.</p>

<p><strong>SINGLES (all A$)</strong></p>

<p>Winner- $2,975,000<br />
Runner-up $1,625,000<br />
Semifinalists- $925,000<br />
Quarterfinalists- $555,250<br />
Round of 16- $338,250<br />
Round of 32- $227,925<br />
Round of 64- $158,850<br />
First Round- $106,250</p>

<p><strong>QUALIFYING SINGLES</strong></p>

<p>Round of 32- $55,150<br />
Round of 64- $36,575<br />
First Round- $26,000</p>

<p><strong>DOUBLES (per team)</strong></p>

<p>Winner- $695,000<br />
Runner-up $370,000<br />
Semifinalists- $210,000<br />
Quarterfinalists- $116,500<br />
Round of 16- $67,250<br />
Round of 32- $46,500<br />
First Round- $30,975</p>

<p><strong>MIXED DOUBLES (per team)</strong></p>

<p>Winner- $157,750<br />
Runner-up- $89,450<br />
Semifinalists- $47,500<br />
Quarterfinalists- $25,250<br />
Round of 16- $12,650<br />
First Round- $6,600<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A recap of the Australian Open 2022 event</strong></h2>

<p>The previous year's event saw <strong>Rafael Nadal </strong>win his second Australian Open Men's singles title over Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final.&nbsp;<strong>Ashleigh Barty</strong> won her first Australian Open title in straight sets over Danielle Collins in the Women's category.&nbsp;Notably, Barty has announced his retirement from professional tennis.</p>

<h2><strong>Who has won the Australian Open title most times?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>Novak Djokovic</strong> of Serbia holds the most Australian Open titles (9) in the men's singles category. He is followed by Roger Federer and Roy Emerson, both of whom have won six times.<br />
<strong>Margaret Court</strong> of Australia leads the women's singles chart with 11 titles. Serena Williams of the United States follows the Australian legend on the list with seven titles.</p>

<h2>Big names missing out of the Australia Open 2023</h2>

<p><strong>Osaka</strong> withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open without giving a reason. <strong>Venus Williams</strong> of the United States will also miss the event due to an unspecified injury.&nbsp;<strong>Carlos Alcaraz</strong> of Spain has been ruled out due to a leg injury. <strong>Simona Halep</strong>, a former world number one and Romanian professional, will also miss out after testing positive for a prohibited substance.</p>

<h2><strong>Some of the best players to look out for at the Australian Open 2023</strong></h2>

<p>Djokovic has been in excellent form recently, and many expect him to win his 10th Australian Open title as well.&nbsp;Other notable contenders for the men's singles title include Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Dmitry Medvedev.</p>

<p>With Osaka withdrawing and Barty retiring, world number one Iga Swiatek is the absolute favourite to win the women's singles event.</p>


Australian Open 2023 Schedule: Australian Open is just around the corner and all the Tennis stars have their eyes on the calendar. The first four Grand Slam events of the year will be held from 16 January to 29 January at Melbourne Park.

Australian Open 2023 Schedule: Australian Open is just around the corner and all the Tennis stars have their eyes on the calendar. The first four Grand Slam events of the year will be held from 16 January to 29 January at Melbourne Park. It features men's and women's singles, mixed doubles, and junior championships. Novak Djokovic has been the most successful player at the Australian Open and has won a total of nine titles in the singles category till now. Notably, the two-time champion of the women's singles event, Naomi Osaka will miss the 2023 edition. Here's all you need to know about the upcoming event: The Australian Open is the first of the year's four Grand Slam tennis tournaments. The others are the French Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. This will be the 111th edition of the tennis tournament will since 1905. Australian Open 2023 Full Schedule: Day 1 • Monday 16 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Singles Women's Singles Day 3 • Wednesday 18 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Doubles Women's Doubles Day 4 • Thursday 19 January- Start of Round 1 Mixed Doubles Day 6 • Saturday 21 January- Start of Round 1 Junior Boy's Singles Junior Girl's Singles Legends' Doubles Exhibition Day 7 • Sunday 22 January- Start of Round 1 Junior Boy's Doubles Junior Girl's Doubles Day 9 • Tuesday 24 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Wheelchair Singles Women's Wheelchair Singles Quad Wheelchair Singles Quarter Finals Men's Singles Women's Singles Day 10 • Wednesday 25 January- Start of Round 1 Men's Wheelchair Doubles Women's Wheelchair Doubles Quad Wheelchair Doubles Quarter Finals Men's Singles Women's Singles Day 11 • Thursday 26 January- Start of Semifinals Women's Singles Day 12 • Friday 27 January- Start of Semifinals Men's Singles Day 13 • Saturday 28 January- Finals Women's Singles Day 14 • Sunday 29 January- Finals Men's Singles Final Men's Singles Where to watch all the matches of the Australian Open 2023 Live? Sony Pictures Networks India will continue to broadcast the Australian Open from 2023. With this, the broadcaster will have TV and digital rights for the global sporting event across the Indian subcontinent including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The grand slam will be available on SPN’s sports channels as well as live-streamed on its OTT platform SonyLIV. People outside India can watch and stream live action every day at Melbourne Park with Eurosport, the Eurosport App and discovery+. Australian Open 2023 Prize Money: At the 2023 Australian Open, players will compete for a record prize pool of A$76.5 million (a 3.4 per cent increase from 2022), with men's and women's champions pocketing AU$2.975 million, and a first-round loss netting AU$106,250. SINGLES (all A$) Winner- $2,975,000 Runner-up $1,625,000 Semifinalists- $925,000 Quarterfinalists- $555,250 Round of 16- $338,250 Round of 32- $227,925 Round of 64- $158,850 First Round- $106,250 QUALIFYING SINGLES Round of 32- $55,150 Round of 64- $36,575 First Round- $26,000 DOUBLES (per team) Winner- $695,000 Runner-up $370,000 Semifinalists- $210,000 Quarterfinalists- $116,500 Round of 16- $67,250 Round of 32- $46,500 First Round- $30,975 MIXED DOUBLES (per team) Winner- $157,750 Runner-up- $89,450 Semifinalists- $47,500 Quarterfinalists- $25,250 Round of 16- $12,650 First Round- $6,600 A recap of the Australian Open 2022 event The previous year's event saw Rafael Nadal win his second Australian Open Men's singles title over Russian Daniil Medvedev in the final. Ashleigh Barty won her first Australian Open title in straight sets over Danielle Collins in the Women's category. Notably, Barty has announced his retirement from professional tennis. Who has won the Australian Open title most times? Novak Djokovic of Serbia holds the most Australian Open titles (9) in the men's singles category. He is followed by Roger Federer and Roy Emerson, both of whom have won six times. Margaret Court of Australia leads the women's singles chart with 11 titles. Serena Williams of the United States follows the Australian legend on the list with seven titles. Big names missing out of the Australia Open 2023 Osaka withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open without giving a reason. Venus Williams of the United States will also miss the event due to an unspecified injury. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain has been ruled out due to a leg injury. Simona Halep, a former world number one and Romanian professional, will also miss out after testing positive for a prohibited substance. Some of the best players to look out for at the Australian Open 2023 Djokovic has been in excellent form recently, and many expect him to win his 10th Australian Open title as well. Other notable contenders for the men's singles title include Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Dmitry Medvedev. With Osaka withdrawing and Barty retiring, world number one Iga Swiatek is the absolute favourite to win the women's singles event.

Australian Open 2023 Schedule: AO 2023 Dates, Time, Venue, Draws, Prize Money, tickets online, Live Streaming

<p><strong>Australian Open 2023 update:&nbsp;</strong>The Australian Open is one of the most renowned tennis tournaments, attracting top players from all over the world to compete for the prestigious title. As the qualifiers are completed now, the main edition of 2023 began on Monday, <strong>16 January </strong>at Melbourne Park, with big names like Rafael Nadal, the 22-time major singles champion, and American star Coco Gauff taking centre stage at the Rod Laver Arena on Day 1.</p>

<p>Since it is the first Grand Slam of the year, players in all categories will be looking to get their season off to a good start. While fans are excited to see their favourite players in action, a few prominent stars will be missing from the tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Due to various types of injuries and fitness issues, a few renowned individuals will miss the Australian Open 2023. It will be disappointing to see them sit on the bench due to their calibre and quality. As Naomi Osaka recently announced that she is expecting her first child and will not be able to smash it on the field, there are other players as well who dropped themselves out of the tournament. Let's take a look at the top five players who will be missing the championship at Melbourne Park:</p>

<h2><strong>1. Simona Halep (Romania)</strong></h2>
<img alt="Simona Halep " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="9a846bb8-9ff5-499e-b174-1730f378da59" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-16T122945.731.png" />
<p>Simona Halep will not compete in the 2023 Australian Open. The former World No. 1 not playing at the year's first Grand Slam&nbsp;will be a huge loss for the organisers. She will be unable to compete due to a ban for taking the prohibited substance 'roxadustat' following fitness issues. While it is not an injury that is keeping the former French Open and Wimbledon champion out of the competition, her absence will be felt.</p>

<h2><strong>2. Venus Williams (USA)</strong>&nbsp;</h2>
<img alt="Venus Williams " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c7290dc0-1d3f-4f94-912e-af322b33993f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-16T123121.631.png" />
<p>Due to an undisclosed&nbsp;injury, Venus Williams will not compete in any category at the Australian Open 2023. The five-time Wimbledon champion and one-time US Open champion has never won the Australian Grand Slam in singles. At the recent Auckland Classic, the 42-year-old suffered an injury. She was given a wildcard entry into the Australian Open 2023 but will not be using it.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>3. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain)</strong>&nbsp;</h2>
<img alt="Carlos Alcaraz " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="107ac01b-5ae7-4bb8-b84c-e55fcdaabc57" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-16T123232.631.png" />
<p>Carlos Alcaraz is a huge figure who will not compete in the upcoming Australian Open in 2023. He is the current World No. 1 in Men's Singles. The winner of the US Open 2022 has a right leg injury that will keep him out of action in Australia. The 19-year-old is still in the early stages of his career but is showing great promise. He is one of the players to keep an eye on this season, but staying injury-free should be a top priority for him. The absence of a world number one tennis player will be significant.</p>

<h2><strong>4. Naomi Osaka (Japan)</strong>&nbsp;</h2>
<img alt="Naomi Osaka " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a2c61209-b9a6-4452-b322-c1b884e9d36b" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-16T123349.389.png" />
<p>For a long time, Naomi Osaka's participation in the Australian Open 2023 was in doubt. Since September 2022, the former World No.1 has not played an official match. It was unclear when the Japanese star would return to action, and there was no official word from the player's camp until 11 &nbsp;January 11 when&nbsp;Osaka announced that she is pregnant and will be out of the game until 2024.</p>

<h2><strong>5. Paula Badosa (Spain)</strong></h2>
<img alt="Paula Badosa " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4cc5e801-96e4-4396-b815-e9387922b087" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-16T123456.431.png" />
<p>Paula Badosa is the latest player to withdraw from the Australian Open in 2023. The 11th-seeded Spaniard withdrew from the season's first Grand Slam due to a thigh injury suffered in a warm-up tournament earlier this week.</p>

<h2><strong>6. Nick Kyrgios (Australia)</strong>&nbsp;</h2>
<img alt="Nick Kyrgios " data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87f97fb8-e5f6-46da-8951-1f0258352927" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-01-16T123608.316.png" />
<p>Nick Kyrgios&nbsp;stunned the Australian Open by withdrawing due to a knee injury, effectively ending local hopes that he would be able to end the country's long wait for a home men's champion. The 27-year-old, who finished runner-up at Wimbledon last year, said he was "devastated" to have to withdraw from his home Grand Slam after being one of the favourites.</p>


Australian Open 2023 update: The Australian Open is one of the most renowned tennis tournaments, attracting top players from all over the world to compete for the prestigious title.

Australian Open 2023 update: The Australian Open is one of the most renowned tennis tournaments, attracting top players from all over the world to compete for the prestigious title. As the qualifiers are completed now, the main edition of 2023 began on Monday, 16 January at Melbourne Park, with big names like Rafael Nadal, the 22-time major singles champion, and American star Coco Gauff taking centre stage at the Rod Laver Arena on Day 1. Since it is the first Grand Slam of the year, players in all categories will be looking to get their season off to a good start. While fans are excited to see their favourite players in action, a few prominent stars will be missing from the tournament. Due to various types of injuries and fitness issues, a few renowned individuals will miss the Australian Open 2023. It will be disappointing to see them sit on the bench due to their calibre and quality. As Naomi Osaka recently announced that she is expecting her first child and will not be able to smash it on the field, there are other players as well who dropped themselves out of the tournament. Let's take a look at the top five players who will be missing the championship at Melbourne Park: 1. Simona Halep (Romania) Simona Halep will not compete in the 2023 Australian Open. The former World No. 1 not playing at the year's first Grand Slam will be a huge loss for the organisers. She will be unable to compete due to a ban for taking the prohibited substance 'roxadustat' following fitness issues. While it is not an injury that is keeping the former French Open and Wimbledon champion out of the competition, her absence will be felt. 2. Venus Williams (USA) Due to an undisclosed injury, Venus Williams will not compete in any category at the Australian Open 2023. The five-time Wimbledon champion and one-time US Open champion has never won the Australian Grand Slam in singles. At the recent Auckland Classic, the 42-year-old suffered an injury. She was given a wildcard entry into the Australian Open 2023 but will not be using it. 3. Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) Carlos Alcaraz is a huge figure who will not compete in the upcoming Australian Open in 2023. He is the current World No. 1 in Men's Singles. The winner of the US Open 2022 has a right leg injury that will keep him out of action in Australia. The 19-year-old is still in the early stages of his career but is showing great promise. He is one of the players to keep an eye on this season, but staying injury-free should be a top priority for him. The absence of a world number one tennis player will be significant. 4. Naomi Osaka (Japan) For a long time, Naomi Osaka's participation in the Australian Open 2023 was in doubt. Since September 2022, the former World No.1 has not played an official match. It was unclear when the Japanese star would return to action, and there was no official word from the player's camp until 11 January 11 when Osaka announced that she is pregnant and will be out of the game until 2024. 5. Paula Badosa (Spain) Paula Badosa is the latest player to withdraw from the Australian Open in 2023. The 11th-seeded Spaniard withdrew from the season's first Grand Slam due to a thigh injury suffered in a warm-up tournament earlier this week. 6. Nick Kyrgios (Australia) Nick Kyrgios stunned the Australian Open by withdrawing due to a knee injury, effectively ending local hopes that he would be able to end the country's long wait for a home men's champion. The 27-year-old, who finished runner-up at Wimbledon last year, said he was "devastated" to have to withdraw from his home Grand Slam after being one of the favourites.

Australian Open 2023: Nick Kyrgios pulls out of grand slam; top 6 players who dropped out from the tournament

<p>Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles. The Serbian star player trained hard in the months after he was deported and while barred from competing in the United States for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. He later won his seventh Wimbledon crown and capped a year of disruption by winning the ATP Tour Finals for a sixth time in Turin. Back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government, Djokovic said missing events due to his vaccination stance had renewed his determination on the training court.</p>

<p>"Yes, absolutely. I mean, you normally, as a professional tennis player on the highest level, don't have much time to really have a longer training block," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday.</p>

<p>"The fact that I wasn't playing for several months beginning of last year allowed me to really get together with my team and work on my body, on my strokes, which has later helped me to achieve some great results."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/13-year-old-yash-chawde-breaks-national-record-with-an-unbeaten-508-in-junior-cricket-tournament-552574">13-year-old Yash Chawde breaks national record with an unbeaten 508 in junior cricket tournament</a></p>

<p>Djokovic told local broadcaster Nine Network that he felt like "the villain of the world" last year in Melbourne where he was detained at a hotel with asylum-seekers before being deported.</p>

<p>However, he was warmly received by a packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night during a practice match against home hero Nick Kyrgios. Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, said he had no choice but to move on from the events of last year.</p>

<p>"Well, you have to. I mean, in a way, if I do hold the grudges, probably if I'm not able to move on, I wouldn't be here," he told reporters. "Also, I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year."</p>

<p>The 35-year-old said he was still cautious about a hamstring strain he picked up in Adelaide and was training lighter than usual to conserve his energy. There was no holding back on his motivation to grab another Melbourne Park crown, though, and draw level with champion Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race with a 22nd major title.</p>

<p>"That's why I keep on playing professional tennis, competition tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world," said Djokovic, who opens his tournament against unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena.</p>

<p>"There is no secret about it. It doesn't get bigger than this.</p>

<p>"I like my chances. I always like my chances."</p>


Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles.

Novak Djokovic said his controversial deportation ahead of last year's Australian Open proved an unlikely catalyst for success in 2022, allowing him to regroup on the practice court before bouncing back with key titles. The Serbian star player trained hard in the months after he was deported and while barred from competing in the United States for not being vaccinated against COVID-19. He later won his seventh Wimbledon crown and capped a year of disruption by winning the ATP Tour Finals for a sixth time in Turin. Back at Melbourne Park after his visa ban was lifted by the Australian government, Djokovic said missing events due to his vaccination stance had renewed his determination on the training court. "Yes, absolutely. I mean, you normally, as a professional tennis player on the highest level, don't have much time to really have a longer training block," Djokovic told reporters on Saturday. "The fact that I wasn't playing for several months beginning of last year allowed me to really get together with my team and work on my body, on my strokes, which has later helped me to achieve some great results." ALSO READ: 13-year-old Yash Chawde breaks national record with an unbeaten 508 in junior cricket tournament Djokovic told local broadcaster Nine Network that he felt like "the villain of the world" last year in Melbourne where he was detained at a hotel with asylum-seekers before being deported. However, he was warmly received by a packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena on Friday night during a practice match against home hero Nick Kyrgios. Djokovic, who will bid for a record-extending 10th Australian Open crown, said he had no choice but to move on from the events of last year. "Well, you have to. I mean, in a way, if I do hold the grudges, probably if I'm not able to move on, I wouldn't be here," he told reporters. "Also, I have to say that the amount of positive experiences I had in Australia overwhelm the negative experience maybe of last year." The 35-year-old said he was still cautious about a hamstring strain he picked up in Adelaide and was training lighter than usual to conserve his energy. There was no holding back on his motivation to grab another Melbourne Park crown, though, and draw level with champion Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam race with a 22nd major title. "That's why I keep on playing professional tennis, competition tennis, because I want to be the best, I want to win the biggest tournaments in the world," said Djokovic, who opens his tournament against unseeded Spaniard Roberto Carballes Baena. "There is no secret about it. It doesn't get bigger than this. "I like my chances. I always like my chances."

Deporting drama last year helped me taste success later as I worked on my body, my game, says Novak Djokovic

<p>One of India's greatest Tennis players, Sania Mirza earlier announced that she would be retiring after next month's Dubai Open. On Friday, a couple of days before the start of the Australian Open 2023 - a tournament where Sania made her Grand Slam&nbsp;debut back in 2005, she shared an emotional note on her social media handles where she talked about her journey. While Sania will feature in the doubles category alongside Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina at AO this time, she is likely to pair with Rohan Bopanna in the mixed doubles at the first Slam of the year.</p>

<p>Having won her first Grand Slam at the Hardcourt event Down Under with Mahesh Bhupati in the mixed doubles category in 2009, Mirza won her last major at the same tournament seven years ago alongside veteran Martina Hingis in the doubles category.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/you-can-never-bet-against-him-boris-becker-lauds-veteran-star-ahead-of-2023-australian-open-552390">'You can never bet against him' - Boris Becker lauds veteran star ahead of 2023 Australian Open</a></p>

<p>Although she had planned to retire last year on the tour, an unlikely injury just ahead of the US Open forced her to change her plans. In the heartful post she penned down, Sania wrote about her journey from beginning as a 6-year-old in Hyderabad to making it to the biggest stage in Tennis world. Taking pride in everything that she has achieved in two decades of her professional career, Sania wrote that she is grateful for the memories she created.</p>

<p>She even revealed that her countrymen and supporters standing by her side during her wins was possibly the proudest moment for her throughout her career.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Life update :) <a href="https://t.co/bZhM89GXga">pic.twitter.com/bZhM89GXga</a></p>
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania/status/1613868633327042561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza also reached the final of Charleston Open WTA 500 and Strasbourg Open in 2022.</p>


One of India's greatest Tennis players, Sania Mirza earlier announced that she would be retiring after next month's Dubai Open. On Friday, a couple of days before the start of the Australian Open 2023 - a tournament where Sania made her Grand Slam debut back in 2005, she shared an emotional note on her social media handles where she talked about her journey.

One of India's greatest Tennis players, Sania Mirza earlier announced that she would be retiring after next month's Dubai Open. On Friday, a couple of days before the start of the Australian Open 2023 - a tournament where Sania made her Grand Slam debut back in 2005, she shared an emotional note on her social media handles where she talked about her journey. While Sania will feature in the doubles category alongside Kazakhstan’s Anna Danilina at AO this time, she is likely to pair with Rohan Bopanna in the mixed doubles at the first Slam of the year. Having won her first Grand Slam at the Hardcourt event Down Under with Mahesh Bhupati in the mixed doubles category in 2009, Mirza won her last major at the same tournament seven years ago alongside veteran Martina Hingis in the doubles category. ALSO READ: 'You can never bet against him' - Boris Becker lauds veteran star ahead of 2023 Australian Open Although she had planned to retire last year on the tour, an unlikely injury just ahead of the US Open forced her to change her plans. In the heartful post she penned down, Sania wrote about her journey from beginning as a 6-year-old in Hyderabad to making it to the biggest stage in Tennis world. Taking pride in everything that she has achieved in two decades of her professional career, Sania wrote that she is grateful for the memories she created. She even revealed that her countrymen and supporters standing by her side during her wins was possibly the proudest moment for her throughout her career. Life update :) pic.twitter.com/bZhM89GXga — Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) January 13, 2023 × Six-time Grand Slam winner Sania Mirza also reached the final of Charleston Open WTA 500 and Strasbourg Open in 2022.

Set to retire in February 2023, India's Sania Mirza shares emotional note ahead of her final Grand Slam

<p>With the 2023 Australian Open about to get underway&nbsp;in Melbourne from Monday, January 16th, Tennis veteran Boris Becker lauded the 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal saying he would never bet against the Spaniard. Talking highly of Nadal, who won the Hardcourt event Down Under last year, Becker said Rafa, as many of Nadal's fans call him, was never in reckoning before the start of the tournament and yet went on to claim the top prize a couple of weeks later.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking with Eurosport, Becker said, “As long as this guy is around, I would never bet against him. Let's remember last year, he actually had no chance, arrived in Australia and played a Challenger competition to prepare. Nobody took that seriously, many even smiled. Two weeks later, Nadal won the Australian Open.”</p>

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<p>Further showering praises on the 36-year-old, Boris added that Nadal is a fierce competitor, and that his duel with yet another superstar Novak Djokovic is fantastic to watch. With both vying for the Australian Open crown, it would be interesting to see who comes on top.</p>

<p>“He is an incredible competitor, and if he didn't have a chance, he wouldn't play. On top of that, he can see Djokovic rushing in with one eye. Maybe Rafa thought he had him beat in Grand Slams, but then Novak won at Wimbledon. Fabulous, that duel,” six-time Grand Slam winner added.</p>

<p>Putting him second on the list for the race for the AO title this time, Becker added he is a big fan of Nadal and that the Spaniard is a role model for millions of people across the world.</p>

<p>“I am a big Nadal fan. He is an absolute role model for young players and exemplifies what can be achieved with attitude, discipline and pure will. In my ranking of the favourites for Melbourne, he comes in second,” Boris reckoned.</p>

<p>Shedding some light on Nadal's rival, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Becker opined that he is a formidable opponent and that despite having a relatively weaker second half of 2022, Medvedev should never be underestimated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Daniil Medvedev is flying under the radar, but for me he is the third favourite. He had a somewhat weaker second half of 2022 by his standards, but he should never be underestimated. He is not called the chess player of the tennis scene for nothing and is a formidable opponent,” the veteran concluded.</p>


With the 2023 Australian Open about to get underway in Melbourne from Monday, January 16th, Tennis veteran Boris Becker lauded the 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal saying he would never bet against the Spaniard.

With the 2023 Australian Open about to get underway in Melbourne from Monday, January 16th, Tennis veteran Boris Becker lauded the 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal saying he would never bet against the Spaniard. Talking highly of Nadal, who won the Hardcourt event Down Under last year, Becker said Rafa, as many of Nadal's fans call him, was never in reckoning before the start of the tournament and yet went on to claim the top prize a couple of weeks later. While talking with Eurosport, Becker said, “As long as this guy is around, I would never bet against him. Let's remember last year, he actually had no chance, arrived in Australia and played a Challenger competition to prepare. Nobody took that seriously, many even smiled. Two weeks later, Nadal won the Australian Open.” ALSO READ: Sachin Tendulkar uplifts Indian women's team morale ahead of maiden U-19 T20 World Cup Further showering praises on the 36-year-old, Boris added that Nadal is a fierce competitor, and that his duel with yet another superstar Novak Djokovic is fantastic to watch. With both vying for the Australian Open crown, it would be interesting to see who comes on top. “He is an incredible competitor, and if he didn't have a chance, he wouldn't play. On top of that, he can see Djokovic rushing in with one eye. Maybe Rafa thought he had him beat in Grand Slams, but then Novak won at Wimbledon. Fabulous, that duel,” six-time Grand Slam winner added. Putting him second on the list for the race for the AO title this time, Becker added he is a big fan of Nadal and that the Spaniard is a role model for millions of people across the world. “I am a big Nadal fan. He is an absolute role model for young players and exemplifies what can be achieved with attitude, discipline and pure will. In my ranking of the favourites for Melbourne, he comes in second,” Boris reckoned. Shedding some light on Nadal's rival, Russia's Daniil Medvedev, Becker opined that he is a formidable opponent and that despite having a relatively weaker second half of 2022, Medvedev should never be underestimated. “Daniil Medvedev is flying under the radar, but for me he is the third favourite. He had a somewhat weaker second half of 2022 by his standards, but he should never be underestimated. He is not called the chess player of the tennis scene for nothing and is a formidable opponent,” the veteran concluded.

'You can never bet against him' - Boris Becker lauds veteran star ahead of 2023 Australian Open

<p>21-time Grand Slam winner Serbian Novak Djokovic suffered an injury scare a few days before the start of the 2023 Australian Open. Novak pulled his hamstring while playing against Daniil Medvedev in a practice match at the famous Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. The&nbsp;nine-time Australian Open champion will be returning to the hardcourt event this year after missing out on participating in it in 2022 because of his vaccination status. Novak, who suffered a hamstring injury at the Adelaide International 1 last week, played for under 40 minutes against Medvedev before withdrawing.</p>

<p>Speaking with Sky Sports, Novak said he could feel his hamstring getting pulled and he immediately thought of not continuing further as he didn't want to risk anything.</p>

<p>"I just felt it pulling and I didn't want to risk anything worse. I played a set and apologised to him [Medvedev] and he was understanding. I just want to avoid any bigger scares before the Australian Open," Djokovic told Sky Sports.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/naomi-osaka-announces-pregnancy-after-withdrawing-from-australian-open-sets-eye-on-a-2024-return-551706">Naomi Osaka announces pregnancy after withdrawing from Australian Open, sets eye on a 2024 return</a></p>

<p>The past week Novak won the Adelaide International 1 beating Sebastian Korda 6-7(8) 7-6(3) 6-4 in a hard-fought final. This win in the lead up to the first Slam of the year helped Novak equal Rafael Nadal's tally of 92 singles titles in open era, with only Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) ahead of them.</p>

<p>Seeded 4th at the 2023 Australian Open, Novak will aim to win his record tenth title this time. If he gets successful, he will go level with top-seeded Rafael Nadal&nbsp;with 23 Grand Slams. In the absence of world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Novak will fancy his chances of claiming top prize.</p>

<p>The 2023 Australian Open will take place in Melbourne from January 16th to 29th.</p>


21-time Grand Slam winner Serbian Novak Djokovic suffered an injury scare a few days before the start of the 2023 Australian Open. Novak pulled his hamstring while playing against Daniil Medvedev in a practice match at the famous Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday.

21-time Grand Slam winner Serbian Novak Djokovic suffered an injury scare a few days before the start of the 2023 Australian Open. Novak pulled his hamstring while playing against Daniil Medvedev in a practice match at the famous Rod Laver Arena on Wednesday. The nine-time Australian Open champion will be returning to the hardcourt event this year after missing out on participating in it in 2022 because of his vaccination status. Novak, who suffered a hamstring injury at the Adelaide International 1 last week, played for under 40 minutes against Medvedev before withdrawing. Speaking with Sky Sports, Novak said he could feel his hamstring getting pulled and he immediately thought of not continuing further as he didn't want to risk anything. "I just felt it pulling and I didn't want to risk anything worse. I played a set and apologised to him [Medvedev] and he was understanding. I just want to avoid any bigger scares before the Australian Open," Djokovic told Sky Sports. ALSO READ: Naomi Osaka announces pregnancy after withdrawing from Australian Open, sets eye on a 2024 return The past week Novak won the Adelaide International 1 beating Sebastian Korda 6-7(8) 7-6(3) 6-4 in a hard-fought final. This win in the lead up to the first Slam of the year helped Novak equal Rafael Nadal's tally of 92 singles titles in open era, with only Ivan Lendl (94), Roger Federer (103) and Jimmy Connors (109) ahead of them. Seeded 4th at the 2023 Australian Open, Novak will aim to win his record tenth title this time. If he gets successful, he will go level with top-seeded Rafael Nadal with 23 Grand Slams. In the absence of world number one Carlos Alcaraz, Novak will fancy his chances of claiming top prize. The 2023 Australian Open will take place in Melbourne from January 16th to 29th.

Serbian Novak Djokovic suffers injury scare ahead of 2023 Australian Open; pulls hamstring in training

<p>Novak Djokovic is gearing up for the Australian Open 2023 edition, which gets underway on January 16. Ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Serbian and former world number one started his new year in style by winning the Adelaide International. In the final, he faced American player&nbsp;Sebastian Korda and while he lost the opening set, Djokovic used his experience to come from behind and win the match, and title, 6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. He, thus, claimed his 92nd career title (tied with arch-rival Rafael Nadal).</p>

<p>While the match ended in a favourable result for Djokovic, he once again made heads turn with one of his gestures on the court. After going down in the first set, the 35-year-old was seen directing his brother and his agents to leave the box. The reason for such a move from Djokovic wasn't known but he didn't seem pleased at all. <strong>Here's the video of the gesture from the Serb:</strong></p>

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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-young-fan-in-tears-after-seeing-rohit-sharma-team-india-captains-reaction-goes-viral-watch-550975">IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH</a></strong></p>

<p>After the match, Djokovic spoke about his move and even apologised to his team for attempting to kick them out of the box. He first lauded his opponent and said, "I want to say a few words to Seb and his team, amazing tournament, amazing effort today. I'd probably say that you were closer to victory today than I was. It was decided in one or two shots, one or two points but the future is bright for you and you're amazing player so well done."</p>

<p>Djokovic then shifted focus to his own team and opined, "I'd like to thank my team for handling me, for tolerating me in good and bad times today." Regarding his outburst post the opening set, he said,&nbsp;"I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth with them but I appreciate them being here." The star player also mentioned his brother who was also spotted leaving following Djokovic's gestures. He said, "My brother Marko is also here and I don't see him that much so I appreciate him coming here, I love you."</p>

<p>Djokovic defeated&nbsp;Sebastian to warm up in style before the Aus Open. Winner of the Aus Open on nine occasions, the Serbian is a favourite for the title. The showpiece event kicks off in Melbourne Park on January 16.</p>


Novak Djokovic is gearing up for the Australian Open 2023 edition, which gets underway on January 16. Ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Serbian and former world number one started his new year in style by winning the Adelaide International.

Novak Djokovic is gearing up for the Australian Open 2023 edition, which gets underway on January 16. Ahead of the first Grand Slam of the year, the Serbian and former world number one started his new year in style by winning the Adelaide International. In the final, he faced American player Sebastian Korda and while he lost the opening set, Djokovic used his experience to come from behind and win the match, and title, 6-7 (8-10), 7-6 (7-3), 6-4. He, thus, claimed his 92nd career title (tied with arch-rival Rafael Nadal). While the match ended in a favourable result for Djokovic, he once again made heads turn with one of his gestures on the court. After going down in the first set, the 35-year-old was seen directing his brother and his agents to leave the box. The reason for such a move from Djokovic wasn't known but he didn't seem pleased at all. Here's the video of the gesture from the Serb: × Also read: IND vs SL: Young fan in tears after seeing Rohit Sharma, Team India captain's reaction goes viral - WATCH After the match, Djokovic spoke about his move and even apologised to his team for attempting to kick them out of the box. He first lauded his opponent and said, "I want to say a few words to Seb and his team, amazing tournament, amazing effort today. I'd probably say that you were closer to victory today than I was. It was decided in one or two shots, one or two points but the future is bright for you and you're amazing player so well done." Djokovic then shifted focus to his own team and opined, "I'd like to thank my team for handling me, for tolerating me in good and bad times today." Regarding his outburst post the opening set, he said, "I'm sure they didn't have such a blast with me going back and forth with them but I appreciate them being here." The star player also mentioned his brother who was also spotted leaving following Djokovic's gestures. He said, "My brother Marko is also here and I don't see him that much so I appreciate him coming here, I love you." Djokovic defeated Sebastian to warm up in style before the Aus Open. Winner of the Aus Open on nine occasions, the Serbian is a favourite for the title. The showpiece event kicks off in Melbourne Park on January 16.

WATCH: Novak Djokovic kicks brother & agents out of his box during Adelaide Int'l final, apologises later

<p>Players at this month's Australian Open will not be required to take COVID-19 tests and could play even if they had the virus, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Monday. The health policy, which Tiley said reflected what was happening in the wider community, is a marked change from strict protocols which surrounded the tournament over the past two years. The 2021 tournament took place in a biosecure bubble with spectators shut out for several days after an outbreak of the virus in the community, while last year nine-times champion Novak Djokovic was deported because of his stance on vaccines.</p>

<p>"We just wanted to follow what's currently in the community," Tiley told reporters at Melbourne Park. "We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you're ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well." Cricketer Matt Renshaw continued to play for Australia in a five-day test match against South Africa in Sydney last week despite testing positive for COVID. The batsman was isolated from his team mates for the first three days of the match but returned to the home dressing room after several negative tests.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-equals-rafael-nadals-atp-tally-in-stunning-win-over-sebastian-korda-to-win-adelaide-title-550520">Novak Djokovic equals Rafael Nadal's ATP tally in stunning win over Sebastian Korda to win Adelaide title</a></strong></p>

<p>"We've made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home," Tiley added. "It's a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID." Melbourne endured some of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world at the height of the pandemic but recommendations have long since replaced mandates as the cornerstone of public health policy in the city.</p>


Players at this month's Australian Open will not be required to take COVID-19 tests and could play even if they had the virus, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Monday.

Players at this month's Australian Open will not be required to take COVID-19 tests and could play even if they had the virus, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Monday. The health policy, which Tiley said reflected what was happening in the wider community, is a marked change from strict protocols which surrounded the tournament over the past two years. The 2021 tournament took place in a biosecure bubble with spectators shut out for several days after an outbreak of the virus in the community, while last year nine-times champion Novak Djokovic was deported because of his stance on vaccines. "We just wanted to follow what's currently in the community," Tiley told reporters at Melbourne Park. "We have gone a step further by making a recommendation around staying away when you're ill, and that our medical staff will continue to monitor that, with the players individually as well." Cricketer Matt Renshaw continued to play for Australia in a five-day test match against South Africa in Sydney last week despite testing positive for COVID. The batsman was isolated from his team mates for the first three days of the match but returned to the home dressing room after several negative tests. Also read: Novak Djokovic equals Rafael Nadal's ATP tally in stunning win over Sebastian Korda to win Adelaide title "We've made it clear to our players, as well as our staff, if anyone is feeling unwell, stay home," Tiley added. "It's a normalised environment for us and, not dissimilar to the cricket, there will potentially be players that will compete with COVID." Melbourne endured some of the longest and strictest lockdowns in the world at the height of the pandemic but recommendations have long since replaced mandates as the cornerstone of public health policy in the city.

Players could play at Australian Open with COVID-19, confirms tournament director Craig Tiley

<p>The former world number one Naomi Osaka is the latest name to pull out of the upcoming Australian Open (AO) 2023, that begins on January 16th. Osaka’s participation at the event was always under the dark cloud with the Japanese star not competing in any of the events in the lead-up to the first Slam of this year. Putting all those speculations to rest, on Sunday, January 8th, Australian Open in a tweet informed everyone about this news without mentioning any specific reason.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open. We will miss her at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2023</a> 💙</p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1611937704362782722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/injured-venus-williams-withdraws-her-name-from-australian-open-2023-550316">Injured Venus Williams withdraws her name from Australian Open 2023</a></p>

<p>Other than Osaka, the 2022 US Open winner, Carlos Alcaraz alongside veteran Venus Williams also withdrew their names from this event owing to injuries. Former world number one Simona Halep will also be missing the Australian Open this year following her pending drug suspension investigation.</p>

<p>Having won the Australian Open twice in the past -&nbsp;in 2019 and 2021, the 24-year-old Osaka will be missing this Hardcourt Major Down Under for the first time since making her debut here in 2016.</p>

<p>Not only this, Osaka has now missed two of the last three Grand Slams including the Wimbledon last year due to an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, at the French Open last year, she got out in the first round losing to Amanda Anisimova in straight sets. A few months later at the last Slam of the year – the US Open, Naomi suffered the same fate losing to Danielle Collins 7-6, 6-3 in the opener.</p>

<p>The four-time Grand Slam winner hasn’t actually played a competitive match since pulling out of a tournament in September 2022 citing abdominal pain. Besides, she also remained out of top 10 in 2022, where she even admitted to be suffering from mental health.</p>

<p>Currently ranked 42nd in the WTA Rankings, Osaka while speaking at the Pan Pacific Open in September last year, claimed that she had gone through "more down than up" in 2022.</p>


The former world number one Naomi Osaka is the latest name to pull out of the upcoming Australian Open (AO) 2023, that begins on January 16th. Osaka’s participation at the event was always under the dark cloud with the Japanese star not competing in any of the events in the lead-up to the first Slam of this year.

The former world number one Naomi Osaka is the latest name to pull out of the upcoming Australian Open (AO) 2023, that begins on January 16th. Osaka’s participation at the event was always under the dark cloud with the Japanese star not competing in any of the events in the lead-up to the first Slam of this year. Putting all those speculations to rest, on Sunday, January 8th, Australian Open in a tweet informed everyone about this news without mentioning any specific reason. Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open. We will miss her at #AO2023 💙 — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 8, 2023 × ALSO READ: Injured Venus Williams withdraws her name from Australian Open 2023 Other than Osaka, the 2022 US Open winner, Carlos Alcaraz alongside veteran Venus Williams also withdrew their names from this event owing to injuries. Former world number one Simona Halep will also be missing the Australian Open this year following her pending drug suspension investigation. Having won the Australian Open twice in the past - in 2019 and 2021, the 24-year-old Osaka will be missing this Hardcourt Major Down Under for the first time since making her debut here in 2016. Not only this, Osaka has now missed two of the last three Grand Slams including the Wimbledon last year due to an Achilles injury. Meanwhile, at the French Open last year, she got out in the first round losing to Amanda Anisimova in straight sets. A few months later at the last Slam of the year – the US Open, Naomi suffered the same fate losing to Danielle Collins 7-6, 6-3 in the opener. The four-time Grand Slam winner hasn’t actually played a competitive match since pulling out of a tournament in September 2022 citing abdominal pain. Besides, she also remained out of top 10 in 2022, where she even admitted to be suffering from mental health. Currently ranked 42nd in the WTA Rankings, Osaka while speaking at the Pan Pacific Open in September last year, claimed that she had gone through "more down than up" in 2022.

Former world number 1 Naomi Osaka becomes latest star player to pull out of Australian Open 2023

<p>Seven-time Grand Slam winner, USA’s Venus Williams has withdrawn her name from the upcoming 2023 Australian Open, the organisers of the tournament said in the tweet. The 42-year-old Venus was preparing for the first Grand Slam of the year by playing in the Auckland Classic, where she suffered an injury. One half of the famous Williams sisters, Venus was given a wildcard entry and was all set to play her 22nd Australian Open. However, that won’t happen now. In her absence, a two-time finalist at the Melbourne Park, Australia’s Kim Birrell has now replaced her.</p>

<p>The Australian Open on its twitter handle wrote, “Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. Australia’s Kim Birrell will be awarded her wildcard place.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand.<br />
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Australia’s Kim Birrell will be awarded her wildcard place.</p>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1611605113008947200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Currently ranked outside the top 1000 WTA Rankings, Venus won her Round of 32 match in ASB Classic in Auckland against America’s Katie Volynets 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 while she lost her following match to China’s Zhu Lin 6-2, 2-6, 5-7 in the pre-quarters on Thursday, January 5th.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bcci-announces-all-india-senior-men-selection-committee-reappoints-chetan-sharma-as-chief-selector-550286">BCCI announces All-India Senior Men Selection Committee, reappoints Chetan Sharma as chief selector</a></p>

<p>Prior to this, the four-time Australian Open doubles winner Venus last appeared in the US Open 2022 where she lost to Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck in straight sets 6-1, 7-6. She then competed in the doubles category with her sister Serena Williams but suffered the same fate as they lost their first round match to Czech Republic’s pair of Nosková and Hradecká.</p>

<p>The 2023 edition of the Australian Open will commence on January 16th and will be played till January 29th.</p>


Seven-time Grand Slam winner, USA’s Venus Williams has withdrawn her name from the upcoming 2023 Australian Open, the organisers of the tournament said in the tweet.

Seven-time Grand Slam winner, USA’s Venus Williams has withdrawn her name from the upcoming 2023 Australian Open, the organisers of the tournament said in the tweet. The 42-year-old Venus was preparing for the first Grand Slam of the year by playing in the Auckland Classic, where she suffered an injury. One half of the famous Williams sisters, Venus was given a wildcard entry and was all set to play her 22nd Australian Open. However, that won’t happen now. In her absence, a two-time finalist at the Melbourne Park, Australia’s Kim Birrell has now replaced her. The Australian Open on its twitter handle wrote, “Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. Australia’s Kim Birrell will be awarded her wildcard place.” Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. Australia’s Kim Birrell will be awarded her wildcard place. — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 7, 2023 × Currently ranked outside the top 1000 WTA Rankings, Venus won her Round of 32 match in ASB Classic in Auckland against America’s Katie Volynets 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 while she lost her following match to China’s Zhu Lin 6-2, 2-6, 5-7 in the pre-quarters on Thursday, January 5th. ALSO READ: BCCI announces All-India Senior Men Selection Committee, reappoints Chetan Sharma as chief selector Prior to this, the four-time Australian Open doubles winner Venus last appeared in the US Open 2022 where she lost to Belgium’s Alison Van Uytvanck in straight sets 6-1, 7-6. She then competed in the doubles category with her sister Serena Williams but suffered the same fate as they lost their first round match to Czech Republic’s pair of Nosková and Hradecká. The 2023 edition of the Australian Open will commence on January 16th and will be played till January 29th.

Injured Venus Williams withdraws her name from Australian Open 2023

<p>Novak Djokovic said he had no choice but to sit out tournaments in the United States after authorities said non-nationals will need to have had COVID-19 vaccinations to enter the country.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;The US Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday said the requirement for foreign air travellers to be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place until April 10.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>That would mean Djokovic would miss the hardcourt ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells, which runs from March 6-19, as well as the Miami Open from March 20 to April 2.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/exclusive-right-people-around-me-helped-me-taste-success-varun-kapur-ex-world-no-1-in-junior-rankings-549773">EXCLUSIVE - Right people around me helped me taste success – Varun Kapur, ex-World No 1 in Junior Rankings</a></p>

<p>"Look, if it is official, then it is. I mean, what can I do? Nothing, that's it. You know my position. It is what it is," Djokovic told reporters after he advanced to the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International 1 on Thursday.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;"I'm hoping (to participate), but if I can't go, I can't go."<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>Djokovic missed the tournaments last year as well and he was unable to travel to New York in August for the U.S. Open without proof of vaccination.<o:p></o:p>&nbsp;The 35-year-old was also unable to defend his Australian Open crown last year after being deported from the country on the eve of the hardcourt major due to his unvaccinated status.<o:p></o:p></p>

<p>The 21-times Grand Slam winner was, however, granted a visa this year after Australia scrapped a rule that required international travellers to declare their COVID vaccination status.</p>


Novak Djokovic said he had no choice but to sit out tournaments in the United States after authorities said non-nationals will need to have had COVID-19 vaccinations to enter the country.

Novak Djokovic said he had no choice but to sit out tournaments in the United States after authorities said non-nationals will need to have had COVID-19 vaccinations to enter the country. The US Transportation Security Administration on Wednesday said the requirement for foreign air travellers to be fully vaccinated against the disease would be in place until April 10. That would mean Djokovic would miss the hardcourt ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells, which runs from March 6-19, as well as the Miami Open from March 20 to April 2. ALSO READ: EXCLUSIVE - Right people around me helped me taste success – Varun Kapur, ex-World No 1 in Junior Rankings "Look, if it is official, then it is. I mean, what can I do? Nothing, that's it. You know my position. It is what it is," Djokovic told reporters after he advanced to the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International 1 on Thursday. "I'm hoping (to participate), but if I can't go, I can't go." Djokovic missed the tournaments last year as well and he was unable to travel to New York in August for the U.S. Open without proof of vaccination. The 35-year-old was also unable to defend his Australian Open crown last year after being deported from the country on the eve of the hardcourt major due to his unvaccinated status. The 21-times Grand Slam winner was, however, granted a visa this year after Australia scrapped a rule that required international travellers to declare their COVID vaccination status.

Novak Djokovic accepts to be missing upcoming events in USA following Covid vaccine requirements

<p>Daniil Medvedev said he needed a long time to recover from his loss to Rafael Nadal in last year's Australian Open final, but the Russian vowed to use his experiences to reach a higher level in 2023 as he gears up for the season's first Grand Slam. Medvedev was up two sets when Nadal pulled off a comeback for the ages by sealing a 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 victory in a thrilling final at Rod Laver Arena to deny his opponent his second major crown.</p>

<p>"I felt absolutely terrible... the thing about life and tennis is that you have to get over it, try to learn from it because you can't change the past," Medvedev told reporters on Sunday, before the Adelaide International 1 tournament. "I had some tough moments in my career... tough losses -- I know a lot of losses in a row and I always managed to find a way back, so I'm sure I'm going to find the way back to an even higher level than I was playing maybe last year.</p>

<p>"But yeah, the match was not easy to get over for some time, but right now I'm looking forward to the Australian Open again, and I want to do better than last year. That's the goal."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pl-arsenal-end-2022-in-pole-position-with-4-2-win-over-brighton-champions-manchester-city-held-to-1-1-draw-548461">PL: Arsenal end 2022 in pole position with 4-2 win over Brighton, champions Manchester City held to 1-1 draw</a></p>

<p>After losing to Nadal at Melbourne Park, Medvedev exited the French Open in the fourth round, while a ban on Russian players at Wimbledon due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine forced him to miss the grasscourt major. His title defence at the U.S. Open ended following a fourth-round defeat by Australian Nick Kyrgios and the 26-year-old went on to lose his number one ranking.</p>

<p>Teenager Carlos Alcaraz ended 2022 as the top-ranked player and Medvedev said the men's field looked as strong as ever with the emergence of new faces in the top 10.</p>

<p>"I think it's always difficult because it's always some new players that come in. Some old ones are maybe playing a little bit worse, but they're coming back... Carlos is number one in the world now, playing amazing," Medvedev said.</p>

<p>Medvedev will open his season against Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the Adelaide ATP 250 event with a potential semi-final clash with 21-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.</p>


Daniil Medvedev said he needed a long time to recover from his loss to Rafael Nadal in last year's Australian Open final, but the Russian vowed to use his experiences to reach a higher level in 2023 as he gears up for the season's first Grand Slam.

Daniil Medvedev said he needed a long time to recover from his loss to Rafael Nadal in last year's Australian Open final, but the Russian vowed to use his experiences to reach a higher level in 2023 as he gears up for the season's first Grand Slam. Medvedev was up two sets when Nadal pulled off a comeback for the ages by sealing a 2-6 6-7(5) 6-4 6-4 7-5 victory in a thrilling final at Rod Laver Arena to deny his opponent his second major crown. "I felt absolutely terrible... the thing about life and tennis is that you have to get over it, try to learn from it because you can't change the past," Medvedev told reporters on Sunday, before the Adelaide International 1 tournament. "I had some tough moments in my career... tough losses -- I know a lot of losses in a row and I always managed to find a way back, so I'm sure I'm going to find the way back to an even higher level than I was playing maybe last year. "But yeah, the match was not easy to get over for some time, but right now I'm looking forward to the Australian Open again, and I want to do better than last year. That's the goal." ALSO READ: PL: Arsenal end 2022 in pole position with 4-2 win over Brighton, champions Manchester City held to 1-1 draw After losing to Nadal at Melbourne Park, Medvedev exited the French Open in the fourth round, while a ban on Russian players at Wimbledon due to Moscow's invasion of Ukraine forced him to miss the grasscourt major. His title defence at the U.S. Open ended following a fourth-round defeat by Australian Nick Kyrgios and the 26-year-old went on to lose his number one ranking. Teenager Carlos Alcaraz ended 2022 as the top-ranked player and Medvedev said the men's field looked as strong as ever with the emergence of new faces in the top 10. "I think it's always difficult because it's always some new players that come in. Some old ones are maybe playing a little bit worse, but they're coming back... Carlos is number one in the world now, playing amazing," Medvedev said. Medvedev will open his season against Italian Lorenzo Sonego in the Adelaide ATP 250 event with a potential semi-final clash with 21-times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.

I found it hard to deal with tough losses in my career - Daniil Medvedev

<p>Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem has been given a wildcard to the Grand Slam next month after missing last year's tournament due to injury, organisers said on Friday. The Austrian gave the 2020 champion Novak Djokovic a huge scare before losing in five sets in a classic final. Former world number three Thiem later made his Grand Slam breakthrough at that year's U.S. Open. He struggled with a serious wrist injury the following season but the powerful 29-year-old has been on the comeback trail this year, improving his world ranking to 102 from outside the top 350 in June.</p>

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<p>Frenchman Luca Van Assche has also been given a wildcard, while Americans Taylor Townsend and Christopher Eubanks and Frenchwoman Diane Parry were awarded wildcards in the women's tournament. The four outstanding wildcards - two men and two women - will be awarded next week, organisers said.</p>


Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem has been given a wildcard to the Grand Slam next month after missing last year's tournament due to injury, organisers said on Friday.

Former Australian Open finalist Dominic Thiem has been given a wildcard to the Grand Slam next month after missing last year's tournament due to injury, organisers said on Friday. The Austrian gave the 2020 champion Novak Djokovic a huge scare before losing in five sets in a classic final. Former world number three Thiem later made his Grand Slam breakthrough at that year's U.S. Open. He struggled with a serious wrist injury the following season but the powerful 29-year-old has been on the comeback trail this year, improving his world ranking to 102 from outside the top 350 in June. Also read: Australian Open: 3.4 per cent increase from 2022! Organisers announce record prize pool for 2023 season-opener Frenchman Luca Van Assche has also been given a wildcard, while Americans Taylor Townsend and Christopher Eubanks and Frenchwoman Diane Parry were awarded wildcards in the women's tournament. The four outstanding wildcards - two men and two women - will be awarded next week, organisers said.

Former world number 3 Dominic Thiem given Australian Open wildcard

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