Rafael Nadal will return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open in January, Tournament Director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday. The 37-year-old former world number one has been sidelined since hurting his hip flexor in a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Melbourne Park major earlier this year. The Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, was initially expected to miss eight weeks but underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June.&nbsp;

While Nadal's representative Benito Perez-Barbadillo told Reuters via text from Shanghai that there was nothing to announce yet on the Spaniard's upcoming schedule, Tiley told Nine Network's 'The Today Show' that he had confirmed his participation.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/football/premier-league-injury-laden-newcastle-good-enough-for-win-over-manchester-united-665585">Premier League: Injury-laden Newcastle good enough for win over Manchester United</a>

"We can reveal exclusively here that Rafael will be back," Tiley said. "He's been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about, the champion of 2022. That's awesome."

Tiley also said Australian Nick Kyrgios could return in time to play at Melbourne Park after he underwent knee surgery in January and suffered wrist and foot issues in an injury-plagued 2023. "We know Nick's been in training, wanting to return as well. So we expect to see him back," he added.

Tiley said a trio of former women's champions - Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki were also planning to return to the year's first Grand Slam after maternity breaks.&nbsp;"We'll welcome them - and their families - back to Melbourne with open arms and can't wait to see what their next chapter brings," he added.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">RANKINGS DROP</h2>

Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, with a series of injuries limiting his appearances on Tour. He dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier in the season and has slipped to number 240 in the world but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing in any event for at least six months.

Nadal, who has been releasing videos of his training, has also expressed his desire to play in next year's Paris Olympics with the tennis tournament set to take place at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 of his 22 major titles. In Nadal's absence, Novak Djokovic has gone on to win a record 24 Grand Slams.

Nadal has won the Australian Open twice, with his last victory coming in 2022 when he beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev and became the first man in the Open era to come back from two sets down in the final to win.&nbsp;

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Rafael Nadal will return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open in January, Tournament Director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday. The 37-year-old former world number one has been sidelined since hurting his hip flexor in a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Melbourne Park major earlier this year.

Rafael Nadal will return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open in January, Tournament Director Craig Tiley said on Wednesday. The 37-year-old former world number one has been sidelined since hurting his hip flexor in a second-round loss to Mackenzie McDonald at the Melbourne Park major earlier this year. The Spaniard, who has won 22 Grand Slam titles, was initially expected to miss eight weeks but underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June. While Nadal's representative Benito Perez-Barbadillo told Reuters via text from Shanghai that there was nothing to announce yet on the Spaniard's upcoming schedule, Tiley told Nine Network's 'The Today Show' that he had confirmed his participation. Also Read: Premier League: Injury-laden Newcastle good enough for win over Manchester United "We can reveal exclusively here that Rafael will be back," Tiley said. "He's been off for most of the year and in talking to him over the last few days he confirmed he will be back, which we're really excited about, the champion of 2022. That's awesome." Tiley also said Australian Nick Kyrgios could return in time to play at Melbourne Park after he underwent knee surgery in January and suffered wrist and foot issues in an injury-plagued 2023. "We know Nick's been in training, wanting to return as well. So we expect to see him back," he added. Tiley said a trio of former women's champions - Naomi Osaka, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki were also planning to return to the year's first Grand Slam after maternity breaks. "We'll welcome them - and their families - back to Melbourne with open arms and can't wait to see what their next chapter brings," he added. RANKINGS DROP Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, with a series of injuries limiting his appearances on Tour. He dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier in the season and has slipped to number 240 in the world but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing in any event for at least six months. Nadal, who has been releasing videos of his training, has also expressed his desire to play in next year's Paris Olympics with the tennis tournament set to take place at Roland Garros, where he has won 14 of his 22 major titles. In Nadal's absence, Novak Djokovic has gone on to win a record 24 Grand Slams. Nadal has won the Australian Open twice, with his last victory coming in 2022 when he beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev and became the first man in the Open era to come back from two sets down in the final to win. 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.

Rafael Nadal to play in Australian Open 2024, tournament director Craig Tiley confirms

&nbsp;An independent tribunal has&nbsp;suspended&nbsp;American&nbsp;player Jenson&nbsp;Brooksby&nbsp;for&nbsp;18&nbsp;months, the International&nbsp;Tennis&nbsp;Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Tuesday, after finding that he committed three&nbsp;whereabouts&nbsp;failures&nbsp;in a 12-month period. The 22-year-old, who achieved his highest career ranking of 33rd last year, previously accepted a voluntary provisional suspension and his sanction will be backdated to July 5. The sanction will end on January 4, 2025, according to the ITIA.

Brooksby&nbsp;previously told the AP that he had never failed a drug test or taken "bad substances". The ITIA said that&nbsp;Brooksby&nbsp;accepted the first and third missed tests but disputed the second one.

Missing three in a 12-month period can constitute an anti-doping rule violation, according to the ITIA.&nbsp;Brooksby&nbsp;has 21 days to appeal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nations-league-england-snatch-win-against-netherlands-to-keep-paris-hopes-alive-665283">Nations League: England snatch win against Netherlands to keep Paris hopes alive</a>

"The&nbsp;whereabouts&nbsp;programme is a vital tool in maintaining a clean sport," ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said in a statement. "No one wants players to fall foul of the rules in this way."

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An independent tribunal has suspended American player Jenson Brooksby for 18 months, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Tuesday, after finding that he committed three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period.

An independent tribunal has suspended American player Jenson Brooksby for 18 months, the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) said on Tuesday, after finding that he committed three whereabouts failures in a 12-month period. The 22-year-old, who achieved his highest career ranking of 33rd last year, previously accepted a voluntary provisional suspension and his sanction will be backdated to July 5. The sanction will end on January 4, 2025, according to the ITIA. Brooksby previously told the AP that he had never failed a drug test or taken "bad substances". The ITIA said that Brooksby accepted the first and third missed tests but disputed the second one. Missing three in a 12-month period can constitute an anti-doping rule violation, according to the ITIA. Brooksby has 21 days to appeal against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Also Read: Nations League: England snatch win against Netherlands to keep Paris hopes alive "The whereabouts programme is a vital tool in maintaining a clean sport," ITIA CEO Karen Moorhouse said in a statement. "No one wants players to fall foul of the rules in this way." 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.

Tennis: ITIA suspends Jenson Brooksby for failing to report on his whereabouts

Big-serving Hubert Hurkacz blasted his way into the final of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday with a ruthless 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Korda of the United States. The 16th-seeded Pole sent down 14 aces as he barrelled his way into a meeting with either fifth seed Andrey Rublev or 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov.

They play their semi-final later on Saturday. The 26th seed Korda, who was contesting his first Masters semi-final, was always up against it in the face of a barrage from Hurkacz.

The 26-year-old Pole did not face a single break point on his powerful serve and wrapped up the last-four encounter on his second match point after 77 minutes.

"Seb is a really tough opponent and great returner so you need to play well against him otherwise he ends up taking advantage of your shots," said Hurkacz, who has six titles already including winning the Miami Masters in 2021.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2023%3Anewsml_WD885411102023RP1%3A9&amp;search=all%3Atennis%20sports">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://13.235.153.162/sports/nba/news-watch--celtics-forward-jayson-tatum-ejected-during-game-vs-76ers-for-showdown-with-officials-665432">WATCH | Celtics forward Jayson Tatum ejected during game vs 76ers for showdown with officials</a>

Hurkacz, who has the highest number of aces in the tournament with 77, said his serve is "a big thing for me".

"It's really important to set up the point with the serve and if I am serving well that puts pressure on the opponent and they know they need to serve well," he said.

&nbsp;

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Big-serving Hubert Hurkacz blasted his way into the final of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday with a ruthless 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Korda of the United States.

Big-serving Hubert Hurkacz blasted his way into the final of the Shanghai Masters on Saturday with a ruthless 6-3, 6-4 win over Sebastian Korda of the United States. The 16th-seeded Pole sent down 14 aces as he barrelled his way into a meeting with either fifth seed Andrey Rublev or 18th seed Grigor Dimitrov. They play their semi-final later on Saturday. The 26th seed Korda, who was contesting his first Masters semi-final, was always up against it in the face of a barrage from Hurkacz. The 26-year-old Pole did not face a single break point on his powerful serve and wrapped up the last-four encounter on his second match point after 77 minutes. "Seb is a really tough opponent and great returner so you need to play well against him otherwise he ends up taking advantage of your shots," said Hurkacz, who has six titles already including winning the Miami Masters in 2021. Also Read: WATCH | Celtics forward Jayson Tatum ejected during game vs 76ers for showdown with officials Hurkacz, who has the highest number of aces in the tournament with 77, said his serve is "a big thing for me". "It's really important to set up the point with the serve and if I am serving well that puts pressure on the opponent and they know they need to serve well," he said. 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.

Tennis: Hubert Hurkacz wins over Sebastian Korda in Shanghai masters final

American tennis great&nbsp;Billie&nbsp;Jean&nbsp;King called for a combined women's and men's World Cup of tennis and for players to wear shirt numbers, to keep growing the sport. King, a&nbsp;39-time Grand Slam winner, including 12 singles titles, said she would bring the women's Billy&nbsp;Jean&nbsp;King Cup and the men's Davis Cup together into a World Cup.

Formerly the Federation Cup, the finals of the competition renamed in King's honour takes place in Seville from November 7-12, while the Davis Cup finals are in Malaga between November 21-26, with both currently labelled the 'World Cup' of tennis.

"I want us together, I always want the men and women together. I always want us to be together at tournaments," King told a media call ahead of the BJK Cup finals. 
 
"People like it when we're all happy together."

King said the influence of football means it is more essential than ever for tennis to have its own recognisable World Cup. "The World Cup has become more and more important because of the football...the whole world understands World Cup," she continued.&nbsp;

"When I say we're the World Cup of women's tennis, they get it right away, they know it's country versus country, it's exciting, it can be any place in the world."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lionel-messi-leaves-door-open-for-2026-fifa-world-cup-intends-to-defend-copa-america-title-in-2024-665321">Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024</a>

"(I went) down to the World Cup in Australia and watched the women there, they had 75,000 people...it's very exciting, the possibilities are unlimited." Many star names will be absent from the BJK Cup, including the top four ranked players, with Poland's Iga Swiatek and American duo Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula unable to play because of their packed schedule.&nbsp;

Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, is not involved because her country Belarus was suspended from participating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

<h2>Schedule crush</h2>

Swiatek, Gauff and Pegula will be at the WTA Finals in Mexico the week before, with the women's tennis organising body selecting the venue in September, despite knowing the BJK Cup would be in Seville. "We've had our date for a long time, I think you should ask the WTA (about that)," said King.

"(For) our sport, I think we all need to get together and figure out a better calendar for the players.

"I care about the sport, I care about the World Cup, I would like us to sit down and really try to figure it out, so everybody wins."&nbsp;

King, 79, said tennis has to serve the fans first and one of the ways to do that would be to make players more identifiable on court.

"We have to think about the public, our fans, how do we make it easy for them? If you go to Wimbledon and they have to wear all white, you don't know who the players are," she continued. 
 
"I think it's ridiculous. They don't have the name on the back of their shirts. I think we should have a number. Why should we have a number? Because children love numbers."

"This is about our audience. This isn't about us, we go play to make our audience happy. Unfortunately, most players think the people come to watch them play, but our job as an entertainer, as a performer, as a pro athlete -- when we walk on the court, the audience is everything."

&nbsp;

American tennis great Billie Jean King called for a combined women's and men's World Cup of tennis and for players to wear shirt numbers, to keep growing the sport.

American tennis great Billie Jean King called for a combined women's and men's World Cup of tennis and for players to wear shirt numbers, to keep growing the sport. King, a 39-time Grand Slam winner, including 12 singles titles, said she would bring the women's Billy Jean King Cup and the men's Davis Cup together into a World Cup. Formerly the Federation Cup, the finals of the competition renamed in King's honour takes place in Seville from November 7-12, while the Davis Cup finals are in Malaga between November 21-26, with both currently labelled the 'World Cup' of tennis. "I want us together, I always want the men and women together. I always want us to be together at tournaments," King told a media call ahead of the BJK Cup finals. "People like it when we're all happy together." King said the influence of football means it is more essential than ever for tennis to have its own recognisable World Cup. "The World Cup has become more and more important because of the football...the whole world understands World Cup," she continued. "When I say we're the World Cup of women's tennis, they get it right away, they know it's country versus country, it's exciting, it can be any place in the world." Also Read: Lionel Messi leaves door open for 2026 FIFA World Cup; intends to defend Copa America title in 2024 "(I went) down to the World Cup in Australia and watched the women there, they had 75,000 people...it's very exciting, the possibilities are unlimited." Many star names will be absent from the BJK Cup, including the top four ranked players, with Poland's Iga Swiatek and American duo Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula unable to play because of their packed schedule. Aryna Sabalenka, the current world number one, is not involved because her country Belarus was suspended from participating after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Schedule crush Swiatek, Gauff and Pegula will be at the WTA Finals in Mexico the week before, with the women's tennis organising body selecting the venue in September, despite knowing the BJK Cup would be in Seville. "We've had our date for a long time, I think you should ask the WTA (about that)," said King. "(For) our sport, I think we all need to get together and figure out a better calendar for the players. "I care about the sport, I care about the World Cup, I would like us to sit down and really try to figure it out, so everybody wins." King, 79, said tennis has to serve the fans first and one of the ways to do that would be to make players more identifiable on court. "We have to think about the public, our fans, how do we make it easy for them? If you go to Wimbledon and they have to wear all white, you don't know who the players are," she continued. "I think it's ridiculous. They don't have the name on the back of their shirts. I think we should have a number. Why should we have a number? Because children love numbers." "This is about our audience. This isn't about us, we go play to make our audience happy. Unfortunately, most players think the people come to watch them play, but our job as an entertainer, as a performer, as a pro athlete -- when we walk on the court, the audience is everything."

Tennis great Billie Jean King wants combined World Cup and shirt numbers to grow sport

Six-time major winner Boris&nbsp;Becker&nbsp;said he will return to the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;circuit to&nbsp;coach&nbsp; Denmark's&nbsp;world number six Holger&nbsp;Rune. Becker&nbsp;was released from a British prison in December 2022, having served eight months of a two-and-a-half year sentence for hiding financial assets after he was declared bankrupt.

"I can confirm that I am Holger&nbsp;Rune's&nbsp;coach,"&nbsp;Becker&nbsp;told Eurosport Germany's podcast. "It makes me a little proud that he asked me. The contact has existed for a long time. Now it was a very good fit."

"My calendar allows it and I have always been interested in Holger because he is on the&nbsp;tennis&nbsp;court with so much commitment and temperament."

The 55-year-old German previously&nbsp;coached Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, and will now train 20-year-old&nbsp;Rune. The Dane reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon this year, but has won just one of his nine last nine matches.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/al-hilal-defeat-cristiano-ronaldos-al-nassr-in-riyadh-derby-to-remain-to-top-665375">Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top</a>

"Holger is a rough diamond that needs polishing,"&nbsp;Becker&nbsp;said. "I like his emotional outbursts. I have coached a player before, Novak Djokovic, who was sometimes not quite himself on the court, but that is allowed."

Becker&nbsp;is currently barred from entering the UK before October 2024, and at the moment is unsure if his partnership with Rune will continue into next season.

"There's no point in signing a two-year contract now when you've only been cooperating for a week."

"If you are successful, you usually stay together, no matter what the contract says. If not, everyone goes their own way again."

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Six-time major winner Boris Becker said he will return to the tennis circuit to coach Denmark's world number six Holger Rune. Becker was released from a British prison in December 2022, having served eight months of a two-and-a-half year sentence for hiding financial assets after he was declared bankrupt.

Six-time major winner Boris Becker said he will return to the tennis circuit to coach Denmark's world number six Holger Rune. Becker was released from a British prison in December 2022, having served eight months of a two-and-a-half year sentence for hiding financial assets after he was declared bankrupt. "I can confirm that I am Holger Rune's coach," Becker told Eurosport Germany's podcast. "It makes me a little proud that he asked me. The contact has existed for a long time. Now it was a very good fit." "My calendar allows it and I have always been interested in Holger because he is on the tennis court with so much commitment and temperament." The 55-year-old German previously coached Novak Djokovic from 2013 to 2016, and will now train 20-year-old Rune. The Dane reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon this year, but has won just one of his nine last nine matches. Also Read: Al-Hilal defeat Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr in Riyadh derby to remain to top "Holger is a rough diamond that needs polishing," Becker said. "I like his emotional outbursts. I have coached a player before, Novak Djokovic, who was sometimes not quite himself on the court, but that is allowed." Becker is currently barred from entering the UK before October 2024, and at the moment is unsure if his partnership with Rune will continue into next season. "There's no point in signing a two-year contract now when you've only been cooperating for a week." "If you are successful, you usually stay together, no matter what the contract says. If not, everyone goes their own way again." WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Tennis veteran Boris Becker to coach world number six Holger Rune

Defending champion Taylor&nbsp;Fritz&nbsp;won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday (Oct 17) and said he felt "motivated and ready to play" after lightening his load ahead of the tournament. The American has been one of the busiest players on the ATP Tour this season but he has taken his foot off the gas since the US Open, appearing in only the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters.

He beat Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-3 to kick off the defence of his Tokyo title and said it was "probably an advantage that I might be less burnt-out".

After the US Open, I think I had played the most matches of anyone on tour," said&nbsp;Fritz, the number one seed in Tokyo. "I thought it made sense to start the Asia swing in Shanghai. I feel motivated and ready to play."&nbsp;World number 10&nbsp;Fritz&nbsp;beat fellow American Frances Tiafoe in last year's Japan Open final and has won six career titles.

He is the highest-ranked American in the world and overcame an early setback to dispatch Norrie in his Tokyo opener.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rugby-all-blacks-ardie-savea-opens-up-on-joining-kobe-steelers-in-japan-league-665132">Rugby: All Blacks' Ardie Savea opens up on joining Kobe Steelers in Japan league</a>

"I was holding easily and then out of nowhere he broke me, so it was a tough spot to be in," said&nbsp;Fritz.

"I feel like I played a couple of really good points to break and I played the bigger, more important points better in the return games.

"I definitely upped my level."

Fritz&nbsp;was joined in the next round by American Ben Shelton, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Australia's number four seed Alex de Minaur also progressed with a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1) win over Britain's Jack Draper.

Australia's Alexei Popyrin eliminated Russian number seven seed Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2.

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Defending champion Taylor Fritz won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday (Oct 17) and said he felt "motivated and ready to play" after lightening his load ahead of the tournament.

Defending champion Taylor Fritz won his Japan Open first-round match on Tuesday (Oct 17) and said he felt "motivated and ready to play" after lightening his load ahead of the tournament. The American has been one of the busiest players on the ATP Tour this season but he has taken his foot off the gas since the US Open, appearing in only the Laver Cup and Shanghai Masters. He beat Britain's Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-3 to kick off the defence of his Tokyo title and said it was "probably an advantage that I might be less burnt-out". After the US Open, I think I had played the most matches of anyone on tour," said Fritz, the number one seed in Tokyo. "I thought it made sense to start the Asia swing in Shanghai. I feel motivated and ready to play." World number 10 Fritz beat fellow American Frances Tiafoe in last year's Japan Open final and has won six career titles. He is the highest-ranked American in the world and overcame an early setback to dispatch Norrie in his Tokyo opener. Also Read: Rugby: All Blacks' Ardie Savea opens up on joining Kobe Steelers in Japan league "I was holding easily and then out of nowhere he broke me, so it was a tough spot to be in," said Fritz. "I feel like I played a couple of really good points to break and I played the bigger, more important points better in the return games. "I definitely upped my level." Fritz was joined in the next round by American Ben Shelton, who beat Japan's Taro Daniel 3-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/2). Australia's number four seed Alex de Minaur also progressed with a 4-6, 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/1) win over Britain's Jack Draper. Australia's Alexei Popyrin eliminated Russian number seven seed Karen Khachanov 6-4, 6-2. 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.

Tennis: Taylor Fritz starts Japan Open defence with win against Cameron Norrie

World number one Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;will&nbsp;open&nbsp;his&nbsp;2024&nbsp;season at the mixed teams&nbsp;United&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;in Australia, but injury-plagued Rafael Nadal was not on the Spain team announced Friday. Djokovic&nbsp;will spearhead Serbia at the tournament from December 29-January 7 in Sydney and Perth as he builds towards the defence of his Australian&nbsp;Open&nbsp;title.

Nadal was part of the Spain team in 2023 before injuring his hip at the opening Grand Slam of the year. He has been out of action since and underwent surgery in June.

Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley said this month Nadal planned to make his return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian&nbsp;Open, which follows the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Cup. Nadal responded on social media by thanking Tiley for his "confidence", without confirming if he would appear.

There are ATP events in Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland in early January that Nadal could also use to prepare for the Australian&nbsp;Open.

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Nine of the world's top 20 men and five of the top 10 women will feature at the&nbsp;United&nbsp;Cup, with defending champions the&nbsp;United&nbsp;States among the favourites, led by Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz.

Poland, spearheaded by world number two and four-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, were named top seeds for the 18-nation event.

Other big names to sign on include Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Maria Sakkari, and Caroline Garcia. "They are all set to play in a format designed to showcase both the men's&nbsp;and women's match as well as a mixed doubles clash.

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World number one Novak Djokovic will open his 2024 season at the mixed teams United Cup in Australia, but injury-plagued Rafael Nadal was not on the Spain team announced Friday.

World number one Novak Djokovic will open his 2024 season at the mixed teams United Cup in Australia, but injury-plagued Rafael Nadal was not on the Spain team announced Friday. Djokovic will spearhead Serbia at the tournament from December 29-January 7 in Sydney and Perth as he builds towards the defence of his Australian Open title. Nadal was part of the Spain team in 2023 before injuring his hip at the opening Grand Slam of the year. He has been out of action since and underwent surgery in June. Tennis Australia chief Craig Tiley said this month Nadal planned to make his return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open, which follows the United Cup. Nadal responded on social media by thanking Tiley for his "confidence", without confirming if he would appear. There are ATP events in Brisbane, Adelaide and Auckland in early January that Nadal could also use to prepare for the Australian Open. Also Read: Boston Celtics claw out impressive win against Philadelphia 76ers despite Jayson Tatum's ejection Nine of the world's top 20 men and five of the top 10 women will feature at the United Cup, with defending champions the United States among the favourites, led by Jessica Pegula and Taylor Fritz. Poland, spearheaded by world number two and four-time Grand Slam winner Iga Swiatek, were named top seeds for the 18-nation event. Other big names to sign on include Stefanos Tsitsipas, Casper Ruud, Alexander Zverev, Maria Sakkari, and Caroline Garcia. "They are all set to play in a format designed to showcase both the men's and women's match as well as a mixed doubles clash. 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.

Tennis: World no. 1 Novak Djokovic to feature in United Cup 2024, veteran Nadal to miss out

Ben&nbsp;Shelton&nbsp;won his&nbsp;first&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;Tour&nbsp;title&nbsp;on Sunday, defeating Russian Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1 at the&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;Open&nbsp;in Tokyo. The 21-year-old&nbsp;Shelton&nbsp;needed just 84 minutes to dispatch Karatsev at the&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;500 event.&nbsp;Shelton&nbsp;will reach a career-high No. 15 when the new rankings are released Monday.

He is the sixth player to win his&nbsp;first&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;title&nbsp;this season. Along the way, the left-handed&nbsp;Shelton&nbsp;hit 18 winners, won 80 percent of the points on his&nbsp;first&nbsp;serve and converted four of six break chances.

Shelton&nbsp;moved to 2-0 against Karatsev in head-to-head meetings. He is 14-2 in his past 16 matches overall and reached the quarterfinals last week in Shanghai.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-nick-kyrgios-thanks-andy-murray-for-helping-him-deal-with-mental-health-issues-665148">Tennis: Nick Kyrgios thanks Andy Murray for helping him deal with mental health issues</a>

<h2>European&nbsp;Open</h2>

Third-seeded Alexander Bublik captured his third career&nbsp;title&nbsp;with a 6-4, 6-4 win over fourth-seeded Arthur Fils of France in the final in Antwerp, Belgium.

Bublik recorded 28 winners and saved all three break points he faced to topple the 19-year-old Fils, who was the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament.Bublik, a 26-year-old Kazakhstan native, fired 11 aces and won 36 of 37&nbsp;first-serve points to end the match in 75 minutes.

BNP Paribas Nordic&nbsp;Open

Gael Monfils of France secured his 12th&nbsp;ATP&nbsp;title&nbsp;after rallying to a 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Russian qualifier Pavel Kotov in the final in Stockholm.

Monfils, 37, fired seven aces en route to becoming the oldest champion in the history of the tournament after dispatching Kotov in two hours and 37 minutes. Monfils also won this event in 2021.Kotov converted 68 percent of&nbsp;first&nbsp;serves but had seven double faults.

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Ben Shelton won his first ATP Tour title on Sunday, defeating Russian Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1 at the Japan Open in Tokyo. The 21-year-old Shelton needed just 84 minutes to dispatch Karatsev at the ATP 500 event.

Ben Shelton won his first ATP Tour title on Sunday, defeating Russian Aslan Karatsev 7-5, 6-1 at the Japan Open in Tokyo. The 21-year-old Shelton needed just 84 minutes to dispatch Karatsev at the ATP 500 event. Shelton will reach a career-high No. 15 when the new rankings are released Monday. He is the sixth player to win his first ATP title this season. Along the way, the left-handed Shelton hit 18 winners, won 80 percent of the points on his first serve and converted four of six break chances. Shelton moved to 2-0 against Karatsev in head-to-head meetings. He is 14-2 in his past 16 matches overall and reached the quarterfinals last week in Shanghai. Also Read: Tennis: Nick Kyrgios thanks Andy Murray for helping him deal with mental health issues European Open Third-seeded Alexander Bublik captured his third career title with a 6-4, 6-4 win over fourth-seeded Arthur Fils of France in the final in Antwerp, Belgium. Bublik recorded 28 winners and saved all three break points he faced to topple the 19-year-old Fils, who was the youngest finalist in the history of the tournament.Bublik, a 26-year-old Kazakhstan native, fired 11 aces and won 36 of 37 first-serve points to end the match in 75 minutes. BNP Paribas Nordic Open Gael Monfils of France secured his 12th ATP title after rallying to a 4-6, 7-6 (6), 6-3 win over Russian qualifier Pavel Kotov in the final in Stockholm. Monfils, 37, fired seven aces en route to becoming the oldest champion in the history of the tournament after dispatching Kotov in two hours and 37 minutes. Monfils also won this event in 2021.Kotov converted 68 percent of first serves but had seven double faults. 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.

Japan Open: Ben Shelton wins maiden ATP Tour Title, defeats Aslan Karatsev

&nbsp;An emotional Ons&nbsp;Jabeur&nbsp;said she was donating&nbsp;part&nbsp;of her&nbsp;WTA&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;prize&nbsp;money&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;Palestinians&nbsp;after her first win at the tournament in Cancun on Wednesday. The Tunisian former world number two avenged her Wimbledon final loss to Marketa Vondrousova with a 6-4 6-3 straight set win, making a comeback in the semi-final race after Monday's loss to Coco Gauff.

In the post match interview she fought back tears as she spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “I am very happy with the win but I haven't been very happy lately. The situation in the world doesn't make me happy," the three-time grand slam finalist said. "So I feel like...I am sorry,"&nbsp;Jabeur&nbsp;said as she took a moment to regain composure.

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"It’s very tough seeing children &amp; babies dying every day. It’s heartbreaking. I have decided to donate&nbsp;part&nbsp;of my&nbsp;prize&nbsp;money&nbsp;to&nbsp;help&nbsp;the&nbsp;Palestinians. I can't be happy with this win." "It is not a political message, it is humanity," she added. "I want peace in this world. That’s it."

The 29 year-old will face group leader Iga Swiatek in the last group stage match as she tries to reach the top four of the&nbsp;WTA&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;for the first time in her career, after a group stage elimination in 2022.

An emotional Ons Jabeur said she was donating part of her WTA Finals prize money to help Palestinians after her first win at the tournament in Cancun on Wednesday.

An emotional Ons Jabeur said she was donating part of her WTA Finals prize money to help Palestinians after her first win at the tournament in Cancun on Wednesday. The Tunisian former world number two avenged her Wimbledon final loss to Marketa Vondrousova with a 6-4 6-3 straight set win, making a comeback in the semi-final race after Monday's loss to Coco Gauff. In the post match interview she fought back tears as she spoke about the ongoing conflict in Gaza. “I am very happy with the win but I haven't been very happy lately. The situation in the world doesn't make me happy," the three-time grand slam finalist said. "So I feel like...I am sorry," Jabeur said as she took a moment to regain composure. Also Read: Europa League: Liverpool thump LASK, Marseille clinch thriller against Ajax "It’s very tough seeing children & babies dying every day. It’s heartbreaking. I have decided to donate part of my prize money to help the Palestinians. I can't be happy with this win." "It is not a political message, it is humanity," she added. "I want peace in this world. That’s it." The 29 year-old will face group leader Iga Swiatek in the last group stage match as she tries to reach the top four of the WTA Finals for the first time in her career, after a group stage elimination in 2022.

Tennis: Three-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur donates part of her WTA prize money to help Palestinians

Former tennis world number one Rafa Nadal will return at the Brisbane International warm up event for the Australian Open in January, the Spaniard said on Friday. 
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since bowing out in the second round of this year's Australian Open when hampered by a hip flexor problem.

Nadal was initially expected to miss just eight weeks but underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June.

"After a year away from competition, it's time to come back," Nadal, who won the Australian Open in 2009 and 2022, said in a video posted to social media. 
"It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I'll see you there."

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🎧👀💪🏻😉 <a href="https://t.co/iH7NvsQGMT">pic.twitter.com/iH7NvsQGMT</a>
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Last month, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed that Nadal would be participating in the year's first Grand Slam.

Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, with a series of injuries limiting his appearances on Tour.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/golf-min-woo-lee-leads-at-australian-open-sets-eyes-on-successive-dp-world-tour-titles-665068">Golf: Min Woo Lee leads at Australian Open, sets eyes on successive DP World Tour titles</a>

He dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier in the season and has slipped to number 633 in the world but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing in any event for at least six months.

Nadal has previously expressed a desire to play one more French Open and represent Spain at the Paris Olympics next year before retiring at the end of his 23rd season on the tour.

The Brisbane tournament, which is returning after a three-year hiatus forced initially by the COVID pandemic, will run from Dec. 31 to Jan. 7.

The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from Jan. 14-28.

Nadal's last Australian Open victory came in 2022 when he beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev and became the first man in the Open era to come back from two sets down in the final to win.

Former tennis world number one Rafa Nadal will return at the Brisbane International warm up event for the Australian Open in January, the Spaniard said on Friday.

Former tennis world number one Rafa Nadal will return at the Brisbane International warm up event for the Australian Open in January, the Spaniard said on Friday. The 22-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match since bowing out in the second round of this year's Australian Open when hampered by a hip flexor problem. Nadal was initially expected to miss just eight weeks but underwent surgery on a hip muscle in June. "After a year away from competition, it's time to come back," Nadal, who won the Australian Open in 2009 and 2022, said in a video posted to social media. "It will be in Brisbane, the first week of January. I'll see you there." 🎧👀💪🏻😉 pic.twitter.com/iH7NvsQGMT — Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) December 1, 2023 × Last month, Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley confirmed that Nadal would be participating in the year's first Grand Slam. Nadal has said he expects to retire after the 2024 season, with a series of injuries limiting his appearances on Tour. ALSO READ: Golf: Min Woo Lee leads at Australian Open, sets eyes on successive DP World Tour titles He dropped out of the top 100 for the first time in 20 years earlier in the season and has slipped to number 633 in the world but is eligible for a protected ranking having been injured and not competing in any event for at least six months. Nadal has previously expressed a desire to play one more French Open and represent Spain at the Paris Olympics next year before retiring at the end of his 23rd season on the tour. The Brisbane tournament, which is returning after a three-year hiatus forced initially by the COVID pandemic, will run from Dec. 31 to Jan. 7. The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from Jan. 14-28. Nadal's last Australian Open victory came in 2022 when he beat Russia's Daniil Medvedev and became the first man in the Open era to come back from two sets down in the final to win.

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal announces return date following lengthy injury layoff

Nick Kyrgios has revealed his gratitude to Andy Murray for spotting signs of self-harming as the Australian tennis star said he had an "addiction of pain" during a "dark" time in his life.

Kyrgios has opened up about the mental health struggles he suffered in recent years and revealed in a Netflix documentary he had spent time in a psychiatric hospital after losing at Wimbledon in 2019.

Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray has consistently been a supporter of Kyrgios, despite the latter being dogged by a series of on and off-court controversies,&nbsp;Last year Kyrgios' mother revealed how Murray had spotted the signs of her son self-harming before she did.

“Andy was always&nbsp;a big supporter of me,”&nbsp;Kyrgios&nbsp;told TalkTV in an interview with Piers Morgan. "As soon as I came on the tour, he kind of saw a work in progress and took me under his wing. Then he realised later in my career that I don’t think I was coachable or I was on my own path, but he was always someone that was looking out for me.

"He saw it (the self-harm) and he said, ‘What’s that on your arm?’ It was pretty bad at that stage. I'd be in the locker room and people would be able to see my self-harm. So I could only imagine what people would think when they were actually versing me on the tennis court. They're like, ‘Wow, this guy's mentally in a storm at the moment and he's still trying to play’.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/former-manchester-united-star-marouane-fellaini-bids-farewell-to-shandong-taishan-665000">Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan</a>

"Andy obviously was trying to give me advice on it. But I was just so stuck in my ways at that time that I didn’t listen. Obviously I’m very thankful. I thank him a lot." Kyrgios went on to describe the extent of his self-harming, even while playing successfully on the ATP Tour. "I think it was a year-and-a-half to two years of just complete harm. It was pretty dark to be honest," he added.

"I won tournaments on the professional tour, drinking every night, self-harming, burning things on my arm, cutting myself for fun. It became an addiction of pain. I hated myself. I hated waking up and being Nick Kyrgios." Since going public about his mental health struggles, Kyrgios has been contacted by others suffering similar situations through social media and described his role in helping them as the "most powerful thing" he has done in his career.

"That’s been the most powerful thing in my career; people coming to me with genuine issues," said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. "They send me photos in my Instagram, direct messages, self-harming and genuinely wanting to commit suicide. I have conversations with these people. Sometimes I’ve had phone calls with these people. That’s making a real difference and I’m just really proud."

Nick Kyrgios has revealed his gratitude to Andy Murray for spotting signs of self-harming as the Australian tennis star said he had an "addiction of pain" during a "dark" time in his life.

Nick Kyrgios has revealed his gratitude to Andy Murray for spotting signs of self-harming as the Australian tennis star said he had an "addiction of pain" during a "dark" time in his life. Kyrgios has opened up about the mental health struggles he suffered in recent years and revealed in a Netflix documentary he had spent time in a psychiatric hospital after losing at Wimbledon in 2019. Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray has consistently been a supporter of Kyrgios, despite the latter being dogged by a series of on and off-court controversies, Last year Kyrgios' mother revealed how Murray had spotted the signs of her son self-harming before she did. “Andy was always a big supporter of me,” Kyrgios told TalkTV in an interview with Piers Morgan. "As soon as I came on the tour, he kind of saw a work in progress and took me under his wing. Then he realised later in my career that I don’t think I was coachable or I was on my own path, but he was always someone that was looking out for me. "He saw it (the self-harm) and he said, ‘What’s that on your arm?’ It was pretty bad at that stage. I'd be in the locker room and people would be able to see my self-harm. So I could only imagine what people would think when they were actually versing me on the tennis court. They're like, ‘Wow, this guy's mentally in a storm at the moment and he's still trying to play’. Also Read: Former Manchester United star Marouane Fellaini bids farewell to Shandong Taishan "Andy obviously was trying to give me advice on it. But I was just so stuck in my ways at that time that I didn’t listen. Obviously I’m very thankful. I thank him a lot." Kyrgios went on to describe the extent of his self-harming, even while playing successfully on the ATP Tour. "I think it was a year-and-a-half to two years of just complete harm. It was pretty dark to be honest," he added. "I won tournaments on the professional tour, drinking every night, self-harming, burning things on my arm, cutting myself for fun. It became an addiction of pain. I hated myself. I hated waking up and being Nick Kyrgios." Since going public about his mental health struggles, Kyrgios has been contacted by others suffering similar situations through social media and described his role in helping them as the "most powerful thing" he has done in his career. "That’s been the most powerful thing in my career; people coming to me with genuine issues," said the 2022 Wimbledon finalist. "They send me photos in my Instagram, direct messages, self-harming and genuinely wanting to commit suicide. I have conversations with these people. Sometimes I’ve had phone calls with these people. That’s making a real difference and I’m just really proud."

Tennis: Nick Kyrgios thanks Andy Murray for helping him deal with mental health issues

Top seed Daniil&nbsp;Medvedev&nbsp;began his title defence at the&nbsp;Vienna&nbsp;Open on Wednesday (October 25) with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 win over Arthur&nbsp;Fils. Three days removed from falling short to eventual champion Andrey Rublev in the European Open final in Antwerp, the 19-year-old French protege proved no match for the world number three who dispatched of&nbsp;Fils&nbsp;in an hour and a quarter.

The victory at the ATP 500 event is&nbsp;Medvedev's&nbsp;44th this season on his preferred hard courts and 61st overall, leaving him just two wins behind Carlos Alcaraz for the most this season.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/arsenal-plot-long-stay-at-premier-league-summit-man-city-play-tottenham-and-newcastle-host-man-united-664868">Arsenal plot long stay at Premier League summit, Man City play Tottenham and Newcastle host Man United</a>

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Awaiting&nbsp;Medvedev&nbsp;in the second round is Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, who overcame Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-4 on Tuesday.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev began his title defence at the Vienna Open on Wednesday (October 25) with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 win over Arthur Fils. Three days removed from falling short to eventual champion Andrey Rublev in the European Open final in Antwerp, the 19-year-old French protege proved no match for the world number three who dispatched of Fils in an hour and a quarter.

Top seed Daniil Medvedev began his title defence at the Vienna Open on Wednesday (October 25) with a comfortable 6-4 6-2 win over Arthur Fils. Three days removed from falling short to eventual champion Andrey Rublev in the European Open final in Antwerp, the 19-year-old French protege proved no match for the world number three who dispatched of Fils in an hour and a quarter. The victory at the ATP 500 event is Medvedev's 44th this season on his preferred hard courts and 61st overall, leaving him just two wins behind Carlos Alcaraz for the most this season. Also Read: Arsenal plot long stay at Premier League summit, Man City play Tottenham and Newcastle host Man United 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. Awaiting Medvedev in the second round is Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov, who overcame Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-4 on Tuesday.

Tennis: Russian star Daniil Medvedev comfortably goes past Arthur Fils in Vienna Open

Finland eliminated reigning champions Canada with a 2-1&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;last eight triumph, buoyed by fervent support as the finals began in Malaga on Tuesday. Following their triumph in the Billie Jean King&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;earlier in November, Canada hoped to continue their success in the men's World&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;of tennis, but were ousted as Finland reached the semi-finals for the first time.

Canada's Milos Raonic eased to a 6-3, 7-5 win over Patrick Kaukovalta in the first singles rubber before Otto Virtanen kept Finland's hopes alive by beating Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 7-5. Virtanen returned alongside Harri Heliovaara to triumph 7-5, 6-3 in the decisive doubles against Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil to delight a few thousand Finnish supporters on the Costa del Sol.

"We played really great doubles today...we played really great together," said Virtanen. "Why stop here, we have even more party on Friday," added Heliovaara. Neither country had their top-ranked player available, with Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime and Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori both hurt. Raonic came flying out of the blocks with four aces to hold to love in the first game against Kaukovalta and racked up 18 in total in his straight sets triumph.

The former world number three made his competitive comeback in June after nearly two years away because of injuries but his high-power serve remains as lethal as ever. Despite a splash of Canadian red in the stands at the Martin Carpena arena being outnumbered by those in blue and white, the Canadian held his nerve in his first&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;match since 2018.

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After breaking for a 5-3 lead in the first set and serving it out, dropping just one point on serve in the process, Raonic lost only two more in the second set of his convincing victory. "I have definitely never played against anyone with that kind of serve," said Kaukovalta.

"I had no read for it at any point of the match." However Virtanen, who played a key role in Finland's progress to the&nbsp;Davis&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;finals, gave Finland's support plenty to cheer about.

"In front of these fans it just makes me play better every time," said Virtanen, showing power and fine reflexes to dispatch Diallo with a break in both sets, forcing the decisive doubles. The Finnish duo got the better of 2014 Wimbledon doubles champion Pospisil and his partner Galarneau, breaking at the second time of asking to take the first set 7-5.

They broke again for a 5-3 lead in the second set and served it out, Virtanen clinching victory with an ace. Finland will face Australia or the Czech Republic in Friday's first semi-final. ATP finals winner Novak Djokovic and runner up Jannik Sinner are in action on Thursday when Serbia face Great Britain and Italy do battle with the Netherlands.

Finland eliminated reigning champions Canada with a 2-1 Davis Cup last eight triumph, buoyed by fervent support as the finals began in Malaga on Tuesday. Following their triumph in the Billie Jean King Cup earlier in November, Canada hoped to continue their success in the men's World Cup of tennis, but were ousted as Finland reached the semi-finals for the first time.

Finland eliminated reigning champions Canada with a 2-1 Davis Cup last eight triumph, buoyed by fervent support as the finals began in Malaga on Tuesday. Following their triumph in the Billie Jean King Cup earlier in November, Canada hoped to continue their success in the men's World Cup of tennis, but were ousted as Finland reached the semi-finals for the first time. Canada's Milos Raonic eased to a 6-3, 7-5 win over Patrick Kaukovalta in the first singles rubber before Otto Virtanen kept Finland's hopes alive by beating Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 7-5. Virtanen returned alongside Harri Heliovaara to triumph 7-5, 6-3 in the decisive doubles against Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil to delight a few thousand Finnish supporters on the Costa del Sol. "We played really great doubles today...we played really great together," said Virtanen. "Why stop here, we have even more party on Friday," added Heliovaara. Neither country had their top-ranked player available, with Canada's Felix Auger-Aliassime and Finland's Emil Ruusuvuori both hurt. Raonic came flying out of the blocks with four aces to hold to love in the first game against Kaukovalta and racked up 18 in total in his straight sets triumph. The former world number three made his competitive comeback in June after nearly two years away because of injuries but his high-power serve remains as lethal as ever. Despite a splash of Canadian red in the stands at the Martin Carpena arena being outnumbered by those in blue and white, the Canadian held his nerve in his first Davis Cup match since 2018. Also Read: NBA ban Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green for grabbing Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert in a headlock After breaking for a 5-3 lead in the first set and serving it out, dropping just one point on serve in the process, Raonic lost only two more in the second set of his convincing victory. "I have definitely never played against anyone with that kind of serve," said Kaukovalta. "I had no read for it at any point of the match." However Virtanen, who played a key role in Finland's progress to the Davis Cup finals, gave Finland's support plenty to cheer about. "In front of these fans it just makes me play better every time," said Virtanen, showing power and fine reflexes to dispatch Diallo with a break in both sets, forcing the decisive doubles. The Finnish duo got the better of 2014 Wimbledon doubles champion Pospisil and his partner Galarneau, breaking at the second time of asking to take the first set 7-5. They broke again for a 5-3 lead in the second set and served it out, Virtanen clinching victory with an ace. Finland will face Australia or the Czech Republic in Friday's first semi-final. ATP finals winner Novak Djokovic and runner up Jannik Sinner are in action on Thursday when Serbia face Great Britain and Italy do battle with the Netherlands.

Tennis: Finland eliminate reigning champions Canada in Davis Cup

World number one Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;fought&nbsp;back&nbsp;to beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 on Thursday and reach the&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;Masters&nbsp;quarter-finals. The Serb, unlike in his slick second-round win, looked rusty in only his second singles match since playing in the Davis Cup six weeks ago, losing a 4-1 lead in the first set and squandering three break opportunities early in the second.

The 24-times Grand Slam winner mounted a comeback, however, as he convincingly won the tiebreak and took the decider to continue his quest for a record-extending seventh title in&nbsp;Paris. "I run out of steam, I've been struggling the last couple of days with my stomach, I didn't feel myself at all on court," the 36-year-old&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;said.

"It could've run easily on his way, but I played a good tiebreak and started to feel better on the third. I'm really happy I overcame this challenge." Fourth seed Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament, citing health reasons after his second-round clash against Mackenzie McDonald ended at 2:37 am on Thursday.

The Italian was due to play Australia's Alex de Minaur, who will now face in-form Andrey Rublev, the fifth-seed Russian who earned his 20th Masters 1000 win of the season by beating qualifier Botic Van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-3.

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Seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas secured his spot at the ATP&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;with a 7-6(2) 6-4 win over German 10th seed Alexander Zverev. The Greek will play Karen Khachanov in the&nbsp;quarter-finals&nbsp;after the 16th seed beat fellow Russian Roman Safiullin 4-6 6-4 6-2. Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the 11th seed, remained in contention for a spot at the tournament in Turin by beating Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 6-3.

He will meet Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the semi-finals&nbsp;after the Bulgarian routed Alexander Bublik 6-2 6-2. In the last act of the evening, defending champion and sixth seed Holger Rune claimed a comfortable 6-3 6-3 win over Daniel Altmaier. The Dane will face&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;in a rematch of last year's final.

World number one Novak Djokovic fought back to beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 on Thursday and reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The Serb, unlike in his slick second-round win, looked rusty in only his second singles match since playing in the Davis Cup six weeks ago, losing a 4-1 lead in the first set and squandering three break opportunities early in the second.

World number one Novak Djokovic fought back to beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6 7-6(2) 6-4 on Thursday and reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals. The Serb, unlike in his slick second-round win, looked rusty in only his second singles match since playing in the Davis Cup six weeks ago, losing a 4-1 lead in the first set and squandering three break opportunities early in the second. The 24-times Grand Slam winner mounted a comeback, however, as he convincingly won the tiebreak and took the decider to continue his quest for a record-extending seventh title in Paris. "I run out of steam, I've been struggling the last couple of days with my stomach, I didn't feel myself at all on court," the 36-year-old Djokovic said. "It could've run easily on his way, but I played a good tiebreak and started to feel better on the third. I'm really happy I overcame this challenge." Fourth seed Jannik Sinner withdrew from the tournament, citing health reasons after his second-round clash against Mackenzie McDonald ended at 2:37 am on Thursday. The Italian was due to play Australia's Alex de Minaur, who will now face in-form Andrey Rublev, the fifth-seed Russian who earned his 20th Masters 1000 win of the season by beating qualifier Botic Van de Zandschulp 6-3 6-3. Also Read: Global warming threatens Winter Olympics future, organisers soften demand in order to retain potential hosts Seventh seed Stefanos Tsitsipas secured his spot at the ATP Finals with a 7-6(2) 6-4 win over German 10th seed Alexander Zverev. The Greek will play Karen Khachanov in the quarter-finals after the 16th seed beat fellow Russian Roman Safiullin 4-6 6-4 6-2. Poland's Hubert Hurkacz, the 11th seed, remained in contention for a spot at the tournament in Turin by beating Argentine Francisco Cerundolo 6-4 6-3. He will meet Grigor Dimitrov for a place in the semi-finals after the Bulgarian routed Alexander Bublik 6-2 6-2. In the last act of the evening, defending champion and sixth seed Holger Rune claimed a comfortable 6-3 6-3 win over Daniel Altmaier. The Dane will face Djokovic in a rematch of last year's final.

Tennis: World Number one Novak Djokovic beats Tallon Griekspoor, enters Paris Masters quarter-finals

Novak Djokovic edged out Holger Rune on Friday to avenge his defeat in last year's Paris Masters final and reach the last four, while Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a meeting with Grigor Dimitrov. World number one Djokovic missed a match point in the second set but eventually claimed a 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 win over Denmark's Rune in the quarter-finals after more than two-and-three-quarter hours on court at Bercy Arena.

The Serbian star is playing in his first ATP Tour event since lifting a record 24th Grand Slam title in New York in September. Djokovic, the record six-time Paris champion, will face Andrey Rublev for a place in the final after the Russian defeated Alex de Minaur 4-6, 6-3, 6-1.

"It was quite a similar match to last year's final, it was anybody's game in every set," Djokovic said. "I played an awful tie-break in the second set, probably the worst one this year. But again credit to him for staying mentally tough and playing solid.

"We have similar games. Move well, defend well and all-round players." The 36-year-old claimed his second career victory against Rune, who is now working with Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker, after suffering two successive defeats by the world number seven.

"It was strange seeing Boris in the opposing box," added Djokovic. "I wish Holger and him all the best." Djokovic snatched an opening set which was largely dominated by serve with a break in the 12th game.

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He saw a match point come and go on the Rune serve when leading 5-4 in the second set, before the 20-year-old went on to produce a series of brilliant points in a tie-break to force a decider.

But Djokovic was clinical in the third set and a single break in the third game was enough to take him through. Djokovic has now won 16 successive matches since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. He has won all eight of his previous Paris Masters semi-finals.

<h2>Tsitsipas powers through&nbsp;</h2>

Tsitsipas powered his way into the semis with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Karen Khachanov. It was the 300th win of his career and gave the Greek, ranked sixth in the world, a semi-final match-up with Dimitrov who overcame Hubert Hurkacz 6-1, 4-6, 6-4.

Tsitsipas, who also reached the last four a year ago when he lost to Djokovic, has progressed to the same stage without dropping a set. "It's working well. I feel like I can mix up play," said Tsitsipas.&nbsp;

Tsitsipas has already qualified for the end-of-season ATP Finals as one of the year's top eight players but defeat for Hurkacz against Dimitrov ruled the Pole out of contention. The last two places for the event in Turin later this month will be taken by Alexander Zverev and Rune.

In the last few weeks, the 32-year-old Dimitrov has reached the semi-finals in Chengdu, a quarter-final in Beijing and the semi-finals of the Masters event in Shanghai. His path to the last four in Paris included a shock defeat of world number three&nbsp;Daniil Medvedev in the second round.

"My body is feeling well for now, that's the most important thing," said Dimitrov."My head is good. If I'm able to play like that on a consistent basis throughout every game, I put myself in a position to do better." Dimitrov last reached the semi-finals in Paris in 2019 when he lost to Djokovic.

Novak Djokovic edged out Holger Rune on Friday to avenge his defeat in last year's Paris Masters final and reach the last four, while Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a meeting with Grigor Dimitrov.

Novak Djokovic edged out Holger Rune on Friday to avenge his defeat in last year's Paris Masters final and reach the last four, while Stefanos Tsitsipas set up a meeting with Grigor Dimitrov. World number one Djokovic missed a match point in the second set but eventually claimed a 7-5, 6-7 (3/7), 6-4 win over Denmark's Rune in the quarter-finals after more than two-and-three-quarter hours on court at Bercy Arena. The Serbian star is playing in his first ATP Tour event since lifting a record 24th Grand Slam title in New York in September. Djokovic, the record six-time Paris champion, will face Andrey Rublev for a place in the final after the Russian defeated Alex de Minaur 4-6, 6-3, 6-1. "It was quite a similar match to last year's final, it was anybody's game in every set," Djokovic said. "I played an awful tie-break in the second set, probably the worst one this year. But again credit to him for staying mentally tough and playing solid. "We have similar games. Move well, defend well and all-round players." The 36-year-old claimed his second career victory against Rune, who is now working with Djokovic's former coach Boris Becker, after suffering two successive defeats by the world number seven. "It was strange seeing Boris in the opposing box," added Djokovic. "I wish Holger and him all the best." Djokovic snatched an opening set which was largely dominated by serve with a break in the 12th game. Also Read: He is always full of surprises: AB de Villiers on MS Dhoni's involvement in IPL 2024 He saw a match point come and go on the Rune serve when leading 5-4 in the second set, before the 20-year-old went on to produce a series of brilliant points in a tie-break to force a decider. But Djokovic was clinical in the third set and a single break in the third game was enough to take him through. Djokovic has now won 16 successive matches since losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final. He has won all eight of his previous Paris Masters semi-finals. Tsitsipas powers through Tsitsipas powered his way into the semis with a dominant 6-3, 6-4 victory over Karen Khachanov. It was the 300th win of his career and gave the Greek, ranked sixth in the world, a semi-final match-up with Dimitrov who overcame Hubert Hurkacz 6-1, 4-6, 6-4. Tsitsipas, who also reached the last four a year ago when he lost to Djokovic, has progressed to the same stage without dropping a set. "It's working well. I feel like I can mix up play," said Tsitsipas. Tsitsipas has already qualified for the end-of-season ATP Finals as one of the year's top eight players but defeat for Hurkacz against Dimitrov ruled the Pole out of contention. The last two places for the event in Turin later this month will be taken by Alexander Zverev and Rune. In the last few weeks, the 32-year-old Dimitrov has reached the semi-finals in Chengdu, a quarter-final in Beijing and the semi-finals of the Masters event in Shanghai. His path to the last four in Paris included a shock defeat of world number three Daniil Medvedev in the second round. "My body is feeling well for now, that's the most important thing," said Dimitrov."My head is good. If I'm able to play like that on a consistent basis throughout every game, I put myself in a position to do better." Dimitrov last reached the semi-finals in Paris in 2019 when he lost to Djokovic.

Tennis: World Number one Novak Djokovic beats Holger Rune in Paris Masters quarter-finals

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a rain-disrupted group match on Friday to book a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals. The Belarusian, who finished second in her group behind unbeaten American Jessica Pegula, kept her bid for the year-end number one ranking on track with a victory that took two days to complete.

She had won the first set but was trailing in the second when play was halted Thursday night after multiple rain delays.Some 16 hours later, she and Rybakina returned to the outdoor hardcourts in Cancun, where fourth-ranked Rybakina of Kazakhstan calmly served out the second set to level the match in a matter of minutes.

Australian Open champion Sabalenka dug deep to halt Rybakina's momentum in the opening game of the third set, surviving nine deuces and two break points to hold serve. She used a pair of ferocious forehands to break Rybakina in the fourth game.

World number two Swiatek then downed sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes to finish top of her group with a perfect 3-0 record. US Open champion Coco Gauff closed out group play with a 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova and advanced to the semi-finals -- her place secured after Swiatek's win.

Gauff will face fellow American Pegula in the semi-finals, but it's the clash between Sabalenka and Swiatek that will be in the spotlight. If Sabalenka wins, she will finish the year ranked number one in the world, but if Swiatek triumphs she could regain the top spot if she goes on to win the title.

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It's a rematch of last year's semi-final in Fort Worth, Texas, where Sabalenka won 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. The two have split their two meetings this season, both on clay. Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion won the Stuttgart final, while Sabalenka took Madrid.

The clash between Gauff and Pegula will be the first all-American semi-final at the elite season-ending event since the round-robin format was reintroduced in 2003. Blustery winds and intermittent rain again challenged players on Friday.

Gauff shook off multiple rain delays, using an aggressive approach to claim the second-set tiebreaker and continuing to attack in the third. "Obviously, in the wind, it's tough to be as aggressive as you want, because the bounces are weird and the ball was moving," Gauff said. "So I'm glad I made that adjustment and didn't get too frustrated when I missed. You pay the price for hopefully a good reward."

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a rain-disrupted group match on Friday to book a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 in a rain-disrupted group match on Friday to book a semi-final clash with Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals. The Belarusian, who finished second in her group behind unbeaten American Jessica Pegula, kept her bid for the year-end number one ranking on track with a victory that took two days to complete. She had won the first set but was trailing in the second when play was halted Thursday night after multiple rain delays.Some 16 hours later, she and Rybakina returned to the outdoor hardcourts in Cancun, where fourth-ranked Rybakina of Kazakhstan calmly served out the second set to level the match in a matter of minutes. Australian Open champion Sabalenka dug deep to halt Rybakina's momentum in the opening game of the third set, surviving nine deuces and two break points to hold serve. She used a pair of ferocious forehands to break Rybakina in the fourth game. World number two Swiatek then downed sixth-seeded Ons Jabeur 6-1, 6-2 in just 67 minutes to finish top of her group with a perfect 3-0 record. US Open champion Coco Gauff closed out group play with a 5-7, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 victory over Wimbledon winner Marketa Vondrousova and advanced to the semi-finals -- her place secured after Swiatek's win. Gauff will face fellow American Pegula in the semi-finals, but it's the clash between Sabalenka and Swiatek that will be in the spotlight. If Sabalenka wins, she will finish the year ranked number one in the world, but if Swiatek triumphs she could regain the top spot if she goes on to win the title. Also Read: Global warming threatens Winter Olympics future, organisers soften demand in order to retain potential hosts It's a rematch of last year's semi-final in Fort Worth, Texas, where Sabalenka won 6-2, 2-6, 6-1. The two have split their two meetings this season, both on clay. Swiatek, the reigning French Open champion won the Stuttgart final, while Sabalenka took Madrid. The clash between Gauff and Pegula will be the first all-American semi-final at the elite season-ending event since the round-robin format was reintroduced in 2003. Blustery winds and intermittent rain again challenged players on Friday. Gauff shook off multiple rain delays, using an aggressive approach to claim the second-set tiebreaker and continuing to attack in the third. "Obviously, in the wind, it's tough to be as aggressive as you want, because the bounces are weird and the ball was moving," Gauff said. "So I'm glad I made that adjustment and didn't get too frustrated when I missed. You pay the price for hopefully a good reward."

Tennis: Aryna Sablenka defeats Elena Rybakina in WTA Finals, enters semi-finals

Italy&nbsp;made a winning start to their Billie Jean King&nbsp;Cup&nbsp;Finals&nbsp;campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over&nbsp;France&nbsp;but hosts Spain suffered defeat by Canada on Wednesday. Singles&nbsp;wins&nbsp;for Martina Trevisan and Jasmine Paolini gave&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;an unassailable lead in their Group D clash in Seville.

Trevisan recovered from a slow start to&nbsp;beat&nbsp;the experienced Alize Cornet 2-6 6-2 6-2 in the opening rubber. The 27-year-old Paolini then battled back from 4-2 down in the deciding set to&nbsp;beat&nbsp;Caroline Garcia 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4 in a match lasting&nbsp;two&nbsp;hours and 39 minutes.

France&nbsp;did manage to get a consolation victory in the doubles as Garcia teamed up with Kristina Mladenovic to edge out Trevisan and Elisabetta Cocciaretto in a deciding tiebreak. Italy&nbsp;have now&nbsp;beaten&nbsp;France&nbsp;five times in their last seven meetings in the flagship women's team competition. "Tomorrow will be another day and will be very tough day, for sure,"&nbsp;Italy&nbsp;captain Tathiana Garbin told reporters. "I think right now everything is still open."

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Italy&nbsp;face Germany on Thursday. The home fans inside the Estadio de la Cartuja were hoping to cheer on Spain to victory against Canada. But things did not go to plan. Canada's world number 319 Marina Stakusic was far too good for 65th-ranked Rebeka Masarova in a 6-3 6-1 victory. Former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez then&nbsp;beat&nbsp;Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6(8) 7-6(7) in a scrap of almost three hours.

Thursday's action will also see reigning champions Switzerland attempt to stay alive in Group A as they take on the United States. Australia will also be looking for their first win as they take on Kazakhstan.

Italy made a winning start to their Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over France but hosts Spain suffered defeat by Canada on Wednesday.

Italy made a winning start to their Billie Jean King Cup Finals campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory over France but hosts Spain suffered defeat by Canada on Wednesday. Singles wins for Martina Trevisan and Jasmine Paolini gave Italy an unassailable lead in their Group D clash in Seville. Trevisan recovered from a slow start to beat the experienced Alize Cornet 2-6 6-2 6-2 in the opening rubber. The 27-year-old Paolini then battled back from 4-2 down in the deciding set to beat Caroline Garcia 7-6(6) 5-7 6-4 in a match lasting two hours and 39 minutes. France did manage to get a consolation victory in the doubles as Garcia teamed up with Kristina Mladenovic to edge out Trevisan and Elisabetta Cocciaretto in a deciding tiebreak. Italy have now beaten France five times in their last seven meetings in the flagship women's team competition. "Tomorrow will be another day and will be very tough day, for sure," Italy captain Tathiana Garbin told reporters. "I think right now everything is still open." Also Read: NBA: Franz Wagner's 31 points help Orlando Magic beat Washington Wizards; register eighth consecutive win Italy face Germany on Thursday. The home fans inside the Estadio de la Cartuja were hoping to cheer on Spain to victory against Canada. But things did not go to plan. Canada's world number 319 Marina Stakusic was far too good for 65th-ranked Rebeka Masarova in a 6-3 6-1 victory. Former U.S. Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez then beat Sara Sorribes Tormo 7-6(8) 7-6(7) in a scrap of almost three hours. Thursday's action will also see reigning champions Switzerland attempt to stay alive in Group A as they take on the United States. Australia will also be looking for their first win as they take on Kazakhstan.

Tennis: Italy make winning start to Billie Jean Cup Finals campaign, defeat France

Aryna Sabalenka will launch preparations for the defence of her Australian Open crown by playing at the Brisbane International, organisers said on Tuesday. Elena Rybakina -- beaten by Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne at the start of this year -- will also play at the December 31-January 7 Brisbane event.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was already named in the field as she returns to tennis. "I'm excited about starting my 2024 Australian season in Brisbane," world number two Sabalenka said in a statement released by organisers. "Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there."

Tournament director Cam Pearson said he was looking forward to welcoming the Belarusian Sabalenka and Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina, who is fourth in the world. "We all remember the exciting Australian Open final the girls played at the start of the year," he told a news conference. "That has really kicked off what is a pretty exciting rivalry between the two players."

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On the men's side, fast-rising world number 17 Ben Shelton of the United States will join a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray. Pearson said he would welcome Australian Nick Kyrgios to the tournament if he recovers from injury in time.

"We would love to have him here, he's a past champion and a fan favourite but he needs to do what's best for him and his recovery," he said.&nbsp; "If that means he's playing in January, fantastic." Kyrgios had knee surgery in January and then aborted comeback plans at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his wrist.

Aryna Sabalenka will launch preparations for the defence of her Australian Open crown by playing at the Brisbane International, organisers said on Tuesday. Elena Rybakina -- beaten by Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne at the start of this year -- will also play at the December 31-January 7 Brisbane event.

Aryna Sabalenka will launch preparations for the defence of her Australian Open crown by playing at the Brisbane International, organisers said on Tuesday. Elena Rybakina -- beaten by Sabalenka in the final in Melbourne at the start of this year -- will also play at the December 31-January 7 Brisbane event. Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was already named in the field as she returns to tennis. "I'm excited about starting my 2024 Australian season in Brisbane," world number two Sabalenka said in a statement released by organisers. "Australia holds a special place in my heart after winning my first Grand Slam there." Tournament director Cam Pearson said he was looking forward to welcoming the Belarusian Sabalenka and Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina, who is fourth in the world. "We all remember the exciting Australian Open final the girls played at the start of the year," he told a news conference. "That has really kicked off what is a pretty exciting rivalry between the two players." Also read: Golf: Veteran Tiger Woods set to feature in 5-6 tournaments in 2024 - Reports On the men's side, fast-rising world number 17 Ben Shelton of the United States will join a draw that also includes three-time Grand Slam winner Andy Murray. Pearson said he would welcome Australian Nick Kyrgios to the tournament if he recovers from injury in time. "We would love to have him here, he's a past champion and a fan favourite but he needs to do what's best for him and his recovery," he said. "If that means he's playing in January, fantastic." Kyrgios had knee surgery in January and then aborted comeback plans at Wimbledon after tearing a ligament in his wrist.

Tennis: Aryna Sabalenka to play at Brisbane International in warm-up for Australian Open defence

Italy's Jannik Sinner saved matchpoints to upset Novak Djokovic 6-2 2-6 7-5 and help his country to draw level with Serbia in their Davis Cup semi-final on Saturday after Miomir Kecmanovic had put the 2010 champions ahead by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-7(7) 6-2 6-1.

Italy are aiming to return to the final having last reached that stage a quarter of a century ago and the 1976 champions can succeed if they prevail in the deciding doubles contest at a packed Martin Carpena Arena.

Sinner was facing Djokovic for the third time in 11 days and the world number four, who beat the top-ranked Serbian early in the ATP Finals before losing to him in the title clash, made a quick start to ease through the opening set with two breaks of serve.

The 22-year-old, who had sparked Italy's comeback in their quarter-final against the Netherlands, took his foot off the gas in the next set to allow Djokovic back in but kept chipping away in the hope of sealing a second win over him in six meetings.

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He saved three match points while down 4-5 in the decider and then pulled off one of the most remarkable wins of his career to spark wild celebrations in the stands.

Defeat was a bitter blow for Djokovic, the winner of three of the four Grand Slams in a spectacular year, but the 36-year-old will be back for the decider later on Saturday to help Serbia try to reach a third final.

Serbia, who outclassed Britain in the last eight, last won the premier men's team competition in 2010.

Kecmanovic had earlier rallied from a set down to power past Musetti and leave Serbia one win away from their third final in the elite men's team competition and first since 2013.

Musetti made a slow start against the high-flying Kecmanovic and narrowly avoided going down a double break, before the world number 27 found his range to level the first set at 5-5 and come from behind again in the tiebreak to clinch it.

But Kecmanovic's level barely dropped following the setback, as the world number 55 breezed through the second set and broke twice in the third for a 4-0 lead, which was enough for the 24-year-old to see off Musetti who was battling a thigh issue.

The winner of the tie will face Australia in Sunday's final after Lleyton Hewitt's side beat Finland.

Italy's Jannik Sinner saved matchpoints to upset Novak Djokovic 6-2 2-6 7-5 and help his country to draw level with Serbia in their Davis Cup semi-final on Saturday after Miomir Kecmanovic had put the 2010 champions ahead by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-7(7) 6-2 6-1.

Italy's Jannik Sinner saved matchpoints to upset Novak Djokovic 6-2 2-6 7-5 and help his country to draw level with Serbia in their Davis Cup semi-final on Saturday after Miomir Kecmanovic had put the 2010 champions ahead by beating Lorenzo Musetti 6-7(7) 6-2 6-1. Italy are aiming to return to the final having last reached that stage a quarter of a century ago and the 1976 champions can succeed if they prevail in the deciding doubles contest at a packed Martin Carpena Arena. Sinner was facing Djokovic for the third time in 11 days and the world number four, who beat the top-ranked Serbian early in the ATP Finals before losing to him in the title clash, made a quick start to ease through the opening set with two breaks of serve. The 22-year-old, who had sparked Italy's comeback in their quarter-final against the Netherlands, took his foot off the gas in the next set to allow Djokovic back in but kept chipping away in the hope of sealing a second win over him in six meetings. ALSO READ: Premier League: Newcastle United crush Chelsea at home as Reece James sees red He saved three match points while down 4-5 in the decider and then pulled off one of the most remarkable wins of his career to spark wild celebrations in the stands. Defeat was a bitter blow for Djokovic, the winner of three of the four Grand Slams in a spectacular year, but the 36-year-old will be back for the decider later on Saturday to help Serbia try to reach a third final. Serbia, who outclassed Britain in the last eight, last won the premier men's team competition in 2010. Kecmanovic had earlier rallied from a set down to power past Musetti and leave Serbia one win away from their third final in the elite men's team competition and first since 2013. Musetti made a slow start against the high-flying Kecmanovic and narrowly avoided going down a double break, before the world number 27 found his range to level the first set at 5-5 and come from behind again in the tiebreak to clinch it. But Kecmanovic's level barely dropped following the setback, as the world number 55 breezed through the second set and broke twice in the third for a 4-0 lead, which was enough for the 24-year-old to see off Musetti who was battling a thigh issue. The winner of the tie will face Australia in Sunday's final after Lleyton Hewitt's side beat Finland.

Tennis - Jannik Sinner stuns Novak Djokovic to keep Italy alive in Davis Cup semi-final

World number one Novak Djokovic steered Serbia into the Davis Cup semi-finals as he beat Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to secure a 2-0 triumph over Great Britain in Malaga on Thursday.

The 36-year-old rebuked British fans at the end of the match as they tried to down out his victory speech.

After Miomir Kecmanovic edged Jack Draper 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) in the opening clash 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic outclassed a stubborn Norrie to book a date with Jannik Sinner's Italy on Saturday, after they beat the Netherlands 2-1.

Djokovic, who beat Sinner to win the ATP Finals on Sunday in Turin before flying to the Costa del Sol, celebrated his landmark 400th week at number one with a straight sets win over Norrie, the captains agreeing not to play the redundant doubles.

British fans outnumbered Serbs at the sold-out Martin Carpena arena but the relentless Djokovic silenced them with his 21st consecutive Davis Cup singles win.

"Keep going, keep going," said Djokovic, addressing British fans trying to drown him out with drums as he spoke after his win.

"Learn how to respect people, learn how to respect players, learn how to behave yourselves."

Djokovic said earlier this week winning the competition is one of his "greatest goals" in a year where he has lifted seven titles, including three Grand Slams.

The veteran star was part of Serbia's only Davis Cup triumph in 2010 and his country eliminated 10-time champions Britain, who faced an uphill struggle after Kecmanovic defeated Draper in two tie-breaks.

Britain, without the injured Andy Murray and Dan Evans, were hoping Draper could give them a cushion.

Serbia captain Viktor Troicki selected Kecmanovic over the higher ranked Laslo Djere and the world number 55 raised his game in return.

Draper staved off two set points to hold for 5-5 but unravelled in the first tie-break, double faulting twice and miscalculating a drop shot to hand the Serbian the set on a plate.

After composing himself the second set was even tighter than the first, with neither player able to find a break again.

The near-flawless Kecmanovic triumphed when Draper lashed a forehand wide and then pushed a return into the net.

"It was definitely very close, and just the atmosphere made it, I think, even more tense than it probably would be if it was like an ATP match or something," said the Serb.

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<h2>Sealed with a kiss</h2>

Djokovic set out with his mission clearly defined and earned two break points at 2-2 and took the second of them to nose ahead with a well-judged touch over the net which the scrambling Norrie just failed to reach.

The Briton was pulled to-and-fro by Djokovic but scrapped to survive four break points for an extremely tough hold from love 40 down, to trail 4-3. One superb overhead earned Norrie applause from Djokovic.

The 36-year-old offered little else after that to his opponent though and closed out the first set serving to love with a volley, before cupping his ear and blowing sarcastic kisses to a couple of British fans who had upset him.

Djokovic broke to love in the first game of the second set as he began to hit his stride and show off his lethal forearm.

British No 1 Norrie, 18th in the world, showed resilience but never came close to finding a way back into the match.

Djokovic served it out, finishing with an ace.

On Friday, last year's runners-up Australia face surprise package Finland in the first semi-final.

World number one Novak Djokovic steered Serbia into the Davis Cup semi-finals as he beat Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to secure a 2-0 triumph over Great Britain in Malaga on Thursday.

World number one Novak Djokovic steered Serbia into the Davis Cup semi-finals as he beat Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to secure a 2-0 triumph over Great Britain in Malaga on Thursday. The 36-year-old rebuked British fans at the end of the match as they tried to down out his victory speech. After Miomir Kecmanovic edged Jack Draper 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (8/6) in the opening clash 24-time Grand Slam winner Djokovic outclassed a stubborn Norrie to book a date with Jannik Sinner's Italy on Saturday, after they beat the Netherlands 2-1. Djokovic, who beat Sinner to win the ATP Finals on Sunday in Turin before flying to the Costa del Sol, celebrated his landmark 400th week at number one with a straight sets win over Norrie, the captains agreeing not to play the redundant doubles. British fans outnumbered Serbs at the sold-out Martin Carpena arena but the relentless Djokovic silenced them with his 21st consecutive Davis Cup singles win. "Keep going, keep going," said Djokovic, addressing British fans trying to drown him out with drums as he spoke after his win. "Learn how to respect people, learn how to respect players, learn how to behave yourselves." Djokovic said earlier this week winning the competition is one of his "greatest goals" in a year where he has lifted seven titles, including three Grand Slams. The veteran star was part of Serbia's only Davis Cup triumph in 2010 and his country eliminated 10-time champions Britain, who faced an uphill struggle after Kecmanovic defeated Draper in two tie-breaks. Britain, without the injured Andy Murray and Dan Evans, were hoping Draper could give them a cushion. Serbia captain Viktor Troicki selected Kecmanovic over the higher ranked Laslo Djere and the world number 55 raised his game in return. Draper staved off two set points to hold for 5-5 but unravelled in the first tie-break, double faulting twice and miscalculating a drop shot to hand the Serbian the set on a plate. After composing himself the second set was even tighter than the first, with neither player able to find a break again. The near-flawless Kecmanovic triumphed when Draper lashed a forehand wide and then pushed a return into the net. "It was definitely very close, and just the atmosphere made it, I think, even more tense than it probably would be if it was like an ATP match or something," said the Serb. ALSO READ | RECORD-BREAKING 300 million fans watched India vs Australia ODI World Cup final on TV, says Jay Shah Sealed with a kiss Djokovic set out with his mission clearly defined and earned two break points at 2-2 and took the second of them to nose ahead with a well-judged touch over the net which the scrambling Norrie just failed to reach. The Briton was pulled to-and-fro by Djokovic but scrapped to survive four break points for an extremely tough hold from love 40 down, to trail 4-3. One superb overhead earned Norrie applause from Djokovic. The 36-year-old offered little else after that to his opponent though and closed out the first set serving to love with a volley, before cupping his ear and blowing sarcastic kisses to a couple of British fans who had upset him. Djokovic broke to love in the first game of the second set as he began to hit his stride and show off his lethal forearm. British No 1 Norrie, 18th in the world, showed resilience but never came close to finding a way back into the match. Djokovic served it out, finishing with an ace. On Friday, last year's runners-up Australia face surprise package Finland in the first semi-final.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic silences Britain, helps Serbia into Davis Cup semis; to face Jannik Sinner in last four

Australia produced a stunning comeback to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a Davis Cup semi-final clash with Finland. Last year's runners-up almost crashed out in the last eight but Alex de Minaur pulled Australia back from the brink by beating Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 in the second singles rubber.

The world number 12 levelled the tie after Tomas Machac defeated Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 in the opening battle and forced a deciding rubber, won by Wimbledon 2022 doubles champions Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell. They defeated the returning Lehecka and Adam Pavlasek 6-4, 7-5 on a rollercoaster night for the team with the second most Davis Cup wins in the competition's history, 28, behind only the United States.

Despite their rich history Australia have not won the competition since 2003 and looked set for elimination with Lehecka serving for the tie against De Minaur, who dug deep to find a new level to keep his country's dream alive. "I just told myself to keep fighting, keep playing till the last point, you never know, sometimes you get your chances," said De Minaur. "I got a little sniff, I was able to roll with it. "I think my reputation kind of is quite strong when it comes to these types of situations, it kind of precedes me -- maybe I won that match because of that today."

The only time the Czech Republic have beaten Australia in 10 clashes was in 1975, but the three-time champions came extremely close in Malaga. "We were one game from going home, for him to fight back and win that match is one of the best comebacks I've ever seen," said Ebden.

Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has been one of the most critical of the controversial updated Davis Cup format which began in 2019, and Green and Gold fans were outnumbered by Czech supporters at the Martin Carpena arena. Over two-thirds of seats were filled, although the atmosphere could not match surprise package Finland's win over reigning champions Canada on Tuesday, willed to life by a few thousand noisy Nordic fans.

Machac, 23, slapped a forehand winner down-the-line to break Thompson in the first game and it was enough to secure him the first set. The second was just as tight and when Machac broke for 5-4, Thompson immediately battled back to pull level, breaking the Czech for the first time in the match.

Machac broke again though with a passing shot and clinched the match with another forehand winner. "I only got one break and it was an absolute battle to get it," said a disappointed Thompson.

His defeat left the pressure on De Minaur's shoulders to keep the Green and Gold in the hunt for their 200th tie victory.

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<h2>- Stunning comeback -</h2>

Lehecka broke for a 3-2 lead in the first set and held off De Minaur in the epic final game, surviving five break points and eventually converting his fourth set point. The Czech, ranked 31st in the world, broke again for a 2-1 lead in the second set, which he held on to, surviving three more break points for a 5-3 lead.

However Lehecka froze when serving for the tie, going long repeatedly and broken to love by a De Minaur who suddenly found another gear, winning 10 consecutive points&nbsp;and dominating the tie-break to force a decider.

De Minaur broke Lehecka to start the third set and consolidated it, but the Czech broke back for 2-2. The Australian took a 6-5 lead when he broke again and wrapped up the set to love to complete his superb comeback.

"It's great to have such amazing support, this is an Australian Davis Cup team, we fight until the end and we're never dead," said De Minaur. The consistent Ebden and Purcell pairing only dropped two points on their serves in the first set and broke in the seventh game to take it. They pressed the Czech duo on their serves in the second set and eventually found a way through to move 6-5 ahead, serving it out to send Australia through to face Finland on Friday.

On Thursday Novak Djokovic's Serbia face Great Britain and Jannik Sinner's Italy play the Netherlands in the remaining last eight matches.

Australia produced a stunning comeback to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a Davis Cup semi-final clash with Finland. Last year's runners-up almost crashed out in the last eight but Alex de Minaur pulled Australia back from the brink by beating Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 in the second singles rubber.

Australia produced a stunning comeback to beat the Czech Republic 2-1 on Wednesday and set up a Davis Cup semi-final clash with Finland. Last year's runners-up almost crashed out in the last eight but Alex de Minaur pulled Australia back from the brink by beating Jiri Lehecka 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 7-5 in the second singles rubber. The world number 12 levelled the tie after Tomas Machac defeated Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 in the opening battle and forced a deciding rubber, won by Wimbledon 2022 doubles champions Matthew Ebden and Max Purcell. They defeated the returning Lehecka and Adam Pavlasek 6-4, 7-5 on a rollercoaster night for the team with the second most Davis Cup wins in the competition's history, 28, behind only the United States. Despite their rich history Australia have not won the competition since 2003 and looked set for elimination with Lehecka serving for the tie against De Minaur, who dug deep to find a new level to keep his country's dream alive. "I just told myself to keep fighting, keep playing till the last point, you never know, sometimes you get your chances," said De Minaur. "I got a little sniff, I was able to roll with it. "I think my reputation kind of is quite strong when it comes to these types of situations, it kind of precedes me -- maybe I won that match because of that today." The only time the Czech Republic have beaten Australia in 10 clashes was in 1975, but the three-time champions came extremely close in Malaga. "We were one game from going home, for him to fight back and win that match is one of the best comebacks I've ever seen," said Ebden. Australia captain Lleyton Hewitt has been one of the most critical of the controversial updated Davis Cup format which began in 2019, and Green and Gold fans were outnumbered by Czech supporters at the Martin Carpena arena. Over two-thirds of seats were filled, although the atmosphere could not match surprise package Finland's win over reigning champions Canada on Tuesday, willed to life by a few thousand noisy Nordic fans. Machac, 23, slapped a forehand winner down-the-line to break Thompson in the first game and it was enough to secure him the first set. The second was just as tight and when Machac broke for 5-4, Thompson immediately battled back to pull level, breaking the Czech for the first time in the match. Machac broke again though with a passing shot and clinched the match with another forehand winner. "I only got one break and it was an absolute battle to get it," said a disappointed Thompson. His defeat left the pressure on De Minaur's shoulders to keep the Green and Gold in the hunt for their 200th tie victory. Also read: Football: Spain’s Jenni Hermoso summoned by judge in Luis Rubiales case - Stunning comeback - Lehecka broke for a 3-2 lead in the first set and held off De Minaur in the epic final game, surviving five break points and eventually converting his fourth set point. The Czech, ranked 31st in the world, broke again for a 2-1 lead in the second set, which he held on to, surviving three more break points for a 5-3 lead. However Lehecka froze when serving for the tie, going long repeatedly and broken to love by a De Minaur who suddenly found another gear, winning 10 consecutive points and dominating the tie-break to force a decider. De Minaur broke Lehecka to start the third set and consolidated it, but the Czech broke back for 2-2. The Australian took a 6-5 lead when he broke again and wrapped up the set to love to complete his superb comeback. "It's great to have such amazing support, this is an Australian Davis Cup team, we fight until the end and we're never dead," said De Minaur. The consistent Ebden and Purcell pairing only dropped two points on their serves in the first set and broke in the seventh game to take it. They pressed the Czech duo on their serves in the second set and eventually found a way through to move 6-5 ahead, serving it out to send Australia through to face Finland on Friday. On Thursday Novak Djokovic's Serbia face Great Britain and Jannik Sinner's Italy play the Netherlands in the remaining last eight matches.

Tennis: Remarkable Australia comeback over Czech Republic to seal Davis Cup semis spot

Novak&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;won a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Sunday after beating local hero Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in Turin.

World number one&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;moves clear of retired great Roger Federer in victories at the season-ending tournament after denying Italian Sinner a triumph on home soil.

Djokovic&nbsp;came into the Finals at the end of a year which has brought three Grand Slams, taking his total to an all-time best of 24, and a 40th Masters 1000 title.

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And he has crowned an incredible season -- in which he also reached the Wimbledon final -- with yet another record, comfortably seeing off two of the game's best young players in the process.

Sinner was bidding to become the first ever Italian to claim a Finals crown and looked like the right man to do it after his impressive group stage win over&nbsp;Djokovic.

But the 22-year-old, like Carlos Alcaraz in Saturday's semi-final, simply could not handle&nbsp;Djokovic, a man on a mission who hit his best form at exactly the right time in the tournament.

It is a testament however to how far Sinner has come in the past year that he had&nbsp;Djokovic's tournament fate in his hands at the end of the group stage, when defeat by Holger Rune would have sent the Serb home early.

Sinner saved&nbsp;Djokovic's skin and in the end paid for it in the final, but the quality of his performances at the Pala Alpitour has been a cause for much optimism in Italy and suggests that he should be a Grand Slam contender next season.

<h2>Djokovic&nbsp;in control</h2>

Djokovic&nbsp;took control early in the match, breaking Sinner at the first opportunity in game four and then comfortably serving out the opening set.

Such was his dominance that&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;silenced a partisan crowd which has been rambunctious for all of Sinner's matches, and he immediately broke serve again at the start of the second set.

He reeled off 14 straight points from the start of the final game of the first set into the third game of the second, which was eventually won by Sinner to just hold his serve.

Sinner looked like he was going to be walked over but he showed huge heart and brought the crowd to its feet when he held his serve in game seven, a 15-minute mini-epic in which&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;had two break points, to stay at 4-3.

However in the end he couldn't stay with&nbsp;Djokovic&nbsp;and in the end surrendered the match in disappointing fashion with a double fault.

Earlier, Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury retained their ATP Finals doubles title on Sunday as they cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.

The US Open champions kept hold of their crown with a near-perfect campaign in Turin, going unbeaten in their five matches.

American Ram and Briton Salisbury took their winning streak at the season-ending tournament to 10 matches after also sweeping to last year's title undefeated.

Granollers and Zeballos missed out on the year-end top spot in the world rankings following the straight-sets defeat, with their eliminated Green Group opponents Ivan&nbsp;Dodig and Austin&nbsp;Krajicek remaining in first.

Novak Djokovic won a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Sunday after beating local hero Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in Turin. World number one Djokovic moves clear of retired great Roger Federer in victories at the season-ending tournament after denying Italian Sinner a triumph on home soil.

Novak Djokovic won a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Sunday after beating local hero Jannik Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in Turin. World number one Djokovic moves clear of retired great Roger Federer in victories at the season-ending tournament after denying Italian Sinner a triumph on home soil. Djokovic came into the Finals at the end of a year which has brought three Grand Slams, taking his total to an all-time best of 24, and a 40th Masters 1000 title. Also Read: Euro 2024 Qualifiers: Portugal finish unbeaten, Serbia and Belgium qualify too And he has crowned an incredible season -- in which he also reached the Wimbledon final -- with yet another record, comfortably seeing off two of the game's best young players in the process. Sinner was bidding to become the first ever Italian to claim a Finals crown and looked like the right man to do it after his impressive group stage win over Djokovic. But the 22-year-old, like Carlos Alcaraz in Saturday's semi-final, simply could not handle Djokovic, a man on a mission who hit his best form at exactly the right time in the tournament. It is a testament however to how far Sinner has come in the past year that he had Djokovic's tournament fate in his hands at the end of the group stage, when defeat by Holger Rune would have sent the Serb home early. Sinner saved Djokovic's skin and in the end paid for it in the final, but the quality of his performances at the Pala Alpitour has been a cause for much optimism in Italy and suggests that he should be a Grand Slam contender next season. Djokovic in control Djokovic took control early in the match, breaking Sinner at the first opportunity in game four and then comfortably serving out the opening set. Such was his dominance that Djokovic silenced a partisan crowd which has been rambunctious for all of Sinner's matches, and he immediately broke serve again at the start of the second set. He reeled off 14 straight points from the start of the final game of the first set into the third game of the second, which was eventually won by Sinner to just hold his serve. Sinner looked like he was going to be walked over but he showed huge heart and brought the crowd to its feet when he held his serve in game seven, a 15-minute mini-epic in which Djokovic had two break points, to stay at 4-3. However in the end he couldn't stay with Djokovic and in the end surrendered the match in disappointing fashion with a double fault. Earlier, Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury retained their ATP Finals doubles title on Sunday as they cruised to a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos. The US Open champions kept hold of their crown with a near-perfect campaign in Turin, going unbeaten in their five matches. American Ram and Briton Salisbury took their winning streak at the season-ending tournament to 10 matches after also sweeping to last year's title undefeated. Granollers and Zeballos missed out on the year-end top spot in the world rankings following the straight-sets defeat, with their eliminated Green Group opponents Ivan Dodig and Austin Krajicek remaining in first.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic wins record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title

Novak Djokovic closed in on a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Saturday after sweeping past Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2 in a dominating semi-final display he hailed as his best of the tournament.

World number one Djokovic will face home favourite Jannik Sinner on Sunday in the final in Turin, as the 36-year-old attempts to cap an age-defying year with yet another major triumph.

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"The best match of the tournament for me, without a doubt. It came at right time really, after spending a lot of hours on the court in the first three matches," said Djokovic.

"Tonight, from the very beginning, I felt the ball well. I approached the match with the right attitude, the right mentality."

The Serb came into the Finals at the end of a year which has brought three Grand Slams, taking his total to an all-time best of 24, and a 40th Masters 1000 title.

Now only Sinner stands between Djokovic and victory, which would take him past his old foe and retired great Roger Federer for season-ending tournament titles.

Sunday's final promises to be a tough proposition for Djokovic as he lost to Sinner in the group stage and will have to deal with a partisan Italian crowd that, unusually for him, won't be on his side.

"He's been playing fantastic tennis, arguably the best tennis of his life. On this stage, against top 10 players," added Djokovic.

"We played a very tight match the other night, the atmosphere was electric. I don't expect anything less than what we had in the group stage matchup."

Djokovic now has the better of his five matches with Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, who at 20 is already a two-time Grand Slam winner and was bidding to become the youngest finalist since Pete Sampras won the title back in 1991.

Saturday's match didn't live up to the previous four dramatic clashes however, as Djokovic put on a show of force which put pretender Alcaraz firmly in his place.

"I feel like I am not on his level on indoor courts," a dejected Alcaraz told reporters.

"He has more experience than me playing in these tournaments, in these courts. But he's unbelievable."

<h2>Sinner delivering</h2>

Sinner said he has the recipe for glory after his convincing 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 win over Daniil Medvedev made him the first Italian to ever reach the final.

The Italian has risen to fourth in the world rankings in 2023, and backed by passionate home support, the 22-year-old has a chance to cap the best season of his young career with what would be his biggest title to date.

"It's like the first time you cook pasta with tomato sauce, maybe it's not that good. You realise that it needs more salt so the next time you add it. Then you might start using fresh tomatoes, and then add in basil," Sinner told reporters.

"You learn things as you go along, until you get the dish right. That's what I'm doing. But you have to be careful, you can't just keep adding new things, because if you put in too many ingredients the dish won't be good any more. There's always a balance to be struck."

He faces Djokovic after his third straight win over world number three Medvedev, who he also beat in finals in Vienna and Beijing.

Medvedev predicted big things for Sinner after Saturday's defeat, saying that the Italian will win Grand Slams and top the world rankings if he keeps playing as he has in Turin.

"Right now he's, let's call it, riding a wave. You can see it," said Medvedev.&nbsp;

"If he plays like this, like he played in the last weeks, all the time, he's going to have slams, number one... The question is how often is he going to ride it. When he's not on the wave, how good he plays."

Novak Djokovic closed in on a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Saturday after sweeping past Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2 in a dominating semi-final display he hailed as his best of the tournament.

Novak Djokovic closed in on a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title on Saturday after sweeping past Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2 in a dominating semi-final display he hailed as his best of the tournament. World number one Djokovic will face home favourite Jannik Sinner on Sunday in the final in Turin, as the 36-year-old attempts to cap an age-defying year with yet another major triumph. Also Read: Expect another bank of wickets from Mohammed Shami in World Cup final: Dav Whatmore "The best match of the tournament for me, without a doubt. It came at right time really, after spending a lot of hours on the court in the first three matches," said Djokovic. "Tonight, from the very beginning, I felt the ball well. I approached the match with the right attitude, the right mentality." The Serb came into the Finals at the end of a year which has brought three Grand Slams, taking his total to an all-time best of 24, and a 40th Masters 1000 title. Now only Sinner stands between Djokovic and victory, which would take him past his old foe and retired great Roger Federer for season-ending tournament titles. Sunday's final promises to be a tough proposition for Djokovic as he lost to Sinner in the group stage and will have to deal with a partisan Italian crowd that, unusually for him, won't be on his side. "He's been playing fantastic tennis, arguably the best tennis of his life. On this stage, against top 10 players," added Djokovic. "We played a very tight match the other night, the atmosphere was electric. I don't expect anything less than what we had in the group stage matchup." Djokovic now has the better of his five matches with Wimbledon champion Alcaraz, who at 20 is already a two-time Grand Slam winner and was bidding to become the youngest finalist since Pete Sampras won the title back in 1991. Saturday's match didn't live up to the previous four dramatic clashes however, as Djokovic put on a show of force which put pretender Alcaraz firmly in his place. "I feel like I am not on his level on indoor courts," a dejected Alcaraz told reporters. "He has more experience than me playing in these tournaments, in these courts. But he's unbelievable." Sinner delivering Sinner said he has the recipe for glory after his convincing 6-3, 6-7 (4/7), 6-1 win over Daniil Medvedev made him the first Italian to ever reach the final. The Italian has risen to fourth in the world rankings in 2023, and backed by passionate home support, the 22-year-old has a chance to cap the best season of his young career with what would be his biggest title to date. "It's like the first time you cook pasta with tomato sauce, maybe it's not that good. You realise that it needs more salt so the next time you add it. Then you might start using fresh tomatoes, and then add in basil," Sinner told reporters. "You learn things as you go along, until you get the dish right. That's what I'm doing. But you have to be careful, you can't just keep adding new things, because if you put in too many ingredients the dish won't be good any more. There's always a balance to be struck." He faces Djokovic after his third straight win over world number three Medvedev, who he also beat in finals in Vienna and Beijing. Medvedev predicted big things for Sinner after Saturday's defeat, saying that the Italian will win Grand Slams and top the world rankings if he keeps playing as he has in Turin. "Right now he's, let's call it, riding a wave. You can see it," said Medvedev. "If he plays like this, like he played in the last weeks, all the time, he's going to have slams, number one... The question is how often is he going to ride it. When he's not on the wave, how good he plays."

Tennis: Novak Djokovic eyes ATP Finals record after last-four demolition of Carlos Alcaraz

World number one Novak Djokovic beat ATP Finals alternate Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1 in their Green Group clash on Thursday and advanced to the semi-finals after Jannik Sinner edged Holger Rune 6-2 5-7 6-4 in the evening match.

Djokovic's dropped set against Hurkacz, who replaced the injured Stefanos Tsitsipas in Turin, confirmed Jannik Sinner's spot in the semi-finals - making him the first Italian in the tournament's 54-year history to reach that stage.

Home favourite Sinner also clinched top spot in the group with a 3-0 record after his big win over defending champion Djokovic 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6(2) on Tuesday.

Playing with nothing to lose, Poland's Hurkacz was a force to reckon with on serve -- firing 24 aces in the match -- but he ran out of steam in the final set as Djokovic converted break points for the first time in the contest.

Despite Djokovic notching his 15th victory over a top-10 player this year, equalling his best record since 2018, the Serbian was clearly frustrated after the win when asked why he looked upset when things went awry during the second set.

"Why was I upset? For what? I lost the set, so it's normal ... Good win, good win," he said in an interview that lasted less than 20 seconds before he walked off the court.

Break points were in short supply in an absorbing first set as Hurkacz made things difficult for world number one Djokovic when he opted to serve first and began with a series of unreturned serves in the opening games.

Hurkacz is the only player on the ATP Tour with over 1,000 aces in 2023 and the 26-year-old was aggressive with his approach on a lightning-quick surface.

But at 6-5 down, Djokovic switched gears and won 10 points in a row to take the contest into a tiebreak, setting up six set points in the blink of an eye.

Although Hurkacz saved one set point, the Serbian closed out the set to take the upper hand.

However, the Pole stormed back into the match in the second set with the crowd firmly behind the underdog while Djokovic seemed distracted, handing Hurkacz the first break when he made a double fault.

Hurkacz nearly handed back the advantage on serve when leading 4-3 with Djokovic going 40-15 up, but his powerful serve came to the rescue once again to deny the Serbian a break before he served out the set to force a decider.

However, that was all Hurkacz had to offer as his unforced error count continued to climb. Although the Poler hit more winners than Djokovic, he also made 41 unforced errors which proved to be the difference.

Sinner, enjoying the best season of his career, reached 60 victories in 2023 after a fierce battle against world number eight Rune.

The Italian needed only 32 minutes to clinch the first set courtesy of a strong serve and two early breaks, looking on course for a smooth victory.

But the feisty Dane rallied to hold his serve and take the second set by capitalising the fourth of his break chances against a diminished Sinner, who constantly grabbed his lower back in apparent pain.

Down 4-3 in the decider, Sinner saved a crucial break point thanks to an ace, then struck in the next game to break serve and seal his first win over Rune.

World number one Novak Djokovic beat ATP Finals alternate Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1 in their Green Group clash on Thursday and advanced to the semi-finals after Jannik Sinner edged Holger Rune 6-2 5-7 6-4 in the evening match.

World number one Novak Djokovic beat ATP Finals alternate Hubert Hurkacz 7-6(1) 4-6 6-1 in their Green Group clash on Thursday and advanced to the semi-finals after Jannik Sinner edged Holger Rune 6-2 5-7 6-4 in the evening match. Djokovic's dropped set against Hurkacz, who replaced the injured Stefanos Tsitsipas in Turin, confirmed Jannik Sinner's spot in the semi-finals - making him the first Italian in the tournament's 54-year history to reach that stage. Home favourite Sinner also clinched top spot in the group with a 3-0 record after his big win over defending champion Djokovic 7-5 6-7(5) 7-6(2) on Tuesday. Playing with nothing to lose, Poland's Hurkacz was a force to reckon with on serve -- firing 24 aces in the match -- but he ran out of steam in the final set as Djokovic converted break points for the first time in the contest. Despite Djokovic notching his 15th victory over a top-10 player this year, equalling his best record since 2018, the Serbian was clearly frustrated after the win when asked why he looked upset when things went awry during the second set. "Why was I upset? For what? I lost the set, so it's normal ... Good win, good win," he said in an interview that lasted less than 20 seconds before he walked off the court. Break points were in short supply in an absorbing first set as Hurkacz made things difficult for world number one Djokovic when he opted to serve first and began with a series of unreturned serves in the opening games. Hurkacz is the only player on the ATP Tour with over 1,000 aces in 2023 and the 26-year-old was aggressive with his approach on a lightning-quick surface. But at 6-5 down, Djokovic switched gears and won 10 points in a row to take the contest into a tiebreak, setting up six set points in the blink of an eye. Although Hurkacz saved one set point, the Serbian closed out the set to take the upper hand. However, the Pole stormed back into the match in the second set with the crowd firmly behind the underdog while Djokovic seemed distracted, handing Hurkacz the first break when he made a double fault. Hurkacz nearly handed back the advantage on serve when leading 4-3 with Djokovic going 40-15 up, but his powerful serve came to the rescue once again to deny the Serbian a break before he served out the set to force a decider. However, that was all Hurkacz had to offer as his unforced error count continued to climb. Although the Poler hit more winners than Djokovic, he also made 41 unforced errors which proved to be the difference. Sinner, enjoying the best season of his career, reached 60 victories in 2023 after a fierce battle against world number eight Rune. The Italian needed only 32 minutes to clinch the first set courtesy of a strong serve and two early breaks, looking on course for a smooth victory. But the feisty Dane rallied to hold his serve and take the second set by capitalising the fourth of his break chances against a diminished Sinner, who constantly grabbed his lower back in apparent pain. Down 4-3 in the decider, Sinner saved a crucial break point thanks to an ace, then struck in the next game to break serve and seal his first win over Rune.

Djokovic beats Hurkacz at ATP Finals, reaches semis with Sinner win

Daniil Medvedev became the first player through to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals with a 7-6(7) 6-4 win over Germany's Alexander Zverev on Wednesday (November 15).

Zverev has won the title twice, in 2018 and 2021, but is in danger of missing out on a semi-final spot and will be kicking himself after some costly errors against the Russian.

He led 4-1 in the opening set tiebreak and missed a volley. Then he had a set point but misfired a forehand into the bottom of the net to let Medvedev off the hook.

Medvedev, champion in London in 2020, then stole the opening set as Zverev failed with another high backhand volley.

World number seven Zverev had another chance at 4-4 in the second set but struck a wayward backhand to waste a break point.

Medvedev then struck in the next game to break serve and win the match to take his record against Zverev to 11 wins from their 18 meetings.

Carlos Alcaraz eased to a 7-5 6-2 win over Andrey Rublev earlier in the day to revive his hopes in Red Group after he had opened with defeat by Zverev.

The 20-year-old will need to beat Medvedev in his final group game on Friday (November 17) with the Russian already guaranteed a spot.

Questions have been asked about the state of Alcaraz's game after a slump in from since winning Wimbledon.

Daniil Medvedev became the first player through to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals with a 7-6(7) 6-4 win over Germany's Alexander Zverev on Wednesday (November 15).

Daniil Medvedev became the first player through to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals with a 7-6(7) 6-4 win over Germany's Alexander Zverev on Wednesday (November 15). Zverev has won the title twice, in 2018 and 2021, but is in danger of missing out on a semi-final spot and will be kicking himself after some costly errors against the Russian. He led 4-1 in the opening set tiebreak and missed a volley. Then he had a set point but misfired a forehand into the bottom of the net to let Medvedev off the hook. Medvedev, champion in London in 2020, then stole the opening set as Zverev failed with another high backhand volley. World number seven Zverev had another chance at 4-4 in the second set but struck a wayward backhand to waste a break point. Medvedev then struck in the next game to break serve and win the match to take his record against Zverev to 11 wins from their 18 meetings. Carlos Alcaraz eased to a 7-5 6-2 win over Andrey Rublev earlier in the day to revive his hopes in Red Group after he had opened with defeat by Zverev. The 20-year-old will need to beat Medvedev in his final group game on Friday (November 17) with the Russian already guaranteed a spot. Questions have been asked about the state of Alcaraz's game after a slump in from since winning Wimbledon.

Medvedev through to semi-finals with win over Zverev

Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals on Wednesday after beating Alexander Zverev 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, while Carlos Alcaraz cruised past troubled Andrey Rublev to get his campaign up and running.

World number three Medvedev had to win in straight sets to claim a spot in the semi-finals in Turin with a match to spare and he saw off big-hitting German Zverev in a stodgy Red Group encounter.

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He faces Carlos Alcaraz, a 7-5, 6-2&nbsp;winner earlier in the day, in his final match and has the world number two's last-four hopes in his hands.

"I hope that I feel well tomorrow and ready to fight because this tournament is tricky," said Medvedev.

"I'm into the semis but you want to keep the rhythm and against Carlos... if we play at night you don't want to finish 7-6 in the third (set) at midnight. I just hope I can show my best tennis."

Medvedev has a long-running rivalry with Zverev, the pair not getting on off-court, and he has now prevailed in five of their six matches this season.

One of those wins came on his way to his surprise triumph at the clay-court Italian Open back in May, one of five titles won by Medvedev this year.

The 2020 champion looks in fine form despite Wednesday's match being his 82nd this year and will cause serious trouble to whoever he faces in the next round.

Zverev, a two-time winner at the season-ending tournament, would have qualified from the Red Group with a win of either sort following Alcaraz's earlier victory.

The 26-year-old hit more aces and winners than Medvedev but still ended up on the wrong side of the result after throwing away his service game to save the match.

Zverev can still make it through though and in his final match will face a dejected Rublev, who is yet to win a set at the Pala Alpitour.

<h2>Alcaraz back in form</h2>

World number two Alcaraz has had problems with his form and fitness over the past few months and was staring at possible early elimination after losing his first match with Zverev.

But he looked in much better condition on Wednesday and comfortably claimed his first ever win in the season-ending tournament, snapping a three-match losing streak to boot.

"I'm really happy to show this level and realise that my level is still there, giving myself a chance in this tournament," Alcaraz told reporters.&nbsp;

"After this win, everything has changed in my mind."

The 20-year-old easily dealt with Russian Rublev who once again failed to make his mark in a big match with one of tennis' leading lights, and lost control of his emotions after giving away a service game at the start of the second set.

Being one set and a break down was too much for the 26-year-old who then repeatedly smashed his racket into his left knee, drawing blood, and soon after gave into his anger and promptly collapsed just as he did in his opening defeat to long-time friend Medvedev.

Afterwards Rublev brushed off the assault on his own limb as "nothing" but then admitted that he is struggling emotionally with what has been a hard end to the season.

On Thursday Jannik Sinner will try to become the first Italian to reach the semi-finals when he takes on Holger Rune in the tight Green Group.

Straight victories over now-retired Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic might not be enough to secure a spot in the next round.

And Sinner faces Rune who only had to play three games against Tsitsipas who dropped out with injury.

Sinner meanwhile prevailed on Tuesday in a three-hour thriller with Djokovic, who plays Tsitsipas' replacement Hubert Hurkacz with his last-four spot also still in the balance.

Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals on Wednesday after beating Alexander Zverev 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, while Carlos Alcaraz cruised past troubled Andrey Rublev to get his campaign up and running.

Daniil Medvedev booked his place in the last four of the ATP Finals on Wednesday after beating Alexander Zverev 7-6 (9/7), 6-4, while Carlos Alcaraz cruised past troubled Andrey Rublev to get his campaign up and running. World number three Medvedev had to win in straight sets to claim a spot in the semi-finals in Turin with a match to spare and he saw off big-hitting German Zverev in a stodgy Red Group encounter. Also Read: David Beckham backs youthful England to win Euro 2024 while in attendance for India-New Zealand World Cup SF He faces Carlos Alcaraz, a 7-5, 6-2 winner earlier in the day, in his final match and has the world number two's last-four hopes in his hands. "I hope that I feel well tomorrow and ready to fight because this tournament is tricky," said Medvedev. "I'm into the semis but you want to keep the rhythm and against Carlos... if we play at night you don't want to finish 7-6 in the third (set) at midnight. I just hope I can show my best tennis." Medvedev has a long-running rivalry with Zverev, the pair not getting on off-court, and he has now prevailed in five of their six matches this season. One of those wins came on his way to his surprise triumph at the clay-court Italian Open back in May, one of five titles won by Medvedev this year. The 2020 champion looks in fine form despite Wednesday's match being his 82nd this year and will cause serious trouble to whoever he faces in the next round. Zverev, a two-time winner at the season-ending tournament, would have qualified from the Red Group with a win of either sort following Alcaraz's earlier victory. The 26-year-old hit more aces and winners than Medvedev but still ended up on the wrong side of the result after throwing away his service game to save the match. Zverev can still make it through though and in his final match will face a dejected Rublev, who is yet to win a set at the Pala Alpitour. Alcaraz back in form World number two Alcaraz has had problems with his form and fitness over the past few months and was staring at possible early elimination after losing his first match with Zverev. But he looked in much better condition on Wednesday and comfortably claimed his first ever win in the season-ending tournament, snapping a three-match losing streak to boot. "I'm really happy to show this level and realise that my level is still there, giving myself a chance in this tournament," Alcaraz told reporters. "After this win, everything has changed in my mind." The 20-year-old easily dealt with Russian Rublev who once again failed to make his mark in a big match with one of tennis' leading lights, and lost control of his emotions after giving away a service game at the start of the second set. Being one set and a break down was too much for the 26-year-old who then repeatedly smashed his racket into his left knee, drawing blood, and soon after gave into his anger and promptly collapsed just as he did in his opening defeat to long-time friend Medvedev. Afterwards Rublev brushed off the assault on his own limb as "nothing" but then admitted that he is struggling emotionally with what has been a hard end to the season. On Thursday Jannik Sinner will try to become the first Italian to reach the semi-finals when he takes on Holger Rune in the tight Green Group. Straight victories over now-retired Stefanos Tsitsipas and Novak Djokovic might not be enough to secure a spot in the next round. And Sinner faces Rune who only had to play three games against Tsitsipas who dropped out with injury. Sinner meanwhile prevailed on Tuesday in a three-hour thriller with Djokovic, who plays Tsitsipas' replacement Hubert Hurkacz with his last-four spot also still in the balance.

Tennis: Daniil Medvedev enters ATP Finals semis, Carlos Alcaraz back in form

Emma Raducanu's "challenging year" suffered another hiccup after the former US Open champion pulled out of her scheduled comeback at an exhibition tournament next month in Macau.

The Briton, who turned 21 on Monday, has not played since April after undergoing surgeries on both wrists and also an ankle.

She had targeted the Macau Tennis Masters on December 2-3 for her return but her name was missing when the final field was announced on Monday, with organisers saying "injuries (led) to a revised line-up".

Raducanu stunned the tennis world two years ago when she won the US Open as a qualifier aged 18.

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But she has struggled for form and fitness since and is now ranked 289 in the world.

She is, however, back in training following her long injury layoff and is reportedly targeting the beginning of next year for her comeback.

The Australian Open begins on January 14.

"Regardless of a challenging year there's a lot to be grateful for," she wrote on Instagram as she celebrated her birthday.

"Looking forward to the next chapter."

Emma Raducanu's "challenging year" suffered another hiccup after the former US Open champion pulled out of her scheduled comeback at an exhibition tournament next month in Macau.

Emma Raducanu's "challenging year" suffered another hiccup after the former US Open champion pulled out of her scheduled comeback at an exhibition tournament next month in Macau. The Briton, who turned 21 on Monday, has not played since April after undergoing surgeries on both wrists and also an ankle. She had targeted the Macau Tennis Masters on December 2-3 for her return but her name was missing when the final field was announced on Monday, with organisers saying "injuries (led) to a revised line-up". Raducanu stunned the tennis world two years ago when she won the US Open as a qualifier aged 18. ALSO READ | Bayern Munich star Thomas Muller shows support for Indian team at World Cup; wears jersey & tags Virat Kohli But she has struggled for form and fitness since and is now ranked 289 in the world. She is, however, back in training following her long injury layoff and is reportedly targeting the beginning of next year for her comeback. The Australian Open begins on January 14. "Regardless of a challenging year there's a lot to be grateful for," she wrote on Instagram as she celebrated her birthday. "Looking forward to the next chapter."

Tennis: Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu delays comeback after 'challenging year'

Novak Djokovic eventually tamed Danish debutant Holger Rune with a 7-6(4) 6-7(1) 6-3 victory in his opening round robin match at the ATP Finals to seal the year-end number one ranking for a record-extending eighth time on Sunday.

The 36-year-old Serb was stretched to the limit at times with Rune producing some fireworks for the large evening crowd in Turin's cavernous Pala Alpitour.

But after an uncharacteristically poor second-set tiebreak, Djokovic made his experience count as he began his quest for a record seventh title at the year-ender.

Earlier on day one, Jannik Sinner made a dream start in front of his home crowd with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of Stefanos Tsitsipas in their opening Green Group clash.

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Djokovic will next face Sinner on Tuesday.

The Serbian's 19th successive win ended any chance of Spain's Carlos Alcaraz overtaking him in the rankings this week.

A sensational first set had the crowd on the edge of their seats with Djokovic edging it on the tiebreak.

But the 20-year-old Rune, who had won in two of their first four meetings, was undeterred and cranked up the power to take the set to another tiebreak which he raced away with.

<h2>EARLY BREAK</h2>

Djokovic broke early in the deciding set but then handed back the advantage with a poor service game, smashing two rackets during the changeover.

Rune wavered again though at 2-3 as he lost his focus and began to rant towards coach Boris Becker.

This time there was no coming back as Djokovic eased home.

"It took everything. The first game he was firing shots and I knew it would be a tough night," Djokovic, who now boasts an 18-1 record in his opening match at the tournament, said.

"He played great and I played great in moments. It was an emotional win knowing that I would clinch the world number one."

World number four Sinner, who has qualified for the ATP Finals first time having played as an alternate last year, delighted the Italian fans with a superb display.

He served superbly throughout and struck his ground strokes with venom, needing just one service break in each set to wrap up a routine victory.

"It was a long week before coming here and I was excited to finally step on court," the 22-year-old Sinner said. "I knew it would be tough, but I think I answered the questions really well.

"It's a special week, such an incredible feeling playing here with the roof closed and the crowd."

Novak Djokovic eventually tamed Danish debutant Holger Rune with a 7-6(4) 6-7(1) 6-3 victory in his opening round robin match at the ATP Finals to seal the year-end number one ranking for a record-extending eighth time on Sunday.

Novak Djokovic eventually tamed Danish debutant Holger Rune with a 7-6(4) 6-7(1) 6-3 victory in his opening round robin match at the ATP Finals to seal the year-end number one ranking for a record-extending eighth time on Sunday. The 36-year-old Serb was stretched to the limit at times with Rune producing some fireworks for the large evening crowd in Turin's cavernous Pala Alpitour. But after an uncharacteristically poor second-set tiebreak, Djokovic made his experience count as he began his quest for a record seventh title at the year-ender. Earlier on day one, Jannik Sinner made a dream start in front of his home crowd with a 6-4 6-4 defeat of Stefanos Tsitsipas in their opening Green Group clash. ALSO READ: NFL: San Francisco 49ers claim big win at Jacksonville, Cowboys humble Giants Djokovic will next face Sinner on Tuesday. The Serbian's 19th successive win ended any chance of Spain's Carlos Alcaraz overtaking him in the rankings this week. A sensational first set had the crowd on the edge of their seats with Djokovic edging it on the tiebreak. But the 20-year-old Rune, who had won in two of their first four meetings, was undeterred and cranked up the power to take the set to another tiebreak which he raced away with. EARLY BREAK Djokovic broke early in the deciding set but then handed back the advantage with a poor service game, smashing two rackets during the changeover. Rune wavered again though at 2-3 as he lost his focus and began to rant towards coach Boris Becker. This time there was no coming back as Djokovic eased home. "It took everything. The first game he was firing shots and I knew it would be a tough night," Djokovic, who now boasts an 18-1 record in his opening match at the tournament, said. "He played great and I played great in moments. It was an emotional win knowing that I would clinch the world number one." World number four Sinner, who has qualified for the ATP Finals first time having played as an alternate last year, delighted the Italian fans with a superb display. He served superbly throughout and struck his ground strokes with venom, needing just one service break in each set to wrap up a routine victory. "It was a long week before coming here and I was excited to finally step on court," the 22-year-old Sinner said. "I knew it would be tough, but I think I answered the questions really well. "It's a special week, such an incredible feeling playing here with the roof closed and the crowd."

ATP Finals: Novak Djokovic beats Holger Rune to go on top of year-end world rankings

Andy Murray has parted ways with his long-time coach Ivan Lendl for a third time, the former world number one said on Friday.

Lendl helped the 36-year-old Murray to his three Grand Slam titles and teamed up with the British player again last year.

Their latest split was mutual, they said.

"Ivan has been by my side at the biggest moments in my career and I can't thank him enough for all that he's helped me achieve," Murray said. "He's a unique character, who understands what it takes to win and I've learnt an awful lot over the years from him."

Murray first hired Lendl in 2011 and made his breakthrough the year after when he won the Olympic gold medal before claiming his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open.

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A year later Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years.

They split in 2014 but eight-time Grand Slam winner Lendl returned in 2016 with Murray winning his second Wimbledon title and second Olympic gold and becoming world number one for the first time.

Murray began working with Lendl again last year as he continued to try and revive former glories after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, but has suffered a frustrating season as his long wait to get past the third round at a Grand Slam continued.

The last time Murray went further than that was in 2017, shortly before the end of his second stint with Lendl.

"I will look back with some great memories of the time Andy and I worked together," Lendl said. "He's as hard a worker as there is and the sport is better because of him. I wish him only the best in the years to come."

British pair Mark Hilton and Jonny O'Mara, who have been working with Murray alongside Lendl this year, will continue to work with the Scot.

Andy Murray has parted ways with his long-time coach Ivan Lendl for a third time, the former world number one said on Friday. Lendl helped the 36-year-old Murray to his three Grand Slam titles and teamed up with the British player again last year.

Andy Murray has parted ways with his long-time coach Ivan Lendl for a third time, the former world number one said on Friday. Lendl helped the 36-year-old Murray to his three Grand Slam titles and teamed up with the British player again last year. Their latest split was mutual, they said. "Ivan has been by my side at the biggest moments in my career and I can't thank him enough for all that he's helped me achieve," Murray said. "He's a unique character, who understands what it takes to win and I've learnt an awful lot over the years from him." Murray first hired Lendl in 2011 and made his breakthrough the year after when he won the Olympic gold medal before claiming his first Grand Slam title at the U.S. Open. ALSO READ: Barcelona are in a dip, not a crisis: Coach Xavi on team's latest slump A year later Murray became the first British man to win Wimbledon for 77 years. They split in 2014 but eight-time Grand Slam winner Lendl returned in 2016 with Murray winning his second Wimbledon title and second Olympic gold and becoming world number one for the first time. Murray began working with Lendl again last year as he continued to try and revive former glories after hip resurfacing surgery in 2019, but has suffered a frustrating season as his long wait to get past the third round at a Grand Slam continued. The last time Murray went further than that was in 2017, shortly before the end of his second stint with Lendl. "I will look back with some great memories of the time Andy and I worked together," Lendl said. "He's as hard a worker as there is and the sport is better because of him. I wish him only the best in the years to come." British pair Mark Hilton and Jonny O'Mara, who have been working with Murray alongside Lendl this year, will continue to work with the Scot.

Tennis veteran Andy Murray parts ways with long-time coach Ivan Lendl for third time

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will make her eagerly anticipated return to tennis at the Brisbane International in Australia, organisers said on Friday. Starting on the last day of December, the Brisbane tournament is a warm-up for the Australian Open Grand Slam starting in mid-January.&nbsp;

The 26-year-old former world number one Osaka gave birth to daughter Shai in July and has not played on tour since September 2022, having also struggled with her mental health and the pressures of tennis.&nbsp;

"I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can't wait to return," Japan's Osaka said.&nbsp;"The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer."

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Osaka has won four major titles, triumphing in the 2019 and 2021 Australian Opens, and winning the US Open in 2018 and 2020.&nbsp; Osaka earlier this year said her break from the sport had "really fuelled a fire in me". Osaka will be joined in Brisbane by Grand Slam winners Andy Murray and Victoria Azarenka, as well as Grigor Dimitrov and Holger Rune. &nbsp;

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will make her eagerly anticipated return to tennis at the Brisbane International in Australia, organisers said on Friday.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will make her eagerly anticipated return to tennis at the Brisbane International in Australia, organisers said on Friday. Starting on the last day of December, the Brisbane tournament is a warm-up for the Australian Open Grand Slam starting in mid-January. The 26-year-old former world number one Osaka gave birth to daughter Shai in July and has not played on tour since September 2022, having also struggled with her mental health and the pressures of tennis. "I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can't wait to return," Japan's Osaka said. "The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer." Also read: Rugby: Ireland wing Andrew Conway retires at 32 due to knee injury Osaka has won four major titles, triumphing in the 2019 and 2021 Australian Opens, and winning the US Open in 2018 and 2020. Osaka earlier this year said her break from the sport had "really fuelled a fire in me". Osaka will be joined in Brisbane by Grand Slam winners Andy Murray and Victoria Azarenka, as well as Grigor Dimitrov and Holger Rune.

Tennis: Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka to make eagerly awaited comeback in Brisbane

Novak Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in Sunday's final to win a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title and close in on securing the year-end number one ranking for an eighth time.

The 36-year-old Djokovic eclipsed his previous record set two years ago as the tournament's oldest champion, capturing his 40th Masters 1000 title and stretching his winning run to 18 matches.

Djokovic collected his sixth title of the season to draw level with Carlos Alcaraz, adding to the Masters victory in Cincinnati that set him up for a landmark 24th Grand Slam singles crown at the US Open.

He will take a 1,490-point lead over Alcaraz into the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin later this month. Djokovic won the tournament for the sixth time last year after Alcaraz withdrew because of injury.

Dimitrov, 32, was chasing his first title in Paris since winning the ATP Finals in 2017 but suffered a 10th straight loss to Djokovic in a meeting of the two oldest players in the top 20.

The pair held serve largely untroubled until Djokovic landed the first blow at 3-3 in the opening set, when Dimitrov gave his rival his first glimpse with a forehand that drifted long.

Dimitrov produced a crunching serve that a scrambling Djokovic could only return shallow into the court, but the Bulgarian dumped his backhand into the net to concede the break.

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Djokovic followed it up with an easy hold and wrapped up the set in the 10th game on his second set point, after Dimitrov scrapped his way back to deuce before spearing a backhand wide.&nbsp;

The second set went on serve before Djokovic's greater consistency told once more, Dimitrov coughing up another break point with a wild forehand and then effectively sealing his fate with an errant backhand.

Djokovic consolidated his cushion with another routine hold, and while Dimitrov saved a break point at 2-4, it only delayed the inevitable.

Dimitrov clawed his way to 30-all on his opponent's serve in the eighth game but his brave resistance soon ended, Djokovic holding and then going on to break again in the ensuing game to seal his 97th career title.

Novak Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in Sunday's final to win a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title and close in on securing the year-end number one ranking for an eighth time.

Novak Djokovic defeated Grigor Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in Sunday's final to win a record-extending seventh Paris Masters title and close in on securing the year-end number one ranking for an eighth time. The 36-year-old Djokovic eclipsed his previous record set two years ago as the tournament's oldest champion, capturing his 40th Masters 1000 title and stretching his winning run to 18 matches. Djokovic collected his sixth title of the season to draw level with Carlos Alcaraz, adding to the Masters victory in Cincinnati that set him up for a landmark 24th Grand Slam singles crown at the US Open. He will take a 1,490-point lead over Alcaraz into the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin later this month. Djokovic won the tournament for the sixth time last year after Alcaraz withdrew because of injury. Dimitrov, 32, was chasing his first title in Paris since winning the ATP Finals in 2017 but suffered a 10th straight loss to Djokovic in a meeting of the two oldest players in the top 20. The pair held serve largely untroubled until Djokovic landed the first blow at 3-3 in the opening set, when Dimitrov gave his rival his first glimpse with a forehand that drifted long. Dimitrov produced a crunching serve that a scrambling Djokovic could only return shallow into the court, but the Bulgarian dumped his backhand into the net to concede the break. ALSO READ | World Cup 2023: Virat Kohli marks special day with record-equalling knock, joins Tendulkar for most ODI tons Djokovic followed it up with an easy hold and wrapped up the set in the 10th game on his second set point, after Dimitrov scrapped his way back to deuce before spearing a backhand wide. The second set went on serve before Djokovic's greater consistency told once more, Dimitrov coughing up another break point with a wild forehand and then effectively sealing his fate with an errant backhand. Djokovic consolidated his cushion with another routine hold, and while Dimitrov saved a break point at 2-4, it only delayed the inevitable. Dimitrov clawed his way to 30-all on his opponent's serve in the eighth game but his brave resistance soon ended, Djokovic holding and then going on to break again in the ensuing game to seal his 97th career title.

Tennis: Novak Djokovic beats Grigor Dimitrov for seventh Paris Masters title

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