<p>Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary and the all-rounder admitted to repeating his mistake of wishing her&nbsp;a day late.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/babar-azam-dethrones-virat-kohli-as-no-1-odi-batsman-in-icc-rankings-377486" hreflang="en">Babar Azam dethrones Virat Kohli as no. 1 ODI batsman in ICC Rankings</a></p>

<p>He took to Twitter to admit his 'ghalti' (mistake) and said: "- Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya.. Wishing you a day late as always, love you @MirzaSania to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">- Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya...<br />
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Wishing you a day late as always, love you <a href="https://twitter.com/MirzaSania?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MirzaSania</a> to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum 😉 ♥️</p>
— Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) <a href="https://twitter.com/realshoaibmalik/status/1381964808468230145?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>This tweet came a day after Sania Mirza took to Instagram to wish her husband via an adorable post. Sania wrote "Through 'thick' and 'thin' they said &nbsp;through good and bad &nbsp;Happy Anniversary to my main.. to many more years of irritating you InshaAllah 11 YEARS!!!" on her Instagram post.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The couple got married in April 2010 and have a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who was born in October 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Pakistan cricketer has been away from the game for quite some time now. His last international game was a T20 international against England in Manchester in September 2020. In terms of ODIs, his last appearance was against India at the 2019 World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The prolific all-rounder made his international debut in 1999 against West Indies at Sharjah. Since then, he has played 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 116 T20Is for Pakistan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He has 7,534 runs next to his name in the ODI format, including nine centuries. In the Test format, Shoaib Malik has 1,898 runs and he has hit three centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sania Mirza was last seen in the Dubai Tennis Championships where she was knocked out in the Round of 16.&nbsp;</p>


Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary and the all-rounder admitted to repeating his mistake of wishing her a day late.

Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik and Indian tennis ace Sania Mirza recently celebrated their 11th marriage anniversary and the all-rounder admitted to repeating his mistake of wishing her a day late. ALSO READ: Babar Azam dethrones Virat Kohli as no. 1 ODI batsman in ICC Rankings He took to Twitter to admit his 'ghalti' (mistake) and said: "- Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya.. Wishing you a day late as always, love you @MirzaSania to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum". - Oops ghalti se mistake hogaya... Wishing you a day late as always, love you @MirzaSania to the moon and back begum, Bay-Ghum 😉 ♥️ — Shoaib Malik 🇵🇰 (@realshoaibmalik) April 13, 2021 × This tweet came a day after Sania Mirza took to Instagram to wish her husband via an adorable post. Sania wrote "Through 'thick' and 'thin' they said through good and bad Happy Anniversary to my main.. to many more years of irritating you InshaAllah 11 YEARS!!!" on her Instagram post. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sania Mirza (@mirzasaniar) × The couple got married in April 2010 and have a son, Izhaan Mirza Malik, who was born in October 2018. The Pakistan cricketer has been away from the game for quite some time now. His last international game was a T20 international against England in Manchester in September 2020. In terms of ODIs, his last appearance was against India at the 2019 World Cup. The prolific all-rounder made his international debut in 1999 against West Indies at Sharjah. Since then, he has played 35 Tests, 287 ODIs and 116 T20Is for Pakistan. He has 7,534 runs next to his name in the ODI format, including nine centuries. In the Test format, Shoaib Malik has 1,898 runs and he has hit three centuries. Sania Mirza was last seen in the Dubai Tennis Championships where she was knocked out in the Round of 16.

'Oops ghalti se mistake': Shoaib Malik repeated this error while wishing Sania Mirza on marriage anniversary

<p>The new world number two in men's tennis has a new look to go with his ranking, but Russian Daniil Medvedev is unsure of how long he will keep the moustache he's sporting at the Miami Open.</p>

<p>Medvedev replaced Rafa Nadal as No. 2 last week, becoming the first player outside the Spaniard, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since Lleyton Hewitt in July 2005.</p>

<p>He arrived in Florida with his new moustache for the ATP Masters 1000 event, having been made top seed after No.1 Djokovic pulled out to spend more time with his family.</p>

<p>"Last year in the beginning of the year I was doing a photo shoot and they were shaving me for the photo shoot, and they just left the moustache for a few minutes," Medvedev told reporters after Friday's win over Taiwan's Yen-Hsun Lu.</p>

<p>"I was, like, 'it's not too bad'. It was a little bit different because they had special shavers and stuff. So I think it was looking better. Since that time I always thought, 'okay, one day I'm just going to do it for fun for one tournament or something like this'.</p>

<p>"So probably after Miami I'm going to shave them off, but for this tournament it's going to be like this and let's see what people say."</p>

<p>Last month Medvedev reached his second major final at the Australian Open on the back of a 20-match winning run that saw him pick up trophies at the Paris Masters, ATP Finals and team-based ATP Cup.</p>

<p>After going down in straight sets to Djokovic in Melbourne, Medvedev suffered a shock loss at Rotterdam before winning his 10th Tour title in Marseille.</p>

<p>Medvedev is 15-2 for the season and only fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, who is also at a career-best ranking of eighth, has more wins in 2021.</p>

<p>"I think it's great for both of us that we are doing so good. Russian tennis is definitely on the rise right now, and I like it," Medvedev said.</p>

<p>"We want people to talk more about tennis in Russia. That's what's happening right now. We want TV to show more tennis in Russia. That's one of the goals."</p>


The new world number two in men's tennis has a new look to go with his ranking, but Russian Daniil Medvedev is unsure of how long he will keep the moustache he's sporting at the Miami Open.

The new world number two in men's tennis has a new look to go with his ranking, but Russian Daniil Medvedev is unsure of how long he will keep the moustache he's sporting at the Miami Open. Medvedev replaced Rafa Nadal as No. 2 last week, becoming the first player outside the Spaniard, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray to be ranked in the top two since Lleyton Hewitt in July 2005. He arrived in Florida with his new moustache for the ATP Masters 1000 event, having been made top seed after No.1 Djokovic pulled out to spend more time with his family. "Last year in the beginning of the year I was doing a photo shoot and they were shaving me for the photo shoot, and they just left the moustache for a few minutes," Medvedev told reporters after Friday's win over Taiwan's Yen-Hsun Lu. "I was, like, 'it's not too bad'. It was a little bit different because they had special shavers and stuff. So I think it was looking better. Since that time I always thought, 'okay, one day I'm just going to do it for fun for one tournament or something like this'. "So probably after Miami I'm going to shave them off, but for this tournament it's going to be like this and let's see what people say." Last month Medvedev reached his second major final at the Australian Open on the back of a 20-match winning run that saw him pick up trophies at the Paris Masters, ATP Finals and team-based ATP Cup. After going down in straight sets to Djokovic in Melbourne, Medvedev suffered a shock loss at Rotterdam before winning his 10th Tour title in Marseille. Medvedev is 15-2 for the season and only fellow Russian Andrey Rublev, who is also at a career-best ranking of eighth, has more wins in 2021. "I think it's great for both of us that we are doing so good. Russian tennis is definitely on the rise right now, and I like it," Medvedev said. "We want people to talk more about tennis in Russia. That's what's happening right now. We want TV to show more tennis in Russia. That's one of the goals."

Daniil Medvedev says new moustache might not last beyond Miami

<p>American Tennis star Serena Williams has pulled out of Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery, she said in a statement on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/zverev-beats-tsitsipas-to-win-mexican-open-in-acapulco-thriller-372078" hreflang="en">Zverev beats Tsitsipas to win Mexican Open in Acapulco thriller</a></p>

<p>Williams has won the Open for a record eight times, but will not be participating this year. She joined the list of elite players who will not participate in&nbsp;the event.&nbsp;Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have also pulled out of the tournament.</p>

<p>"I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral surgery," Williams said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/indias-rankireddy-and-shetty-knocked-out-of-all-england-doubles-371619" hreflang="en">India's Rankireddy and Shetty knocked out of All England doubles</a></p>

<p>"Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home and I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon."</p>

<p>Serena Williams had a promising run at the Australian Open, but she lost to Japan's Naomi Osaka in the finals.&nbsp;</p>


American Tennis star Serena Williams has pulled out of Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery, she said in a statement on Sunday.

American Tennis star Serena Williams has pulled out of Miami Open as the 23-times Grand Slam champion is recovering from oral surgery, she said in a statement on Sunday. ALSO READ: Zverev beats Tsitsipas to win Mexican Open in Acapulco thriller Williams has won the Open for a record eight times, but will not be participating this year. She joined the list of elite players who will not participate in the event. Novak Djokovic, Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer have also pulled out of the tournament. "I am disappointed to withdraw from the Miami Open because of recent oral surgery," Williams said in a statement. ALSO READ: India's Rankireddy and Shetty knocked out of All England doubles "Miami is a special tournament for me because it’s my home and I am sad I won’t be able to see the incredible fans this year, but I look forward to coming back soon." Serena Williams had a promising run at the Australian Open, but she lost to Japan's Naomi Osaka in the finals.

'I am disappointed': Serena Williams withdraws from Miami Open

<p>World number seven Alexander Zverev recovered from an uncertain start to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-6 (3) in a thrilling Mexican Open final in Acapulco on Saturday and land his 14th ATP title.</p>

<p>The 23-year-old German lost the final of the hardcourt tournament to Nick Kyrgios in 2019 and quickly went 4-1 down to the Greek top seed on Sunday, at one point completely missing the ball when attempting an overhead smash.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas was unable to maintain the level of tennis he displayed in the first five games, however, and second seed Zverev worked his way back into the contest, reeling off the last five games to seal the set.</p>

<p>Zverev broke for 5-4 in an equally tight second set and served for the title but Tsitsipas saved a championship point and put the contest back on serve when his German opponent double-faulted.</p>

<p>The set tiebreak was again studded with lengthy rallies and Zverev prevailed 7-3 on his third championship point when he pounced on a Tsitsipas drop shot and pounded the ball past the Greek into the back of the court.</p>

<p>"This week has been one of the most fun I have had in recent months, the tournament showed that the public can attend sporting events," Zverev said to the cheers of the crowd after receiving the trophy.</p>

<p>"When I have my chances, I need to close it out against these top players because normally they won't give you a second chance. I thought I played extremely well in the tiebreak, I'm happy with how it went."</p>

<p>Tsitsipas, who has reached semi-finals at the Australian Open and Rotterdam this year, conceded that the better player had won in the end.</p>

<p>"I did everything I could, but Alex was superior," the 22-year-old world number five said.</p>


World number seven Alexander Zverev recovered from an uncertain start to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-6 (3) in a thrilling Mexican Open final in Acapulco on Saturday and land his 14th ATP title.

World number seven Alexander Zverev recovered from an uncertain start to beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 7-6 (3) in a thrilling Mexican Open final in Acapulco on Saturday and land his 14th ATP title. The 23-year-old German lost the final of the hardcourt tournament to Nick Kyrgios in 2019 and quickly went 4-1 down to the Greek top seed on Sunday, at one point completely missing the ball when attempting an overhead smash. Tsitsipas was unable to maintain the level of tennis he displayed in the first five games, however, and second seed Zverev worked his way back into the contest, reeling off the last five games to seal the set. Zverev broke for 5-4 in an equally tight second set and served for the title but Tsitsipas saved a championship point and put the contest back on serve when his German opponent double-faulted. The set tiebreak was again studded with lengthy rallies and Zverev prevailed 7-3 on his third championship point when he pounced on a Tsitsipas drop shot and pounded the ball past the Greek into the back of the court. "This week has been one of the most fun I have had in recent months, the tournament showed that the public can attend sporting events," Zverev said to the cheers of the crowd after receiving the trophy. "When I have my chances, I need to close it out against these top players because normally they won't give you a second chance. I thought I played extremely well in the tiebreak, I'm happy with how it went." Tsitsipas, who has reached semi-finals at the Australian Open and Rotterdam this year, conceded that the better player had won in the end. "I did everything I could, but Alex was superior," the 22-year-old world number five said.

Zverev beats Tsitsipas to win Mexican Open in Acapulco thriller

<p>Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will duel for the ATP title in Acapulco, the top two seeds advancing with straight-set semi-final wins on Friday.</p>

<p>World number five Tsitsipas of Greece beat Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2021.</p>

<p>Zverev was shaken but not unnerved by an earthquake in the second set of his 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over fellow German Dominik Koepfer.</p>

<p>"The lights started shaking and the crowd felt it more than we did," Zverev said of the 5.7 magnitude quake with an epicenter 60 km away in San Marcos.</p>

<p>"We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake," he added. "We didn't feel much, but still, obviously, I know it happens here in Acapulco."</p>

<p>Koepfer, unfazed, seized the first break of the second set to take a 3-1 lead.</p>

<p>But Zverev, ranked seventh in the world, kept the pressure on, creating break chances in each of Koepfer's next three service games and converting at 5-4 for a break that would force the tiebreaker.</p>

<p>Zverev will be seeking a 14th ATP title and his first of the year when he takes on Tsitsipas, a five-time ATP title winner who was playing in his third semi-final of the year after making the final four at the Australian Open and Rotterdam.</p>

<p>"I am really looking forward to the final," said Tsitsipas, who has won five of six prior encounters with the German. "Sascha is someone I've played against in the past and it's never easy. We're both really hungry and we're both very competitive."</p>

<p>Tsitsipas needed just 79 minutes to end the run of 120th-ranked Musetti, the world No. 120 who had reached his second career semi-final in just his fourth ATP main draw appearance.</p>

<p>He stormed through the first set, but didn't get a break chance in the second until the seventh game, when he broke his 19-year-old Italian opponent at love.</p>

<p>Serving to stay in the match two games later, Musetti fended off three break points before Tsitsipas finally collected the win when the Italian hit a backhand into the net.</p>

<p>"We'll definitely see a lot from Lorenzo in the future, he has a wonderful one handed backhand and creates lots of opportunities," Tsitsipas said. "He showed his level this week."</p>


Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will duel for the ATP title in Acapulco, the top two seeds advancing with straight-set semi-final wins on Friday. World number five Tsitsipas of Greece beat Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2021.

Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev will duel for the ATP title in Acapulco, the top two seeds advancing with straight-set semi-final wins on Friday. World number five Tsitsipas of Greece beat Italian qualifier Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-3 to reach his first final of 2021. Zverev was shaken but not unnerved by an earthquake in the second set of his 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) victory over fellow German Dominik Koepfer. "The lights started shaking and the crowd felt it more than we did," Zverev said of the 5.7 magnitude quake with an epicenter 60 km away in San Marcos. "We were running around the court, so we had to play a point during the earthquake," he added. "We didn't feel much, but still, obviously, I know it happens here in Acapulco." Koepfer, unfazed, seized the first break of the second set to take a 3-1 lead. But Zverev, ranked seventh in the world, kept the pressure on, creating break chances in each of Koepfer's next three service games and converting at 5-4 for a break that would force the tiebreaker. Zverev will be seeking a 14th ATP title and his first of the year when he takes on Tsitsipas, a five-time ATP title winner who was playing in his third semi-final of the year after making the final four at the Australian Open and Rotterdam. "I am really looking forward to the final," said Tsitsipas, who has won five of six prior encounters with the German. "Sascha is someone I've played against in the past and it's never easy. We're both really hungry and we're both very competitive." Tsitsipas needed just 79 minutes to end the run of 120th-ranked Musetti, the world No. 120 who had reached his second career semi-final in just his fourth ATP main draw appearance. He stormed through the first set, but didn't get a break chance in the second until the seventh game, when he broke his 19-year-old Italian opponent at love. Serving to stay in the match two games later, Musetti fended off three break points before Tsitsipas finally collected the win when the Italian hit a backhand into the net. "We'll definitely see a lot from Lorenzo in the future, he has a wonderful one handed backhand and creates lots of opportunities," Tsitsipas said. "He showed his level this week."

Top seeds Tsitsipas, Zverev book Acapulco title clash

Djokovic and family celebrate in Belgrade as Serb sets all-time record as world No. 1

<p>Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will be returning to court at this month's Miami Open having recuperated from a muscle tear suffered during his Australian Open campaign.</p>

<p>The world number one sustained his injury during his third-round match in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. However, the Serb returned and went on to win his record-extending ninth Australian Open title and his 18th Grand Slam.</p>

<p>On Monday, Novak will surpass Roger Federer's all-time record for most weeks as ATP world number one after being on top for 311th week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to his schedule posted on his website, Novak entered for the ATP Masters 1000 event on the hardcourts in Miami from March 22-April 4. It is the first of three events he will play in before heading to Europe for the claycourt swing ahead of the French Open in end of May.</p>

<p>Djokovic will then head to Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Masters, running from April 11-18, before returning home to Belgrade for the ATP 250 Serbia Open.</p>

<p>The Tour is returning to Belgrade for the first time since 2012, and the Serbia Open will be held at Djokovic's tennis centre from April 19-25.</p>


Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will be returning to court at this month's Miami Open having recuperated from a muscle tear suffered during his Australian Open campaign.

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic has confirmed that he will be returning to court at this month's Miami Open having recuperated from a muscle tear suffered during his Australian Open campaign. The world number one sustained his injury during his third-round match in the Australian Open at Melbourne Park. However, the Serb returned and went on to win his record-extending ninth Australian Open title and his 18th Grand Slam. On Monday, Novak will surpass Roger Federer's all-time record for most weeks as ATP world number one after being on top for 311th week. According to his schedule posted on his website, Novak entered for the ATP Masters 1000 event on the hardcourts in Miami from March 22-April 4. It is the first of three events he will play in before heading to Europe for the claycourt swing ahead of the French Open in end of May. Djokovic will then head to Monaco for the Monte-Carlo Masters, running from April 11-18, before returning home to Belgrade for the ATP 250 Serbia Open. The Tour is returning to Belgrade for the first time since 2012, and the Serbia Open will be held at Djokovic's tennis centre from April 19-25.

Serb ace Novak Djokovic set to return on court at Miami Open

<p>Naomi Osaka saved two match points as she battled back from the brink to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open with a 4-6 6-4 7-5 victory over in-form Garbine Muguruza on Sunday.</p>

<p>The Japanese third seed was chasing the match from the start on Rod Laver Arena and looked defeat square in the face in the third set when the Spanish 14th seed had two opportunities to win the match with a break of serve.</p>

<p>Osaka saved both match points -- the first with an ace -- to turn the tide in the contest decisively and Muguruza exited the tournament a couple of games later after failing to win a point in her final service.</p>

<p>Fans remained absent from Melbourne Park for a second day because of the state of Victoria's coronavirus lockdown and Osaka's victory was greeted with taped applause piped into the stadium.</p>

<p>"I'm tired right now, that was tough," said Osaka, who mixed 40 winners with 36 unforced errors over the contest.</p>

<p>"Today I feel like I was intimidated, she is playing well. I had to go within myself, I couldn't play short balls to her because she'd put them away."</p>

<p>Next up for Osaka is an all-Asian quarter-final against unorthodox 35-year-old Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan, who will be playing in the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time.</p>

<p>"I'm not looking forward to it, every time we have played it's three sets," Osaka added. "It's fun when I'm not really angry. When I play her I just have to expect everything."</p>

<p>Although Osaka had never played Muguruza before, she had perhaps a better idea of what to expect from the former French Open and Wimbledon champion.</p>

<p>Muguruza, a finalist here last year, had conceded only 10 games in reaching the fourth round and continued that rich vein of form into Sunday's match.</p>

<p>Serving solidly and pouncing on anything short of perfect that flew off Osaka's racket, she grabbed what looked to be a crucial break of serve for 5-3 in the third set by steering a lovely backhand winner down the line.</p>

<p>Muguruza rued her missed opportunity but said she was happy overall with the start to her season.</p>

<p>"It's never a good feeling losing a match that you feel you could have changed in one second," the 27-year-old said.</p>

<p>"But I left the court with a good feeling, very good feeling about this tournament in general."</p>


Naomi Osaka saved two match points as she battled back from the brink to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open with a 4-6 6-4 7-5 victory over in-form Garbine Muguruza on Sunday.

Naomi Osaka saved two match points as she battled back from the brink to reach the quarter-finals of the Australian Open with a 4-6 6-4 7-5 victory over in-form Garbine Muguruza on Sunday. The Japanese third seed was chasing the match from the start on Rod Laver Arena and looked defeat square in the face in the third set when the Spanish 14th seed had two opportunities to win the match with a break of serve. Osaka saved both match points -- the first with an ace -- to turn the tide in the contest decisively and Muguruza exited the tournament a couple of games later after failing to win a point in her final service. Fans remained absent from Melbourne Park for a second day because of the state of Victoria's coronavirus lockdown and Osaka's victory was greeted with taped applause piped into the stadium. "I'm tired right now, that was tough," said Osaka, who mixed 40 winners with 36 unforced errors over the contest. "Today I feel like I was intimidated, she is playing well. I had to go within myself, I couldn't play short balls to her because she'd put them away." Next up for Osaka is an all-Asian quarter-final against unorthodox 35-year-old Hsieh Su-wei of Taiwan, who will be playing in the last eight of a Grand Slam for the first time. "I'm not looking forward to it, every time we have played it's three sets," Osaka added. "It's fun when I'm not really angry. When I play her I just have to expect everything." Although Osaka had never played Muguruza before, she had perhaps a better idea of what to expect from the former French Open and Wimbledon champion. Muguruza, a finalist here last year, had conceded only 10 games in reaching the fourth round and continued that rich vein of form into Sunday's match. Serving solidly and pouncing on anything short of perfect that flew off Osaka's racket, she grabbed what looked to be a crucial break of serve for 5-3 in the third set by steering a lovely backhand winner down the line. Muguruza rued her missed opportunity but said she was happy overall with the start to her season. "It's never a good feeling losing a match that you feel you could have changed in one second," the 27-year-old said. "But I left the court with a good feeling, very good feeling about this tournament in general."

Australian Open: Osaka back from the brink to reach quarter-finals

<p>US Open Champion Dominic Thiem crashed out of the Australian Open on Sunday after losing to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov at Rod Laver Arena. The Bulgarian defeated the Austrian 6-4 6-4 6-0 in the fourth round clash.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-osaka-back-from-the-brink-to-reach-quarter-finals-363507" hreflang="en">Australian Open: Osaka back from the brink to reach quarter-finals</a></p>

<p>Third-seeded Thiem never seemed to provide any sorts of challenges to Dimitrov as the Bulgarian got an easy win in straight sets. Thiem defeated Nick Kyrgios in a five-set thriller in the third round on Friday but failed to stage a comeback in this match.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The first two sets followed the same pattern with Thiem taking an early 3-1 lead only for 18th seed Dimitrov to charge back at him and clinch the set.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-djokovic-to-nadal-five-mens-singles-players-to-watch-at-the-australian-open-2021-361589" hreflang="en">From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021</a></p>

<p>The Austrian, losing finalist here last year, was unable to rouse himself in the third set and Dimitrov sealed a last-eight meeting with Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev after little more than two hours on court.</p>

<p>Earlier, Japanese ace Naomi Osaka escaped a defeat against in-form Garbine Muguruza as she beat the Spanish player 4-6 6-4 7-5 on Sunday at the Rod Laver Arena.</p>


US Open Champion Dominic Thiem crashed out of the Australian Open on Sunday after losing to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov at Rod Laver Arena. The Bulgarian defeated the Austrian 6-4 6-4 6-0 in the fourth round clash.

US Open Champion Dominic Thiem crashed out of the Australian Open on Sunday after losing to Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov at Rod Laver Arena. The Bulgarian defeated the Austrian 6-4 6-4 6-0 in the fourth round clash. ALSO READ: Australian Open: Osaka back from the brink to reach quarter-finals Third-seeded Thiem never seemed to provide any sorts of challenges to Dimitrov as the Bulgarian got an easy win in straight sets. Thiem defeated Nick Kyrgios in a five-set thriller in the third round on Friday but failed to stage a comeback in this match. The first two sets followed the same pattern with Thiem taking an early 3-1 lead only for 18th seed Dimitrov to charge back at him and clinch the set. ALSO READ: From Djokovic to Nadal: Five men's singles players to watch at the Australian Open 2021 The Austrian, losing finalist here last year, was unable to rouse himself in the third set and Dimitrov sealed a last-eight meeting with Russian qualifier Aslan Karatsev after little more than two hours on court. Earlier, Japanese ace Naomi Osaka escaped a defeat against in-form Garbine Muguruza as she beat the Spanish player 4-6 6-4 7-5 on Sunday at the Rod Laver Arena.

Third seed Dominic Thiem crashes out of Australian Open

<p>Karolina Pliskova said she never got into her comfort zone on Saturday as the sixth seed exited the Australian Open following a 7-5 7-5 third-round defeat by Czech compatriot Karolina Muchova at Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>Pliskova's frustrations boiled over in the first set as she received a code violation for racket abuse and was then handed a point deduction for smashing another racket in the tunnel between sets.</p>

<p>Pliskova told a news conference she had been a little bit surprised at the second warning but that it had had a positive impact on her game.</p>

<p>"I think actually it helped me in the second set because I was (annoyed) so I started to play well," she said.</p>

<p>After losing the opening set Pliskova raced to a 5-0 lead in the second before the wheels came off, allowing Muchova to complete the victory and reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the first time.</p>

<p>"There was long game for 5-1 and 6-0. I thought she just played little bit better at this moment," Pliskova added. "Of course, I played quite amazing to 5-0, but then it's quite tough to hold this level.</p>

<p>"I had chances ... on my serve, I just could do so many things better today. I don't think my game is the top for sure. I don't want to be too sarcastic and too negative because I just lost.</p>

<p>"The feeling was not great from any of my matches here. I think overall, too many mistakes, too much panic in the rallies. I don't know if it's just not having any matches much lately. I don't feel like safe with anything I was doing on the court."</p>

<p>Muchova, the world number 27, next faces either Switzerland's Belinda Bencic or Elise Mertens of Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals.</p>


Karolina Pliskova said she never got into her comfort zone on Saturday as the sixth seed exited the Australian Open following a 7-5 7-5 third-round defeat by Czech compatriot Karolina Muchova at Rod Laver Arena.

Karolina Pliskova said she never got into her comfort zone on Saturday as the sixth seed exited the Australian Open following a 7-5 7-5 third-round defeat by Czech compatriot Karolina Muchova at Rod Laver Arena. Pliskova's frustrations boiled over in the first set as she received a code violation for racket abuse and was then handed a point deduction for smashing another racket in the tunnel between sets. Pliskova told a news conference she had been a little bit surprised at the second warning but that it had had a positive impact on her game. "I think actually it helped me in the second set because I was (annoyed) so I started to play well," she said. After losing the opening set Pliskova raced to a 5-0 lead in the second before the wheels came off, allowing Muchova to complete the victory and reach the fourth round in Melbourne for the first time. "There was long game for 5-1 and 6-0. I thought she just played little bit better at this moment," Pliskova added. "Of course, I played quite amazing to 5-0, but then it's quite tough to hold this level. "I had chances ... on my serve, I just could do so many things better today. I don't think my game is the top for sure. I don't want to be too sarcastic and too negative because I just lost. "The feeling was not great from any of my matches here. I think overall, too many mistakes, too much panic in the rallies. I don't know if it's just not having any matches much lately. I don't feel like safe with anything I was doing on the court." Muchova, the world number 27, next faces either Switzerland's Belinda Bencic or Elise Mertens of Belgium for a place in the quarter-finals.

Pliskova points to ring rust as Czech exits in third round

<p>Serena Williams's bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title remained intact as she downed Anatasia Potapova 7-6(5) 6-2 to reach the fourth round of the&nbsp;Australian Open on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/will-continue-as-planned-australian-open-organizers-to-go-ahead-with-tournament-despite-snap-lockdown-363064" hreflang="en">'Will continue as planned': Australian Open organizers to go ahead with tournament despite snap lockdown</a></p>

<p>On the last day of crowds at the tournament before spectators are banned for at least five days due to snap COVID-19 lockdown, Williams slumped to a 5-3 deficit in an error-strewn first set and had to save two set points at Rod Laver Arena.</p>

<p>Potapova double-faulted to put the match back on serve and from there it was on Williams's terms.</p>

<p>The 39-year-old American will bid for a place in the quarter-finals against seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka.</p>


Serena Williams's bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title remained intact as she downed Anatasia Potapova 7-6(5) 6-2 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday.

Serena Williams's bid for a record-equalling 24th Grand Slam title remained intact as she downed Anatasia Potapova 7-6(5) 6-2 to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open on Friday. ALSO READ: 'Will continue as planned': Australian Open organizers to go ahead with tournament despite snap lockdown On the last day of crowds at the tournament before spectators are banned for at least five days due to snap COVID-19 lockdown, Williams slumped to a 5-3 deficit in an error-strewn first set and had to save two set points at Rod Laver Arena. Potapova double-faulted to put the match back on serve and from there it was on Williams's terms. The 39-year-old American will bid for a place in the quarter-finals against seventh seed Aryna Sabalenka.

Australian Open: Serena overpowers Potapova to reach fourth round

<p>Naomi Osaka is no longer focused on reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking and says she just wants to become more consistent and play every match as hard as she can.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO SEE:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-naomi-osaka-to-sofia-kenin-here-are-five-women-to-watch-at-the-australian-open-361564" hreflang="en">From Naomi Osaka to Sofia Kenin: Here are five women to watch at the Australian Open</a><br />
<br />
Three-times Grand Slam champion Osaka rose to the top of the rankings following her 2019 Australian Open triumph but is currently third behind Ash Barty and Simona Halep.<br />
<br />
The 23-year-old, who plays former quarter-finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round at Melbourne Park, won her second U.S. Open title last year and is widely seen as having the potential to dominate the women`s circuit for years to come.<br />
<br />
"It doesn`t bother me as much as it used to because I remember when I first got to No. 1, I think nobody really acknowledged me as No. 1," she told reporters on Saturday.<br />
<br />
"I remember I was in Indian Wells and I was talking to someone, they were like, `what side of the draw are you on?` And the No. 1 is always on the top side.<br />
<br />
"It just made me think, wow, people don`t really see me as No. 1. ... since that point I just kept trying to prove myself.<br />
<br />
"That wasn`t really a good mindset to have.<br />
<br />
"Right now I`m at a really good place, I just want to play every match as hard as I can. If it comes to the point where I`m able to be No. 1 again, I`ll embrace it, but I`m not really chasing it any more."<br />
<br />
Players did not have the ideal preparation for the year`s first Grand Slam due to Australia`s strict 14-day isolation requirement. Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semi-final on Saturday with a shoulder "niggle" as she did not want to risk it before the major.<br />
<br />
"Anyone that`s kind of followed me for a bit knows that I`ve kind of had a slight shoulder thing since like 2018 in Beijing," she said.<br />
<br />
"It kind of flared up again because I played a lot of matches back-to-back. My main focus is hoping I can rest enough before the Open."</p>


Naomi Osaka is no longer focused on reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking and says she just wants to become more consistent and play every match as hard as she can.

Naomi Osaka is no longer focused on reclaiming the world No. 1 ranking and says she just wants to become more consistent and play every match as hard as she can. ALSO SEE: From Naomi Osaka to Sofia Kenin: Here are five women to watch at the Australian Open Three-times Grand Slam champion Osaka rose to the top of the rankings following her 2019 Australian Open triumph but is currently third behind Ash Barty and Simona Halep. The 23-year-old, who plays former quarter-finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the first round at Melbourne Park, won her second U.S. Open title last year and is widely seen as having the potential to dominate the women`s circuit for years to come. "It doesn`t bother me as much as it used to because I remember when I first got to No. 1, I think nobody really acknowledged me as No. 1," she told reporters on Saturday. "I remember I was in Indian Wells and I was talking to someone, they were like, `what side of the draw are you on?` And the No. 1 is always on the top side. "It just made me think, wow, people don`t really see me as No. 1. ... since that point I just kept trying to prove myself. "That wasn`t really a good mindset to have. "Right now I`m at a really good place, I just want to play every match as hard as I can. If it comes to the point where I`m able to be No. 1 again, I`ll embrace it, but I`m not really chasing it any more." Players did not have the ideal preparation for the year`s first Grand Slam due to Australia`s strict 14-day isolation requirement. Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semi-final on Saturday with a shoulder "niggle" as she did not want to risk it before the major. "Anyone that`s kind of followed me for a bit knows that I`ve kind of had a slight shoulder thing since like 2018 in Beijing," she said. "It kind of flared up again because I played a lot of matches back-to-back. My main focus is hoping I can rest enough before the Open."

Osaka strives for consistency, not No. 1 ranking

<p>Japanese ace Naomi Osaka on Sunday said that she would be willing to go through another two weeks of quarantine to play at the Tokyo Olympics later this year if it helped ensure the safety of the people of her home country.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/im-not-going-to-lie-i-didnt-miss-the-game-that-much-nick-kyrgios-360278" hreflang="en">'I'm not going to lie. I didn't miss the game that much': Nick Kyrgios</a></p>

<p>"The way that I feel is I will stay in my room for two weeks to play the Olympics," the 23-year-old told reporters on Sunday.</p>

<p>"I missed out on the last one. Playing in Tokyo would be very special to me. My concern would be the general safety of everyone else because you're opening the country.</p>

<p>"Everyone is flying in from different places. I would just want the public to feel safe. I feel like the athletes definitely would want to play, but I would want the public to feel safe."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rohan-bopanna-finds-new-doubles-partner-ahead-of-australian-open-360292" hreflang="en">Rohan Bopanna finds new doubles' partner ahead of Australian Open</a></p>

<p>US Open champion Osaka also said that she was looking forward to getting a decent amount of match practice this week in the Gippsland Trophy, which is a warm-up tournament at Melbourne Park.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I'm actually really happy," she said. "For me, I like it's being held at the same spot. I know normally we don't get that sort of luxury."</p>

<p>Osaka also talked about fans, who will be attending the year's first Grand Slam that will kick off on February 8, however, she also talked about its downside.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think I get distracted by the crowd sometimes because I want to show off a little bit, so I do some crazy shots," she said.</p>

<p>"(But) I would say I definitely love having a crowd watching. I feel like you sort of interact with them. Sometimes they shout things and it makes you laugh."</p>


Japanese ace Naomi Osaka on Sunday said that she would be willing to go through another two weeks of quarantine to play at the Tokyo Olympics later this year if it helped ensure the safety of the people of her home country.

Japanese ace Naomi Osaka on Sunday said that she would be willing to go through another two weeks of quarantine to play at the Tokyo Olympics later this year if it helped ensure the safety of the people of her home country. ALSO READ: 'I'm not going to lie. I didn't miss the game that much': Nick Kyrgios "The way that I feel is I will stay in my room for two weeks to play the Olympics," the 23-year-old told reporters on Sunday. "I missed out on the last one. Playing in Tokyo would be very special to me. My concern would be the general safety of everyone else because you're opening the country. "Everyone is flying in from different places. I would just want the public to feel safe. I feel like the athletes definitely would want to play, but I would want the public to feel safe." ALSO READ: Rohan Bopanna finds new doubles' partner ahead of Australian Open US Open champion Osaka also said that she was looking forward to getting a decent amount of match practice this week in the Gippsland Trophy, which is a warm-up tournament at Melbourne Park. "I'm actually really happy," she said. "For me, I like it's being held at the same spot. I know normally we don't get that sort of luxury." Osaka also talked about fans, who will be attending the year's first Grand Slam that will kick off on February 8, however, she also talked about its downside. "I think I get distracted by the crowd sometimes because I want to show off a little bit, so I do some crazy shots," she said. "(But) I would say I definitely love having a crowd watching. I feel like you sort of interact with them. Sometimes they shout things and it makes you laugh."

Naomi Osaka willing to spend two more weeks in quarantine to play in the Olympics

<p>Japan's three-times Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team North Carolina Courage to become a team owner, the U.S. top-flight club said on Thursday.</p>

<p>"The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I don't know where I would be without them," Osaka, the world number three, wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"Throughout my career I've always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that's why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of the NC Courage."</p>

<p>Osaka, 23, was named Forbes' highest-paid female athlete in May last year when she surpassed her idol Serena Williams, raking in $37.4 million in prize money and endorsements over 12 months.</p>

<p>Courage, founded in 2017 by Stephen Malik who acquired the franchise rights from 2016 champions Western New York Flash, won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 after moving to North Carolina.</p>

<p>"I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage," Malik, chairman of the club, said.</p>

<p>"She brings an invaluable viewpoint on topics beyond sports. I cannot think of anyone better to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women."</p>

<p>Osaka, who won the U.S. Open last year, has used her standing in the sport to fight for racial justice and at every round of the tournament in New York she wore masks bearing the names of Black Americans who had been killed.</p>


Japan's three-times Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team North Carolina Courage to become a team owner, the U.

Japan's three-times Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka has invested in National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) team North Carolina Courage to become a team owner, the U.S. top-flight club said on Thursday. "The women who have invested in me growing up made me who I am today, I don't know where I would be without them," Osaka, the world number three, wrote on Twitter. "Throughout my career I've always received so much love from my fellow female athletes so that's why I am proud to share that I am now an owner of the NC Courage." Osaka, 23, was named Forbes' highest-paid female athlete in May last year when she surpassed her idol Serena Williams, raking in $37.4 million in prize money and endorsements over 12 months. Courage, founded in 2017 by Stephen Malik who acquired the franchise rights from 2016 champions Western New York Flash, won back-to-back titles in 2018 and 2019 after moving to North Carolina. "I am thrilled to welcome Naomi as an owner of the North Carolina Courage," Malik, chairman of the club, said. "She brings an invaluable viewpoint on topics beyond sports. I cannot think of anyone better to help us as we continue to make a difference in our community and inspire the next generation of women." Osaka, who won the U.S. Open last year, has used her standing in the sport to fight for racial justice and at every round of the tournament in New York she wore masks bearing the names of Black Americans who had been killed.

Tennis champion Osaka invests in NWSL side North Carolina Courage

<p>Former world number one Serena Williams took to Instagram to share an image of her three-year-old daughter Olympia Jr., who joined her mother on the court while practising for the Australian Open.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/novak-djokovic-lashes-out-at-critics-over-australian-open-quarantine-stance-358075" hreflang="en">Novak Djokovic lashes out at critics over Australian Open quarantine stance</a></p>

<p>The American ace is currently isolating in Adelaide. However, she is allowed for practice sessions to help her prepare for the year's first Grand Slam. She posted the photo of her daughter Olympia Jr. acing her backhand and captioned it: "Footage from my practice before leaving with my training partner."</p>

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<p>The 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams will be eyeing to equal the all-time record for most Grand Slams that is currently held by Margaret Court (She won it 24 times).&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 72 players have been confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days and are unable to train for the Grand Slam which is scheduled to be held from February 8-21. The move to quarantine the players come after passengers on three charter flights carrying them to Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Wednesday, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lashed out at the criticism of his letter to Australian Open chief Craig Tiley in which the Serb suggested easing of COVID-19 quarantine restriction as to the world number one tennis star said his intentions were "misconstrued”. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic, according to reports, asked Tiley for reduced isolation periods while moving players in hard quarantine to "private houses with tennis courts". The development received staunch criticism from Australians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Tiley confirmed that they were suggestions and not demands by Djokovic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"My good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued as being selfish, difficult and ungrateful," Djokovic who is isolating in Adelaide along with other top players, said in a lengthy statement.&nbsp;</p>


Former world number one Serena Williams took to Instagram to share an image of her three-year-old daughter Olympia Jr., who joined her mother on the court while practising for the Australian Open.

Former world number one Serena Williams took to Instagram to share an image of her three-year-old daughter Olympia Jr., who joined her mother on the court while practising for the Australian Open. Also read: Novak Djokovic lashes out at critics over Australian Open quarantine stance The American ace is currently isolating in Adelaide. However, she is allowed for practice sessions to help her prepare for the year's first Grand Slam. She posted the photo of her daughter Olympia Jr. acing her backhand and captioned it: "Footage from my practice before leaving with my training partner." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) × The 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams will be eyeing to equal the all-time record for most Grand Slams that is currently held by Margaret Court (She won it 24 times). A total of 72 players have been confined to their hotel rooms for 14 days and are unable to train for the Grand Slam which is scheduled to be held from February 8-21. The move to quarantine the players come after passengers on three charter flights carrying them to Melbourne tested positive for coronavirus. On Wednesday, World No. 1 Novak Djokovic lashed out at the criticism of his letter to Australian Open chief Craig Tiley in which the Serb suggested easing of COVID-19 quarantine restriction as to the world number one tennis star said his intentions were "misconstrued”. Djokovic, according to reports, asked Tiley for reduced isolation periods while moving players in hard quarantine to "private houses with tennis courts". The development received staunch criticism from Australians. However, Tiley confirmed that they were suggestions and not demands by Djokovic. "My good intentions for my fellow competitors in Melbourne have been misconstrued as being selfish, difficult and ungrateful," Djokovic who is isolating in Adelaide along with other top players, said in a lengthy statement.

'My training partner': Serena Williams shares a practice video along with daughter Olympia

<p>The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne.<br />
<br />
Two dozen players and their staff landed from Los Angeles to go into quarantine after an aircrew member and a passenger, who was not a player, tested positive for COVID-19.<br />
<br />
A further 23 players arriving by a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi met a similar fate after another non-player passenger was found positive, the organisers of the year`s first grand slam said in a statement.<br />
<br />
The players will "not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days and until they are medically cleared," they said.<br />
<br />
"They will not be eligible to practise."<br />
<br />
Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, Mexico`s Santiago Gonzalez and New Zealander Artemis Sitak confirmed via social media that they were on the flight from Los Angeles.<br />
<br />
According to local media, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, American former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens and Japan`s Kei Nishikori were also on the flight.<br />
<br />
Another player reportedly on the same plane was Tennys Sandgren, who was granted special permission to travel from Los Angeles late last week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, which he had previously had.<br />
<br />
Tennis Australia said in a statement the decision to allow Sandgren to fly had been made after a review by medical officials. A spokesperson for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria said it was common among people who previously tested positive to "shed viral fragments for some time - which can trigger another positive result".<br />
<br />
Tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible."<br />
<br />
Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk said that she was on the flight from Abu Dhabi.<br />
<br />
Several players took to social media to vent their frustration and resentment at being denied training.<br />
<br />
"Weeks and weeks of practice and hard work going to waste for one person positive to Covid in a 3/4 empty plane. Sorry but this is insane," tweeted France`s Alize Cornet.<br />
<br />
Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens criticised the decision to quarantine all the players on the flight, calling it "Russian roulette".<br />
<br />
New Zealand`s Sitak said it was "obviously not great" but he was aware of the risks ahead, and he appeared relaxed about being grounded in his hotel room.<br />
<br />
"I asked for a bike, so hopefully I`ll get one and stay in shape, and we`ll probably be out on the 29th of January," the 34-year-old said in a video on his Instagram page.<br />
<br />
He later posted a photo of his exercise bike saying "got this beauty".<br />
<br />
After the organisers found themselves on the receiving end of many players` wrath, Azarenka sounded a different note.<br />
<br />
"If you have time to whine then you have time to find solution," the Belarusian tweeted.<br />
<br />
Australia has agreed to accept about 1,200 players, officials and staff on 15 flights for the major sporting event beginning on Feb. 8.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne.

The build-up to next month`s Australian Open was thrown into disarray on Saturday when 47 players were forced into two weeks of strict hotel quarantine after coronavirus infections were reported on two chartered flights carrying them to Melbourne. Two dozen players and their staff landed from Los Angeles to go into quarantine after an aircrew member and a passenger, who was not a player, tested positive for COVID-19. A further 23 players arriving by a chartered flight from Abu Dhabi met a similar fate after another non-player passenger was found positive, the organisers of the year`s first grand slam said in a statement. The players will "not be able to leave their hotel rooms for 14 days and until they are medically cleared," they said. "They will not be eligible to practise." Uruguayan Pablo Cuevas, Mexico`s Santiago Gonzalez and New Zealander Artemis Sitak confirmed via social media that they were on the flight from Los Angeles. According to local media, two-time champion Victoria Azarenka, American former U.S. Open winner Sloane Stephens and Japan`s Kei Nishikori were also on the flight. Another player reportedly on the same plane was Tennys Sandgren, who was granted special permission to travel from Los Angeles late last week after testing positive for the new coronavirus, which he had previously had. Tennis Australia said in a statement the decision to allow Sandgren to fly had been made after a review by medical officials. A spokesperson for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria said it was common among people who previously tested positive to "shed viral fragments for some time - which can trigger another positive result". Tournament director Craig Tiley said: "We are communicating with everyone on this flight, and particularly the playing group whose conditions have now changed, to ensure their needs are being catered to as much as possible." Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk said that she was on the flight from Abu Dhabi. Several players took to social media to vent their frustration and resentment at being denied training. "Weeks and weeks of practice and hard work going to waste for one person positive to Covid in a 3/4 empty plane. Sorry but this is insane," tweeted France`s Alize Cornet. Belgium`s Kirsten Flipkens criticised the decision to quarantine all the players on the flight, calling it "Russian roulette". New Zealand`s Sitak said it was "obviously not great" but he was aware of the risks ahead, and he appeared relaxed about being grounded in his hotel room. "I asked for a bike, so hopefully I`ll get one and stay in shape, and we`ll probably be out on the 29th of January," the 34-year-old said in a video on his Instagram page. He later posted a photo of his exercise bike saying "got this beauty". After the organisers found themselves on the receiving end of many players` wrath, Azarenka sounded a different note. "If you have time to whine then you have time to find solution," the Belarusian tweeted. Australia has agreed to accept about 1,200 players, officials and staff on 15 flights for the major sporting event beginning on Feb. 8.

Tennis: COVID cases on player flights leave Australian Open buildup in disarray

<p>German ace Alexander Zverev will commence his 2021 season under a new head coach after parting ways with Spaniard David Ferrer, the world number seven confirmed on social media.</p>

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<p>Ferrer was added in Zverev's coaching staff in the middle of the 2020 season after which the player reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, where he went down to Dominic Thiem after winning the first two sets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The German ended the 2020 season on a high after he picked up two ATP titles in Cologne and also made the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I would like to thank David for the months we have shared, the times on and off the court, wishing him only the best in the future," Zverev wrote on his Instagram account.</p>

<p>"I also want to thank his family for giving me the chance to spend precious weeks with David during these difficult times. I have tremendous respect for the way David played and coaches tennis."</p>

<p>He will kick off the 2021 season at the team-based ATP Cup which will be played at Melbourne Park a week before the Australian Open is held at the same venue from February 8.</p>

<p>"I had to decide by the end of the year; I spoke to Alexander and told him that I preferred not to continue working with him in 2021," Ferrer told tennis website Punto de Break.</p>

<p>"There wasn't a particular reason or anything; I just thought the time wasn't right. Everything is fine between us ... I'm not the right person to help Alexander at the moment."</p>


German ace Alexander Zverev will commence his 2021 season under a new head coach after parting ways with Spaniard David Ferrer, the world number seven confirmed on social media.

German ace Alexander Zverev will commence his 2021 season under a new head coach after parting ways with Spaniard David Ferrer, the world number seven confirmed on social media. ALSO READ: American ace Amanda Anisimova tests positive for coronavirus: Reports Ferrer was added in Zverev's coaching staff in the middle of the 2020 season after which the player reached his maiden Grand Slam final at the U.S. Open, where he went down to Dominic Thiem after winning the first two sets. The German ended the 2020 season on a high after he picked up two ATP titles in Cologne and also made the final of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Paris. "I would like to thank David for the months we have shared, the times on and off the court, wishing him only the best in the future," Zverev wrote on his Instagram account. "I also want to thank his family for giving me the chance to spend precious weeks with David during these difficult times. I have tremendous respect for the way David played and coaches tennis." He will kick off the 2021 season at the team-based ATP Cup which will be played at Melbourne Park a week before the Australian Open is held at the same venue from February 8. "I had to decide by the end of the year; I spoke to Alexander and told him that I preferred not to continue working with him in 2021," Ferrer told tennis website Punto de Break. "There wasn't a particular reason or anything; I just thought the time wasn't right. Everything is fine between us ... I'm not the right person to help Alexander at the moment."

German ace Alexander Zverev parts ways with coach Ferrer ahead of 2021 season

<p>British ace Andy Murray has decided to give the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida a miss due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The tennis open is scheduled to be played next week. Recently, after missing out on most of 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, Murray accepted a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings.</p>

<p>"After much deliberation with my team I've decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach," Murray, 33, said on Thursday.</p>

<p>"Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimise the risks ahead of the Australian Open."</p>

<p>Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.</p>


British ace Andy Murray has decided to give the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida a miss due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February.

British ace Andy Murray has decided to give the season-opening Delray Beach Open in Florida a miss due to the risk of contracting COVID-19 ahead of the Australian Open in February. The tennis open is scheduled to be played next week. Recently, after missing out on most of 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, Murray accepted a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament. Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings. "After much deliberation with my team I've decided not to travel to play in Delray Beach," Murray, 33, said on Thursday. "Given the increase in COVID rates and the transatlantic flights involved, I want to minimise the risks ahead of the Australian Open." Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.

British ace Andy Murray pulls out of Delray Open due to COVID-19 concerns

<p>Britain`s former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February`s Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday.<br />
<br />
The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut.<br />
<br />
"We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms," Tiley said.<br />
<br />
"His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get on to the tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021."<br />
<br />
Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray went on to have hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but made his comeback to win the Antwerp title nine months later.<br />
<br />
He missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros.<br />
<br />
The 33-year-old will begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament.<br />
<br />
The Australian Open has been pushed back three weeks to start on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 measures.<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Britain`s former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February`s Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday. The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut.

Britain`s former world number one Andy Murray has been awarded a wildcard for February`s Australian Open, tournament director Craig Tiley said on Sunday. The main draw entry for the first Grand Slam of 2021 comes two years after Murray, the five-time runner-up in Melbourne, played what he feared would be his final professional match there, losing in the first round to Spain`s Roberto Bautista Agut. "We welcome Andy back to Melbourne with open arms," Tiley said. "His retirement was an emotional moment and seeing him come back, having undergone major surgery and built himself back up to get on to the tour again, will be a highlight of AO 2021." Three-time Grand Slam champion Murray went on to have hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but made his comeback to win the Antwerp title nine months later. He missed most of the 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros. The 33-year-old will begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament. The Australian Open has been pushed back three weeks to start on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 measures.

Murray awarded wildcard for Australian Open

<p>Briton ace Andy Murray is set to begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday.</p>

<p>Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings. He will be joining defending champion Reilly Opelka, top-ranked American John Isner and Canada's Milos Raonic in the Florida field.</p>

<p>The Open is scheduled to be played from January 7-13. It will serve as a preparation for the Australian Open Grand Slam, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures.</p>

<p>Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017.</p>

<p>After missing out on most of 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros.</p>


Briton ace Andy Murray is set to begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday.

Briton ace Andy Murray is set to begin his 2021 season at the Delray Beach Open next month after accepting a wildcard for the ATP 250 tournament, the men's tour said on Saturday. Murray, who was once world no. 1 has slipped to 122nd in the rankings. He will be joining defending champion Reilly Opelka, top-ranked American John Isner and Canada's Milos Raonic in the Florida field. The Open is scheduled to be played from January 7-13. It will serve as a preparation for the Australian Open Grand Slam, which will begin three weeks later than scheduled on Feb. 8 due to COVID-19 health and safety measures. Murray had to undergo hip resurfacing surgery in January last year but returned to win the Antwerp title seven months later -- his first since 2017. After missing out on most of 2020 season due to complications with his hip and struggled for form on his return after the COVID-19 hiatus, suffering a second-round defeat in the U.S. Open before falling in the opening round at Roland Garros.

Andy Murray to kick-off 2021 season as Delray Beach Open wildcard

<p>Winners of ATP’s top awards for 2020 were announced and Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tiafoe were among the players named.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Serbian ace Djokovic had a prolific 2020 season and ended No. 1 for a record-equaling sixth time after winning four titles including a record eighth Australian Open.</p>

<p>US Open winners Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares are the doubles No. 1s.</p>

<p>Swiss tennis player Roger Federer played only six singles all year, was the singles fans’ favourite for a record-extending 18th straight year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spaniard Nadal won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for the third year straight and fourth time overall after winning a 13th Roland Garros crown.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia's Andrey Rublev was the most improved in rising after witnessing a jump from rank 23 to career-best 8 after winning five titles, more than anyone else on the tour.</p>

<p>Newcomer of the year went to 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, who won three Challengers.</p>

<p>Vasek Pospisil is the comeback player of the year after undergoing back surgery in 2019. The Canadian reached two finals and rose to No. 61 after dropping to No. 150 in 2019.</p>

<p>Tiafoe was given the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for his social activity. The American auctioned signed memorabilia to Athletes for COVID-19 Relief and posted a video that united the Black tennis community in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.&nbsp;</p>


Winners of ATP’s top awards for 2020 were announced and Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tiafoe were among the players named. Serbian ace Djokovic had a prolific 2020 season and ended No.

Winners of ATP’s top awards for 2020 were announced and Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Tiafoe were among the players named. Serbian ace Djokovic had a prolific 2020 season and ended No. 1 for a record-equaling sixth time after winning four titles including a record eighth Australian Open. US Open winners Mate Pavic and Bruno Soares are the doubles No. 1s. Swiss tennis player Roger Federer played only six singles all year, was the singles fans’ favourite for a record-extending 18th straight year. Spaniard Nadal won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for the third year straight and fourth time overall after winning a 13th Roland Garros crown. Russia's Andrey Rublev was the most improved in rising after witnessing a jump from rank 23 to career-best 8 after winning five titles, more than anyone else on the tour. Newcomer of the year went to 17-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, who won three Challengers. Vasek Pospisil is the comeback player of the year after undergoing back surgery in 2019. The Canadian reached two finals and rose to No. 61 after dropping to No. 150 in 2019. Tiafoe was given the Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award for his social activity. The American auctioned signed memorabilia to Athletes for COVID-19 Relief and posted a video that united the Black tennis community in the wake of George Floyd’s killing.

Djokovic, Nadal, Federer: Winners of ATP awards for 2020

<p>Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-likely-to-be-delayed-by-two-weeks-345238">Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks</a></p>

<p>Dick Hordorff, who is the Vice President of the German Tennis Federation, has alleged that Federer has misused his position on the ATP Players Council to change the ranking system to protect his rank in the list.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Roger Federer simply changed the ranking method to protect himself,” Hordorff said on the Quiet Please podcast. “It is irresponsible and quite simply incorrect.</p>

<p>“In my opinion, he takes advantage of his position on the Players’ Council.</p>

<p>“It must nevertheless be said that without the change in the ranking system, Roger Federer would not be in the top 50.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there is no evidence that the Swiss player was involved while these changes were made. WTA also implemented a similar king of the system amid the pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pandemic hit world sports and brought all the events to a screeching halt. Wimbledon had to cancel the event for the first time in 75 years due to the pandemic. Many players pulled out of several grand slams citing health concerns. However, Novak Djokovic remained the world no. 1 after a successful 2020 season.&nbsp;</p>


Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis.

Swiss ace Roger Federer barely made an appearance on a tennis court this year due to injuries. However, Federer is still among the top five rankings due to temporary changes in the ranking system in view of coronavirus crisis. Also read: Australian Open 'likely' to be delayed by two weeks Dick Hordorff, who is the Vice President of the German Tennis Federation, has alleged that Federer has misused his position on the ATP Players Council to change the ranking system to protect his rank in the list. “Roger Federer simply changed the ranking method to protect himself,” Hordorff said on the Quiet Please podcast. “It is irresponsible and quite simply incorrect. “In my opinion, he takes advantage of his position on the Players’ Council. “It must nevertheless be said that without the change in the ranking system, Roger Federer would not be in the top 50.” However, there is no evidence that the Swiss player was involved while these changes were made. WTA also implemented a similar king of the system amid the pandemic. Pandemic hit world sports and brought all the events to a screeching halt. Wimbledon had to cancel the event for the first time in 75 years due to the pandemic. Many players pulled out of several grand slams citing health concerns. However, Novak Djokovic remained the world no. 1 after a successful 2020 season.

Swiss ace Roger Federer accused of 'changing ranking system to protect himself'

<p>Serbian ace Novak Djokovic revealed his feelings after finishing 2020 as number one for a sixth time despite a pandemic-hit season. According to Novak, it has been a "strange feeling".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Serbian has had a good 2020 season. He won a record-extending eighth Australian Open as well as a record 36th Masters title in Rome, winning four singles titles in all en route to the year-ending number one ranking.</p>

<p>Novak Djokovic held a 39-3 record this season despite plenty cancellations and suspensions between March and August due to the coronavirus outbreak.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Obviously, I'm super proud of it, but I have mixed emotions because of what's going on in the world," Djokovic told the ATP Tour website.</p>

<p>"I can't be ignorant to that, although I have achieved one of the biggest goals in sport. I feel for many people in the world going through hardship and my heart goes out to them."</p>

<p>Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. He even equalled his childhood hero Pete Sampras' record who ended the year as number one six times from 1993 to 1998.</p>


Serbian ace Novak Djokovic revealed his feelings after finishing 2020 as number one for a sixth time despite a pandemic-hit season. According to Novak, it has been a "strange feeling".

Serbian ace Novak Djokovic revealed his feelings after finishing 2020 as number one for a sixth time despite a pandemic-hit season. According to Novak, it has been a "strange feeling". The Serbian has had a good 2020 season. He won a record-extending eighth Australian Open as well as a record 36th Masters title in Rome, winning four singles titles in all en route to the year-ending number one ranking. Novak Djokovic held a 39-3 record this season despite plenty cancellations and suspensions between March and August due to the coronavirus outbreak. "Obviously, I'm super proud of it, but I have mixed emotions because of what's going on in the world," Djokovic told the ATP Tour website. "I can't be ignorant to that, although I have achieved one of the biggest goals in sport. I feel for many people in the world going through hardship and my heart goes out to them." Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. He even equalled his childhood hero Pete Sampras' record who ended the year as number one six times from 1993 to 1998.

'Strange feeling': Novak Djokovic on ending 2020 season as world no. 1

<p>19-year-old Jannik Sinner has become the youngest player to win an ATP Tour title in more than 12 years after clinching Sofia Open title on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/nadal-cruises-at-atp-finals-as-thiem-takes-revenge-against-tsitsipas-343415">Nadal cruises at ATP Finals as Thiem takes revenge against Tsitsipas</a></p>

<p>The Italian ace defeated Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3) in the summit clash to win his first ATP title. This was Pospisil's first attempt to win the ATP finals too.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is a great feeling ending the year with a tournament win," said Sinner as per the ATP Tour website. "Now I think the hard work is going to start once more… I hope I am going to start even better next year than I did this year," he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cristiano-ronaldo-reverts-after-novak-djokovic-replicates-iconic-siu-celebration-343479" hreflang="en">Cristiano Ronaldo reverts after Novak Djokovic replicates iconic 'Siu' celebration</a></p>

<p>Japan's Kei Nishikori was the last player to have lifted a tour-level trophy at a younger age than Sinner. Nishikori won his maiden ATP Tour title as an 18-year-old at the 2008 Delray Beach Open.</p>

<p>With a win in Sofia, Jannik marks an end to a memorable 2020 campaign during which he claimed three top 10 wins and finished the year with a 19-11 record. He has entered the top 40 of the ATP rankings on Monday after earning rank no. 37.&nbsp;</p>


19-year-old Jannik Sinner has become the youngest player to win an ATP Tour title in more than 12 years after clinching Sofia Open title on Saturday. Also read: Nadal cruises at ATP Finals as Thiem takes revenge against Tsitsipas The Italian ace defeated Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3) in the summit clash to win his first ATP title.

19-year-old Jannik Sinner has become the youngest player to win an ATP Tour title in more than 12 years after clinching Sofia Open title on Saturday. Also read: Nadal cruises at ATP Finals as Thiem takes revenge against Tsitsipas The Italian ace defeated Vasek Pospisil of Canada 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3) in the summit clash to win his first ATP title. This was Pospisil's first attempt to win the ATP finals too. "It is a great feeling ending the year with a tournament win," said Sinner as per the ATP Tour website. "Now I think the hard work is going to start once more… I hope I am going to start even better next year than I did this year," he added. Also read: Cristiano Ronaldo reverts after Novak Djokovic replicates iconic 'Siu' celebration Japan's Kei Nishikori was the last player to have lifted a tour-level trophy at a younger age than Sinner. Nishikori won his maiden ATP Tour title as an 18-year-old at the 2008 Delray Beach Open. With a win in Sofia, Jannik marks an end to a memorable 2020 campaign during which he claimed three top 10 wins and finished the year with a 19-11 record. He has entered the top 40 of the ATP rankings on Monday after earning rank no. 37.

19-year-old Jannik Sinner becomes youngest in 12 years to clinch ATP title

<p>Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios's last competitive match was in early February at Acapulco after which he decided to stay at home when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/atp-finals-novak-djokovic-eyes-record-equaling-win-to-end-year-on-high-343065">ATP FINALS: Novak Djokovic eyes record-equaling win to end year on high</a></p>

<p>Kyrgios, recently in an interview, said that he was already considering taking a year off from tennis before the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 lockdown provided him with the "perfect" opportunity for a reset. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier, Kyrgios had also said that he did not have a passion for tennis, said he was considering a lengthy spell away from the game after seeing a psychiatrist before the start of the season.</p>

<p>"I was thinking maybe it was time for me to just take a year off," Kyrgios said in a typically frank interview in Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald.</p>

<p>"I couldn't look at a tennis court. I had no happy feelings. I had no desire to be out there. I had no motivation. I had no need for growth out there.</p>

<p>"I was just going through the motions. It wasn't making me happy. If anything it was decreasing my energy. It was a negative impact on my life."</p>

<p>The "unfortunate circumstances" of the global health crisis could not have suited him better, Kyrgios said.</p>

<p>"This time has been perfect," he added. "I've had it off where I can completely reset and dabble in a couple of areas where my passion was, be back in my community, be back in my home and just get a complete reset. That's what I was thinking about doing."</p>


Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios's last competitive match was in early February at Acapulco after which he decided to stay at home when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America.

Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios's last competitive match was in early February at Acapulco after which he decided to stay at home when the circuit resumed in Europe and North America. Also read: ATP FINALS: Novak Djokovic eyes record-equaling win to end year on high Kyrgios, recently in an interview, said that he was already considering taking a year off from tennis before the pandemic. However, the COVID-19 lockdown provided him with the "perfect" opportunity for a reset. Earlier, Kyrgios had also said that he did not have a passion for tennis, said he was considering a lengthy spell away from the game after seeing a psychiatrist before the start of the season. "I was thinking maybe it was time for me to just take a year off," Kyrgios said in a typically frank interview in Saturday's Sydney Morning Herald. "I couldn't look at a tennis court. I had no happy feelings. I had no desire to be out there. I had no motivation. I had no need for growth out there. "I was just going through the motions. It wasn't making me happy. If anything it was decreasing my energy. It was a negative impact on my life." The "unfortunate circumstances" of the global health crisis could not have suited him better, Kyrgios said. "This time has been perfect," he added. "I've had it off where I can completely reset and dabble in a couple of areas where my passion was, be back in my community, be back in my home and just get a complete reset. That's what I was thinking about doing."

COVID-19 lockdown provided 'perfect' opportunity for reset, says Kyrgios

<p>Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and Austria's Oliver Marach have entered the men’s doubles quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament after stunning ninth seeds Fabrice Martin and Jean-Julien Rojer in a hard-fought second-round encounter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The unseeded duo of Bopanna and Marach came from behind to beat Martin and Rojer 3-6 6-4 10-8 in the round of 16 ties Wednesday night.</p>

<p>The Indo-Austrian pair will now face the eighth seed pairing of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Jurgen Melzer in the quarterfinals on Friday. Bopanna and Marach had defeated the Serbian pair of Dusan Lajovic and Nikola Cacic 7-5, 7-6 to move into the round of 16.</p>

<p>Earlier, Rafael Nadal became the fourth player in the Open Era to register 1000 wins on tour level after beating Australian Jordan Thompson 6-1 7-6(3) on Thursday to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals.</p>

<p>Nadal is looking forward to winning his maiden Paris-Bercy title and broke Thompson's serve twice to claim the opening set convincingly.&nbsp;</p>

<p>World No. 2 was trailing 5-6 in the second, but the Spaniard came from behind to beat the Aussie and even win a 26-shot rally.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He started to serve well in the second set. I missed a couple of returns I shouldn't have," Nadal said. "I suffered until the end but I found a way to win the tiebreak."</p>

<p>Nadal qualified for quarter-finals in all eight appearances at the indoor tournament and will take on fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.</p>


Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and Austria's Oliver Marach have entered the men’s doubles quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament after stunning ninth seeds Fabrice Martin and Jean-Julien Rojer in a hard-fought second-round encounter.

Indian ace Rohan Bopanna and Austria's Oliver Marach have entered the men’s doubles quarterfinals of the Paris Masters tennis tournament after stunning ninth seeds Fabrice Martin and Jean-Julien Rojer in a hard-fought second-round encounter. The unseeded duo of Bopanna and Marach came from behind to beat Martin and Rojer 3-6 6-4 10-8 in the round of 16 ties Wednesday night. The Indo-Austrian pair will now face the eighth seed pairing of Edouard Roger-Vasselin and Jurgen Melzer in the quarterfinals on Friday. Bopanna and Marach had defeated the Serbian pair of Dusan Lajovic and Nikola Cacic 7-5, 7-6 to move into the round of 16. Earlier, Rafael Nadal became the fourth player in the Open Era to register 1000 wins on tour level after beating Australian Jordan Thompson 6-1 7-6(3) on Thursday to reach the Paris Masters quarter-finals. Nadal is looking forward to winning his maiden Paris-Bercy title and broke Thompson's serve twice to claim the opening set convincingly. World No. 2 was trailing 5-6 in the second, but the Spaniard came from behind to beat the Aussie and even win a 26-shot rally. "He started to serve well in the second set. I missed a couple of returns I shouldn't have," Nadal said. "I suffered until the end but I found a way to win the tiebreak." Nadal qualified for quarter-finals in all eight appearances at the indoor tournament and will take on fellow Spaniard Pablo Carreno Busta.

Paris Master: Bopanna and Marach stun ninth seeds Fabrice and Jean-Julien to enter quarterfinals

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<p>Novak Djokovic retained his world no. 1 title despite a shocking defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in Vienna last week after the ATP announced its latest rankings on Monday.</p>

<p>Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. The Serbian ace has spent 293 weeks as No.1 as compared to Swiss' record of 310.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Djokovic returned to the field to play in Austria after suffering a crushing defeat by the hand of Rafael Nadal. The 17-time Grand Slam winner is virtually guaranteed to equal Pete Sampras's record of securing a year-ending top ranking for the sixth time with second-placed Rafael Nadal unlikely to play at Sofia this month.</p>

<p>Sonegro witnessed a rise in ranks after stunning Djokovic last week. He is at a career-best of 32nd.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ATP rankings as of November 2:</strong></p>

<p>1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11830 pts</p>

<p>2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9850</p>

<p>3. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 9125</p>

<p>4. Roger Federer (SUI) 6630</p>

<p>5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 5980 (+1)</p>

<p>6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5925 (-1)</p>

<p>7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5015</p>

<p>8. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 3839</p>

<p>9. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 3285</p>

<p>10. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 3075</p>

<p>11. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2860</p>

<p>12. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 2830</p>

<p>13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2710</p>

<p>14. David Goffin (BEL) 2555</p>

<p>15. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2400</p>

<p>16. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2400</p>

<p>17. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2265</p>

<p>18. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2260 (+2)</p>

<p>19. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2245 (-1)</p>

<p>20. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 2230 (-1)</p>


Novak Djokovic retained his world no. 1 title despite a shocking defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in Vienna last week after the ATP announced its latest rankings on Monday.

Novak Djokovic retained his world no. 1 title despite a shocking defeat to Lorenzo Sonego in Vienna last week after the ATP announced its latest rankings on Monday. Djokovic nears Roger Federer's record of being the player with the most number of weeks as world number one in men's tennis. The Serbian ace has spent 293 weeks as No.1 as compared to Swiss' record of 310. Djokovic returned to the field to play in Austria after suffering a crushing defeat by the hand of Rafael Nadal. The 17-time Grand Slam winner is virtually guaranteed to equal Pete Sampras's record of securing a year-ending top ranking for the sixth time with second-placed Rafael Nadal unlikely to play at Sofia this month. Sonegro witnessed a rise in ranks after stunning Djokovic last week. He is at a career-best of 32nd. ATP rankings as of November 2: 1. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 11830 pts 2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9850 3. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 9125 4. Roger Federer (SUI) 6630 5. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 5980 (+1) 6. Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) 5925 (-1) 7. Alexander Zverev (GER) 5015 8. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 3839 9. Diego Schwartzman (ARG) 3285 10. Matteo Berrettini (ITA) 3075 11. Gael Monfils (FRA) 2860 12. Denis Shapovalov (CAN) 2830 13. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2710 14. David Goffin (BEL) 2555 15. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2400 16. Fabio Fognini (ITA) 2400 17. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2265 18. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2260 (+2) 19. Karen Khachanov (RUS) 2245 (-1) 20. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 2230 (-1)

Novak Djokovic remains World no. 1 despite Vienna shocker as ATP announces latest rankings

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<p>Wimbledon is set to take place next year even if the grass-court championship should be staged behind closed doors without any fans, organisers announced on Friday.</p>

<p>The British Grand Slam was cancelled for the first time since World War II. It was cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Global tennis faced a major disruption due to the pandemic. However, the US Open went ahead behind closed doors and the French Open took place in front of only 1,000 fans a day after its starting date was moved from May to late September.</p>

<p>According to several scenarios planned by the All England Club, they can go ahead with the tournament with a full-capacity Wimbledon, reduced numbers of fans or holding the tournament with no spectators present.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/its-pretty-crazy-here-iga-swiatek-on-her-brand-new-celebrity-status-335784" hreflang="en">'It’s pretty crazy here', Iga Swiatek on her brand new celebrity status</a></p>

<p>"Staging the championships in 2021 is our number-one priority and we are actively engaged in scenario-planning in order to deliver on that priority," said chief executive Sally Bolton.</p>

<p>Wimbledon's statement read: "Our overriding priority will continue to be the health and safety of all of our stakeholders, in particular our guests, our staff, and our competitors.</p>

<p>"We are working closely with the relevant government and public health authorities, alongside the rest of the sports industry, to understand the varying challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic."</p>

<p>The Grand Slam will be held from June 28 to July 11, 2021.</p>

<p>Wimbledon has been working closely with local communities during the pandemic and will continue to provide 200 hot meals a day to people in need until Christmas.</p>

<p>More than £750,000 ($970,000) has been donated to charities and organisations, while 30,000 of the famous Wimbledon towels that were intended to be used for the 2020 tournament have been given away.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from AFP)</em></p>


Wimbledon is set to take place next year even if the grass-court championship should be staged behind closed doors without any fans, organisers announced on Friday.

Wimbledon is set to take place next year even if the grass-court championship should be staged behind closed doors without any fans, organisers announced on Friday. The British Grand Slam was cancelled for the first time since World War II. It was cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. Global tennis faced a major disruption due to the pandemic. However, the US Open went ahead behind closed doors and the French Open took place in front of only 1,000 fans a day after its starting date was moved from May to late September. According to several scenarios planned by the All England Club, they can go ahead with the tournament with a full-capacity Wimbledon, reduced numbers of fans or holding the tournament with no spectators present. Also read: 'It’s pretty crazy here', Iga Swiatek on her brand new celebrity status "Staging the championships in 2021 is our number-one priority and we are actively engaged in scenario-planning in order to deliver on that priority," said chief executive Sally Bolton. Wimbledon's statement read: "Our overriding priority will continue to be the health and safety of all of our stakeholders, in particular our guests, our staff, and our competitors. "We are working closely with the relevant government and public health authorities, alongside the rest of the sports industry, to understand the varying challenges and opportunities presented by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic." The Grand Slam will be held from June 28 to July 11, 2021. Wimbledon has been working closely with local communities during the pandemic and will continue to provide 200 hot meals a day to people in need until Christmas. More than £750,000 ($970,000) has been donated to charities and organisations, while 30,000 of the famous Wimbledon towels that were intended to be used for the 2020 tournament have been given away. (Inputs from AFP)

Wimbledon set to return in 2021 even without fans

<p>Top seed Novak Djokovic continued his imperious progress at the French Open with a 6-0 6-3 6-2 drubbing of Colombian Daniel Galan to effortlessly reach the last 16 for the 11th straight year on Saturday.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old was rarely extended by his 153rd-ranked opponent and even found time to double up as a court sweeper when the match was briefly interrupted by rain.</p>

<p>Djokovic, like 12-time champion Rafa Nadal, has reached the fourth round without the loss of a set although things will toughen up with powerful Russian Karen Khachanov up next.</p>

<p>The 33-year-old Serb won the first set in 28 minutes and when he broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set a rare 'triple bagel' looked a possibility.</p>

<p>But Galan, a lucky loser from qualifying, got on the board with a rasping forehand winner which brought loud cheers from the small crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier.</p>

<p>With heavy rain falling and the new roof sliding slowly across, meaning Galan was exposed to the elements and Djokovic was not, the Serb ordered the chair umpire to halt play after his opponent slipped during a rally on the muddy baseline.</p>

<p>After groundsmen with wheelbarrows had spread more clay across the court to improve the slimy surface, a laughing Djokovic offered a hand, grabbing a sweeper, before resuming his day job with the roof closed.</p>

<p>Djokovic was surprised the roof had not been closed earlier.</p>

<p>"I saw the forecast and it didn't look good at all," he said. "If you have a roof why not use it. I thought we lost quite a bit of time."</p>

<p>He has certainly not been wasting any time so far in the French capital and once play resumed the outcome was never in doubt, although Galan did make the world number one work up a sweat with some courageous tennis of his own.</p>

<p>Djokovic, bidding for his second title at Roland Garros and 18th Grand Slam, saved four break points in a competitive third set before completing his 71st French Open match win, taking him past Roger Federer into second place behind Nadal who has 96.</p>


Top seed Novak Djokovic continued his imperious progress at the French Open with a 6-0 6-3 6-2 drubbing of Colombian Daniel Galan to effortlessly reach the last 16 for the 11th straight year on Saturday.

Top seed Novak Djokovic continued his imperious progress at the French Open with a 6-0 6-3 6-2 drubbing of Colombian Daniel Galan to effortlessly reach the last 16 for the 11th straight year on Saturday. The 33-year-old was rarely extended by his 153rd-ranked opponent and even found time to double up as a court sweeper when the match was briefly interrupted by rain. Djokovic, like 12-time champion Rafa Nadal, has reached the fourth round without the loss of a set although things will toughen up with powerful Russian Karen Khachanov up next. The 33-year-old Serb won the first set in 28 minutes and when he broke for a 2-0 lead in the second set a rare 'triple bagel' looked a possibility. But Galan, a lucky loser from qualifying, got on the board with a rasping forehand winner which brought loud cheers from the small crowd on Court Philippe Chatrier. With heavy rain falling and the new roof sliding slowly across, meaning Galan was exposed to the elements and Djokovic was not, the Serb ordered the chair umpire to halt play after his opponent slipped during a rally on the muddy baseline. After groundsmen with wheelbarrows had spread more clay across the court to improve the slimy surface, a laughing Djokovic offered a hand, grabbing a sweeper, before resuming his day job with the roof closed. Djokovic was surprised the roof had not been closed earlier. "I saw the forecast and it didn't look good at all," he said. "If you have a roof why not use it. I thought we lost quite a bit of time." He has certainly not been wasting any time so far in the French capital and once play resumed the outcome was never in doubt, although Galan did make the world number one work up a sweat with some courageous tennis of his own. Djokovic, bidding for his second title at Roland Garros and 18th Grand Slam, saved four break points in a competitive third set before completing his 71st French Open match win, taking him past Roger Federer into second place behind Nadal who has 96.

French Open: Serbian ace Djokovic sweeps past Galan into last 16

<p>Polish teenager Iga Swiatek was hailed by her coach as "the beast of the competition" after she stormed to a shock 6-1, 6-2 victory over top seed and 2018 champion Simona Halep to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals on Sunday.</p>

<p>Swiatek, just 19 and ranked 54 in the world, fired 30 winners past title favourite Halep with the Romanian failing to even register a single break point in her 68-minute loss.</p>

<p>"She's a beast of the competition I would call her," said her coach, Piotr Sierzputowski.</p>

<p>"She loves to compete, she never likes to practise, it's so boring for her. But when it comes to the matches, she's there."</p>

<p>Swiatek will face qualifier Martina Trevisan, ranked 159, for a place in the semi-finals after the Italian stunned Dutch fifth seed Kiki Bertens 6-4, 6-4.</p>

<p>Sunday's performance was an incredible turnaround for the Pole who won just one game against Halep at the same stage in Paris last year, swept off court in just 45 minutes.</p>

<p>"Last year I wasn't experienced enough, it was my first match in a big stadium so I was a little stressed," Swiatek admitted.</p>

<p>"But I have made a lot of progress since then, playing girls like Simona, Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki. Now I can handle the pressure."</p>

<p>In 2019, Swiatek was also juggling her playing career with her high school studies.</p>

<p>"It was always difficult," said Sierzputowski. "I had to schedule practice in the morning at seven because she had to go to the school.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She's coming to the practice tired and I'm asking, Why are you tired? Did you sleep well? No, I was studying in the night. So of course it's something you can free your mind, but then you put a lot of pressure on yourself because you know you started being pro."</p>

<p>Swiatek has reached the quarter-finals without dropping a set. In the first round, she knocked out 15th seed Marketa Vondrousova, the 2019 runner-up, for the loss of just three games.</p>

<p>"I am surprised I could do this," she admitted after ending the 17-match winning streak of Halep who was the overwhelming favourite in the absence of 2019 champion Ashleigh Barty and US Open winner Osaka and the injury-enforced withdrawal of Serena Williams.</p>

<p>"I felt like I played a great match."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Swiatek, who will be playing in her first quarter-finals at the majors, swept through the opening set in just 23 minutes, firing 17 winners to Halep's four.</p>

<p>The teenager tightened her grip, breaking in the first game of the second set with Halep having to fight off four break points in the third game to stay afloat.</p>

<p>Swiatek's assault continued against a player who arrived in Paris with claycourt titles in Prague and Rome.</p>

<p>Halep, 29, saved five more break points in the fifth game but a weary forehand drifted wide and her Polish opponent was 4-1 up with the cushion of a double break.</p>

<p>She took victory on a second match point.</p>

<p>"She played really well, it was her match today," admitted Halep who said she'll quickly get over her disappointment with her season now at an end.</p>

<p>"I will have a chocolate and I will be better tomorrow."</p>


Polish teenager Iga Swiatek was hailed by her coach as "the beast of the competition" after she stormed to a shock 6-1, 6-2 victory over top seed and 2018 champion Simona Halep to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals on Sunday.

Polish teenager Iga Swiatek was hailed by her coach as "the beast of the competition" after she stormed to a shock 6-1, 6-2 victory over top seed and 2018 champion Simona Halep to reach the Roland Garros quarter-finals on Sunday. Swiatek, just 19 and ranked 54 in the world, fired 30 winners past title favourite Halep with the Romanian failing to even register a single break point in her 68-minute loss. "She's a beast of the competition I would call her," said her coach, Piotr Sierzputowski. "She loves to compete, she never likes to practise, it's so boring for her. But when it comes to the matches, she's there." Swiatek will face qualifier Martina Trevisan, ranked 159, for a place in the semi-finals after the Italian stunned Dutch fifth seed Kiki Bertens 6-4, 6-4. Sunday's performance was an incredible turnaround for the Pole who won just one game against Halep at the same stage in Paris last year, swept off court in just 45 minutes. "Last year I wasn't experienced enough, it was my first match in a big stadium so I was a little stressed," Swiatek admitted. "But I have made a lot of progress since then, playing girls like Simona, Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki. Now I can handle the pressure." In 2019, Swiatek was also juggling her playing career with her high school studies. "It was always difficult," said Sierzputowski. "I had to schedule practice in the morning at seven because she had to go to the school. "She's coming to the practice tired and I'm asking, Why are you tired? Did you sleep well? No, I was studying in the night. So of course it's something you can free your mind, but then you put a lot of pressure on yourself because you know you started being pro." Swiatek has reached the quarter-finals without dropping a set. In the first round, she knocked out 15th seed Marketa Vondrousova, the 2019 runner-up, for the loss of just three games. "I am surprised I could do this," she admitted after ending the 17-match winning streak of Halep who was the overwhelming favourite in the absence of 2019 champion Ashleigh Barty and US Open winner Osaka and the injury-enforced withdrawal of Serena Williams. "I felt like I played a great match." Swiatek, who will be playing in her first quarter-finals at the majors, swept through the opening set in just 23 minutes, firing 17 winners to Halep's four. The teenager tightened her grip, breaking in the first game of the second set with Halep having to fight off four break points in the third game to stay afloat. Swiatek's assault continued against a player who arrived in Paris with claycourt titles in Prague and Rome. Halep, 29, saved five more break points in the fifth game but a weary forehand drifted wide and her Polish opponent was 4-1 up with the cushion of a double break. She took victory on a second match point. "She played really well, it was her match today," admitted Halep who said she'll quickly get over her disappointment with her season now at an end. "I will have a chocolate and I will be better tomorrow."

Swiatek hailed as 'beast' after stunning top seed Halep at Roland Garros

<p>Novak Djokovic admits he knows absolutely nothing about Daniel Galan, the world number 153 from Colombia who stands in his way of a place in the last 16 at Roland Garros on Saturday.</p>

<p>That may be just as well as Galan, a 24-year-old lucky loser from qualifying, says he's not a "diehard follower" of the world number one.</p>

<p>"I don't know much about him, to be honest," said Djokovic, the 2016 French Open champion who is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title.</p>

<p>"I have never seen him play, so I'll have to obviously look at his matches, the videos, and try to prepare myself with my team."</p>

<p>Djokovic, whose 2020 record now stands at 33 wins against just one loss, is bidding to become the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice.</p>

<p>His second round win over Ricardas Berankis was his 70th at the tournament. The 33-year-old has now won at least 70 matches at all the majors.</p>

<p>By contrast, Galan's only two wins at the Slams have come in Paris this week.</p>

<p>"As a child I grew up with the rivalry between (Roger) Federer and (Marat) Safin," said Galan. "When I was older I admired (Rafael) Nadal for what he has achieved."</p>

<p>Galan was one of nine players outside the top 100 to have reached the third round, the most in Paris since 1985.</p>

<p>"Djokovic has no weaknesses, although I am not saying that he is invincible, otherwise he would never have lost a match," added Galan, the first Colombian to reach the third round of a major since Santiago Giraldo in Paris in 2012.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the day after world number 239 Hugo Gaston and Sebastian Korda, ranked at 213, made the last 16, German qualifier Daniel Altmaier struck another blow for the underdog.</p>

<p>The world number 186 stunned seventh seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, becoming just the fourth man to reach the round of 16 on his Grand Slam debut since 2000.</p>

<p>Victory also means an unexpected financial windfall for the German who is guaranteed to make at least $221,400 by reaching the last 16 having earned $173,600 in his entire six-year career.</p>

<h2>Injured before Paris'&nbsp;</h2>

<p>"I didn't know if I was going to be able to play in Paris as I was injured the week before at a tournament in Aix," said Altmaier who had previously only won one ATP Tour match in his career.</p>

<p>"But the doctor gave me the go-ahead so I am super-pleased to be here. The tournament continues for me and I am happy to keep going."</p>

<p>Russian 13th seed Andrey Rublev, the champion on clay in Hamburg on the eve of Roland Garros, eased past veteran South African Kevin Anderson in just 94 minutes.</p>

<p>Rublev didn't face a break point in his 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win as he moved into the last 16 for the first time.</p>

<p>Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas bids to make the fourth round for a second successive year. He faces Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene, the world number 56.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas had to come back from two sets down to defeat Jaume Munar in the first round but then swept past Uruguayan clay court specialist Pablo Cuevas for the loss of just seven games.</p>

<p>In the women's draw, 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko, who knocked out second seed Karolina Pliskova on Thursday, takes on Spain's Paula Badosa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The New York-born Badosa, ranked 87, is making her Roland Garros debut and marked the occasion by stunning former US Open champion and 2018 Roland Garros finalist Sloane Stephens in the second round.</p>

<p>Australian Open champion and fourth seed Sofia Kenin is up against Romanian qualifier Irina Bara, ranked at 142. Kenin stunned Serena Williams at the same stage of last year's tournament.</p>

<p>Spain's Garbine Muguruza, the 2016 champion in Paris and seeded 11 this year, plays&nbsp;Danielle Collins of the United States who is enjoying her best run at the tournament.</p>

<p>French wildcard Clara Burel, just 19 and ranked a lowly 357, faces experienced Chinese player Zhang Shuai who is attempting to become the first Chinese woman in the second week since former champion Li Na in 2012.</p>

<p>Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova, seeded seven, meets Leylah Fernandez for a last-16 spot.</p>

<p>The 100th-ranked Fernandez, just 18, won the girls' title in Paris last year and is now making waves on her main draw debut after taking down 31st seed Magda Linette and 47th-ranked Polona Hercog.</p>


Novak Djokovic admits he knows absolutely nothing about Daniel Galan, the world number 153 from Colombia who stands in his way of a place in the last 16 at Roland Garros on Saturday.

Novak Djokovic admits he knows absolutely nothing about Daniel Galan, the world number 153 from Colombia who stands in his way of a place in the last 16 at Roland Garros on Saturday. That may be just as well as Galan, a 24-year-old lucky loser from qualifying, says he's not a "diehard follower" of the world number one. "I don't know much about him, to be honest," said Djokovic, the 2016 French Open champion who is chasing an 18th Grand Slam title. "I have never seen him play, so I'll have to obviously look at his matches, the videos, and try to prepare myself with my team." Djokovic, whose 2020 record now stands at 33 wins against just one loss, is bidding to become the first man in half a century to win all four Slams twice. His second round win over Ricardas Berankis was his 70th at the tournament. The 33-year-old has now won at least 70 matches at all the majors. By contrast, Galan's only two wins at the Slams have come in Paris this week. "As a child I grew up with the rivalry between (Roger) Federer and (Marat) Safin," said Galan. "When I was older I admired (Rafael) Nadal for what he has achieved." Galan was one of nine players outside the top 100 to have reached the third round, the most in Paris since 1985. "Djokovic has no weaknesses, although I am not saying that he is invincible, otherwise he would never have lost a match," added Galan, the first Colombian to reach the third round of a major since Santiago Giraldo in Paris in 2012. On the day after world number 239 Hugo Gaston and Sebastian Korda, ranked at 213, made the last 16, German qualifier Daniel Altmaier struck another blow for the underdog. The world number 186 stunned seventh seed Matteo Berrettini of Italy 6-2, 7-6 (7/5), 6-4, becoming just the fourth man to reach the round of 16 on his Grand Slam debut since 2000. Victory also means an unexpected financial windfall for the German who is guaranteed to make at least $221,400 by reaching the last 16 having earned $173,600 in his entire six-year career. Injured before Paris' "I didn't know if I was going to be able to play in Paris as I was injured the week before at a tournament in Aix," said Altmaier who had previously only won one ATP Tour match in his career. "But the doctor gave me the go-ahead so I am super-pleased to be here. The tournament continues for me and I am happy to keep going." Russian 13th seed Andrey Rublev, the champion on clay in Hamburg on the eve of Roland Garros, eased past veteran South African Kevin Anderson in just 94 minutes. Rublev didn't face a break point in his 6-3, 6-2, 6-3 win as he moved into the last 16 for the first time. Greek fifth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas bids to make the fourth round for a second successive year. He faces Slovenia's Aljaz Bedene, the world number 56. Tsitsipas had to come back from two sets down to defeat Jaume Munar in the first round but then swept past Uruguayan clay court specialist Pablo Cuevas for the loss of just seven games. In the women's draw, 2017 champion Jelena Ostapenko, who knocked out second seed Karolina Pliskova on Thursday, takes on Spain's Paula Badosa. The New York-born Badosa, ranked 87, is making her Roland Garros debut and marked the occasion by stunning former US Open champion and 2018 Roland Garros finalist Sloane Stephens in the second round. Australian Open champion and fourth seed Sofia Kenin is up against Romanian qualifier Irina Bara, ranked at 142. Kenin stunned Serena Williams at the same stage of last year's tournament. Spain's Garbine Muguruza, the 2016 champion in Paris and seeded 11 this year, plays Danielle Collins of the United States who is enjoying her best run at the tournament. French wildcard Clara Burel, just 19 and ranked a lowly 357, faces experienced Chinese player Zhang Shuai who is attempting to become the first Chinese woman in the second week since former champion Li Na in 2012. Two-time Wimbledon winner Petra Kvitova, seeded seven, meets Leylah Fernandez for a last-16 spot. The 100th-ranked Fernandez, just 18, won the girls' title in Paris last year and is now making waves on her main draw debut after taking down 31st seed Magda Linette and 47th-ranked Polona Hercog.

Djokovic takes trip into Roland Garros unknown against Nadal fan

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