Sports
Iga Swiatek makes feelings clear after controversy strikes Australian Open win over Emma Navarro
Iga Swiatek has powered through to the Australian Open semi-finals after a commanding win over eighth seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday morning, with a row breaking out as she secured victory.
The Polish star’s dominant run continued as she dropped just three games in the quarter-final match.
However, the comprehensive win was marked by controversy during the second set when Navarro disputed a crucial point.
Swiatek has been in remarkable form throughout the tournament, having lost only 14 games en route to her second Melbourne semi-final.
Iga Swiatek has powered through to the Australian Open semi-finals after a commanding win over eighth seed Emma Navarro on Wednesday morning, with a row breaking out as she secured victory
REUTERS
The victory keeps her on course for a potential first Grand Slam final showdown with Aryna Sabalenka.
The controversial moment occurred during a 2-2 rally in the second set, when Swiatek sprinted to return the ball and won the point.
Navarro immediately protested to umpire Eva Asderaki-Moore, claiming the ball had bounced twice before Swiatek’s shot.
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Crazy scenes in the Swiatek Navarro match at Australian Open
Iga did not get to the ball on 1 bounce… although it was very close
It should’ve been Emma’s point. But according to the rules, Emma had to stop play when she saw the double bounce
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) January 22, 2025
While video replays appeared to support Navarro’s claim, she was unable to use the tournament’s new video review system.
Under official rules, players can only challenge judgment calls when it’s a point-ending shot or if they immediately stop play.
Navarro had continued playing the point, which prevented her from accessing the video review feature recently introduced at the Australian Open.
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When questioned about the incident in her press conference, Swiatek claimed she hadn’t seen the replay of the contentious point.
“Honestly, I didn’t see the replay after this point because after the point I didn’t look up for the screens because I wanted to stay focused,” Swiatek explained.
The world number one admitted uncertainty about whether it was a double bounce or if she had hit the ball with her frame.
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“I thought this is like the umpire’s kind of job to call it,” she added. “I was also waiting for the VAR, but I didn’t see it, so I just kind of proceed.”
When asked about the video review rules, Swiatek remained noncommittal.
“I never really thought about it deeper,” she said. “This is first time something like that happened to me, so I’m not sure.”
The five-time major winner also suggested that tennis authorities had likely considered all options.
Iga Swiatek was too strong for Emma Navarro in their Australian Open clash
REUTERS
“If there would be some better option, I think tennis would use it,” Swiatek added, noting that similar situations had occurred in other matches.
The Polish star will now focus on her upcoming semi-final clash with Madison Keys as she pursues a place in the Australian Open final.
Keys, the 19th seed for the competition, beat Elina Svitolina on Wednesday to book her own place in the last four.
For the second time in as many days, Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from practice at the Australian Open. Having needed painkillers to get past Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday, injury fears are rising.
Some, however, aren’t convinced. They believe this is merely a tactic, a ruse, a way for the 37-year-old to up the stakes as he prepares for his semi-final showdown with Alexander Zverev on Friday.
Djokovic was written off by many at the start of the tournament. Having failed to win a single Grand Slam in 2024, his doubters have started to label him a faded force.
When he lost the first set against Alcaraz, who pummelled him at Wimbledon last year, Djokovic was widely expected to crumble. Here he was, going up against a man 16 years his junior, who also happens to the poster boy the next generation.
Novak Djokovic: Australian Open fans are waiting to see if the tennis star is able to face Alexander Zverev
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What happened next, however, was nothing short of extraordinary.
Djokovic, fuelled by anger following his row with an Australian broadcaster, summoned the magic of old to power his way to victory.
It was quite something, seeing the veteran produce a masterclass at the age of 37. Those who have been quick to dismiss his prospects of Grand Slam glory this winter are now, surely, eating their words.
The victory took a toll on Djokovic, however. He was forced to use painkillers to get by and retiring crossed his mind, something he later admitted.
He said after the win: “Well since I’m still in the tournament, I don’t want to reveal too much obviously.
“But yeah, the medication started to kick in and that helped, no doubt. I had to take another dose. This sounds awful! Me taking another dose. But I had to.
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“I didn’t know, to be honest, if I lost the second set I didn’t know if I would continue playing.”
Djokovic is a force to be reckoned with, a figure that has scaled heights far higher than any other tennis player (yes, that involves Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal) over the past 15 years or so.
The prospect of him pulling out of his clash with Zverev seems unfeasible. And yet, mystery is mounting out in Australia and there are now legitimate concerns that his tournament might be done.
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Novak Djokovic needed painkillers to get past Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open
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The former world No 1 is 37. He is not a youngster, somebody who can afford to sacrifice the short-term for the long term. For Djokovic, it is all about the now.
If injured, and if he chooses to play on, then it would risk making things worse. That’s something, due to his age, that he simply can’t afford.
Djokovic skipped practice on Wednesday and didn’t take to the courts in Melbourne today, either. As a result, it legitimately looks like he may not be able to face Zverev in what would be one of the most-exciting matches of the entire competition.
Novak Djokovic is due to face Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open on Friday
REUTERS
Or it’s all just a game. Djokovic is a smart man and leaving Zverev waiting until the last minute could given him an advantage over the German. What, after all, must he be thinking?
It’s hard to tell what the truth is at the current moment in time.
What ultimately happens, and whether he plays or not, remains to be seen.
Britain’s Alfie Hewett maintained his chances of an Australian Open clean sweep by reaching the wheelchair singles final before progressing to the doubles final with partner Gordan Reid.
The second seed will face world number one Tokito Oda, who he lost to in last year’s final, on Saturday after beating Argentine Gustavo Fernandez 6-3 6-3 in the last four.
Later, Hewett and fellow Briton Reid beat Spaniard Martin de la Puente and Ruben Spaargaren of the Netherlands 6-4 6-4 in the doubles semi-finals.
Top seeds Hewett and Reid, who have won the past five Melbourne doubles titles together, face Spain’s Daniel Caverzaschi and Stephane Houdet of France on Friday.
Elsewhere, Britain’s Andy Lapthorne advanced to the final of the quad wheelchair doubles final alongside Dutch partner Sam Schroder.
The pair defeated Australian-Canadian duo Heath Davidson and Robert Shaw 6-1 6-2 and take on Guy Sasson of Israel and the Netherlands’ Niels Vink on Friday.
In the women’s wheelchair doubles, Briton Lucy Shuker and Japanese partner Yui Kamiji were beaten 7-5 6-1 in their semi-final by Chinese duo Li Xiaohui and Wang Ziying.
Manchester City have signed Egypt forward Omar Marmoush from Eintracht Frankfurt for 70m euros (£59m).
The 25-year-old has agreed a contract until June 2029, with add-ons rising to £4m.
Marmoush has scored 15 goals in 17 Bundesliga games this season, second only to England captain Harry Kane’s 16 for Bayern Munich.
“Manchester City is one of the biggest clubs in the world over the past 10 years, so it was not a question,” Marmoush said.
“It’s a pleasure and an honour for me and my family to be representing Manchester City. It makes them happy; it makes me happy that my dreams are becoming a reality.
“The last two seasons have been great, but it is just the beginning for me.”
Sam Allardyce is reportedly eyeing a dramatic return to Bolton Wanderers, though Steven Schumacher remains the frontrunner for the vacant managerial position.
Allardyce, 70, who previously managed the club from 1999 to 2007, is keen on an emotional homecoming to the League One side.
However, Schumacher, 40, has emerged as the favourite for the role following his spells at Plymouth and Stoke City.
The former Stoke boss would require no compensation and is eager to return to management.
Sam Allardyce is reportedly eyeing a dramatic return to Bolton Wanderers
PA
Bolton are seeking a swift appointment as they look to reignite their promotion push this season, according to The Sun.
Ian Evatt has departed Bolton Wanderers after four and a half years at the helm, with the club currently sitting ninth in League One.
The Trotters are just three points outside the play-off places but have managed only two wins in their last nine matches.
Sam Allardyce could replace Ian Evatt at Bolton
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Evatt, 43, joined the club in July 2020 and made an immediate impact, securing automatic promotion from League Two in his first season.
His tenure also saw Bolton reach the League One play-off final last season, though they ultimately fell to a 2-0 defeat against Oxford.
Rotherham’s Steve Evans and St Mirren’s Stephen Robinson have also emerged as potential candidates for the Bolton job.
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While Allardyce dreams of a return to his former club, his wage demands could prove problematic for the League One outfit.
Bolton’s hierarchy have shown willingness to invest in the squad and are determined to achieve promotion.
The club may consider paying compensation for a manager currently employed elsewhere, though a free agent would be preferred.
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Schumacher’s experience and success at this level makes him an ideal candidate for the position.
Evatt expressed gratitude for his time at Bolton, stating: “I’ve absolutely loved my time here at Bolton Wanderers Football Club.”
The departing manager praised the support from Sharon and Nick Luckock, along with his staff and players.
Sam Allardyce worked wonders during his time at Bolton
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His tenure saw notable success, including the 2023 EFL Trophy triumph at Wembley.
“There comes a point in football when a change needs to happen and the last thing I want is to damage what we have all built together,” Evatt explained.
He remains confident in the club’s prospects, adding: “I believe the club is still well placed to achieve its goals this season.”
Ladd made 110 appearances for United and was part of the squad that won their first major trophy with the 2024 Women’s FA Cup.
She had been a key player under manager Marc Skinner but began to be overlooked following the summer arrival of Dominique Janssen.
After five and a half years with the club Ladd says she was “proud to represent”, she admits it was a “breath of fresh air” to try something new.
“It’s part and parcel of the game but it’s difficult. It really challenges you as a person and a player. It was a tough time, I won’t lie,” said Ladd.
“Hopefully it’s made me stronger. The United journey was maybe aligned with mine and you feel emotionally tangled with it.
“I advocated for things in the best way I could and I was the best team-mate I could be.
“You have to rip off the band aid sometimes and getting out and into something fresh is the best thing you can do.”
During her time at United, Ladd played in front of a vocal fan base at Leigh Sports Village.
“They were my first sort of experience of real women’s football fans. I just thought ‘this is amazing’,” said Ladd.
“The support is just relentless. I’ve never known anything like it. It doesn’t waiver. It’s so resilient. It’s been such an amazing experience playing with that fanbase.
“I’d like to think there was a good connection. I certainly felt it my way. You recognise, even when you’re having a tough time, the fan base really support you and pull you through. That’s a really meaningful thing as a player.”
Sports
Pep Guardiola makes questionable statement after Man City crash to PSG Champions League defeat
Despite winning every major trophy at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola claimed his side struggle against the big teams following their 4-2 Champions League defeat to PSG on Wednesday night.
The 2023 winners went into the showdown at the Parc des Princes hoping to boost their chances of making the play-offs of the competition.
City looked as though they’d secure victory when Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland struck within the space of three minutes after the interval.
Yet PSG, who have struggled in Europe themselves this term, came roaring back following goals from Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Joao Neves and Goncalo Ramos.
Pep Guardiola believes Man City struggle against the big teams, despite winning everything, following their 4-2 Champions League defeat to PSG
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Guardiola has won every major trophy at City ever since replacing Manuel Pellegrini back in 2016.
But he’s now claimed that his team have to ‘accept’ that they struggle against some of the better sides on the planet following the nightmare result.
“We suffered and they were better – better intensity to win duels,” he admitted.
“In the big stages, the big teams, we struggle. We have to accept it.”
City will need to beat Club Brugge on Wednesday night to keep their hopes of staying in the Champions League alive.
That’s a scenario that seemed unfeasible at the start of the side, especially given how they won the trophy just 18 months ago.
Guardiola admits, however, that City will ‘deserve’ what they get if they’re unable to go through.
“We have a last chance against Bruges. If we don’t do it then it’s because we don’t deserve it,” he admitted.
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Another frustrating aspect of City’s performance was their inability to keep hold of the ball.
PSG dominated possession, had a better pass accuracy and completed more passes during the showdown in the French capital.
A frustrated Guardiola continued: “We have to defend with the ball or it’s impossible to play well.
“Keep the ball, the extra pass. The connection with Bernardo (Silva) and (Mateo) Kovacic was not possible or not good and we could not make the process.
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Pep Guardiola’s Man City side threw away a 2-0 lead to lose 4-2 to PSG on Wednesday night
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“I tried different things but we couldn’t keep the ball.”
Meanwhile, City star Grealish was also frustrated – and admitted that their struggles this term were ‘weird’ given the heights they’ve scaled over the past nine years.
“Usually in these moments we’re so good,” he said.
“It’s happened too many times this season; when we’ve gone one goal, two goals up, even three against Feyenoord, and we’ve not been able to control the game and see it out.
Pep Guardiola bemoaned Man City’s lack of quality on the ball in their Champions League defeat to PSG
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“It’s weird because in every other season we’ve been so good in these moments, managing the game.
“I don’t know if it’s a confidence thing because we know that for most of this season, especially before Christmas time, we weren’t really at the levels that we know we can do.
“But it’s down to ourselves to try and change that moving forward.
“We have so many players on the pitch when we go two goals up that are so good with the ball, at keeping it. But we’ve not been doing that recently and that’s down to us.”
Sports
Australian Open 2025 results: Britain’s Henry Patten and Finn Harri Heliovaara reach men’s doubles final
Britain’s Henry Patten and Finnish team-mate Harri Heliovaara came through a match tie-break to reach their first Australian Open men’s doubles final together.
The Wimbledon champions held their nerve to beat Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4 3-6 7-6 (10-7).
It is a second major final for Patten and Heliovaara in just their fourth Grand Slam together, having first joined forces in April 2024.
The sixth seeds will face Italian third seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori in Saturday’s final.
Patten, who had not gone beyond the third round at a Slam before partnering with Heliovaara, said: “I’m just trying to ride the wave. I can’t stop smiling at the moment which, for people who know me, is pretty unusual.
“Usually I’m a classic grumpy Brit. I’m just trying to enjoy every moment and taking it all in with Harri.”
Heliovaara stopped playing professionally between 2013 and 2017 because of an autoimmune disease that affects his spine, instead working in finance during that period.
Heliovaara said: “If you ask me five, six years ago if this was possible while I was making Powerpoints and Excel sheets in the office, I would have laughed.
“I haven’t regretted a single day [of coming back].”
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