Italy’s Jannik Sinner has enjoyed the most successful – and eventful – season of his career, having dominated the men’s game while the case investigating his two failed doping tests rumbles on.
An independent panel, which was presented the case by the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), accepted there was “no fault or negligence” attached to 23-year-old Sinner.
It said the world number one had provided a “credible” explanation and he was able to continue playing.
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But the decision that Sinner bore no fault has been challenged by the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), which has launched an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas).
No date has been set for the hearing.
“Whatever’s going to happen, I just wish for it to be resolved as soon as possible,” 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic said.
“This whole case is not helping our sport at all.”
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BBC Sport analyses the key questions at the heart of a complex subject.
MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to play Jonny Evans in an unusual position against Brentford.
The defender was supposed to be a back-up this season but he has been drafted in to play due to another injury crisis at the club.
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Jonny Evans could be set for a new role against BrentfordCredit: Getty
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Erik ten Hag has a tricky decision to make due to a defensive crisisCredit: Getty
Defenders Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and now Noussair Mazraoui are all sidelined with injury.
That means Diogo Dalot is the only fit defender who is able to play at left-back.
And with Mazraoui out injured Dalot could have to switch flanks, with Evans filling in at left-back.
Another option for Erik ten Hag is to play Lisandro Martinez in that role, meaning Evans would continue in his natural position in central defence alongside Matthijs de Ligt.
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Victor Lindelof could also be drafted into the side after replacing the injured Mazraoui against Aston Villa.
That is Lindelof’s only appearance so far this season but would be able to play at right-back, with Dalot continuing on the left.
Evans, 36, is one of United’s most senior players and he claimed the recent pressure on Ten Hag is not helping the squad.
He said: “The other night [after the 3-3 draw with Porto] he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away.
Since the early days when the sport was anything but a mainstream endeavor, the MMA industry has thrived and survived through various websites, forums, and – perhaps most importantly – social-media platforms.
Fighters interact with fans, each other and many more through the likes of X, Facebook and Instagram, which helps outsiders get a deeper look into the minds of the athletes.
Following Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 244 in Las Vegas, several of the winning and losing fighters, along with their coaches, training partners or family members, took to social media to react to the event or share a message with supporters.
Check out some of those reactions.
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* * * *
The defeated
The defeated: Dan Argueta
The defeated: Alex Morono
The defeated: Rafa Garcia
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The defeated: Jared Gooden
The defeated: Brad Tavares
The defeated: Tatsuro Taira
The victorious: Cody Haddon
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The victorious: Julia Polastri
The victorious: Junior Tafa
The victorious: Themba Gorimbo
The victorious: Pat Sabatini
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The victorious: Ramazan Temirov
The victorious: Daniel Rodriguez
The victorious: Grant Dawson
The victorious: JunYong Park
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The victorious: Brandon Royval
The Blue Corner is MMA Junkie’s blog space. If you come complaining to us that something you read here is not hard-hitting news, that’s on you.
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, Kevin Wildes and Coach Eric Mangini discuss whether Caleb Williams is officially that guy after throwing four touchdowns in the Chicago Bears’ 35-16 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars.
ADAM AZIM is putting his undefeated record on the line once again as he takes on British rival Ohara Davies in a mouthwatering lightweight bout this weekend.
Assassin hasn’t looked back since stopping Franck Petitjean in round ten of their 2023 fight to become the new European light-welterweight champion.
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Adam Azim (R) is currently undefeatedCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
The Slough-born icon won and defended the European title in record timing as Azim went on to beat challenger Enock Poulsen three months later.
However, the wind will certainly be in the sails of Azim as Davies goes into this battle fresh from a TKO loss against Ismael Barroso.
Ironically, both men started their boxing journeys in East London’s iconic Peacock Gym with Azim looking up to Davies who is ten years older.
When is Azim vs Davies?
Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies will take place on Saturday, October 19.
The undercard is scheduled to start at 7pm BST/2pm ET.
Main event ring-walks will get underway at around 10pm BST/5pm ET.
Copperbox Arena is the chosen venue for this huge fight and it can host approximately 7,500 spectators.
What TV channel is Azim vs Davies on and can it be live streamed?
Adam Azim vs Ohara Davies will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sports Box Main Event and Sky Sports Arena.
Subscription members of NOW TV can also stream the entire action through a compatible mobile or tablet.
Alternatively, SunSport will have round-by-round coverage on our live blog.
What is the undercard?
Adam Azim vs. Ohara Davies; Super-lightweight
Anthony Yarde vs. TBA; Light-heavyweight
Dan Azeez vs. Lewis Edmonson for British light-heavyweight title
Michael McKinson vs. Tulani Mbenge for IBO welterweigh title
Shannon Courtenay vs. Catherine Tacone Ramos; Featherweight
What has been said?
Adam Azim admitted that he respects Ohara Davies whereas Davies is confident that he’ll be handing Azim his first loss.
Azim said: “I can’t wait to get back in the ring and back to what I do best,” said Azim. “It was a great honour to win and defend the European title but now I’m ready for my next challenge.
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“I’ve known Ohara Davies for many years. I respect him and what he’s achieved in the sport but when we meet in the ring, he’s just another opponent and another step on my journey to the top.
“He’s a good fighter. I think our styles will make for an exciting fight but there’s only going to be one outcome. I’m ready to make a statement and show everybody that I’m ready for the biggest names in the division.”
Davies said: “I’m excited for this fight. I like Adam Azim. I’ve known him since he was very young and it’s amazing to see his success so far in boxing,
“I followed him in the amateurs, and I’ve always respected him. But he isn’t a kid anymore. He’s grown into a man with massive potential. And that’s why it’s a shame that I have to hand him his first defeat.
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“No needle, no hate, I want us to go back to our families happy and healthy after the fight. But this is where it all changes for him. I’m sorry Adam. This is where it ends.”
Buckley (21-6 MMA, 10-4 UFC) called out Usman after knocking out former title challenger Stephen Thompson less than two weeks ago at UFC 307. Buckley was dismissed by Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC), who told him to get in line.
“That’s the funny thing: Who’s in line?” Buckley said in an interview with Parry Punch. “The crazy part about Belal was, like, Usman doesn’t even deserve a title shot. Plus, he said Shavkat is an easier fight than Usman, and that’s what I believe that the UFC is going to make, the Shavkat vs. Belal. Usman, nobody calls him out, that’s still a great name. The last fight he had was with Khamzat (Chimaev), so it’s been a whole year. Come and get this work. Come and get paid at least.”
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Muhammad did end up getting booked against Shavkat Rakhmonov for his first title defense, which headlines UFC 310 on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. Buckley thinks Usman needs at least one win before fighting for the title again.
“He’s just waiting on the opportunity to have that big fight, which is fighting for a title. But my thing is, that sh*t shouldn’t be given to you,” Buckley said. “You should work for that.
“Just because you’ve been a former champion, just because you held the belt for a good amount of time, doesn’t give you the right to come back and just be like, ‘Aight, I get to fight for the belt again.’ You’re still not accounting those three losses you done had. So prove to the world that you still have the ability to fight for a belt.”
Be sure to visit the MMA Junkie Instagram page and YouTube channel to discuss this and more content with fans of mixed martial arts.
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