Sports
Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
Andy Murray has admitted he found it a tad ’embarrassing’ being part of Novak Djokovic’s team at the Australian Open.
The Serb’s time in the competition is over, with the 37-year-old withdrawing from his match with Alexander Zverev on Friday morning.
Djokovic had opted to take part in the showdown, despite suffering a muscle tear against Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week.
However, after losing the first set, he was ultimately unable to play on.
Andy Murray has admitted he found it a tad ’embarrassing’ being part of Novak Djokovic’s team at the Australian Open
GETTY
It is currently unclear what the future holds for Murray, who joined Djokovic’s coaching team for the tournament Down Under.
And the Briton has now admitted that he found it a tad ’embarrassing’ being part of his set-up.
“I feel like they’ve been a great team. At times it feels a little bit embarrassing that because of my relationship with Novak, how much people talk about that or when there’s a good result or a good performance that it’s because I’ve helped him,” he said.
“I’m fully aware that the team that is with him has done an incredible job over many, many years to allow him to still be competing at this level at the age that he’s at.
“They’ve all been really, really helpful to me. They really welcomed me into the team. It’s been great to be a part of.
“I got to witness some amazing tennis, and one of the best matches that I’ve seen live against Alcaraz. And it’s a steep learning curve for me as well.”
Murray also expressed his sadness at seeing Djokovic pull out at a time when he was on the verge of ‘something special’.
“When you get to that stage of the tournament, you feel like you’re getting very close to something very special, and it’s unfortunate if the body’s not responding in the way that you would like,” he continued.
“With Novak there’s always hope with him because of how great a player he is and has found ways out of difficult situations before.
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Andy Murray is set to discuss his future with Novak Djokovic following his Australian Open exit
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“It just wasn’t to be this time.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic has revealed he’s set to discuss his future with Murray now his time in the tournament is over.
“We both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future steps. We are so fresh off the court,” he said.
Alexander Zverev is set to play in the Australian Open final on Sunday following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal
REUTERS
“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me, give him my feedback which is, of course, positive, and see how he feels and we make the next step.
“We are still hotheaded and disappointed, so it’s kind of hard to switch the page and start talking about what the next steps are.
“I think we both need to cool off a little bit and then we’ll have a chat.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says teams are prepared to take his side on in a manner they did not previously, which will cost City a Champions League spot if he cannot find a solution.
Guardiola did not quite say City, who face Chelsea at home on Saturday, had completely lost their ‘fear factor’.
However, as he assessed a torrid season he zeroed in on a change in approach that indicates opponents are not intimidated the way they once were, with teams pressing his side more.
“Everyone came to the Etihad and stayed back,” he said. “The first team I saw man-marking was Neil Warnock at Cardiff. Now everyone does it. Everyone comes here, it doesn’t matter, man to man.
“They just jump to Ederson or Stefan [Ortega]. You have to adapt, do it better with the ball, otherwise you are not qualifying for the Champions League.”
City are currently fifth in the Premier League – 12 points off leaders Liverpool. Towards the end of 2024 they won only one game out of 13 and now find themselves having to beat Club Brugge on Wednesday just to claim a Champions League play-off place following this week’s defeat by Paris St-Germain.
Although City have £123m-worth of new talent available for the Premier League encounter with Chelsea, Guardiola does not believe that alone will solve his problems.
He dismissed those who focus on running statistics as evidence of whether a team is performing to its maximum or not, instead pointing out his side have not used the ball well enough.
“Speed is important but against PSG we ran more than them,” he said. “Our problem is with the ball. This season it is what we have missed.
“If you have the ball and don’t pass properly to your mate, everything is so difficult.”
When City won 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on the opening weekend of the season, few would have predicted by the time the return meeting came around that Chelsea would be higher in the table and Guardiola’s team would be just a point in front of Bournemouth.
Guardiola believes qualification for next season’s Champions League would be like winning a trophy, given the injuries that cost him the services of Ballon d’Or winner Rodri and leave him with one fit central defender this weekend, excluding new additions Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
He also said there was merit in Jose Mourinho’s famous claim that finishing second behind City with Manchester United in 2017-18 was one of the greatest achievements of his career.
“There are seasons when there are a lot of difficulties,” Guardiola said. “How do you stand up? How do you stay there?
“I remember Jose. I don’t know the reality of United but he said many times finishing second in that season was his biggest success. I understand completely.”
Sports
Michael van Gerwen gets early chance at Luke Littler revenge from World Championship final defeat
Michael van Gerwen will have a chance to avenge his loss to Luke Littler in the World Darts Championship final at the Dutch Masters on Saturday after the pair made it through their opening matches of the event.
Van Gerwen missed out on a fifth world title to Littler earlier this month in a one-sided final at the Alexandra Palace.
There wasn’t a long break between the final and the 2025 season getting underway in Bahrain last week.
But Van Gerwen was absent from the Middle East tournament due to family commitments.
Luke Littler beat Michael van Gerwen in the world championship final
GETTY
He was back in action this week for his first official tournament of the season for his home World Series event.
And the 35-year-old put on a stellar display to defeat compatriot Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-1 and progress to the quarter-finals.
Littler was last to compete on the night after seeing world No 1 Luke Humphries crash out to Jermaine Wattimena.
The recently-crowned world champion was made to work against Dimitri Van den Bergh and looked at one stage at risk of following in the footsteps of Humphries.
But the 18-year-old managed to step up when it mattered the most to clinch the final two legs and win 6-4.
His victory sets up a repeat of the World Championship final with Littler and Van Gerwen going toe-to-toe once again.
The pair met in last year’s Dutch Darts Masters final, where Van Gerwen got the better of the teenager.
Their quarter-final on Saturday will be the 14th meeting between the pair with Littler only just edging the head-to-head record with seven wins to Van Gerwen’s six.
Luke Littler beat Dimitri Van den Bergh 6-4
Reuters
Stephen Bunting pulled off an impressive performance to knock out Gian van Veen, who averaged an incredible 105.13 in the match.
Raymond van Barneveld had the crowd in the palm of his hands as he pulled off a remarkable win over Chris Dobey.
Gerwyn Price will take on Kevin Doets in the quarter-finals after they defeated Danny Noppert and Nathan Aspinall respectively.
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Michael van Gerwen was too strong for Dirk van Duijvenbode
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The final quarter-final will be between Wattimena and Rob Cross with the winner of the Dutch Darts Masters taking home £30,000 in prize money.
The Premier League season gets underway at the start of next month in Belfast, with Littler and Van Gerwen once again facing off.
Wolves forward Matheus Cunha is the subject of a transfer battle with Aston Villa now entering the race, Barcelona’s hopes of signing Marcus Rashford from Manchester United suffer a setback, and Chelsea on course to sign Alejandro Garnacho.
Aston Villa have joined the chase for Wolves and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha, 25, who is also interesting Nottingham Forest, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham and Manchester United. (Mail), external
Barcelona’s attempts to sign Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford, 27, may be scuppered as they have not sold enough players to free up funds. (ESPN, external)
Manchester United will make a second offer to Lecce for Denmark defender Patrick Dorgu, 20, after their opening £25m bid was rejected. (Fabrizio Romano, external)
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has been left frustrated by the club’s lack of transfer activity, with no players bought or sold this month. (Manchester Evening News, external)
Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr are preparing an official offer for Aston Villa’s Colombia striker Jhon Duran, 21. (Telegraph – subscription required), external
West Ham have been told they will need to sign the Netherlands striker Brian Brobbey, 22, on a permanent deal as Ajax have no interest in a loan. (Fabrizio Romano, external)
Real Madrid have opened preliminary talks with Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Joshua Kimmich, 29, over a summer move, when his contract expires. (Bild – subscription required), external
Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho will join Chelsea this month after the 20-year-old Argentina winger’s talks over a switch to Napoli stalled. (Teamtalk), external
Sports
Michael Schumacher ally issues telling statement on Lewis Hamilton first impression after Ferrari test
Lewis Hamilton has received a glowing first assessment from a prominent Maranello restaurateur following his arrival at Ferrari.
Maurizio Giannini, owner of the legendary Ristorante Montana and close friend of Michael Schumacher, offered his immediate verdict on the seven-time world champion.
“Perfecto. No arrogance. Tranquillo,” Giannini told the Daily Mail of his first impressions of Hamilton. “He is just right for Ferrari.”
The comments came after Hamilton’s first official appearances as a Ferrari driver this week, having signed a multi-year contract with the Scuderia starting from 2025.
Ristorante Montana has long been a cornerstone of Ferrari’s racing heritage in Maranello, serving as a favourite dining spot for legendary drivers.
Lewis Hamilton made his debut for Ferrari at Maranello this week
REUTERS
The establishment, owned by Maurizio and Rossella Giannini, became particularly synonymous with Schumacher during his dominant era with Ferrari from 1997 to 2006.
The restaurant’s walls tell the story of Ferrari’s racing history, with Schumacher’s five world championships with the team representing a golden period for the Scuderia.
Since Schumacher’s final title in 2004, only Kimi Raikkonen has managed to secure a world championship for Ferrari, achieving the feat in 2007.
Hamilton’s first days at Ferrari have been marked by significant milestones in the historic Italian city.
The British driver tested a 2023 Ferrari at the Fiorano test track on Wednesday, where he also met with his new race engineer Riccardo Adami.
Lewis Hamilton made a strong impression on people he met
REUTERS
Earlier in the week, Hamilton participated in an official photo session outside the former residence of Ferrari founder Enzo Ferrari.
The city of Maranello, steeped in Ferrari history, holds numerous references to Schumacher, who made the location his second home during his illustrious career with the team.
Speaking to the Daily Mail in 2023, Rossella Giannini highlighted Schumacher’s deep connection to the restaurant.
“Breakfast, lunch and dinner he would come here. He was everything,” she recalled.
“He called me his Italian mama and he was like another son to me.”
Hamilton’s next opportunity to drive a Ferrari will come at the Circuit de Catalunya between January 28-30.
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Michael Schumacher won seven F1 titles during his careerGETTY
The testing session will see Hamilton and teammate Charles Leclerc complete laps in one of Ferrari’s older cars behind closed doors.
Their mileage will count towards the FIA’s 1,000km annual limit for Testing Previous Cars regulations.
Brent Pilnick, BBC Sport
Following Whittaker’s no-show on Wednesday, it was always a matter of when, rather than if, the forward would leave Argyle.
While the manner of his departure might not have been the greatest – turning up so late he was dropped from the team – you cannot argue with the impact he has had at the club.
Since he first joined on loan in the summer of 2022 he has scored 34 goals, including an amazing run of 15 goals in 22 appearances between September 2023 and January 2024.
But since then he has found the net just eight times as his goalscoring touch has mirrored Argyle’s fall down the table.
The club-record deal is huge for Plymouth, but what the Pilgrims do with that cash will be key.
Do they spend it now to try to keep a club six points from safety and without a win in 11 weeks up, or do they hang on and use it to rebuild in League One next year?
Team news for Saturday and Sunday’s Scottish Premiership fixtures.
Sports
Kyle Walker sends emotional message to wife after sealing loan move from Man City to AC Milan
Kyle Walker has bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City after sealing his move to AC Milan, sharing a heartfelt 247-word message on social media.
The 34-year-old defender decided to seek a new challenge last month after nearly eight years with the Premier League champions.
“Manchester City… where do I start?” Walker wrote in his farewell post. “Signing for this incredible club in 2017 was a dream come true.”
The England international’s departure comes after Pep Guardiola revealed earlier this month that Walker was keen for a fresh start elsewhere.
Sources close to the player had quickly ruled out any potential move to the Saudi Pro League.
Kyle Walker has issued a statement online
GETTY/PA
In his farewell message, Walker reflected on his remarkable achievements at the Etihad Stadium.
“Seven years later, winning 17 trophies, including the Champions League and the famous treble is something I could only have dreamt as a child,” he wrote.
The defender paid special tribute to his manager, stating: “To Pep Guardiola, thank you for believing in me and working so hard to bring me here in 2017. Together, we’ve celebrated 17 trophies, and your guidance has helped shape me into the player I am today.”
Walker also thanked his teammates, describing them as “friends, but also family for life.”
He expressed gratitude to the City fans for “embracing me as one of your own from day one.”
During his time at Manchester City, Walker amassed an impressive collection of 17 trophies.
His silverware haul included six Premier League titles and the coveted Champions League trophy.
The defender has been a key figure at the Etihad since his arrival in 2017, though he has struggled for form this season.
Matheus Nunes has been filling in as City’s right back in recent weeks.
While Walker’s City contract runs until 2026, sources indicate his permanent departure is likely this summer, having made clear his desire to finish his career abroad.
Walker will begin his new chapter in Italy alongside wife Annie Kilner and their four children, after the couple have reconciled following recent relationship troubles.
A source told MailOnline: “They’ve had well publicised struggles but are now looking to put all that behind them and start afresh in Italy.”
Kilner, who will travel by private jet to join Walker, had previously served divorce papers in October but has since moved the footballer back into their marital home.
The couple will relocate with their children Roman, 13, Riaan, eight, six-year-old Reign and baby Rezon.
“Maybe Milan will be a fresh start for them?” the source added.
Walker included a message for his family in his statement on social media, adding: “To Annie, our children and all my family who have been there and supported me on this journey thank you.”
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Kyle Walker spent eight years at the Etihad
PA
AC Milan will cover Walker’s entire salary during his loan spell at the Italian club.
The move comes after a difficult campaign for Walker at Manchester City, where he has struggled to maintain his best form.
The loan arrangement will run until the end of the current season, with Walker’s City contract set to expire in 2026.
Despite the contract having time to run, sources suggest his permanent exit from the Etihad is expected this summer.
The defender had made it clear he wanted to experience playing abroad before ending his career, with Italy emerging as his preferred destination.
At a time when United co-chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe has ordered a cost slashing exercise that has seen ticket prices rise, 250 people lose their jobs, staff perks axed, Sir Alex Ferguson’s status as a paid ambassador revoked, legends have their remuneration cut and fans sent a letter warning the club is in danger of breaching profit and sustainability rules, you almost have to blink and look again when reminded of how much Antony cost.
United were gushing with pride in August 2022 when they confirmed they had struck a deal with Ajax for the winger.
The fee? £81.3m, second behind Paul Pogba as United’s most expensive player. At the time, it was the fourth highest transfer fee paid by a Premier League club.
In justifying it, United pumped out a lot of information.
Antony was a priority signing for new manager Erik ten Hag, they explained. The pair had worked together at Ajax and the pursuit had lasted all summer. Ajax, it was claimed, had played hard ball, but Antony was as keen for the deal to go through as United were.
He was high on the scouting radar before Ten Hag arrived, had a lot of technical ability and a winning mentality. United pushed and eventually got their man.
He certainly had been on their radar before Ten Hag arrived. His predecessor Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was told about him. The Norwegian would have accepted him. But his advice was not to pay more than £30m.
Still, when Antony became the first United player in 50 years to score in their first three league appearances, it looked like a good deal.
No-one was to know at the time that initial burst would represent 25% of the league goals he would score.
In 96 United appearances to date, Antony has scored 12 goals and claimed five assists.
The last time he found the net was in a 7-0 EFL Cup victory over League One Barnsley on 17 September. The last time he helped someone to score was on 4 April 2024, when he crossed for Alejandro Garnacho to net United’s third in what turned out to be a dramatic 4-3 defeat at Chelsea.
Knowing Antony was regarded as his man, Ten Hag backed the player for a long time.
Eighteen months after his arrival, at a point where he had not scored or created a goal for nine months and it was becoming obvious to most observers Antony may be well short of the standard United required, Ten Hag was still offering his support.
“He can do so much better,” he said, in a press conference on 12 January 2024.
“His end product at Ajax was very high. He should return to those levels. He is capable of doing it.”
Ten Hag also made reference in that media briefing to a legal case that saw Antony dropped from the Brazil national squad after assault allegations were made against him. Police investigations in Brazil concluded in August 2024 with no charges being brought. Antony has always denied the claims.
Ten Hag said the case had a negative impact on the winger, which given the gravity of what he was facing, is understandable.
Manchester City captain Kyle Walker has completed a move to Italian club AC Milan on loan for the remainder of the season.
The England defender completed a medical with the seven-time European Cup winners on Thursday.
Milan’s deal for Walker includes an option to buy the 34-year-old when his loan deal expires at the end of the season.
Walker, a six-time Premier League winner with City, joins fellow Englishmen Fikayo Tomori, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham at the San Siro.
Alexander Zverev has criticised the Australian Open crowd after Novak Djokovic was booed off court at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday morning.
Djokovic lost the first set to Zverev before then ultimately choosing to quit due to injury.
The former world No 1 sustained a muscle tear during his epic victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week.
But Djokovic was unable to play through the pain on Friday, with the former world No 1 choosing to talk away from the possibility of a record 25th Grand Slam title.
Alexander Zverev has criticised the Australian Open crowd after Novak Djokovic was booed off court at the Rod Laver Arena on Friday morning
REUTERS
After quitting the match, the Serb was booed by the crowd at the Rod Laver Arena.
And that has sparked criticism from Zverev, who was unhappy with their antics.
He said: “Please, guys, don’t boo a player who leaves the court due to injury. I know that everyone paid to be here and hopes to see a great five-set match.
“But you have to understand that Novak Djokovic has given his all to this sport for 20 years.”
The 27-year-old will lock horns with either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton on Sunday.
As for Djokovic, the Serb was understandably frustrated at having to pull out of the match and walk away from another potential record.
He said after the clash that he did everything possible to play but, ultimately, it wasn’t enough.
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Alexander Zverev is through to the Australian Open final following Novak Djokovic’s decision to withdraw
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“Yes, I did everything I possibly can to basically manage the muscle tear I had,” he insisted.
“Yes, medications and I guess the strap, and the physio worked helped to some extent today.
“But yes, towards the end of that first set I just started feeling more and more pain.
Alexander Zverev has hailed Novak Djokovic following the Serb’s withdrawal from the Australian Open
REUTERS
“It was, yes, too much, I guess to handle for me at the moment. Yes, unfortunate ending, but I tried.”
On whether he could soon retire, he continued: “I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here.
“So I’m fit, healthy, motivated. I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance, yeah.”
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