Sports
Novak Djokovic reveals Andy Murray reaction after withdrawing from Australian Open due to injury
Novak Djokovic has revealed both himself and Andy Murray are ‘disappointed’ and ‘hot-headed’ after the Serb was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open on Friday.
After losing the first set at the Rod Laver Arena to Alexander Zverev, Djokovic opted to pull out due to injury.
He sustained a muscle tear during his epic victory over Carlos Alcaraz earlier in the week and, ultimately, was unable to play on.
Speaking after the match, Djokovic was asked about potentially working with Murray again.
Novak Djokovic has revealed both himself and Andy Murray are ‘disappointed’ and ‘hot-headed’ after the Serb was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open on Friday
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The pair united for the Australian Open but it’s unclear, at the current moment in time, if that alliance will go on.
Djokovic stated: “I don’t know [if they will work together again].
“You know, we both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn’t talk about the future steps. We are so fresh off the court.
“I’ll definitely have a chat with Andy and thank him for being here with me.
“You know, give him my feedback, which is, of course, positive, and see how he feels and we make the next step.”
He continued: “We are still hot-headed 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.”
Djokovic had been hoping to win a record 25th Grand Slam title this winter, as well as an 11th Australian Open crown.
But it is Zverev who is now through to the final, with the 27-year-old poised to lock horns with Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton.
Murray, for his part, believes it is ‘unfortunate’ that Djokovic had to pull out.
“I think he was always going to go out there and give it a good shot,” said the British tennis legend.
“He obviously didn’t train the last couple of days.
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Novak Djokovic plans to have talks with Andy Murray about the Briton’s future now the Australian Open is out of the way
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“He practised right before the match and was feeling good enough to give it a go. It was an unfortunate way to finish.
“The match that he played against Alcaraz was some incredible tennis, amazing to watch from the side from that close, it was an amazing performance.
“He’d been getting gradually better as the tournament was progressing I think.
“It’s obviously a really unfortunate way to finish.”
Novak Djokovic won’t be winning a record 25th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open this winter
REUTERS
On possibly working with Djokovic again in the future, he stated: “Me and Novak agreed that after the tournament we would speak.
“We’ll do that.”
A Blackburn Rovers fan has accused the local council of running a “scam” after being fined for following matchday traffic signs at Ewood Park.
Nicholas Hatch, a lifelong supporter of the club, received a fixed penalty notice for using a bus lane despite following official signage directing traffic after a match.
“It is just a scam, it is wrong, it is not just about the money. It is morally wrong and I think people need to know,” said Hatch.
Hatch received the fine while working as a chef at the club when he followed a sign off Bolton Road redirecting traffic past McDonald’s.
Anyone leaving Ewood Park early remains at risk of receiving a fine
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“Generally when I worked there I was out before the crowd comes out. I am 15 minutes ahead so it was never an issue,” he explained.
“I must have been working late and the sign was up and I had no reason to dismiss it, it just told me to use the bus lane.”
The sign had appeared multiple times, according to Hatch, who photographed it to support his appeal.
Blackburn with Darwen Council stated that the temporary bus lane suspension only operates for 90 minutes following the final whistle.
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Anyone leaving Ewood Park early remains at risk of receiving a fine, despite the sign giving no indication of specific timings.
Bus lane violations in the town carry a £70 penalty, which is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Drivers can appeal these fines if they can provide supporting evidence to the council.
Hatch expressed frustration after his appeal was rejected by the council.
“I have been totally blanked. I have only received a standard email stating that it has been finalised and been paid and there is nothing I can do,” he said.
A generic image of a parking fineGETTYHe attempted to contest the fine using his photograph of the sign, but was unsuccessful.
“They said it was hyperbole so I had to pay, and I would rather pay £35 than £70,” Hatch added.
Martin Eden, Strategic Director of Environment and Communities at the council, explained the system has been in place since 2016 to ease post-match congestion.
“The temporary suspension runs for 90 minutes only from the final whistle, and members of our highways team are on site with traffic cones and diversion signs during this time,” he said.
“Outside of this timeframe, the bus lane is fully operational and any drivers who use the bus lane will be issued with a penalty charge notice.”
Brentford have made their first signing of the January transfer window by recruiting Fiorentina defender Michael Kayode on loan for the rest of the season.
The deal for the 20-year-old contains the option to be made permanent in the summer.
The Italy Under-21 right-back has made 12 appearances for Fiorentina this season, having broken into their side in 2023-24.
A product of the Juventus youth system, Kayode impressed at Italian fourth-tier side Gozzano to earn a move to Florence in 2021.
“Michael is a player that we think will suit Brentford and the physical nature of the Premier League very well,” said Brentford director of football Phil Giles.
“We have watched him for a while, and he has probably been a bit unlucky not to play more games already this season.”
Thomas Frank’s side, who are 11th in the Premier League, play their next match at Crystal Palace on Sunday (14:00 GMT).
Check out all of January’s deals on our dedicated transfer page.
Sports
Novak Djokovic’s earnings revealed after tennis icon pulled out of Alexander Zverev Australian Open match
Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Australian Open on Friday morning after succumbing to injury in his semi-final showdown with Alexander Zverev.
But the Serb can take some solace knowing he’s earned a nice sum of money for his exploits Down Under, even if he was ultimately unable to go all the way.
Djokovic lost the first set against Zverev but, having suffered a muscle tear in his victory over Carlos Alcaraz on Tuesday, couldn’t go on.
The German will now lock horns with Jannik Sinner in Sunday’s Australian Open final, with Zverev chasing the first major of his career.
Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Australian Open on Friday morning after succumbing to injury in his semi-final showdown with Alexander Zverev
GETTY
Djokovic was frustrated after being forced to withdraw, with the 37-year-old admitting that he felt ‘hot-headed’.
But he’ll still walk away from the tournament £550,897 better off after reaching the semi-final stage.
As for Zverev, the German has earned a guaranteed sum of £951,549 for reaching the final.
That sum could rise to £1,752,853 if he’s able to go all the way on Sunday and beat Sinner, though that will certainly be no easy task.
Meanwhile, Djokovic was booed off the court on Friday as he exited the Rod Laver Arena.
Fans expecting an epic between the veteran and Zverev were left disappointed and made their feelings clear.
Djokovic, speaking to Serbian media in the aftermath, acknowledged their complaints by saying that he ‘understands’ their point of view.
But the 37-year-old also suggested that supporters didn’t want to understand his own stance on the matter.
READ MORE: Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
“I don’t know what to say… people have come, they paid for the tickets expecting a great match and a big fight, which they didn’t get,” stated the former world No 1.
“From that perspective, I can understand. I am doing my best to understand them, but I am not sure whether they understand me or if they even want to understand me.
“I know how my body works, what I feel, and I know how much I’ve given to this tournament in the past 20 plus years.
“I will stop here, so that I don’t continue in the wrong direction.”
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Novak Djokovic has made £550,897 at the Australian Open this winter following his decision to withdraw from his match with Alexander Zverev
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Djokovic also admitted that injury is the ‘biggest enemy’ of an athlete.
“It is what it is,” he said. “Injury is the biggest enemy of a professional athlete.
“That’s the beauty of one-on-one sport, [it] is such that there is no replacement, there is no substitution.
“I could not go out now after first set and somebody comes in for me and then I rest for an hour, and maybe come back or maybe come back for the next match and my team wins.
Novak Djokovic has admitted injury is an athlete’s ‘worst enemy’ following his decision to pull out of the Australian Open
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“It doesn’t happen in our sport. If you in a way don’t show up and if something is wrong, you’re out.
“But that’s, again, the sport we are part of. I love it.”
Sports
Australian Open 2025: Aryna Sabalenka aims for third straight title in final against Madison Keys
The odds are stacked against Keys as she hopes to deny Sabalenka, who won the Australian and US Open finals in straight sets last year.
Sabalenka has won four of her five previous meetings with Keys, including victory in their two previous Slam encounters.
Their most recent meeting at a major, in the semi-finals of the US Open in 2023, was a particularly painful one for Keys.
The American served for the match with a 6-0 5-3 lead, only for Sabalenka to pull off a remarkable fightback to advance.
“I felt like I tried to play safe. I wasn’t playing how I wanted to in the big moments,” Keys said of that defeat.
“That felt so bad. I didn’t want to be in the same situation where I looked back and thought ‘I should have gone for it’.
“I didn’t want to have any regrets.”
Sports
Emma Raducanu and Nick Cavaday split explained as coach departs following Australian Open campaign
Emma Raducanu is searching for her seventh professional coach after parting ways with Nick Cavaday, who has stepped down due to health concerns.
The 22-year-old British tennis star has risen up the world rankings following her career-best third-round performance at the Australian Open.
The split comes after 14 months of collaboration between Raducanu and Cavaday, with the 38-year-old coach deciding to step away to focus on getting “back to full health”.
Cavaday explained his departure, saying: “At this moment in time, it’s important for me to spend some more time at home and prioritise getting back to full health, which is hard to do with the extensive calendar.”
Emma Raducanu is searching for her seventh professional coach after parting ways with Nick Cavaday, who has stepped down due to health concerns
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He expressed satisfaction with their partnership, stating: “I am very happy to have been able to work with Emma over the last 14 months.”
The coach noted his pride in Raducanu’s progress, adding: “I am glad Emma is back to being established on tour now with a ranking inside the top 60.”
Raducanu expressed gratitude for their partnership, stating: “I’d like to thank Nick for a great partnership over the last year and a bit, especially post-surgeries.
“I wish him all the best in his next chapter and no doubt we’ll stay in touch.”
Emma Raducanu has known Nick Cavaday since she was 10
PA
The pair’s connection extends well beyond their recently spell together, as Cavaday has known the Bromley-based tennis star since she was ten years old.
In her recent Melbourne campaign, Raducanu impressed by defeating 26th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova and Amanda Anisimova in straight sets.
Her run came to an end against world No.2 Iga Swiatek, whom she is yet to defeat in her career.
READ MORE: Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
She will now prepare for next week’s WTA 250 in Singapore with fitness trainer Yutaka Nakamura overseeing her preparation.
Raducanu’s coaching changes have been frequent since her breakthrough in 2021, when she worked with both Nigel Sears and Andrew Richardson.
She subsequently partnered with Torben Beltz, Dmitry Tursunov and Sebastian Sachs before beginning her collaboration with Cavaday.
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The departure of Cavaday marks the sixth coaching change in her professional career, making her next appointment her seventh coach since turning professional.
Speaking after her recent Australian Open exit, meanwhile, Raducanu said the defeat to Swiatek was ‘harsh’ due to the scoreline – having won just one game.
“She played very well, but I also think that I didn’t play very well. It’s just not a great combination,” Raducanu said.
“If a top player is playing perfect, it’s going to be a difficult match already… The scoreline was obviously quite harsh.
Emma Raducanu was sent crashing out of the Australian Open by Iga Swiatek
REUTERS
“I’m very clear on what happened out there. If I’m not necessarily able to hold my service games or dictate, I feel like it seeps into the rest of my game.
“On my second serves, how the point is structured from then on, and also in the return games, you feel a lot more pressure.
“That was probably a big aspect today.”
Ruud Van Nistelrooy has dismissed concerns that he could be sacked from his role as Leicester manager just 56 days into his reign.
The Foxes have lost their past seven Premier League games and another defeat on Sunday at Tottenham would equal a club record run set in 2001.
They are second bottom, two points from safety, following last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Fulham.
Van Nistelrooy – who only replaced Steve Cooper in November – has won just two of his 10 games in all competitions, one of which was the 6-2 FA Cup third round victory over QPR.
“I’m focused on getting this team out of the situation, that’s my only concern,” he said, when asked if he was worried about his job.
“I’m with the players, working with everyone at Leicester to get the best out of this squad, and in difficult times. In tough times, you need to be strong, show character, work and persist and be committed.
“We are united and committed. That is the spirit and you can see that on the pitch. I can see a team with spirit and fight. If we continue this run will end.”
Van Nistelrooy also said that Wilfred Ndidi is not for sale this month with Monaco interested in the midfielder.
Ndidi signed a new three-year contract, with the option of a further year, in the summer after helping the Foxes win promotion back to the Premier League and Van Nistelrooy is not thinking about letting the Nigeria international leave.
“No, of course not,” he replied when asked if Ndidi, who is close to a return from a hamstring injury, could depart.
“Wilfred is a key player and person in the squad and in the club and I’m glad he is nearly there to help the team again.
“We know how much we’ve missed him and we know we need him. Wilf is key in the coming months, a key part of this team that can get us out of this situation.”
Sports
Jannik Sinner jokes about offending coaching staff after beating Ben Shelton at Australian Open
Jannik Sinner has opened up after the world No 1 powered his way into the Australian Open final with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton on Friday.
The Italian, who won the title 12 months ago, was a class above as he set up a mouthwatering showdown with Alexander Zverev.
After winning a tight first set, Sinner didn’t look back with the 23-year-old dropping just four games from that moment on.
He will now chase a third Grand Slam title of his career on Sunday, with Zverev reaching the final following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal earlier in the day.
Jannik Sinner has opened up after the world No 1 powered his way into the Australian Open final with a 7-6 (7-2), 6-2, 6-2 victory over Ben Shelton on Friday
REUTERS
Two years ago, Sinner changed his coaching team after crashing out of the Australian Open semi-finals.
And the Italian has now paid tribute to those working him with him behind the scenes, while also joking his physio and physical trainer would be ‘offended’ even if he didn’t give them a mention.
“Every coach I have been with, there is a huge amount of work that we have done,” he said.
“It was a tough moment to change, but I already made some big changes when I was 13-years-old and now I have an incredible team right there.
“They raised me as a different player. Every coach has their own department in which they are very good, and I have two very different coaches.
“Simone [Vagnozzi] is very tactical. He was ranked 161 when he was around 30 years old, so it’s a bit different!
“But he always said that his goal was always to be a coach, even when he played. I have to say he is a very good coach, he is an amazing coach.
“We leave each other now but it’s a great relationship because we are a team on the court and a family off the court, so it is amazing to have.
READ MORE: Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
“Darren [Cahill] is seeing out his last season as a coach this year, so I’m happy that we have another chance to fight for another title. The season is still on, but it means a lot to me to make it happen here.
“I don’t want to forget my physio and physical trainer because, if not, they get very offended!
“The whole team is so amazing. But the work still continues – I’m still 23 years old, so let’s see what is coming.”
Sinner also admitted that the first set against Shelton was a tough one, with the reigning champion pleased to emerge unscathed.
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Jannik Sinner was too strong for Ben Shelton as he powered his way into the Australian Open final
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“It was a very tough first set but a very crucial one,” he continued.
“I felt like he wasn’t serving at his best today, the percentage wasn’t where he wanted it to be. I think we both actually returned better than we served.
“The first set is always very important, it gives you a lot of confidence and there was a lot of tension for both of us. I’m very happy with the way I handled the situation today.”
And Sinner also believes his clash with Zverev has the makings of a classic.
Jannik Sinner will face Alexander Zverev in the final of the Australian Open on Sunday
REUTERS
“It will be a very tough match. We had some tough matches in the past,” he said.
“Everything can happen. He is an incredible player, he is looking for his first major and there is going to be a lot of tension again. But I’m happy to put myself in this position once again.
“Sundays are always very special, especially in tournaments. I’m going to enjoy it.
“Thank you so much again for your support, hopefully it’s going to be a good match.”
Watch as Novak Djokovic is booed off court by some fans after retiring because of injury from his Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev.
Jamie Carragher has ridiculed Des Lynam’s suggestion that Gary Neville should take charge of Manchester United, responding with a series of laughing emojis on social media.
The 82-year-old Lynam, who presented Match of the Day for 11 years during the eighties and nineties, believes Sky Sports pundit Neville is the only person capable of reviving United’s fortunes amid their patchy form under Ruben Amorim.
The former television presenter first proposed the idea in 2020 when United were struggling under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Five years on, with the club now languishing in 13th place under Ruben Amorim, Lynam has renewed his call for Neville to step into the Old Trafford dugout.
Jamie Carragher has ridiculed Des Lynam’s suggestion that Gary Neville should take charge of Manchester United, responding with a series of laughing emojis on social media
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Writing in The Telegraph, Lynam insisted Neville has “Manchester United blood running through his veins” and is “deeply hurt by the club’s present predicament.”
The veteran broadcaster praised Neville’s strong personality and business acumen, suggesting these qualities make him ideal for the role.
“He has a powerful personality and would be a strong presence in the dressing room. Oh and the money men had better watch out, Neville is an astute business man,” Lynam wrote.
😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 https://t.co/UAsPv1pjoI
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) January 24, 2025
He maintained that despite first making his plea over three years ago, Neville “has remained the best candidate” as various managers have come and gone at Old Trafford – including Ralf Rangnick, Erik ten Hag and interim boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
However, Neville’s only previous managerial experience at Valencia ended in disaster, winning just three of 16 league games during a four-month spell.
His tenure included an embarrassing 7-0 defeat to Barcelona, with Neville losing 11 of his 28 matches overall before being dismissed following a 2-0 home loss to Celta Vigo.
READ MORE: Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast last year, Neville admitted struggling with touchline management.
“I felt massively inferior… I struggled to manage and watch the game from pitch level, especially compared to how I see the game in the gantry,” he said.
He also revealed feeling overwhelmed by top coaches like Ernesto Valverde and Diego Simeone, saying the latter was “beating me up in every way.”
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Undeterred by Neville’s Valencia experience, Lynam quoted former Cuban leader Fidel Castro in his appeal: “Men do not shape destiny, destiny produces the man for the hour.”
The call comes as United continue to struggle under current manager Ruben Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag in October.
Amorim has endured a difficult start, with seven losses and two draws in his first 16 matches.
Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville work together at Sky Sports
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The Red Devils secured a much-needed Europa League victory over Rangers on Thursday, following a 2-1 defeat to Brighton on Sunday.
They face Marco Silva’s Fulham on Sunday, with the possibility of dropping to 15th in the Premier League standings if results go against them.
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Australian Open 2025 results: Jannik Sinner beats Ben Shelton to set up Alexander Zverev final
Shelton, bidding to reach his first major final, made a confident start by breaking Sinner in the first game of the match – but that was an advantage the 21st seed surrendered three games later after a series of unforced errors.
Shelton, 22, broke again for a 6-5 lead and served for the set but squandered two set points as Sinner dug in to force a tie-break.
Sinner took control from then on, reeling off five straight points to close out the breaker before quickly going up a double break of serve in the second.
The daunting prospect of needing to come back from two sets down against the top seed did not discourage Shelton from entertaining and engaging the crowd.
The American reset admirably to force three break points early in the third set. But, after they went untaken, Sinner struck what proved to be the decisive blow in game five to extinguish Shelton’s hopes of an unlikely fightback.
Despite appearing to limp following an awkward landing, Sinner closed out five straight games to secure victory in two hours 36 minutes.
“There was a lot of tension and I had some slight cramps,” Sinner said afterwards.
“These matches can go very long. Three sets in two-and-a-half hours is quite some time, so I’m happy to finish it in three.”
Sinner’s Australian Open title defence comes against the backdrop of his ongoing doping case, which will be heard at the Court of Arbitration for Sport from 16 April, with the World Anti-Doping Agency seeking a ban of between one and two years.
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