Sports
Novak Djokovic sets off alarm bells over future with retirement hint after withdrawing from Australian Open
Novak Djokovic has hinted he could retire from tennis after being forced to withdraw from his Australian Open clash with Alexander Zverev on Friday.
The tennis icon opted to withdraw after losing the first set 6-7 (5-7), just days after he’d battled past Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic had previously opted against practicing on both Wednesday and Thursday amid fears he could worsen his condition.
With the 37-year-old struggling against Zverev, however, he ultimately opted to quit with his hopes of a record 25th Grand Slam title going up in smoke.
Novak Djokovic has hinted he could retire from tennis after being forced to withdraw from his Australian Open clash with Alexander Zverev on Friday
REUTERS
Speaking after the match, Djokovic was asked about his future.
And the former world No 1 hinted that there was a ‘chance’ that he’s played Down Under for the last time.
“I don’t know. There is a chance. Who knows? I will have to see how the season goes,” he said.
“I want to keep going. But whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure.”
However, Djokovic did insist that he would ideally like to play at the Australian Open again – having won the tournament 10 times over the years.
“I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here,” he continued.
“So I’m fit, healthy, motivated. I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance, yeah.”
Some fans might feel Djokovic only quit against Zverev because he was injured.
READ MORE:Tom Brady and David Beckham teased as Ryan Reynolds admits to overstepping the mark
Yet the tennis legend insists he did ‘everything I possibly can’ to play on, with the pain ultimately proving too much.
“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.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Novak Djokovic lost the first set against Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open
REUTERS
“It was, yes, too much, I guess to handle for me at the moment. Yes, unfortunate ending, but I tried.”
With Djokovic pulling out, Zverev is now through to the final.
The German will be making his third Grand Slam final appearance, having lost his previous two.
Zverev was unable to get the better of Dominic Thiem at the US Open in 2020, losing 6–2, 6–4, 4–6, 3–6, 6–7.
Novak Djokovic was visibly in pain during his Australian Open clash with Alexander Zverev
REUTERS
And Carlos Alcaraz beat the 27-year-old 3–6, 6–2, 7–5, 1–6, 2–6 to win his first major at the US Open in 2022.
Zverev will lock horns with either Jannik Sinner or Ben Shelton in the final.
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.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Jannik Sinner was too strong for Ben Shelton as he powered his way into the Australian Open final
REUTERS
“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
GETTY
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.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
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
PA
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.
Sports
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.
Sports
Manchester United investigating Rangers fans in home sections at Old Trafford for Europa League game
Manchester United say they cannot “completely eliminate” the possibility of away fans obtaining tickets in areas designated for home supporters at Old Trafford.
More than 3,500 Rangers fans were in the away end for Thursday’s Europa League game between the sides but television footage showed dozens more celebrating an 88th-minute equaliser in a game they lost 2-1.
United say they took a number of “strict” preventative measures to block away fans securing tickets in the home end and the club insists tickets were only allocated to supporters on the club’s database.
But the club acknowledged that, given the “unauthorised touting of tickets”, they could not “completely eliminate” the possibility of away fans sitting in the home end.
United will launch a full investigation into how tickets for home areas reached Rangers fans and say they will impose the “strongest possible sanctions” against registered ticket holders found to be in breach of regulations.
Following the match, Greater Manchester Police said they made 39 arrests across the night – 26 of which came following disorder in the city centre.
The club apologised to supporters in 2023 after more than 2000 Galatasaray fans were allowed to access the home section for a Champions League match at Old Trafford.
The Turkish club were fined £44,420 for the behaviour of their supporters at the stadium.
Sports
James McClean blasts ‘smelly, scruffy and pathetic creatures’ after controversial Wrexham star’s car crash
Wrexham star James McClean has hit back at online trolls who targeted his wife following his recent car crash near the club’s training ground.
The 35-year-old Ireland international took to Instagram after walking away from the accident with minor injuries.
“I am blessed and thankful I managed to walk away with minor injuries and return home to my family,” McClean wrote.
He then took aim at those who had sent abusive messages to his wife, describing them as “smelly scruffy pathetic creatures” while thanking others for their supportive messages.
Wrexham star James McClean has hit back at online trolls who targeted his wife following his recent car crash near the club’s training ground
PA
The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when McClean’s black Audi went off road near Wrexham Golf Club.
North Wales Police confirmed they received a report of a single-vehicle collision shortly before 9am on the A534 in Wrexham.
Officers and fire rescue services attended the scene, where the road remained blocked until the vehicle was recovered around 10am.
Eyewitnesses reported significant damage to McClean’s vehicle, including a smashed windscreen, with the car later being towed away.
James McClean shares snaps of his smashed up car on social media
Wrexham AFC released a statement confirming a first-team player had been involved in the accident, adding that “no other vehicles were involved.”
The incident occurred during treacherous conditions in North Wales, with fog and ice reported. One source told the Daily Mail that there were “lots of tyre marks” on the roundabout heading into Wrexham.
Despite the crash, McClean was passed fit to start and captain Wrexham in their crucial League One clash with Birmingham City.
READ MORE:Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
The match pitted two of the division’s biggest spenders against each other, with Birmingham, partly owned by NFL star Tom Brady, sitting top of the table.
Wrexham, who started the day in third place, had the chance to close the gap to two points with a victory.
The home side took an early lead through Ollie Rathbone in the ninth minute.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
However, Birmingham managed to equalise through a deflected Lyndon Dykes header.
The incident comes in a week where McClean sparked controversy with comments about Shrewsbury following a heated match.
The veteran winger had been subjected to abuse during Wrexham’s game against Shrewsbury Town, which is considered a cross-border derby.
James McClean played for Wrexham against Birmingham on Thursday night
GETTY
In response, McClean wrote on Instagram: “In fairness if I was born and raised in Shrewsbury I’d probably be this angry as well cause it’s an absolute cesspit full of inbreds.”
The Irishman has previously faced criticism for his stance on not wearing a poppy during Remembrance Day commemorations.
He has explained his position, stating he would wear it if it solely represented World War victims, but objects to it representing all British military conflicts.
British tennis player Henry Patten says playing in a second Grand Slam final in the space of six months is “a little bit scary”.
Patten and Finnish partner Harri Heliovaara, the reigning Wimbledon champions, will take on third seeds Simone Bolelli and Andrea Vavassori at the Australian Open on Saturday.
And they will have plenty of waiting to do beforehand as the match follows the women’s singles final between Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys, and has been given an estimated start time of 22:00 in the evening (11:00 GMT) at the Rod Laver Arena.
“It’s going to be an interesting one. I’m not sure I’ve ever played a match that’s going to start as late as that,” Patten told BBC Essex.
“I hope I’m not going to wake up too early, buzzing already, because there’s going to be a lot of down time and anxious waiting before we get to go on court. But we’ve done it plenty of times before and hopefully it’ll all go to plan.”
Patten and Heliovaara, who only teamed up nine months ago, defeated Germany’s Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz 6-4 3-6 7-6 (10-7) to reach the final in Melbourne.
The 28-year-old from Manningtree in Essex also reached the mixed double semi-finals with Olivia Williams, so practice time is likely to be kept short as they look to kill time before going on court against Bolelli and Vavasorri.
“We played our semi-final yesterday (Thursday), it was a long match and I pulled up a little bit sore after that, both physically and mentally. We’ve played a lot of tennis so I don’t feel I have to play too much more,” he added.
“We have a lot of free time as tennis players so definitely (watch) movies, definitely (listen to) music, I like to play a bit of chess here and there, read books, also some professional stuff, looking after the body like I mentioned, has to go on.”
“Sander is technically a very gifted player with the ability to connect the team together in the middle of the pitch and also provide an attacking threat in the final third. He will add much needed balance to our team.”
Kartum made 35 appearances last season, 20 of them starts.
He had started his career with Stjordals-Bank, winning three promotions and three league titles as they rose from the fourth tier to the second, before joining Kristiansund in Norway’s top flight and helping them to a sixth-place finish.
Brann finished runners-up two seasons in a row during his time in Bergen, which included a two-legged Europa Conference League victory over St Mirren earlier this season.
Kartum’s arrival follows the signings of central defenders Michael Steinwender, from Varnamo, and Jamie McCart, from Rotherham United, while striker Elton Kabangu joined on loan from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise.
“It’s been a really positive transfer window so far,” Critchley added.
Sports
Novak Djokovic sends heartbreaking message to booing Australian Open fans after quitting tournament
Novak Djokovic has heartbreakingly revealed he thinks Australian Open fans ‘don’t want to understand’ him following his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday.
The tennis icon was forced to pull out due to injury after losing the first set to Alexander Zverev, who will now take place in Sunday’s final.
As Djokovic made his way off the court, boos were heard around the Rod Laver Arena.
John McEnroe criticised the behaviour of supporters, while Zverev also pleaded with them to see reason.
Novak Djokovic has heartbreakingly revealed he thinks Australian Open fans ‘don’t want to understand’ him following his withdrawal from the tournament on Friday
REUTERS
Djokovic has always been a player who feels as though he’s fighting against the world and his treatment in Australia this winter has been hard for him to cope with at times.
Prior to the match, he was mocked by Australian broadcaster Tony Jones – who issued an apology for his comments.
And Djokovic has now expressed a belief that fans ‘don’t want’ to understand him and his decision to give up on a record 25th Grand Slam title.
“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.”
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.
READ MORE: Andy Murray makes ’embarrassing’ admission after Novak Djokovic quits Australian Open
“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.
“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.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Novak Djokovic cast doubt on his tennis future following his decision to pull out of the Australian Open
REUTERS
With Djokovic set to turn 38 in May, it’s understandable that he’s exercising caution when it comes to his latest injury.
But whether he returns for a crack at an 11th Australian Open crown remains to be seen.
Djokovic has fuelled talk he could potentially retire. He said: “I’ll just have to see how the season goes.
“I want to keep going, but whether I’m going to have a revised schedule or not for the next year, I’m not sure.
Novak Djokovic was backed by Alexander Zverev after pulling out of the Australian Open
REUTERS
“I normally like to come to Australia to play. I’ve had the biggest success in my career here.
“So if I’m fit, healthy, motivated, I don’t see a reason why I wouldn’t come. But there’s always a chance.”
Leicester City: Ruud Van Nistelrooy dismisses job fears amid Foxes awful Premier League run
Google agrees to crack down on fake reviews for UK businesses
Cabinet minister rules out Leveson 2 despite Prince Harry’s phone hacking victory over The Sun
These ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2025
The Season 9 ‘ Game of Thrones’ is here.
9 spring/summer 2025 fashion trends to know for next season
Leicester City: Ruud Van Nistelrooy dismisses job fears amid Foxes awful Premier League run
Google agrees to crack down on fake reviews for UK businesses
Cabinet minister rules out Leveson 2 despite Prince Harry’s phone hacking victory over The Sun
-
Fashion8 years agoThese ’90s fashion trends are making a comeback in 2025
-
Entertainment8 years agoThe Season 9 ‘ Game of Thrones’ is here.
-
Fashion8 years ago9 spring/summer 2025 fashion trends to know for next season
-
Entertainment8 years agoThe old and New Edition cast comes together to perform You’re Not My Kind of Girl.
-
Sports8 years agoEthical Hacker: “I’ll Show You Why Google Has Just Shut Down Their Quantum Chip”
-
Business8 years ago
Uber and Lyft are finally available in all of New York State
-
Entertainment8 years ago
Disney’s live-action Aladdin finally finds its stars
-
Sports8 years ago
Steph Curry finally got the contract he deserves from the Warriors
-
Entertainment8 years ago
Mod turns ‘Counter-Strike’ into a ‘Tekken’ clone with fighting chickens
-
Fashion8 years ago
Your comprehensive guide to this fall’s biggest trends
You must be logged in to post a comment Login