Sports
Novak Djokovic stuns British tennis star with ‘surreal’ offer at Australian Open
Scottish tennis player Jacob Fearnley found himself in a remarkable position at the Australian Open, warming up with Novak Djokovic before the Serbian’s quarter-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz.
The 23-year-old, who had impressed during his run to the third round of the tournament, was one of the few singles players remaining in Melbourne as he prepared for Great Britain’s upcoming Davis Cup tie in Japan.
The opportunity arose unexpectedly when Djokovic’s team sought a hitting partner for the 10-time champion.
“I was about to leave and one of his coaches came up to me and asked in the locker room, ‘Would you want to hit with Novak?’ Obviously I was like, ‘Yeah, sure!’”, Fearnley recalled.
Novak Djokovic is still going strong at the Australian Open as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam title
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The young Scot described the experience as “really cool”, noting that Andy Murray was also present on the court.
“It was a bit surreal”, Fearnley said of the practice session with the Serbian champion.
Fearnley acknowledged feeling the weight of responsibility in preparing Djokovic for such a crucial match.
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Novak Djokovic invited Jacob Fearnley to hit balls with him in what the British tennis star described as a ‘surreal’ moment
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“I was a bit nervous, he was playing a really big match so I wanted to make it as good of a warm up as possible”, he explained.
The Scot’s efforts proved worthwhile, as he took satisfaction in Djokovic’s subsequent victory.
“I was pleased when he won, when he started hitting the ball really nice I was like ‘Yeah, that was a nice warm-up!’”, Fearnley said.
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Having faced Alexander Zverev and practiced with Djokovic, Fearnley offered unique insight into their upcoming semi-final clash.
“They’re both extremely solid, both move extremely well. I think there’ll be a lot of long rallies”, he observed.
“Zverev has been serving amazing and obviously Djokovic is the best returner we’ve ever seen. It’s going to be extremely close.”
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Djokovic’s fitness has emerged as a key concern following his quarter-final victory over Alcaraz, where he suffered a suspected hamstring injury.
The Serbian champion was notably absent from Melbourne Park on Wednesday, and his scheduled Thursday practice session was unexpectedly cancelled.
Djokovic has likely taken two full days of rest to manage his injury as he bids to win a record 25th Grand Slam this winter.
Novak Djokovic will lock horns with Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open on Friday
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The 10-time Australian Open champion is scheduled to practice before his clash with Zverev tomorrow.
The day’s second semi-final will feature world No1 Jannik Sinner against American Ben Shelton.
Formula 1 drivers could face race bans and hefty fines for criticising the sport’s governing body or using offensive language under controversial new rules introduced for 2025.
The FIA has established a three-strike system that could see drivers suspended from competition for one month and lose championship points for repeated infractions.
The changes to the sporting code mark a significant shift in how the governing body handles criticism and inappropriate conduct from drivers.
The new regulations will also apply to other top-level motorsport championships, including world rallying, world endurance and Formula E.
Under the new system, a first offence will result in a €40,000 fine for top-level championship drivers.
A second violation carries an €80,000 fine and a suspended one-month competition ban.
For a third offence, drivers face a €120,000 fine along with an immediate one-month suspension and potential championship points deduction.
FIA chief Mohammed Ben Sulayem has introduced some controversial new rules
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The penalties are four times higher for Formula 1 drivers and others competing in premier championships compared to standard rates.
Team principals, who also hold FIA licences, will be subject to the same penalty structure.
Multiple sources within the FIA have revealed internal opposition to the new rules, which were reportedly pushed through without proper consultation.
One source told the BBC the changes were implemented via a “snap e-vote and with no consultation with other stakeholders or the GPDA or the FIA’s own drivers’ commission”.
Another source described the process as “not right” and questioned why the matter couldn’t have been discussed at the next world motorsport council meeting.
The Grand Prix Drivers’ Association (GPDA) has declined to comment on the new regulations.
The changes are seen as the latest in a series of moves by FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem to limit dissent and criticism.
The new rules follow growing tensions between drivers and the FIA leadership.
Max Verstappen was punished for an outburst in Singapore last year
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Last November, the GPDA wrote an open letter asking to be treated like “adults” and questioning the appropriateness of fines in motorsport.
The letter came after Max Verstappen was ordered to perform public service for swearing during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference.
Verstappen subsequently appeared at a grassroots motorsport event in Rwanda alongside Ben Sulayem.
Mercedes driver and GPDA director George Russell had recently expressed that drivers were “a bit fed up with” the FIA leadership.
The GPDA’s letter requesting transparency about fine expenditure has received no response.
The new sporting code outlines two key areas of prohibited behaviour.
One clause bans “language that is offensive, insulting, coarse, rude or abusive” as well as physical assaults and incitement.
The second forbids “words, deeds or writings that have caused moral injury or loss to the FIA” or damage to motorsport’s interests.
Earlier this week, Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed frustration with the governing body.
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George Russell has hit out at the FIA
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“Don’t write it (in a) headline: ‘Ayao says FIA is in a mess,’ but that’s what everybody thinks. That’s what everybody experiences,” Komatsu said.
When asked to elaborate, he added: “I don’t want to get into that political battle.”
An FIA spokesperson defended the changes, saying they aim to “further enhance transparency and consistency in decision-making”.
The spokesperson said the new appendix provides clear guidance to stewards regarding penalties for specific code violations.
“By establishing a more structured framework, the FIA seeks to ensure that penalties are applied uniformly and transparently,” the spokesperson added.
Ten-man PSV Eindhoven survive a late come back to hold on to record a 3-2 win over Red Star Belgrade in the Champions League.
Juventus’ hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16 were dealt a blow after a goalless draw away at Club Brugge.
Ferrari are reportedly ready to pounce on Max Verstappen’s uncertain future with Red Bull should Lewis Hamilton struggle to live up to expectations in his first year.
The 40-year-old heads into the 2025 season taking on a new challenge after leaving Mercedes for Ferrari.
Hamilton spent 12 seasons driving for Mercedes, winning six world titles in the process to go along with the single championship he won while driving for McLaren.
He’s established himself as one of the best F1 drivers in the history of the sport and has spoken of his optimism about the new season ahead.
Lewis Hamilton will be under pressure to perform at Ferrari
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Ferrari were close to challenging for the Constructors’ Championship last year and there will be an expectation for the team to kick on in 2025 and win their first piece of silverware since 2008.
Hamilton will have to hit the ground running and the British superstar is keen to prove himself against Charles Leclerc.
But there is a significant age gap between the two drivers and there have been concerns raised about Hamilton’s performance levels.
He struggled to match George Russell for qualifying pace last year, starting behind his former team-mate in 18 Grand Prix races.
Hamilton will need to improve this season if Ferrari have hopes of finishing ahead of Red Bull and McLaren.
The seven-time world champion signed a multi-year deal with Ferrari, meaning his current deal will see him compete until the end of the 2026 season at the least.
However, F1 Insider claim that Ferrari are willing to make a dramatic switch at the end of this year should Hamilton fail to live up to the hype.
Verstappen’s future at Red Bull remains unclear and it’s been reported he could opt to leave at the end of the season if he feels the team aren’t heading in the right direction.
The four-time world champion currently hasn’t given any indication that he plans to exercise the reported clause in his contract.
Lewis Hamilton was all smiles during his Ferrari test
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Hamilton is also looking forward to the season ahead with Ferrari after his debut test.
“When I started the car up and drove through that garage door, I had the biggest smile on my face” he said.
“It reminded me of the very first time I tested a Formula 1 car. It was such an exciting and special moment, and here I am, almost 20 years later, feeling those emotions all over again.
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Max Verstappen could leave Red Bull
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“I already knew from the outside how passionate the Ferrari family is, from everyone in the team to the tifosi [fans].
“But to now witness it first hand as a Ferrari driver has been awe-inspiring. That passion runs through their veins and you can’t help but be energised by it.
“I’m so grateful for the love I have felt from everyone in Maranello this week, we have a lot of work to do but I can’t wait to get started.”
Watch as Madison Keys beats Iga Swiatek at the Australian Open, setting up a final against two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Watch highlights as Bologna stun 2024 Champions League finalists Borussia Dortmund as they come from behind to score two goals in two minutes, securing their first win in this season’s competition.
MATCH REPORT: Bologna 2-1 Borussia Dortmund
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Seven-time world champion Stephen Hendry has likened snooker star Shaun Murphy to tennis legend Andy Murray, suggesting both athletes have faced similar challenges competing against all-time greats in their respective sports.
While Murray contended with tennis icons Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, Murphy has shared the stage with snooker legends including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Judd Trump.
“He’s been in a period of players he’s kind of like snooker’s Andy Murray,” Hendry said of Murphy.
Murphy, 42, clinched his second Masters title on Sunday with a victory over Kyren Wilson at Alexandra Palace.
Snooker news: Stephen Hendry has likened snooker star Shaun Murphy to tennis legend Andy Murray, suggesting both athletes have faced similar challenges competing against all-time greats in their respective sports
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The triumph adds to his impressive collection of Triple Crown titles, which now stands at four.
His career achievements include a UK Championship and a World Championship title.
Hendry believes Murphy’s talent should have yielded even more success, stating: “He should have won more than one, that’s how good he is.”
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Snooker news: Shaun Murphy won the Masters on Sunday night
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The Briton was particularly emphatic about Murphy’s natural ability in the sport.
“He’s up there with the top three of all-time in terms of the talent to play snooker, his technique, all the shots he can play,” the Scot remarked.
The seven-time world champion noted that Murphy’s capabilities should have translated into more titles, with the former tennis star claiming three majors during his career before hanging up his racket back in the summer.
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“There’s very few better. But it’s always been that thing: Does he have the concentration? Does he have the focus? Is he nasty enough?” Hendry questioned.
According to Hendry, Murphy displayed a transformed approach during his recent Masters victory.
The snooker legend highlighted Murphy’s work with Peter Ebdon as a key factor in his improved focus.
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“He was a different player last week. I think working with Peter Ebdon has focussed him,” Hendry observed.
“It was complete focus, even when he was in his chair he never took his eyes off the table, it was all serious.
Snooker news: Shaun Murphy has had to compete with Ronnie O’Sullivan and John Higgins throughout his career
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“A lot of the time he looks around, his mind wanders, you can physically see his body language change, he’s too relaxed.
“I thought he was on it all week, it was very impressive.”
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Paris St-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani has joined Juventus on loan until the end of the season.
The 26-year-old has made 14 appearances for PSG this campaign but has not featured since 6 December.
Premier League clubs including Tottenham and Manchester United showed interest in signing the Frenchman.
Kolo Muani was given a five-year contract by PSG when he joined from Eintracht Frankfurt for £76.4m in September 2023.
“His arrival in Turin comes as an important addition to Thiago Motta’s squad, bringing both quality and experience to the attack, whether he plays centrally or out wide,” said Serie A club Juventus.
“Welcome to Juventus, Randal!”
Kolo Muani grew up in the outskirts of Paris and began his career at Nantes before moving to Bundesliga club Eintracht Frankfurt.
The France forward has struggled to make an impact at PSG this season and fell out of favour with manager Luis Enrique.
He has scored eight goals in 27 games for Les Bleus, and came close to netting a late winner in the 2022 World Cup final against Argentina.
Luke Littler has been warned that the press wants a ‘scandal’ from him after the youngster recently celebrated his 18th birthday.
The teenager has become a household name over the past 12 months or so and his stock has never been higher after he recently secured World Darts Championship glory at Alexandra Palace.
Littler was Google’s most-searched athlete last year and everybody is desperate to know more about the prodigy as he continues to scale dizzying heights.
His birthday celebrations were low-key this weekend, with the Warrington-born star snubbing the chance to have a first legal pint in order to play on his Xbox.
Luke Littler has been warned that the press wants a ‘scandal’ from him after the youngster recently celebrated his 18th birthday
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Littler’s father, Anthony, was also seen picking up some fish and chips for the darts star and the rest of the family.
The nation has been gripped by Littler fever over the past year but darts star Vincent van der Voort, who is a PDC Tour Card holder, has now warned the 18-year-old that the press will be looking for a ‘scandal’ now he’s officially an adult.
Speaking on the podcast ‘Darts Draait Door’, he said: “He was the up-and-coming guy for a while and now he’s there.
“He’s also loved by the press, but in the long run that’s going to change.
“When you’re still a kid, they’re still lenient on you. Once they see you as an adult, they don’t mind taking you under.
“Luke will have to watch out for it. You’re about to get that the press wants a scandal from him, too.
“There are stories that people are paid to try to frame other people. So that will be watchful for him.”
Van der Voort has also told Littler to expect more press requests going forward.
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He continued: “They always want to know what you think of something.
“It will be hard for him to start cancelling things, because the PDC wants him for everything.
“Nobody needs to feel sorry for Littler, because he gets paid handsomely for it.
“And that can only get more now.”
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Luke Littler has been told to expect a busy schedule by darts star Vincent van der Voort
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Littler recently took part in the Bahrain Masters, the same competition he won a year ago.
He was unable to go all the way in the Middle East, however, with Stephen Bunting reigning supreme instead.
Littler will be hoping to bounce back this weekend at the Dutch Darts Masters.
He is the fourth seed for the competition and was beaten by Michael van Gerwen in last year’s final.
Luke Littler will be hoping to add to his silverware haul at the Dutch Darts Masters
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The winner for the competition will scoop £20,000 in prize money.
Littler is guaranteed £1,250 just from playing.
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