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Sunday, 1 February 2026
TERENCE CRAWFORD MOCKED TEÓFIMO LOPEZ & HIS DAD AFTER LOPEZ LOSS TO.SHAKUR STEVENSON
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| STEVEN BRANSCOMBE-IMAGN IMAGES |
Terence Crawford had a bit of fun with Teofimo Lopez after his loss.
Last week, Lopez told us that he wanted to fight Crawford after his fight against Shakur Stevenson.
“He ain’t retired, man. He ain’t retired. He’ll come back, especially after what I do to his little bro. I want you, Crawford, 160, 168, I’ll move up.”
On Friday, Crawford and Lopez’s dad got into it at the final weigh-ins.
After Lopez’s loss to Stevenson on Saturday night, Crawford hopped in the ring and mocked both Lopez and his father by hitting a Fortnite emote in their faces.
- JORGE ALONSO
CARLOS ALCARAZ BEATS NOVAK DJOKOVIC IN AUSTRALIAN OPEN FINAL TO COMPLETE CAREER GRAND SLAM
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| Carlos Alcaraz of Spain reacts after winning the men's singles final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia.Photograph: Dar Yasin/AP (Photograph: Dar Yasin/AP) |
Carlos Alcaraz was a phantom for the first 45 minutes of his maiden Australian Open final. While the Spaniard was painfully tentative on one of the most significant occasions of his career, he was suffocated by the eternal brilliance of Novak Djokovic, who burst into this historic match desperate to take the initiative and set the tone.
A younger version of Alcaraz may have compounded his slow start by overhitting, as was the case during parts of their fateful Olympic battle in Paris 18 months ago, but here he calmly worked his way into the match and then took control. In the process, he pulled off one of the great sporting achievements in recent years, recovering from a set down to defeat Djokovic 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 and triumph at the Australian Open for the first time in his career.
This sport has produced many legendary young champions, from Bjorn Borg to Rafael Nadal, a witness from the first row on Rod Laver Arena. Alcaraz, however, continues to make his claim as the greatest young male tennis player that has ever lived.
At just 22, the Spaniard is the youngest man in history to complete the career grand slam, a record that had been held by Don Budge in 1938, 87 years ago. Only eight other men have won all four grand slam titles in history..
Thanks to Djokovic’s astounding five-set defeat of Jannik Sinner on Friday, this was a historic occasion regardless of the outcome. By defeating Djokovic, he denied the Serb what would have been a crowning achievement of his peerless career as he tried to become the oldest grand slam champion in the open era and owner of an all-time record 25 grand slam singles titles.
This was a mature, composed performance from a special athlete who has already established himself as a legend of the game. Alcaraz started slowly against a staggering level from Djokovic, who served precisely and looked to take every last ball on the rise, striking his forehand so cleanly as he snatched the first set.
Alcaraz slowly worked himself into the match but, rather than simply blasting through the 38-year-old, he intelligently forced Djokovic off the court with his width and soaked up the Serb’s extreme aggression with his peerless defense. Even as he wobbled physically towards the end, Djokovic fought admirably but Alcaraz withstood his pressure to close out a monumental win.
While some players would have publicly shied away from the pressure of trying to complete the career grand slam, Alcaraz has welcomed it. In recent months, he repeatedly stressed that he wants this title more than any other tournament in the world right now, and he would trade multiple titles at the other three grand slams for his first Australian Open title. Once again, his inner belief is far stronger than the pressure that follows his lofty ambitions.
There is an added layer of satisfaction here. It is still only six weeks since Alcaraz shocked the tennis world by splitting with his longtime coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, the former ATP No 1, and promoting Samuel López, previously Ferrero’s deputy, as his head coach. Plenty of criticism and doubt followed. Alcaraz has responded to the noise by winning the very next major, the tournament he was most desperate to win. It was the perfect response and, in the process, Alcaraz became the youngest man in history to win seven grand-slam titles.
Just like in their fateful Olympic gold medal match, Djokovic knew what a rare opportunity this was. He burst into the match striking the ball majestically from the first point. He served brilliantly, rolling through his opening service games and his forehand was on fire as he tore through an unsettled Alcaraz.
Djokovic could do anything he possibly wanted to with the ball for the first 45 minutes, but by the start of the second set he had fallen back down to earth. This time, his ultra-aggressive approach yielded three unforced errors and a first break for Alcaraz. Although the Spaniard was still far from his best, he remained solid, defending well, and found his first serve in key points to separate himself from Djokovic.
Drizzly conditions earlier in the day had prompted the tournament organisers to begin the match with the Rod Laver Arena roof only half open in some of the coldest and windiest conditions of the fortnight. Between sets, the roof was closed even further, prompting some complaints from Alcaraz.
There was no chance, however, that Alcaraz would allow his displeasure to affect his focus. Having taken the momentum in the match, he refused to let it go. Alcaraz established his lead by using width off both wings to force Djokovic him from the centre of the court. With Djokovic looking increasingly worn down and tired, his unforced error count continuing to rise, Alcaraz eased through two service breaks.
By the beginning of the fourth set, the 10-time Australian Open champion already looked like he did not have much more to give. No matter, he kept on fighting as he always does.
Djokovic dug so deep as he somehow emerged from a breathless, marathon service game at 0-1 with a hold after saving six break points. He kept himself in the match by somehow keeping hold of his serve throughout the set. At 4-4, his immense efforts were rewarded with a break point on Alcaraz’s serve. However, he was too tired, too worn down, and after Alcaraz held his nerve to close out the hold, the Spaniard regained control to secure his final piece of the grand slam puzzle.
- Tumaini Carayol at Melbourne Park
CENTRAL JAVA GOVT TO FACILITATE SCREENINGS OF 2026 WORLD CUP
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| State-run broadcaster TVRI hosts a kick-off event for the nationwide airing of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Semarang, Central Java, on Sunday (Feb. 1, 2026). (ANTARA/HO-Central Java Provincial Government) |
Semarang (ANTARA) - The Central Java provincial government has pledged to facilitate free public viewings of football matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for June and July this year.
Central Java Regional Secretary Sumarno conveyed the commitment at a World Cup kick-off event organized by state-run television TVRI, which has secured broadcast rights for all 104 matches in Indonesia.
"Football is immensely popular; it has become the favorite sport not only among urban residents but also among those living in remote villages," he remarked in Semarang, Central Java, on Sunday.
He urged all district and municipal governments across the province to follow suit, expressing hope that the free-to-air broadcast of the world’s most prestigious football tournament would have a tangible impact on Indonesian football.
TVRI’s commitment to the inclusive broadcast of the 2026 World Cup is expected to allow all Indonesian citizens to watch the quadrennial championship free of charge, helping to reignite the nation’s strong passion for the sport.
"We want to revitalize the people’s enthusiasm for football," said Sumarno, speaking on behalf of Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi.
In this regard, the official recalled his youth, when local football tournaments at the neighborhood, village, and sub-district levels were frequently held. He observed that such enthusiasm and competitiveness seem to have waned in recent years.
He expressed hope that the nationwide airing of the World Cup would encourage football stakeholders to intensify talent scouting and strengthen efforts to develop the sport in Indonesia, with the long-term goal of one day qualifying for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Head of TVRI Central Java Sanny Damanik described the free-to-air policy as a testament to the state’s concern for its citizens.
"This is a gift from President Prabowo Subianto," she said.
Emphasizing accessibility, Damanik noted that viewers will not require internet connectivity to watch the World Cup, as all matches will be broadcast terrestrially on TVRI channels, including TVRI Nasional and TVRI Sport.
MICHAEL CARRICK 'NOT OFFENDED' BY MAN UTD PLAN AND 'RESPECTS' DECISION
A Manchester United fan group are pressing on with protest plans this Sunday but Michael Carrick is not offended by them venting their frustration at Old Trafford
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| Getty |
Michael Carrick insists he is "not offended" by the planned protest by Manchester United fans ahead of their clash against Fulham - and vows that it won't impact on the players as they bid to make it three wins from three under him.
Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim until the end of the season and has begun with a bang - first downing Manchester City at Old Trafford before going to Arsenal and beating them in north London. It has United firmly in the hunt to claim a Champions League spot for next season.
There is a feel good factor around the club, but the fans have not changed their mind on holding a protest before Sunday's clash, albeit their anger is directed at Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the overall ownership structure.
United fan group The 1958 is expecting upwards of 6,000 supporters to join their pre-match march to protest against the Glazers and Ratcliffe, who have continued to make unpopular decisions with anger and frustration mounting.
The 1958 group see Ratcliffe, who is in charge of football operations, as very much being in bed with the Glazers as the club's debts of £1.1billion continue to rack up - but Carrick understands their right to air their feelings.
The man in the dugout has maintained: "It doesn't affect the team. I fully respect the supporters. They're incredible. They have been for so long and had a lot of ups and some downs as well, but, you know, I'm not offended by it or anything, and the players certainly aren't. Within the stadium, the support we've felt, and that's been there for all the games that I've watched for quite some time, has been of the highest level and I'm sure it will continue to be like that.
'The connection we've had over the last couple of weeks has been pretty special and we've both fed off that. I think the supporters have fed off it.
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| Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not popular among the Man Utd faithful(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images) |
"We have as a group, the players certainly have, and that's something we need to keep building on moving forward, because that's exactly how we wanted it to be. I think we've had a good couple of weeks and we're moving in the right direction. We want to keep building on that."
Already there is talk of Carrick landing the job beyond this season, although the original plan was for the club to eye a new permanent manager come the summer. Carrick's results could make him hard to ignore however with 15 games of the season remaining.
- Samuel Meade
CARLOS ALCARAZ, NOVAK DJOKOVIC & JANNIK SINNER TOGETHER 😊
When Djokovic first competed in the Australian Open, Sinner was three years old and Alcaraz was one year old.
PHILADELPHIA 76ERS SUSPEND PAUL GEORGE 25 GAMES FOR VIOLATING ANTI-DRUG POLICY
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| Headlines from ABC News LiveCatch up on the developing stories making headlines. The Associated Press |
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Paul George of the Philadelphia 76ers has been suspended 25 games for violating the terms of the NBA’s anti-drug program, the league announced Saturday.
The NBA did not disclose the nature of the violation or the substance that was involved, and George released a statement to ESPN saying he took something that was “improper.”
“Over the past few years, I’ve discussed the importance of mental health, and in the course of recently seeking treatment for an issue of my own, I made the mistake of taking an improper medication,” George said in the statement released to the network.
He apologized to the team and its fans, saying he takes “full responsibility for my actions.”
The 25-game suspension, by terms of the agreement between the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association, indicates that this was a first violation by George. He will begin serving the suspension Saturday when Philadelphia plays host to New Orleans.
The suspension will cost George — a nine-time All-Star — roughly $11.7 million of his $51.7 million salary, or about $469,691.72 for each of the 25 games missed. Some of that forfeited money will turn into a credit and put Philadelphia closer to getting out of the luxury tax; the 76ers would be about $1.3 million over that line when factoring in the money George isn’t getting.
George is expected to be eligible to return on March 25, when Philadelphia plays host to Chicago. The 76ers will have 10 games remaining in the regular season at that point.
Philadelphia entered Saturday at 26-21, sixth in the Eastern Conference. The 76ers are 16-11 when George plays, 10-10 when he does not.
George has averaged 16 points in 27 games this season for the Sixers, that scoring average third-most on the team behind Tyrese Maxey (29.4) and Joel Embiid (25.7). He had one of his best games of the season earlier this week, a 32-point outburst fueled by nine 3-pointers in a win over Milwaukee on Tuesday.
The 35-year-old George signed a $212 million, four-year contract in free agency ahead of the 2024 season. But his first year in Philly was marred by knee and adductor injuries that resulted in the forward having one of the worst years of his NBA career.
George averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, easily his lowest scoring average in a full season since he averaged 12.1 points for Indiana in his second NBA season.
Last season was so miserable that George called his first year in Philly “rock bottom” over the course of his career.
It’s certainly not any better now.
George had surgery in July on his left knee after he was injured during a workout and missed the first 12 games of this season.
George and two-time NBA scoring champion Joel Embiid had been healthy enough this season to keep the Sixers in the thick of the Eastern Conference playoff race. Maxey blossomed into an All-Star starter and a strong rookie season from No. 3 overall draft pick VJ Edgecombe had the Sixers hopeful they could make some noise in the playoffs.
With the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaching, George’s suspension could have a profound impact on what the Sixers do as they make a playoff push.
- Dan Geston
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Saturday, 31 January 2026
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