NOVAK DJOKOVIC SHOWS SOLIDARITY WITH SERBIAN STUDENT RUN OVER BY CAR DURING ANTI-GOVERNMENT PROTESTS

Novak Djokovic | Image Source: Getty

Novak Djokovic showed his support for the injured Serbian student Sonja Ponjavic, who was run over by a car during the anti-government protests and blockades happening over the past week in Belgrade, Serbia. He did it after his win in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open.

Djokovic sailed through the third round in Melbourne with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-4 win over the Czech tennis player Tomas Machac. After which he took to the broadcast camera to leave a heartfelt note for the injured Sonja.

He further expressed his discontentment with this situation at the post-match press conference:

"I'm sending Sonja support, I was shocked when I saw it. I can't believe what's happening to you, what clicks in someone's head to run over another person, even a woman, a young student. I'm against violence, I call for peace."

The capital city of Serbia has been in a state of unrest since the past year due to protests against corruption and malpractices by the government. Djokovic used his platform to spread his message of harmony in the country and called to action against acts of violence against the protestors.

Novak Djokovic has always been outspoken when it comes to socio-political issues, which he cares about. French Open 2023 witnessed another such incident of him taking to the broadcast camera to spread his message of non-violence.

The Serb wrote:

"Kosovo is the (heart symbol) of Serbia. Stop violence."

Djokovic reflected upon his connection with Kosova as his father hailed from the land and how the post-election political unrest was affecting not just the Kosovars but many Serbs stationed in Kosovo as well.

Even after getting a lot of criticism and hatred online with a possible threat of being warned by the tournament organizers, he did not hesitate to maintain a steady stance on this matter.

On the court, however, the Serb has been successful in maintaining his charm with the racket, albeit with a few hiccups occasionally due to his fitness. He has been making light-hearted jokes every now and then about his age as well in the post-match conferences, which helps the fans assume that his fitness issue is nothing major.

Djokovic is ready to take on another Czech, Jiri Lehecka, in the fourth round of the 2025 Australian Open on January 19, Sunday.

- Aatreyi Sarkar

KIPCHOGE SAYS THERE IS MORE AFYER LONDON

London ambition: Marathon great Eliud Kipchoge (Tobias SCHWARZ)

Eliud Kipchoge has dismissed speculation that the upcoming London Marathon will be his farewell race after confirming Friday he plans to run at the age of 40.

The Kenyan, arguably the greatest men's marathon runner of all time, is a two-time Olympic champion over the distance and has 11 wins in elite World Marathon Majors events, including a record four London titles.

Kipchoge, however, failed to finish a marathon for the first time at the Paris 2024 Olympics, sparking speculation his career may be nearing an end.

Asked Friday if the London Marathon on April 27 could be his last race, Kipchoge told a news conference: "No. I will speak more when I finish the marathon.

"Now I'm focusing on training, purely on fitness and my muscles to be ready for the start line in London.

"I don't like to mix some things. I learn to put all my mind on the road, put all my mind on making sure my muscles are lean and ready to combat the London streets. And the rest will come."

Pressed about retirement, he added: "When you convince me that the world has become a running world, I will retire. When you have four billion people running every day I will retire".

Kipchoge's four London triumphs came from 2015 to 2019 -- he missed the 2017 edition.

The field this year will also include 2024 Olympic marathon gold medallist Tamirat Tola of Ethiopia and Kenya's defending London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao.

In 2019, Kipchoge became the first person to run a marathon inside two hours but the performance did not count as a world record as the Vienna event and set-up were not ratified by international athletics chiefs.

The official world record of 2 hours and 35 seconds was set in 2023 by fellow Kenyan Kelvin Kiptum, who died in a car crash last year.

- AFP

PREMIER LEAGUE TABLE | MATCHWEEK 21

 

LIVERPOOL VS. NEWCASTLE UNITED FIXTURE ALTERED AS PREMIER LEAGUE ISSUE STATEMENT

Newcastle fans travelling to Liverpool will be in for a late night at Anfield

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah (L) vies with Newcastle United's English defender #33 Dan Burn (R)

Newcastle United's eagerly anticipated clash with Liverpool in the Premier League has been confirmed for next month.

The trip to Anfield has always been earmarked for a primetime slot on TNT Sports but top-flight chiefs have announced a new kick off time for the fixture. Indeed, the clash on Wednesday, February 26 will now kick off at 8.15pm with the start time on Merseyside delayed by 15 minutes.

A Premier League statement included information about the change: "The fixture has a new kick off time of 8.15pm with the reason for the amendment live coverage on TNT Sports."

The Magpies are now thought to be capable of playing a part in the title shake-up with key games now switched to TV.

Newcastle's home clash with Nottingham Forest on Sunday February 23 will kick off at 2pm with Sky Sports already snapping up the top of the table clash. The Magpies other crunch game on February 15 against Pep Guardiola's Manchester City will not be beamed out on live TV and will have an old fashioned 3pm kick off.

The trip to the Etihad Stadium is now a sell out in terms of away tickets. United's website read: "Tickets for Newcastle United's Premier League game at Manchester City are now sold out.

"Following supporter consultation there will be a limited allocation open to season ticket holder ballot for those who do not meet the away points threshold. This ballot will go live after at 2pm (GMT) on Monday, 20th January and will close at 2pm GMT on Tuesday, 21st January. Supporters will be asked to input card details.

"If they are successful in the ballot, payment will be taken and the season ticket holder will be notified by email. Those that are unsuccessful in the ballot will also be notified as such and will not be charged."

- Lee Ryder

ALEXANDER ISAK MEGA DEAL THAT CAN CHANGE EVERYTHING AT NEWCASTLE UNITED AND CHELSEA REGRET

Newcastle United could do a lot worse than getting Alexander Isak to put pen to paper on a new deal

Newcastle United chiefs will not have failed to notice Erling Haaland's Manchester City mega deal as they made their way into work on Friday morning.

The fact that the Norwegian international is now tied down to a nine-and-a-half-year deal not only gives City a major lift as their title hopes fade, but also changes the potential landscape of the Premier League. City will be back next season that's a cert.

But Haaland's hopes of becoming the Premier League's greatest ever scorer appears to be there for all to see. One boffin worked out that Haaland would only need 18 goals a season to get past Alan Shearer's record of 260.

His commitment sends a big message out in the football world with Man City's status unaffected by a bad run this season but also the Premier League's title as the best league in the world still seemingly intact. Where once Serie A and La Liga were deemed the best leagues in Europe to ply your trade, the Prem has just earned another feather in its hat.

As the ink dries on Haaland's contract over at the Etihad Stadium, it will get minds-boggling at St James' Park on Isak. City can boast of being one of the best strikers in the world, but Newcastle could very easily argue the same thing with Isak.

Or at least they can say they have the most sought-after striker in the world at the moment in Isak. Day after day, Isak has been linked with Arsenal during the transfer window, but the truth is they probably can't afford him. Newcastle played down suggestions that they were in talks with Isak earlier in the season over a new deal. Back then they stated that Isak has a deal until 2028 and there was no rush to get a new deal thrashed out.

Handing Isak what would be a new improved deal though would help end any talk of a £150million January exit. Isak could rest assured that his future would be on Tyneside and what lies ahead of him could be genuinely special.

With 52 goals for Newcastle already, Isak smashed one record this week by scoring for the eighth successive game in a row in the Premier League, moving past Alan Shearer and Joe Willock in the process. After his two-goal blast against the Wolves, Isak is now within an incredible grasp of becoming Newcastle's second top all-time Premier League scorer.

As he sits on 46 goals in the Prem, he can move past Callum Wilson in second spot and attempt to get within 100 of Shearer. He needs 149 goals to better Shearer in the Premier League so has plenty of work to do and he's way off the 206 that took Big Al past Jackie Milburn back in 2006 before he bowed out.

But at 25, those are the type of feats in front of Isak. The former Borussia Dortmund striker, remarkably let go by the German giants earlier in his career, may also privately have an eye on the iconic number 9 shirt at St James' Park.

And even if he doesn't the commercial team will win because Newcastle could sell a bucket load of Isak 9 shirts as they look to improve their PSR game. Handing Isak a new deal would also show United is the place to be as they attempt to build an exciting team around the striker.

Chelsea dared to test Newcastle's resolve on Isak last June and failed. Given they are also rueful of letting Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento go for relative peanuts on the scale of the big financial picture, it feels like an exciting time to be a Newcastle fan again.

A team containing Isak, Hall, Livramento, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Anthony Gordon, Sven Botman and Sandro Tonali is exciting enough. Adding class and quality with Isak leading the line is more than enough to have the Toon Army dreaming of greatness.

Whether is ambitious statements, commercial wealth, club records, Shearer's records or the number 9 legacy, Isak can change it all on Tyneside.

- Lee Ryder, Chief Newcastle United Writer

CRUCIAL ARSENAL TRIP TO NOTTINGHAM FOREST 'SET TO BE MOVED' TO EASE FROM FIXTURE SCHEDULE

Forest currently scheduled to face Newcastle and Arsenal in the space of a couple of days

MIKEL ARTETA’S SIDE HAVE STRUGGLED AT THE CITY GROUND IN RECENT SEASONS
ARSENAL FC VIA GETTY IMAGES

Arsenal’s pivotal trip to Nottingham Forest next month could be pushed back by a day.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are enjoying a superb season, sitting third in the Premier League and only two points behind the Gunners in second.

The two sides are scheduled to meet at the City Ground on February 25, but reports suggest a new date could be set for the fixture.

The Daily Mail report that the match is set to be pushed back to Wednesday February 26, to avoid Forest playing twice in a little over 48 hours.

As it stands, Forest will play away at Newcastle on the Sunday and then host Arsenal two days later. The Gunners would have an extra day of rest, as they take on West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on the Saturday.

Arsenal will have a weekend off after their trip to Forest in midweek, as they will not be involved in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

Next month’s showdown could prove to have a significant impact on the outcome of the title race.

Forest have lost only twice at home this season and held Liverpool to a draw earlier this week. Arsenal beat Forest at home earlier this season, but have lost on three of their last four trips to the City Ground.

- MATT VERRI

ISRAEL ADESANYA PREDICTS ISLAM MAKACHE

Israel Adesanya envisions plenty of grappling exchanges in the UFC 311 headliner.

Islam Makhachev (26-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) defends his lightweight title in a rematch against Arman Tsarukyan (22-3 MMA, 9-2 UFC) in Saturday’s main event (pay-per-view, ESPNews/Disney+, ESPN+) at Intuit Dome.

Both Makhachev and Tsarukyan are elite grapplers, but Adesanya doesn’t think their games will cancel out. Just like their first fight in April 2019, where Makhachev outlasted Tsarukyan, Adesanya expects the two to lean on their strong wrestling bases.

“This is going to be a wrestling fight,” Adesanya said on his YouTube channel. “This is going to be WrestleMania. I think they are going to have to test each other’s wrestling because they’re that good. I don’t think it’s just going to cancel each other out. … Even though we are going Islam, I still think Arman has a dog in this fight.

“I just feel like sometimes, some people, when it comes to that moment, they take it, and Arman, I don’t think he’s going to shy away from this. He’s used to the spotlight. Islam has definitely lived in this moment, main event, all that stuff.”

Adesanya ultimately picked the more experienced five-round fighter in Makhachev to win.

“In this fight, I’m going to go Islam just because he’s on a roll right now,” Adesanya said. “He just seems to be getting better and better and better. Arman is doing the same, as well. I was very impressed with his last fight and the way he handles the spotlight and everything.

“I just don’t think it’s going to be enough to take on Makhachev. Round 5, late submission (win for Makhachev). That defense against Charles ‘Do Bronx’ (Oliveira) was really slick, but when he’s tired, that’s what I am banking on. I just know Islam can definitely get the steam rolling.”

- Farah Hannoun

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NOVAK DJOKOVIC'S OPINION ON DANIELLE COLLINS' AUSTRALIAN OPEN ANTICS

Novak Djokovic has had his say after Danielle Collins went viral following her victory over home favourite Destanee Aiava in the second round of the Australian Open. The 31-year-old secured her passage to the next round after winning the match 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-2, but her triumph was marred by a series of bad-tempered exchanges with the local crowd who, naturally, were keen to see Australia's Aiava advance.

At one point during the match, world number 11 Collins reacted to the taunts of those in attendance by telling one fan to "shut up". Having endured two hours and 22 minutes of boos from the crowd, Collins was determined to have the final word once she won the match.

As soon as she'd won the point necessary to seal victory, Collins cupped her ears to the crowd and then blew them kisses. The rage of the fans only got worse when the American mockingly slapped her backside in response to their reaction.

Novak Djokovic Admits to Being 'Big Fan' of Collins' Antics

Tennis icon admits he would have done the same in the American's shoes 

Collins' actions have attracted widespread criticism online, with fans and pundits alike condemning her unsportsmanlike behaviour. However, 24-time Grand Slam champion, Djokovic isn't among those voices.

The Serbian legend even conceded that he may have gone even further than Collins if he had been faced with the same barrage of abuse.

"I loved her response. I loved it, everything she said on the court, off the court. Big fan of Danielle Collins after that. I was before, but now, big fan. I love it. I heard some comments of people that she shouldn't have said that or that. I think she handled it really well. I don't think I would be that polite, and I know exactly the feeling. So I think she was funny, smart, and just big fan of what she did. Big fan."

Djokovic has had a number of disagreements with boisterous crowds down the years. At Wimbledon last year, he used his post-match interview following his victory over Holger Rune to criticise those in attendance who he felt were booing him - and clearly believes that players are well within their rights to hit back at fans' negativity towards them while on court.

Collins doubled down on her sentiments when interviewed by the host broadcaster. Having guaranteed minimum prize money of £147,500, she gleefully thanked the fans for helping her to fund "a five-star vacation". Later, in her post-match press conference, she referenced fans contributing to "the Danielle Collins Fund".

After her victory over Aiava saw her eliminate the last remaining Australian in the tournament, Collins is unlikely to get a great reception when she takes to the court for her third round match with Madison Keys on Sunday. Djokovic will also compete again on Sunday as he takes on 24th-seed Jiri Lehecka in the fourth round.

- Nick Sutherland

DOOR OPEN FOR REAL MADRID SUPERSTAR'S NATIONAL TEAM RETURN AFTER MANAGER FIRED

Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images

The doors for Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois’ return to the Belgium national team have opened after they sacked manager Domenico Tedesco earlier today.

The axing comes just ten months after the 39-year-old had extended his contract to oversee the team until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

This could pave the way for Courtois to return to the Belgium setup, after he had decided not to make himself available for national team duty until Tedesco was in charge.

“I have decided not to return to the Belgian national team under this manager. In this matter, I accept my share of responsibility,” he had stated in August last year.

What happened between Courtois and Tedesco?

It all began in June 2023, when Thibaut Courtois opted to leave the Belgium national team camp, with Tedesco declaring in the press that the 32-year-old left as he was snubbed for captaincy, only for the goalkeeper to refute those claims.

The rift between the pair only widened from that point on, with the Belgian FA also standing in support of the manager.

It has been more than 18 months since Courtois last played for the Red Devils, although he did express a desire to return to the setup in the future if circumstances changed.

“Obviously I hope to play another game, to say goodbye properly or to play again. I would love to play in the World Cup, but we’ll see what happens. It’s not that easy,” he had said only a couple of weeks back.

Now with Tedesco no longer at the helm of affairs, it could open the doors for Courtois to make a comeback into the national team, especially given that Belgium could use a player of his quality amidst their ongoing struggles.

- Raghavendra Goudar

WHAT JOSHUA ZIRKZEE DID AFTER AMAD'S HAT-TRICK SAY IT ALL ABOUT MAN UTD STAR

Manchester United star Amad scored a late hat-trick against Southampton on Thursday night.

Amad Diallo stole the show for United against Southampton (Image: Manchester United via Getty Images)

Joshua Zirkzee paid tribute to Amad after the Manchester United starlet saved the team from a potential upset against Southampton.

The Saints, who are languishing at the bottom of the Premier League with just one win this season, were leading until the final 10 minutes.

However, Amad turned the game on its head, netting three goals in 12 minutes to secure a remarkable 3-1 victory. His hat-trick ensured United claimed all three points, with his teammates recognising the Ivorian's brilliance as he becomes the Red Devils' star player.

As the United team returned to the centre circle following Amad's third goal, Zirkzee showed his admiration by bowing towards him.

With nine goals in all competitions, Amad is now United's top scorer in what is proving to be a breakout season for the former Atalanta player.

He also played a pivotal role in securing a significant victory for manager Ruben Amorim against Manchester City last month. While Amorim praised his young star, he was keen to ensure Amad remains grounded and quickly shifted focus to their next match.

Joshua Zirkzee was spotted bowing towards Diallo (Image: X (@_StrettyEnd))

He said: "The important thing is to win, and he helped us to win. Then he's doing a very good season. So, that's it. I already spoke about this, we have to be careful with the young kids. Was a really good job today. He has a lot to improve, but this game is in the past.

"We need to prepare the future. In the game, in football, the life is like this. So, congratulations to him, to all the team, enjoy tonight, is a very good moment and he needs to appreciate this moment, but, tomorrow, he's going to recover and we have to prepare for the next game."

Amad Diallo has enjoyed a sensational breakout season so far (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Captain Bruno Fernandes has also praised Amad, stating that there is still significant room for growth. In an interview with the BBC last month, Fernandes said, "He's been doing great things and there's a lot more to come.

"He's always active, always alive and this is why he gets the penalty and his goal. He's been brilliant but I shouldn't say much as we need to keep him going as we need him at this level. Like this he is unstoppable."

- SAMUEL MEADE, CHARLIE PARKER-TURNER

ERLING HAALAND'S NET WORTH AND WHAT HE'LL HAVE EARNED ONCE RECORD MAN CITY CONTRACT ENDS

Erling Haaland's life of luxury just got a whole lot more comfortable (Image: Getty Images)

Erling Haaland has put pen to paper on a nine-and-a-half-year deal at the Etihad Stadium, which is set to cost Manchester City an eye-watering total sum by 2034

Erling Haaland will have earned at the very least £260million by the time his new nine-and-a-half-year contract ends.

The 24-year-old Norwegian striker has dominated English football since his arrival in a £51.2m deal in 2022, making his way to the Etihad Stadium from Borussia Dortmund. Under the guidance of Pep Guardiola, Haaland has scored 111 goals in 126 appearances for Manchester City, lifting two Premier League titles, an FA Cup and a Champions League - with hopes of filling his trophy cabinet more in the coming years.

And while there has been speculation of interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid as of late, Haaland has confirmed that his heart is set in the north west of England, penning a new near decade-long deal which will keep him as a Cityzen until the end of the 2033/34 campaign.

And while there has been speculation of interest from La Liga giants Real Madrid as of late, Haaland has confirmed that his heart is set in the north west of England, penning a new near decade-long deal which will keep him as a Cityzen until the end of the 2033/34 campaign.

Meanwhile, the contract also reportedly saw any existing release clauses removed, although a new one will come into effect from 2029. It is expected that Haaland will see a massive increase on his current £375,000-per-week salary, rising to in the region of £500,000 weekly - and that's before bonuses.

This will see Haaland approximately rack up an astonishing £260m pre-tax by the time that his contract expires in 2034, given that his pay is also reported to be backdated to the start of the current Premier League campaign. In terms of his wage being broken down, £500k-a-week translates to £71,428-a-day or £2,976 per hour.

Add the substantial sum over the next 10 years to the reported £32m ($40) net worth Haaland boasts at present and he should have a bank balance well into the nine figures. And that's also excluding endorsements and performance bonuses which come incredibly frequently to stars of his calibre.

According to Forbes, Haaland has worked with the likes of Nike, EA, Breitling, Dolce and Gabbana and Midea over the years - each boosting his bank balance further with lucrative sponsorships. Speaking on his new contract, he said: "I am really happy to have signed my new contract and to be able to look forward to spending even more time at this great Club.

"Manchester City is a special club, full of fantastic people with amazing supporters and it’s the type of environment that helps bring the best out of everybody. I also want to thank Pep, his coaching staff, my teammates and everyone at the club as they have all helped me so much in the past couple of years.

"They have made this such a special place to be and now I am City no matter what. Now I want to keep developing, keep working to get better and look to do my best to try and help us achieve more success going forward."

- Aaron Morris

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HAMILTON MENTALITY QUESTIONED AHEAD OF FERRARI SWANSONG

© XPBimages

Lewis Hamilton is embarking on a new career challenge this year as he links up with Ferrari following a lengthy stint at Mercedes.

1997 F1 champion Jacques Villeneuve has suggested Lewis Hamilton's mentality could stop him from sticking around the sport in the near future.

Hamilton has signed with Ferrari, joining the Italian squad following a highly successful 12-year stint with Mercedes.

At 40 years of age, Hamilton is the second-oldest driver on the grid after former team-mate Fernando Alonso.

Villeneuve was questioned about Hamilton's longevity in F1 and asserted his physicality is not a concern for the seven-time champion.

“It depends if Lewis Hamilton has the same hunger as Fernando Alonso or not,” Villeneuve told Action Network.

“He still wants one championship, and he wants it with Ferrari. So that should be enough to give him the hunger. 

“But if the going gets tough, will he just think, will I be [a fighter and warrior like Alonso or will he think it’s time do something else with my life?

“But physically there's no issue. He’s super fit, he's super strong, he can go on another 10 years, there's no problem there. But it's all in the head and his desire.

“It’s always like that with sports. Age is not the issue.”

Villeneuve outlines out Hamilton mentality importance

Hamilton endured a difficult final three seasons at Mercedes as the Brackley-based outfit slipped back in the pecking order.

It led to Hamilton being left dejected on several occasions and declaring he was “not fast anymore” after qualifying in Qatar.

Villeneuve stated Hamilton's mental approach and his love for F1 will be the only determining factor for his future.

 “It's how [mentally] are you ready to give it all, to do all the training necessary, to go to bed, wake up in the morning and think only about that and focus,” he said. 

“At some point in your life, maybe it loses its importance or its priority. And that's when you go down. Not because there's a physical direct effect.

“It is draining but at the same time, it's what keeps you alive. It's what drives you. And you realise when you stop it, you realise two months into it, ‘Gosh, this is boring.’

“You need that lifestyle. You need that adrenaline rush that you keep going. If you're passionate, if it's something you really love, it's a drug.

“Take Nico Rosberg, he was happier not racing. That's just not the same level of passion.”

- Fergal Walsh

EMMA RADUCANU RELISHING 'UNDERDOG' TAG AS SHE EYES IGA SWIATEK REVENGE

Emma Raducanu is relishing her return to the big stage when she takes on world No.2 Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster clash at the Australian Open.

The British No.2 played through the pain - and needed a medical timeout for her back - before beating Amanda Anisova to reach the third round here for the first time.

As she left the Kia Arena, she wrote on the TV camera: “Fourth time lucky”.

Her best performance Down Under is also the furthest she has gone in an overseas Grand Slam since her 2021 US Open triumph.

And the world No.61’s reward is facing five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek on a showcourt at Melbourne Park.

Raducanu, who shot to worldwide fame by winning 10 matches in New York, said: “I really relish the big occasion. I love the big stadiums, the big matches. It's something that I just really enjoy doing.

"And it's so nice to also just go a round further than I did in the last three years that I played here.

"Australia is somewhere where I really like playing. I like the conditions, I like the crowd and the support here has been amazing, with a lot of Union Jacks in the crowd as well.

“It’ll be a very good match for me, another opportunity to test my game. I am big-time excited about being the underdog.

"I'm going to enjoy going out there and playing Iga. She was No.1 for so long. I have nothing to lose. I’m just going to swing. It's a match that I'm looking forward to.”

Swiatek has beaten Raducanu in all three of their matches without dropping a set, the last time on the clay in Stuttgart last year.

“For sure it's going to be a tough one,” said the No.2 seed. “Emma can play great tennis. We all know that.”

Raducanu had entered the first Grand Slam event of the season without playing a warm-up match after missing three weeks of training following a back spasm before Christmas.

And she called a medical timeout for treatment on the nagging injury when trailing 0-3 in the second before recovering to beat her friend and fellow teenage prodigy 6-3 7-5.

Raducanu later revealed she asked for painkillers to get through the match - and could still feel her back “a little bit” in her post-match press conference.

“I felt it pretty much like quite early in the match in the first set, but I was trying not to show anything, of course,” she said.

“Then I asked for some medication, but they don't give you that without assessing you. The treatment is very difficult because you don't have much time at all, so it's hard to really make an impact. You just kind of have to get on with it. I was able to push past some pain today. I've played a lot of tennis today and two days ago I still have some time before my next match.”

Raducanu cut her double fault count from 15 in the last round - and did not seem too concerned about her service action during the match. “Sometimes it is better to laugh it off than get stressed about it,” she smiled.

- NEIL MCLEMAN IN MELBOURNE

'HE HAS QUALITY ' - AMORIM SENDS MESSAGE TO MANCHESTER UNITED FRINGE PLAYER WHO MADE KEY IMPACT VS SOUTHAMPTON

Man Utd's substitutes made a key difference as they came from behind to defeat Southampton in the Premier League.

Ruben Amorim praised Christian Eriksen after his key contribution from the bench in Manchester United's comeback win over Southampton in the Premier League.

The Saints were on course to record a famous away win at Old Trafford before a 12-minute hat-trick from Amad Diallo turned the game on its head and secured three points for United.

Amad deservedly earned most of the plaudits for his huge impact on the result, though he was not the only United player who made a key contribution to the win. Andre Onana produced some key saves in goal, Joshua Zirkzee impressed from the bench and fellow substitute Eriksen played a key pass to set-up what proved to be their winning goal.

Eriksen, 32, is out of contract at the end of the season and is free to negotiate with overseas clubs from this month unless he signs a new deal. It remains to be seen whether the veteran midfielder will get many more chances in the weeks ahead but Amorim insists he needs all of his players to manage the upcoming fixture schedule.

Asked if Eriksen can expect to have more opportunities in the weeks ahead, he told reporters: "It depends on the players, the work they do, he has the quality to make that kind of pass and we need all the players to win games, 10 minutes or 90 minutes all the players are important to change the course of the season."

- Rich Fay

SEBASTIAN FUNDORA SEEKS NEW CHALLENGER FOR FIRST TITLE DEFENSE; ERROL SPENCE FIGHT NO LONGER IN PLAY

 

A fight that never received the green light from one sanctioning body is officially off the table.

Sebastian Fundora will now seek a new challenger for the first defense of his unified WBC/WBO 154-pound title reign. The Ring’s No. 4 rated junior middleweight was linked for months to a showdown with former unified welterweight titlist Errol Spence Jr., which is no longer in play.

ESPN.com’s Mike Coppinger—who revealed the fight’s collapse on Thursday—previously reported that the fight was targeted for March 29. Spence (28-1, 22 KOs) himself denied any such rumors, nor did it seem logical for Premier Boxing Champions (PBC) to cram three pay-per-view events in a span of nine weekends.

PBC will host PPVs shows on Feb. 1 (David Benavidez-David Morrell) and March 1 (Gervonta Davis-Lamont Roach WBA lightweight title fight).

Fundora (21-1-1, 13 KOs) has not fought since his title winning effort over then-unbeaten Tim Tszyu (now 24-2, 17 KOs; No. 7 at 154 by The Ring) last March 30 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Spence joined him in the ring during the post-fight interview, an intentional move to plant the seed for such a fight.

The WBC was prepared to approve the fight. The Mexico City-headquartered outfit already had Spence as its number one contender. The ranking was met with raised eyebrows as Spence hasn’t fought since a July 2023 one-sided knockout loss to Terence Crawford (41-0, 31 KOs) and has yet to campaign at junior middleweight.

Those exact reasons were why the WBO was never on board.

“The WBO would not sanction Fundora/Spence due to the latter being (1) inactive for 1 year & 5 months; (2) a TKO loss in last bout; (3) not rated in 154 lbs., & 4) has never fought in 154 lbs.,” explained WBO president Gustavo Olivieri. “Ruling otherwise would be a disservice to the rest of the 154 world-rated contenders.”

That very stance has remained the same by the WBO Championship Committee since the fight was first suggested last year.

Fundora was instead ordered to face Crawford, The Ring’s No. 3 pound fighter and No. 1 junior middleweight who currently owns the WBA and interim WBO titles. The two sides reached an agreement that would permit Fundora to enter a voluntary defense. It led to speculation that Spence would get the fight, though never with more than one belt at stake.

With the fight now tabled—if not done altogether—the WBO is pressed with a decision whether to reorder Fundora-Crawford or confirm details of any contingency plan in place.

Xander Zayas (20-0, 12 KOs) and Charles Conwell (21-0, 16 KOs) are the two highest rated WBO junior middleweight contenders. Zayas is due to face unbeaten Slawa Spomer (20-0, 11 KOs) on Feb. 14 at Madison Square Garden’s Hulu Theater in New York City.

Conwell does not have a fight scheduled as this goes to publication. The Ring’s No. 8 junior middleweight contender picked up three knockout victories in a productive 2024 campaign after promotional issues left him benched the prior year. He is prepared to cash in that good fortune for his first career title shot.

“This the moment we been waiting on,” Conwell, a 2016 U.S. Olympian, said in a post on X. “I’m here and ready! I’m ready to fight, unlike Errol Spence.”

Meanwhile, Spence’s next move is not known, nor does it seem like his heart is still in the sport.

“Boxing is so f---ed up,” Spence, who turns 35 in March, said in a Jan. 15 post on X to suggest he already knew the score.

- JAKE DONOVAN

WEST COAST STAR REPORTED TO AFL INTEGRITY UNIT OVER ALLEGED BRAWL

West Coast Eagles star Liam Ryan has been reported to the AFL integrity unit over a brawl that broke out on the streets of Fremantle on Wednesday night.

The club released a statement on Friday morning confirming it was aware of an incident involving Ryan and had made the report.

“Liam and his partner Evana are safe, and Liam will continue with pre-season training on Friday morning,” the club wrote.

“The club is working to gather all the information, will support Liam throughout this process and will make no further comment at this time.”

The incident occurred after a music festival held at Fremantle Oval, around 10.30pm.

Vision of the brawl emerged on Thursday, allegedly showing another man throwing punches at Ryan, who then retaliates.

WA Police said officers attended the scene and dispersed the group, issuing two move on notices.

Their investigation is closed pending any further information.

Police confirmed the group had attended the Juicy Fest music festival which took place at Fremantle Oval on Wednesday, boasting American rap and R&B stars Ludacris and Akon among its headline acts.

The news of the brawl comes the day after Ryan was named in the 2025 Indigenous All Stars team to take on the Fremantle Dockers on February 15 at Optus Stadium.

“It really means a lot, it’s going to be amazing for me and the other blokes playing, we’re going to run out with pride and hopefully put on a show,” he said on Thursday.

“It was my dream to try and play in a game like this, and it means a lot.”

It’s the first time the Indigenous All Stars will be in action since 2015, and Ryan called for it to be played every two years in the future.

Ryan was in a playful mood during Thursday’s press conference, joking he might have to play in the ruck given the sheer amount of small forward talent picked for the Indigenous All Stars side.

The 28-year-old is one of West Coast’s biggest stars and an important cog in leading the club through its biggest-ever rebuild.

In 2018, Ryan was convicted of drink-driving and lost his licence after crashing into a tree in Armadale.

The incident happened just months before Ryan played an important role in West Coast’s grand-final win over Collingwood.

In 2017, Ryan was banned from Crown Casino for a period of time due to unacceptable behaviour.

with AAP

- Holly Thompson