PERTH (AFP) -- Novak Djokovic called Australia his "happy place" on Saturday, Dec. 30, as he prepared to kick off his season at the United Cup with a tricky clash against China's fast-improving Zhang Zhizhen. A handout photo taken on Friday, Dec. 29, and released on Saturday, Dec. 30 by Tennis...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- Defending his Olympic gold medal is the top priority for Alexander Zverev in 2004, but the world number seven says he is also ready to contend at Grand Slams. Germany's Alexander Zverev (AFP) The German brushed aside Karen Khachanov to take the men's singles title at the 2020 Tokyo...
BRISBANE (AFP) -- Japan's Naomi Osaka admitted on Saturday, Dec. 30, she almost gave up tennis but had rekindled her love of the sport after becoming a mother earlier this year as she prepares for a return in Brisbane. Japan’s Naomi Osaka attends a press conference ahead of the Brisbane...
BRISBANE (AFP) -- Rafael Nadal avoided meeting a seed first up at his comeback tournament after drawing a qualifier in the Brisbane International, with Russia's Aslan Karatsev a potential second-round opponent. Spain's Rafael Nadal attends a training session ahead of the Brisbane International...
BRISBANE (AFP) -- Aryna Sabalenka admitted on Saturday, Dec. 30, she was feeling the pressure after a breakthrough 2023 saw her claim her a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, but a new mindset was helping her deal with it. Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka (AFP) The 25-year-old Belarusian also...
BRISBANE (AFP) -- Rafael Nadal said on Friday, Dec. 29, he was "feeling good" but played down any chance of winning tournaments in the near future as he returns from a near year-long injury absence. Spain's Rafael Nadal attends a promotional event ahead of the Brisbane International tennis...
PERTH (AFP) -- World number one Novak Djokovic is hoping his latest trip to Australia is not the last, but admits that at 36 he is now taking it "season by season". Serbia's Novak Djokovic reacts during the Riyadh Season Tennis Cup exhibition tournament match in the Saudi capital on Wednesday, Dec....
PRAGUE (AFP) -- World number eight Karolina Muchova said on Thursday, Dec. 28, she would skip next year's Australian Open because of a persistent wrist injury which already ruled her out of this year's WTA Finals. Czech Republic's Karolina Muchova (AFP) "This isn't my favorite thing to share...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- More than two decades after bursting on the scene, the sun is setting on Rafael Nadal's storied career with the Spanish gladiator hoping his creaking body can hold up long enough to see out the season. Spain's Rafael Nadal arrives for a training session ahead of the Brisbane...
RIYADH (AFP) -- Novak Djokovic warned on Wednesday, Dec. 27, he expects great rival Rafael Nadal is returning "to win a Grand Slam, not just to play" as the world number one prepares to defend his Australian Open title next month. Serbia's Novak Djokovic (left) and Spain's Rafael Nadal (AFP) Nadal,...
SYDNEY (AFP) -- Nick Kyrgios says that "I don't want to play anymore" but will give his tennis career another one or two years, days after pulling out of his home Australian Open. Australia's Nick Kyrgios (AFP) The talented but temperamental 28-year-old had knee surgery in January and then...
MELBOURNE (AFP) -- Nick Kyrgios withdrew from the Australian Open on Saturday, Dec. 9, as he continues to struggle for fitness after a long injury absence, calling the decision "heartbreaking". Nick Kyrgios, in a file photo, has been hounded by injuries this year. (AFP) The Australian...
