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...
MELBOURNE (AFP) -- Showstopper Nick Kyrgios and former US Open champion Emma Raducanu were notable absentees on Thursday, Dec. 7, from the 2024 Australian Open entry list, but Rafael Nadal and Naomi Osaka are set for their Grand Slam comebacks. Australia's Nick Kyrgios (AFP) Fiery...
MADRID (AFP) -- Rafael Nadal on Wednesday, Dec. 6, insisted he will be "competitive" when he returns to professional tennis next month after enduring nearly a year out of action due to injury. Spain's Rafael Nadal (AFP) The 22-time Grand Slam champion has undergone surgery twice in 2023 after...
MELBOURNE (AFP) -- Caroline Wozniacki was awarded a wildcard to the Australian Open on Wednesday, Dec. 6, as the 2018 champion returns to Melbourne for the first time in four years. Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki (AFP) The 33-year-old retired after the 2020 Australian Open to start a family but...
PARIS (AFP) -- Former world number one Rafael Nadal said on Monday, Dec. 4, he expects "nothing" from himself before his return to the courts next month. Spain's Rafael Nadal (AFP) Nadal, 37, has been out with a hip injury since last January but is set to feature at Brisbane in the near year....
