Category: Australian Open

Tennis Australia president Healy to resign next month

Tennis Australia president Steve Healy has announced his decision to step down next month to pursue business interests and will initially be replaced in the role by Chris Freeman. Healy, who joined Tennis Australia in 2008 and was elected president two years later, was last year appointed the Australia region CEO and chairman of partners of global law firm Dentons.

Top-ranked Murray to face Verdasco in Dubai final

Top-ranked Andy Murray reached his second final of the season with a dominant 7-5, 6-1 win over seventh-seeded Lucas Pouille at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Friday. Murray, who lost the Qatar Open final to Novak Djokovic in January, should feel confident of a 45th career title when he faces the unseeded Fernando Verdasco in Saturday’s final.

Tennis ace crashes private match

While walking with her beloved yorkie, Chip, on Sunday night in San Francisco’s Mission Dolores Park, the Australian Open champ stumbled upon two men playing against each other, the New York Post reports. “I think they’re in the middle of playing out points, but I’m going to ask them if I can have the winner,” Williams shared with her social-media followers as an unseen man – apparently her fiance, Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian – kept the camera trained on the 23-time grand slam champ.

Dubai Tennis Championships: Federer off to smooth start

Roger Federer took the opening step in his bid for a record eighth title at the Dubai Tennis Championships on Monday with a comprehensive 6-1, 6-3 defeat of Benoit Paire. Federer, playing his first match since winning a record 18th Grand Slam title a month ago in Melbourne over Rafael Nadal, had been unsure of his form after dealing with a leg injury picked up at the Australian Open combined with a month off court after his title triumph.

Murray recalls shingles struggle after Australian Open exit

Top-seeded Andy Murray said Sunday he is back to his best ahead of the Dubai Tennis Championships after recounting his struggles with shingles following his early exit from the Australian Open last month. “I was a bit sick for 10 days, a couple of weeks, after I got back from Australia,” said Murray, who will play Malek Jaziri of Tunisia in the first round in Dubai.

Sarah Jane Smith takes 1-stroke lead at Australian Open

In this Oct. 28, 2016 file photo, Lydia Ko of New Zealand checks her line on the eleventh green during the second round of the LPGA golf tournament at Tournament Players Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. A day ahead of the start of the Women’s Australian Open at Royal Adelaide, the 21-year-old Thai golfer Ariya Jutanugarn also says she’s not putting pressure on herself to overtake Ko for the No.

Fired for Venus Williams remark, ex-commentator sues ESPN

Doug Adler, a tennis commentator dropped by ESPN for a remark about Venus Williams during the Australian Open, sued the sports network Tuesday for wrongful termination Fired for Venus Williams remark, ex-commentator sues ESPN Doug Adler, a tennis commentator dropped by ESPN for a remark about Venus Williams during the Australian Open, sued the sports network Tuesday for wrongful termination Check out this story on lakecountrynow.com: http://usat.ly/2lgJMoD Serena Williams beat her sister Venus in straight sets to win the Australian Open and now stands alone as the all-time leader in women’s Grand Slam titles in the Open Era.

Fired for Venus Williams remark, ex-commentator sues ESPN

A tennis commentator dropped by ESPN for a remark about Venus Williams during the Australian Open has sued the sports network for wrongful termination. Former tennis pro Doug Adler maintains he was describing Williams’ aggressive style last month as “guerrilla” tactics and not comparing her with a “gorilla.”

Home favourite Dimitrov sets up Goffin final in Sofia

Local favourite Grigor Dimitrov brushed aside unseeded Georgian Nikoloz Basilashvili 6-1 6-3 on Saturday to set up a final clash against David Goffin at the Sofia Open. The 25-year-old Dimitrov delighted Bulgarian fans with a barrage of sizzling winners, including some scorching passing shots.

Did Nick Kyrgios just say that Roger Federer stole his iconic shots?

Nick Kyrgios of Australia shakes hands at the net after his three set victory against Roger Federer of Switzerland in their second round match during day five of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica on May 6, 2015 in Madrid, Spain. Australia registered a comfortable win over the Czech Republic during the round one of world group of Davis Cup.

Kristina Mladenovic through to final at St Petersburg Ladies Trophy

Kristina Mladenovic continued her brilliant run in the St Petersburg Ladies Trophy as she booked her place in the final against Yulia Putintseva. France’s world number 51 had already put out Australian Open finalist Venus Williams and then added the scalp of 2016 St Petersburg champion Roberta Vinci in the last eight, before a hard-fought semi-final success over wildcard Natalia Vikhlyantseva.

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And there was a collective sigh of rapturous relief Sunday when the Swiss superstar defeated rival Rafael Nadal to win the Australian Open — and an elusive 18th grand slam title. Federer’s stunning victory, after a six-month absence from the sport because of injury, prompted an outpouring of love on social media.

Nick hopes team spirit can help overcome Aus Open

At the Australian Open, Nick Kyrgios was jeered off the court by sections of the crowd after squandering a two-set lead and throwing a tantrum in the 1-6 6-7 6-4 6-2 10-8 loss to Italian Andreas Seppi. Nick Kyrgios struggled to deal with the furore over his shock second round meltdown at the Australian Open but said the return to a team environment with Davis Cup had helped him through it.

Federer’s tribute to late Australian coach

Roger Federer has paid homage to his trusted former Australian coaches for helping shape the most prolific grand slam performer men’s tennis has seen. In a poignant tribute to Peter Carter, who died in a car accident in South Africa a week before Federer’s 21st birthday, the ageless maestro says the South Australian moulded him as a man and player and remains the most influential mentor of his storied career.

Craig Gordon to remain at Celtic despite Chelsea interest

‘I don’t need to justify this move’: Payet shows no remorse over ditching West Ham as it emerges he had to pay back A 500,000 REVEALED: The FA forced BBC to show Manchester United’s easy win over Wigan after rejecting request to switch to giantkillers Lincoln Team Sky face fresh scrutiny as doctor and courier at centre of Wiggins jiffy bag storm are summoned to give evidence to MPs I rejected China: Manchester United boss Mourinho reveals he is latest big name to turn down mega move to the Far East 10 THINGS WE LEARNED: Rooney still has value for United, Klopp’s Liverpool lack zip and Perez looks right at home Federer eyes No 19: After Australian Open glory, veteran is now targeting another Grand Slam title at Wimbledon as he parades trophy around Melbourne Cheers, Carl! Battered and bruised boxer Frampton buys drinks for travelling fans as he puts on a brave face after losing title to … (more)

Sport24.co.za | Record-setting Serena back at No 1

Australian Open winner Serena Williams replaced Angelique Kerber as world No 1 in the latest WTA rankings released on Monday. The American moved up one place courtesy of her victory in Melbourne where she got the better of sister Venus 6-4, 6-4 in the final on Saturday for a record 23rd Grand Slam title.

Sport24.co.za | Melbourne master Federer back in Top 10

Roger Federer has climbed back into the ATP top 10 on the strength of his epic 18th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The 35-year-old Swiss great defied old rival Rafael Nadal on Sunday in a thrilling five-setter in Melbourne to move up seven spots to 10th in the latest rankings released on Monday.

Sport24.co.za | No 18 was Federer’s greatest triumph

Sunday’s Australian Open men’s final between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will go down in history as one of the greatest ever tennis matches. It was the dream final tennis enthusiasts had longed for: Two giants of the game – both in the twilight of their careers – duelling on the biggest of stages one more time.

Federer savors unexpected title over long-time rival Nadal

Federer savors unexpected title over long-time rival Nadal Roger Federer always believed he had more Grand Slam titles left in him Check out this story on USATODAY.com: http://usat.ly/2jM07y4 Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. He just didn’t think it would happen like this, playing in his first tournament following a six-month injury layoff.

Federer savors unexpected title over long-time rival Nadal

Switzerland’s Roger Federer kisses his trophy after defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017. Switzerland’s Roger Federer celebrates after defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017.

John Krasinski escorts wife Emily Blunt to SAG Awards

‘No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here!’ Thousands gather outside the White House and in cities across America to protest against Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ and the Mexican border wall ‘This is not a Muslim ban!’: Trump defends his ‘extreme vetting’ order as he says Obama created the list of seven targeted countries and did the SAME THING to Iraqi refugees in 2011 Trump accuses McCain and Graham of trying ‘to start World War III’ after they release joint statement calling his immigration ban ‘a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism’ ‘Listen more!’: Kellyanne clobbers media for the administration’s ‘gaping, seeping wounds’ and says TV networks should FIRE pundits who called the election wrong and donated to Hillary Reince Priebus says there is a ‘buffet of options’ on paying for wall which could include taxing drug cartels or fining illegal immigrants White House says Trump … (more)

Could police quiz Black Widow over husband’s death?

‘No hate, no fear, refugees are welcome here!’ Thousands gather outside the White House and in cities across America to protest against Trump’s ‘Muslim ban’ and the Mexican border wall ‘This is not a Muslim ban!’: Trump defends his ‘extreme vetting’ order as he says Obama created the list of seven targeted countries and did the SAME THING to Iraqi refugees in 2011 ‘Listen more!’: Kellyanne clobbers media for the administration’s ‘gaping, seeping wounds’ and says TV networks should FIRE pundits who called the election wrong and donated to Hillary Reince Priebus says there is a ‘buffet of options’ on paying for wall which could include taxing drug cartels or fining illegal immigrants White House says Trump got Arab leaders’ backing for Syria safe zones though no mention was made of president’s ‘extreme vetting’ of Muslim immigrants during phone call All that glitters! Emily Blunt, Ariel … (more)

Australian Open: Rafael Nadal beaten by Roger Federer, but wins self-belief for claycourt campaign

Rafael Nadal’s hopes of a 15th grand slam title were crushed by an inspired Roger Federer in the Australian Open final on Sunday but the rejuvenated Spaniard was already rubbing his hands together with the prospect of a “special” season on clay. Nadal battled back twice from a set down and held a 3-1 lead in the deciding fifth but was powerless to stop Federer’s victory charge and bowed out 6-4, 3-6, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3 at Rod Laver Arena.

US Service Member Killed in Raid on Al-Qaeda in Yemen

The Nebraska State Patrol said the acci… — Crowds turned out at dozens of airports and in cities across the country Sunday, as protests grew over President Trump’s executive order restricting the entry in… — One U.S. service member was killed and three others were injured in Yemen during a raid Saturday by Navy SEALs targeting al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula’s seni… California can require Monsanto to label its popular weed-killer Roundup as a possible cancer threat despite an insistence from Monsanto that it poses no risk to people, a jud… Willie Hampton is a three-star prospect with good upside. The linebacker stands at 6-2 and 220 pounds.

Protests Build Across the Country Against Trump’s Immigration Order

The linebacker stands at 6-2 and 220 pounds. He didn’t have a high number of offers, but the skills are there for W… — Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in five sets to win the Australian Open at Melbourne Park Sunday morning.Federer takes home the first Grand Slam sing… — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sounded a warning on President Trump’s decision to temporarily ban immigrants from seven predominantly Musli… — Renee Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and Phillipa Soo, original cast members of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Hamilton: An Americ… — President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration are not sitting well with many leaders in the business community, particularly in the tech industr… — When a precious baby calf ended up in this family after losing its mom, little Kinley Gray took her in with open arms.”

Protests Build Across the Country Against Trump’s Immigration Order

The linebacker stands at 6-2 and 220 pounds. He didn’t have a high number of offers, but the skills are there for W… — Roger Federer beat Rafael Nadal in five sets to win the Australian Open at Melbourne Park Sunday morning.Federer takes home the first Grand Slam sing… — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sounded a warning on President Trump’s decision to temporarily ban immigrants from seven predominantly Musli… — Renee Elise Goldsberry, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and Phillipa Soo, original cast members of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit Hamilton: An Americ… — President Donald Trump’s executive orders on immigration are not sitting well with many leaders in the business community, particularly in the tech industr… — When a precious baby calf ended up in this family after losing its mom, little Kinley Gray took her in with open arms.”

Healthy and confident Nadal hoping for resurgent season

Spain’s Rafael Nadal answers question at press conference following his loss to Switzerland’s Roger Federer in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, early Monday, Jan. 30, 2017. Switzerland’s Roger Federer, right, Spain’s Rafael Nadal, left, and Rod Laver pose for photographers after Federer won the men’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championships in Melbourne, Australia, Sunday, Jan. 29, 2017.

Australian Open men’s final: WAGs watch on nervously

And you thought it was tense ON court! The faces of Roger Federer’s wife Mirka and Rafael Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca Perello say it all as they watch their partners battle it out at the Australian Open But for the first time ever Roger Federer’s wife Mirka and Rafael Nadal’s girlfriend Xisca Perello have faced off in the stands at the Australian Open men’s final. The two glamorous WAGs have been courtside regularly over the past fortnight, but their faces told of the importance of Sunday night’s highly-anticipated final – with both women appearing far more nervous as they sat in the stands.