Category: Tennis

Carlos Alcaraz warned Friday that he was “hungry” to break his Australian Open title drought and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, calling it his primary target in 2026.

The world number one from Spain is the title favourite, along with two-time defending champion and great rival Jannik Sinner.

The Melbourne Park crown is the only one of the four majors that Alcaraz has never won; his best performance was the quarter-finals in 2024 and 2025.

If he goes all the way this year, he will surpass fellow Spaniard Rafael Nadal as the youngest man to win all four majors. Nadal was 24 when he achieved the feat.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz, who begins his title assault against Australia’s 79th-ranked Adam Walton, said he could not wait to get going.

“I think this is my main goal for this year,” said Alcaraz, whose only warm-up was a win against Italy’s Sinner in a light-hearted exhibition match in South Korea.

“So it’s going to be really interesting for me how I prepared, which I think I just made a really good pre-season, just to be in good shape.

“I’m just hungry for the title, hungry to do a really good result here. I’m just getting ready as much as I can. I’m really excited about the tournament beginning.”

Alcaraz was asked by reporters if he would swap titles at all three of the other majors this year for one Melbourne crown.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Underlining just how important winning the Australian Open and nailing the career Grand Slam is to him, he said he could not decide.

“I don’t know which one I would choose,” he said, smiling broadly. “Obviously complete the career Grand Slam is something amazing to do, be able to be the youngest that has done it before, you know, is even better.”

There has been much focus on Alcaraz’s coaching team in the build-up to Melbourne.

In December, the six-time major champion abruptly announced that he was splitting from coach Juan Carlos Ferrero after seven hugely successful years together, with assistant Samuel Lopez taking over.

Carlos Alcaraz began working with Ferrero, a former world number one, when he was a teenager.

Quizzed by reporters for the reasons behind the surprise split, Alcaraz said that it felt like the right time to end the partnership and was a mutual decision.

“With Juan Carlos, we decided to do it. I’m just having plenty of confidence in the team that I have right now,” he said.

“As I said, practice has been really good. I’m just feeling well. So, just excited about the tournament beginning with the team that I have right now.”

READ: Key matters on agenda as PSL governing council meets today

Roger Federer said on Thursday that Carlos Alcaraz winning the Australian Open to complete the career Grand Slam aged just 22 would be “crazy”.

Spain’s Alcaraz already has six major titles, but success on the Melbourne Park hard courts is a glaring hole in his resume.

Should the world number one snap his Australia drought at the tournament starting on Sunday, he would become the youngest man to seal a career Grand Slam.

“At his young age to be able to complete the career Grand Slam already would be crazy,” Swiss legend Federer said at Melbourne Park, where he will headline a “Battle of the World No.1s” at the official launch of the 2026 Australian Open on Saturday.

“Let’s see if he’s able to do ‘crazy’ this week. I hope he does because for the game that would be an unbelievable and special moment.”

Carlos Alcaraz is aiming to surpass retired compatriot Rafael Nadal, who secured all four majors by the age of 24, but the top seed has not made it past the quarter-finals in four previous Australian Opens.

Roger Federer, a six-time Melbourne champion, compared Alcaraz’s wait to lift the title there to Rory McIlroy’s agonising attempts to win a first Masters in golf.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The Northern Irishman finally did it last year to complete the Grand Slam.

“It’s like Rory going for the Masters. Those things are tough,” said Federer.

Alcaraz faces home hope Adam Walton in the first round.

The now-retired Federer was also asked by reporters about Joao Fonseca, an up-and-coming Brazilian tennis talent aged 19.

Federer spoke glowingly of the teenager, saying: “What separates him from a lot of the other guys in the draw is just his power — forehand, backhand, serve and just what he’s able to bring point by point.

“He’s exciting, he’s got a good aura, he’s a very likeable character as well. I like watching him play. The sky’s the limit.”

READ: Adil Rashid, Rehan Ahmed face Indian visa delay ahead of T20 World Cup

Carlos Alcaraz beat his great rival Jannik Sinner in a light-hearted sell-out exhibition match in South Korea on Saturday ahead of the Australian Open.

Eight days before the Melbourne Grand Slam and in their first appearances this year, the Spanish world number one won 7-5, 7-6 (8/6) in front of an enthusiastic 12,000 crowd in Incheon.

Neither will play competitively until the Australian Open, where Italy’s world number two Sinner is the defending two-time champion.

South Korean organisers have not said how much the two players earned, but reports in Italy suggest each could pocket more than $2 million for the match that lasted one hour and 47 minutes.

It was not always entirely serious; the smiling duo treated a packed house to some trick shots between their legs, drawing cheers, and reacting to calls from the crowd by making heart gestures.

“Jannik, we finished the season playing together. We started the season playing together,” Alcaraz said on court afterwards.

“So hopefully this season is going to be such a good one like last year. You deserve the best.”

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have taken a stranglehold on men’s tennis over the past two years, splitting all four Grand Slam titles between them in 2024 and 2025.

“It was a close match, so a little bit of tension also,” said Sinner.

“We were just happy to be here for the first time, seeing something new. It made us feel at home, and we felt it on the court.”

Arch competitors on the court but good friends off it, Alcaraz has the upper hand in their rivalry and came into the exhibition boasting a 10-6 head-to-head record.

They will be the favourites when the Australian Open starts in Melbourne on January 18, when the serious work begins.

Alcaraz, who at 22 is two years younger than Sinner, has never gone beyond the quarter-finals at the first Grand Slam of the year, and it is the only major he has failed to win.

READ: Harper, Rogers power Stars past Renegades in Melbourne derby

Aryna Sabalenka beat Karolina Muchova in straight sets to reach her third Brisbane International final in a row on Saturday, a week ahead of the Australian Open.

Sabalenka looked in great touch against the tricky Czech, who had won their last three meetings and went into the match as one of the few players with a winning record over the world number one.

But Sabalenka showed her class and power as she broke Muchova once in each set to take the semi-final 6-3, 6-4 in 89 minutes.

“I struggled against her a couple of times (in the past),” Sabalenka said.

“I’m happy that today I was focused from the beginning and I was able to show such great tennis and put her under so much pressure and get the win in straight sets. That’s just super great.”

The 27-year-old Belarusian said she could feel her level getting better with every match in Brisbane, where she is yet to drop a set.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

She said that with seven of the world’s top 10 having entered, it was ideal preparation for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on January 18.

Aryna Sabalenka is aiming to win a third Australian Open in four years.

“I definitely feel that compared to the first match here, I’m playing better and better,” she said.

“That’s really important heading to Melbourne, to build that level, and to play some great matches against great opponents.

“So I’m super happy with the performance so far and cannot wait to play my final match here.”

Sabalenka, the defending champion, will play either fourth seed Jessica Pegula or Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in Sunday’s final.

READ: Senegal outplay 10-man Mali to reach AFCON semi-finals

Players at this month’s Australian Open will be competing for a record prize money, with organisers on Tuesday announcing a 16 percent increase in the total purse to Aus$111.5 million (US$75 million).

The winners of the men’s and women’s singles at the first Grand Slam of the year will each take home Aus$4.15 million (US$2.79 million), up 19 percent from last year’s Aus$3.5 million.

Players beaten in the opening round will get Aus$150,000 (US$100,750), while even those knocked out in the first round of qualifying receive Aus$40,500 (US$27,200).

Tournament director Craig Tiley said it reflected Tennis Australia’s commitment to supporting tennis careers at every level, from rising stars to Grand Slam champions.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“From boosting qualifying prize money by 55 percent since 2023 to enhancing player benefits, we’re ensuring professional tennis is sustainable for all competitors,” he said.

“By supporting players at all levels, we’re building deeper talent pools and more compelling storylines for fans.”

The tournament gets underway at Melbourne Park on January 18, with Jannik Sinner and Madison Keys defending their titles.

READ: Manchester City’s Gvardiol to undergo surgery on broken leg

Top seed Daniil Medvedev cruised into the second round of the Brisbane International on Monday, while defending champion Jiri Lehecka outlasted fellow Czech Tomas Machac over three sets.

World number 13 Medvedev looked in ominous form as he demolished Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics 6-2, 6-3 in just 69 minutes in the warm-up tournament for the Australian Open, which begins on January 18.

“Sometimes you can play well and lose, but I know that also when I play well, I win a lot of matches,” said the Russian Medvedev.

“So I’m happy to play well today and to win the match,” added Medvedev, who next plays American Frances Tiafoe.

Lehecka, the third seed, saw off Machac 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 6-2 in almost two-and-a-half hours.

The 24-year-old has won two tournaments in his career, both in Australia.

“The weather and the court conditions here are things that I look forward to,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“There’s no better place to start the season than here.

“It was a great match — I think the level was high for a first match of the season for both of us, so I’m super happy for the win.”

Lehecka now plays American Sebastian Korda, who beat Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot 7-6 (7/1), 6-3.

Alex Michelsen survived a tough battle against Australian qualifier James Duckworth 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 and will next face fellow American Learner Tien.

In the women’s draw, qualifying lucky loser Yulia Putintseva of Kazakhstan beat American Hailey Baptiste 6-2, 6-4 to set up a second-round clash with Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk.

Chinese qualifier Zhang Shuai, 36, turned back the clock when she beat Ashlyn Krueger of the US 6-4, 5-7, 6-4.

She will now face former champion and world number five Elena Rybakina.

READ: Babar Azam’s Sixers edge past Heat in low-scoring thriller

Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams was handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45 on Friday, becoming the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam.

The American, who has played only a limited number of singles matches in recent years, will compete in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams.

“I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

Venus Williams is a five-time Wimbledon champion and has also won two US Opens.

She was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

She will become the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open since Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015.

Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, is set to begin her preparations for the January 18-Feb 1 tournament at the Auckland Classic next week, having returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month break.

She will then head to the Hobart International immediately before Melbourne.

Two-time Grand Slam champion and fellow American Coco Gauff said it was “incredible” to see Williams still turning up for tournaments.

“She’s a legend of the sport, so it will be cool to see her back in action,” she said.

“It’s incredible the longevity of her career. She’s one of the people I looked up to, so looking forward to seeing her back on court.”

READ: Saim Ayub opens up on his evolution as all-rounder

MADRID: World No.1 Carlos Alcaraz on Wednesday announced the end of his long-standing association with coach Juan Carlos Ferror.

The 22-year-old Alcaraz, who has worked with Juan since childhood, announced the split via a social media post ahead of the 2026 season.

Under his coaching, Alcaraz remained highly successful, becoming a major champion after winning six Grand Slam titles.

Carlos thanked his coach for helping him succeed at the highest level and expressed gratitude for supporting him throughout.

“Thank you for turning childhood dreams into reality. We began this journey when I was barely a child, and throughout all this time, you’ve been with me on this incredible adventure, both on and off the court. I have enjoyed every step of it with you,” Alcaraz wrote in his Instagram post.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We have reached the top, and I feel that if our paths in tennis were to diverge, it had to be from that very place, the one we always worked towards and aspired to reach,” he said

He also expressed best wishes for Juan Carlos Ferror’s future endeavours in changing times.

“Now, times of change are approaching for both of us, new adventures and new projects. But I’m certain we will both face them in the right way, giving our best, as we’ve always done. Always moving forward. I wish you all the best from the bottom of my heart in everything that comes next,” he wished.

However, no reason was given for the end of a long relation.

Notably, the news comes after a month of Alcaraz’s celebration with Ferrroro and his team at the ATP finals.

READ: FIFA announces major increase in 2026 World Cup prize money

Rafael Nadal has delivered a light-hearted update on his fitness, joking that he will miss the Australian Open 2026, shortly after Roger Federer’s return to the Melbourne Park spotlight was confirmed.

Federer, who retired following the 2022 Laver Cup, is set to appear at the Australian Open’s inaugural opening ceremony next month.

The six-time Australian Open champion will take part in an exhibition event titled Battle of the World No. 1s, alongside Andre Agassi, Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt, as part of the tournament’s new ceremonial launch.

Reflecting on his connection with Melbourne, Federer said the Australian Open holds some of the most special moments of his career, including his emotional comeback title in 2017 and a successful title defence in 2018.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

He expressed excitement about returning to Rod Laver Arena and reconnecting with Australian fans.

While Federer prepares for his ceremonial comeback, his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, shared a contrasting update on social media.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion posted a photo on Instagram showing his right hand in a brace following surgery, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek caption suggesting he would not be able to play the Australian Open in 2026.

“Looks like I won’t be able to play the Australian Open 2026,” Nadal joked, adding that the surgery was required to address an issue he had been dealing with for some time and that he hopes to recover fully soon.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Rafa Nadal (@rafaelnadal)

Nadal, who officially retired from professional tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup, remains one of the most decorated players in Australian Open history, having lifted the trophy twice.

READ: President’s Cup: Usman’s 155* propels Sahir Associates to victory

KARACHI: Pakistan Army Hoor Fawad has been crowned the Women’s Singles Champion at the 35th National Games currently underway here in the Metropolitan city.

Competing at the Islamia Club, Hoor delivered a commanding performance in the final, defeating Haiqa Hassan in straight sets, 3–0, to secure the national title.

Throughout the tournament, she demonstrated remarkable form, earning three gold medals and one bronze across multiple events, solidifying her position as one of the country’s leading table tennis athletes.

In the Men’s Singles final, Muhammad Ahmed, also representing Pakistan Army, claimed victory over Shah Khan, further strengthening Pak Army’s dominance in this year’s table tennis competitions.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

With outstanding performances from both its male and female athletes, Pakistan Army emerged as the standout contingent in the table tennis category at the National Games 2025.

Overall, Pakistan Army medals tally rose to 258 which includes 168 golds. Meanwhile, WAPDA is on second position with 169 medals to their name.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pakistan Olympic Association (@nocpakistan)

For the unversed, the 35th National Games Karachi are currently underway in the metropolitan city, featuring a range of multi-sport events from 6 to 13 December 2025.

The event is bringing together athletes from across the country in a sweeping programme that spans endurance sports, combat disciplines, precision events, and crowd-favourite team competitions.

The event features Olympic mainstays such as athletics, swimming, gymnastics, and fencing. Moreover, Kabaddi, tug of war, netball, and boxing games are also part of the competitions.

It is pertinent to mention that the National Games, first held in 1948, stand among Pakistan’s most prominent multi-sport events and frequently serve as a pathway to international selection.

READ: Arshdeep Singh sets unwanted record with 13-ball over