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Australian Open: Novak Djokovic stunned by Jannik Sinner in semifinal | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic failed in his bid for a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title as he was defeated by Jannik Sinner 1-6, 2-6, 7-6(6), 3-6 in the Australian Open semifinal in Melbourne on Friday.Sinner had a match point in the tie-breaker but Djokovic brought all his experience into play to save it and win the 76-minute third set.Djokovic stood just two matches away from tennis immortality, but his march towards an 11th Australian Open title and a record 25th Grand Slam crown was dashed by Sinner on the Rod Laver Arena.Italy's Sinner had recent pedigree in matches against Djokovic, beating him in the group stage at the ATP Finals -- though Djokovic came out on top in the final -- and at the Davis Cup.Before this match, Djokovic had an unbeaten streak of 33 matches -- stretching b...
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Aryna Sabalenka storms past Coco Gauff into Australian Open final | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: In a powerful display of tennis prowess, world number two Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the Australian Open final by defeating Coco Gauff on Thursday in Melbourne.The formidable Belarusian outplayed the fourth seed with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/2), 6-4, taking one hour and 42 minutes on Rod Laver Arena. This victory allowed Sabalenka to avenge her previous defeat by the American teenager in the US Open final last year.Sabalenka, who will face either Chinese 12th seed Zheng Qinwen or Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska in the final, showcased her determination and skill throughout the match.By reaching the Australian Open final, she became the first player since Serena Williams in 2016 and 2017 to achieve back-to-back finals at this Grand Slam.This win also positions Sab...
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Alexander Zverev stuns Carlos Alcaraz to reach Australian Open semi-finals | Tennis News – Times of India

Germany's Alexander Zverev delivered a stunning performance to upset second seed Carlos Alcaraz and secure a spot in the Australian Open semi-finals with a 6-1, 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-4 victory in Melbourne on Wednesday.Zverev made an impressive start on Rod Laver Arena, dominating the opening set and dropping just two points on serve. The sixth seed maintained his solid form in the second set, breaking Alcaraz's serve twice as errors crept into the Spaniard's game.Throughout the third set, Zverev continued to exhibit an exceptionally high level of play.However, he experienced a momentary lapse when serving for the match, allowing Alcaraz to stage a remarkable comeback and force a tiebreak, which the young Spaniard won convincingly.Despite Alcaraz gaining momentum in the fourth set, a determine...
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Jannik Sinner sets up Novak Djokovic semi-final at Australian Open | Tennis News – Times of India

Jannik Sinner secured a convincing victory in the early hours of Wednesday, defeating Andrey Rublev in straight sets to advance to his first Australian Open semi-final in Melbourne.The Italian fourth seed displayed a formidable performance, particularly on serve, as he triumphed 6-4, 7-6 (7/5), 6-3 against the Russian fifth seed on Rod Laver Arena.Sinner's impressive win sets the stage for a challenging semi-final showdown against the defending champion, Novak Djokovic.The upcoming clash promises to be a formidable test for the Italian player as he aims to make his mark in the tournament and compete against one of the tennis greats in the quest for the Australian Open title."It's obviously very tough to play against him," said Sinner. "We've had tough matches in the past."Today was thre...
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Carlos Alcaraz storms into Australian Open quarter-final against Alexander Zverev | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Carlos Alcaraz swiftly advanced to the Australian Open quarter-final in Melbourne on Monday, setting the stage for a clash with Alexander Zverev. Alcaraz secured the win with a decisive scoreline of 6-4, 6-4, 6-0 in just one hour and 49 minutes.In a commanding straight-set victory over unseeded Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic, the second seed, considered a formidable contender against defending champion Novak Djokovic, showcased a dominant performance without facing a single break point.The Spaniard, who opted to skip any competitive tennis before the first Grand Slam of the year, expressed satisfaction, stating that he executed his game plan perfectly."I pushed him to the limit in every ball, every point," he said. "He has played a lot of tough matches before this one, so probably...
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Dominant Novak Djokovic enters Australian Open quarter-finals, equals Roger Federer’s record | Tennis News – Times of India

Novak Djokovic continued his determined pursuit of a historic 25th Grand Slam title, gaining momentum on Sunday by defeating 20th seed Adrian Mannarino in a commanding fashion to secure a spot in the Australian Open quarter-finals. The Serbian dominated his French opponent on Rod Laver Arena with a resounding 6-0, 6-0, 6-3 victory, reaffirming his position as the undeniable frontrunner to claim an 11th title at Melbourne Park."I really wanted to lose that game in the third set because the tension was building up so much in the stadium," he joked, referring to the possibility of winning without losing a game. "I just needed to get that out of the way and re-focus."The current world number one has reached the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the 58th time, matching Roger Federer's men's ...
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Sumit Nagal’s run in Australia Open ends in second round, Bopanna-Ebden pair advances | Tennis News – Times of India

Chinese tennis sensation Juncheng Shang quashed Sumit Nagal's challenge at the Australian Open, putting an end to the Indian's remarkable run at the first major of the season on Thursday.Despite Nagal's strong start, highlighted by an impressive victory over a top-30 player, the 18-year-old wildcard entrant gradually gained momentum, securing a victory with a 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4 scoreline in the second-round clash that lasted two hours and 50 minutes.Nagal, who seemed to run out of steam in the fourth set, exited the Melbourne Park with valuable memories, having earned his place in the main draw through the qualifiers and scoring a notable win over world number 27 Alexander Bublik.Shang's serving prowess improved from the third set onward, enabling him to comfortably hold his service gam...
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Carlos Alcaraz destroys Gasquet to reach Australian Open second round | Tennis News – Times of India

In a commanding display of strength, Carlos Alcaraz delivered an impressive performance in his opening match at the Australian Open in Melbourne on Tuesday, overpowering French veteran Richard Gasquet with a scoreline of 7-6 (7/5), 6-1, 6-2.The second seed, with aspirations to dethrone the 10-time champion Novak Djokovic from the world number one spot, faced a tight first set but swiftly elevated his game in the subsequent sets, demonstrating his prowess on the court.Expressing his satisfaction, Alcaraz mentioned the positive feeling of being back in Melbourne. Despite not advancing beyond the third round in his previous two visits, his strong start in this tournament suggests a potential breakthrough for the talented young player."In the first set I struggled a little with his game," h...
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Naomi Osaka loses at Australian Open on Grand Slam comeback | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Naomi Osaka faced an early exit in her Grand Slam comeback on Monday, losing 6-4, 7-6 (7/2) to Caroline Garcia in the first round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.The French 16th seed secured victory with a single break in the opening set against Osaka, who appeared rusty after her hiatus. Garcia continued her dominance in the second set tie-break, ultimately progressing in Melbourne.Osaka, a Japanese tennis star with four Grand Slam titles, took a break from tennis in September 2022, citing mental health concerns.After giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July, she made the decision to return for the 2024 season.Garcia acknowledged and paid respect to her opponent, Osaka, after securing the victory under the lights on Rod Laver Arena."I have a lot of respect for Naomi a...
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2nd Test: Mitchell Marsh spearheads Australia fightback after Pakistan blitz on Day 3 | Cricket News – Times of India

In a resilient effort to steer Australia back into command of the second Test against Pakistan in Melbourne on Thursday, Mitchell Marsh played a counter-attacking innings of 96, supported by the determined Steve Smith on day three. The Australian team found themselves in a precarious position at 16 for 4 after dismissing Pakistan for 264 in response to the home team's 318.Facing adversity, Marsh and Smith knuckled down, forging a potentially game-saving 153-run partnership. By the end of day three, the hosts had reached 187 for 6, with Smith departing for 50 off 176 balls in the final over, and Alex Carey standing unbeaten on 16.The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mir Hamza claimed three wickets each. A pivotal moment came when Abdullah Shafique missed a routine catch in the slips when ...
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Boxing Day Test: Marnus Labuschagne immovable as Australia frustrate Pakistan at MCG | Cricket News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: A stubborn Marnus Labuschagne weathered a storm to help steer Australia to 187-3 on a rain-disrupted opening day of the second Test in Melbourne Tuesday against a probing and resilient Pakistan attack.At stumps, he was unbeaten on a glacial 44 off 120 balls and Travis Head was not out on nine after nearly three hours' play were lost to rain.Pakistan's bowlers found plenty of movement in the overcast conditions and were rewarded with the wickets of David Warner (38), Usman Khawaja (42) and Steve Smith (26).But a patient Labuschagne was immovable as the hosts look to seal the three-Test series after thumping the visitors by 360 runs in Perth."It was a good day as a bowling unit, a bit unlucky that we haven't got more wickets," said Pakistan paceman Hasan Ali, who removed Khawaj...
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2nd Test: Australia announce unchanged eleven, Pakistan drop Sarfaraz Ahmed – Times of India

On Monday, Australia announced an unaltered playing XI for the upcoming Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, aiming to secure the series against Pakistan. In contrast, Pakistan made a significant change by omitting veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed.In the initial Test at Perth, the hosts dominated, defeating Shan Masood's team by a margin of 360 runs within four days.The pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood emerged unscathed from the encounter.This means that Scott Boland, who made an impactful debut with figures of 6-7 at the MCG against England in 2021, will be left out for this match."We're a huge fan of Scotty, I don't think that's a secret," skipper Cummins told reporters on a wet Christmas Day. "He's ready to go if anything happens, so ...
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World Cup: The perfect 10 iconic India vs Pakistan ODIs | Cricket News – Times of India

A 7-0 scoreline in World Cups might suggest India have overwhelmingly dominated Pakistan in One-Day cricket. But this lop-sided head-to-head is misleading. There was a period when an India win against Pakistan was a once-in-a-blue-moon affair. 10 memorable clashes between the two nations...LOW-SCORING CLASSICRothman's Cup, Sharjah (March 22, 1985): India were reigning world champions and had just beaten Pakistan in the Benson and Hedges final in Melbourne. Kapil Dev's team was the favourite but it was Imran Khan's 6/14 - one of the greatest spells in ODI - that helped Pakistan bowl out India for 125. On a difficult wicket, Kapil Dev, Sivaramakrishnan and Ravi Shastri struck back. But it was Sunil Gavaskar who took four catches in the slips as India bowled out Pakistan for 87.RESULT: IND...
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Max Verstappen takes pole for Red Bull at Australian Grand Prix | Racing News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Max Verstappen took pole position for Red Bull at the Formula One Australian Grand Prix on Saturday after teammate Sergio Perez came crashing back to earth with a brake failure that left him last on the grid.Mercedes driver George Russell joins Verstappen on the front row for Sunday's race at Albert Park after qualifying second ahead of team mate Lewis Hamilton.Verstappen saved his best for late, roaring around the lakeside circuit in one minute and 16.732 seconds, over two-tenths of a second quicker than Russell."I think the last run was very good," Verstappen said, celebrating his first pole at Albert Park."It all worked out in Q3."Hamilton was thrilled Mercedes had bridged the pace to Red Bull, who won both the opening races in the Middle East."I'm so happy with this," he ...
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Vintage Azarenka downs Pegula to make Australian Open semis | Tennis News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Victoria Azarenka rolled back the years at the Australian Open on Tuesday as the two-times champion crushed third seed Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-1 to reach the semi-finals and remain on course for her third Grand Slam crown.Victory marked the first time in a decade that the 33-year-old had made it to the last-four at Melbourne Park and she will make her first appearance in a major semi-final since the U.S. Open in 2020 where she went on to lose in the title clash."Well, it hurts to beat her because I always want her to do well, but the same time I know I have to play my best tennis," Azarenka said of her friend and practice partner Pegula."She's been playing amazing, very consistent and I knew from the first point I have to bring it."We had so many rallies and I wanted to try to s...
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Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Dean Elgar’s tactics and decision-making were terrible, says Simon Katich | Cricket News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Former Australia captain Simon Katich has termed South Africa skipper Dean Elgar's tactics and decision-making in the second Test against Australia as "terrible" and added that the field he set on day two at the MCG defied logic.Beginning day three on 386 for three, Australia declared their first innings at 575 for eight, leaving the Proteas with a mountain of runs to score to save the Boxing Day Test.South Africa, who were bowled out for 189 in the first innings, began their second innings 386 runs in arrears following the declaration on Wednesday.Katich, who played 56 Tests and scored more than 4,000 runs, said had pace bowler Anrich Nortje received a little more support, things could have been different for the visitors."I thought Elgar was terrible yesterday (Tuesday) wit...
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Australia’s Cameron Green ruled out of Sydney test with broken finger

Australia’s Cameron Green bats during the second cricket test between South Africa and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia, Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2022. | Photo Credit: AP Australia all-rounder Cameron Green will not bowl for the rest of the second test against South Africa in Melbourne and has been ruled out of the third and final match in Sydney to recover from a broken finger, the team said on Wednesday.Green was struck in the right index finger by an Anrich Nortje ball and retired hurt late on day two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.After finishing the Melbourne test, Green will have a period of rest ahead of the tour of India, the team said.Green, who was picked up for $2.12 million in the recent Indian Premier League auctions by Mumbai Indians, took a ca...
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Australia vs South Africa, 2nd Test: David Warner’s double century powers Australia to 386/3 on Day 2 | More sports News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Opener David Warner battled through searing heat to hit an epic unbeaten 200 in his 100th Test on Tuesday before retiring in pain as Australia consolidated their advantage against South Africa at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.On a scorching day, the hosts were 386-3 at stumps on day two of the second Test, leading by 197 after the Proteas were dismissed in their first innings for 189.Travis Head was not out 48 with Alex Carey on nine.Steve Smith (85) and Marnus Labuschagne (14) were the only wickets to fall. But worryingly for Australia, Cameron Green, who took 5-27 in South Africa's first innings, also retired hurt after a nasty rap on the finger from Anrich Nortje.Smith and Warner's 239-run partnership took the game further away from South Africa, whose bowlers toiled in tem...
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Novak Djokovic hopes for warm welcome on Australian Open return | Tennis News – Times of India

DUBAI: Novak Djokovic is hoping he will receive a warm welcome from the public when he returns to the Australian Open next month, now that the drama surrounding his vaccination status and deportation is officially behind him.A nine-time champion at Melbourne Park, Djokovic was unable to compete in the opening Grand Slam of the season in 2022 after he was deported from Australia over fears he would incite anti-vax sentiment.As a result of his deportation, Djokovic was banned from entering Australia again but that decision has been reversed and the world number five is pleased he will get the chance to vie for a 10th title in Melbourne and a men's record-equalling 22nd major crown overall."I always ask the best from myself so let's see. Over the years I've been really fortunate to start v...