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14Jan

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‘Virat Kohli and I have been texting for a few years’: Novak Djokovic opens up on bond with Indian cricketer

They have never met each other, but over the last few years, Virat Kohli and Novak Djokovic have forged a bond via text messages, both players have revealed. Recently, Djokovic gave a brief glimpse into his relationship with the Indian batting maestro. “Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years. We never got the chance to meet in person, but it was an honour and privilege to listen to him speak nicely about me. I admire his career and his achievements. I started to play cricket. I’m not very good at it. I have a task to perfect my cricket skills before I get to India so that I don’t embarrass myself when I am there,” he recently revealed on Sony Sports. Kohli then shared a funny anecdote about his first interaction with Djokovic and lifted the curtain on their bon...

14Jan

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Australian Open: Can anyone stop Novak Djokovic in Melbourne? | Tennis News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: The 2024 tennis season opened to a busy note – comebacks after maternity breaks and injury enforced stoppages, momentum shifts and the chatter of an Elite Tour that has gone flat at the onset of the opening Grand Slam of the year – the Australian Open, starting on Sunday.Rafael Nadal’s return is stalled, but Naomi Osaka is pushing through.And there are questions only some of which will be answered at Melbourne Park this fortnight. Novak Djokovic, 24 going on 25? Who can stop the Serb? And how ready is defending champion Aryna Sabalenka for the big stage, where fans can be fickle? TOI looks at the talking points. Novak DjokovicThe 36-year-old has swept everything and everyone before him, records and opponents. In 2023 the Serb took home three majors from four finals, his overa...

13Jan

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Watch – ‘I admire his career, achievement’: Novak Djokovic opens up about his bond with Virat Kohli | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, disclosed that he maintains regular communication with Virat Kohli while expressing admiration for the star Indian cricketer, revealing that they have known each other for a few years.Despite not having the chance to meet Kohli in person, Djokovic highlighted the fortunate opportunity to communicate with the Indian cricketer.Djokovic emphasised the positive and friendly nature of their relationship, acknowledging Kohli's stellar cricketing career and expressing gratitude for the kind words shared between them.Speaking to Sony Sports, Djokovic said, "Virat Kohli and I have been texting a little bit for a few years and we never got the chance to meet in person. But it was really a privilege and honour to listen to him speak nicel...

13Jan

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Australian Open 2024: Novak Djokovic remains comfortably on top Down Under

Last month, at the end of yet another record-breaking season, Novak Djokovic appeared on the American television program ‘60 Minutes.’ Even though most of these pre-planned athlete appearances tend to be neatly managed PR exercises, it ended up being a fascinating show, in most part due to the openness with which Djokovic reveals the most intricate details of his thought process.It was not just the revelations – the emotional toil of playing against crowds that have mostly rooted against him, the way he uses eye contact during changeovers and notices minute details about his opponents to wear them down, the work that goes behind building his famed mental resilience, among others – but the comfort with which he offers up these details himself. Even if briefly, the host, veteran tennis wr...

13Jan

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Novak Djokovic primed for more success in new era at Australian Open | Tennis News – Times of India

MELBOURNE: Novak Djokovic is set to commence his title defence at the Australian Open, starting against qualifier Dino Prizmic. The world number one, currently the last of the 'Big Three' in men's tennis following the retirement of Roger Federer and the continued absence of Rafael Nadal due to injury, is aiming to secure an unprecedented 11th Australian Open title.Melbourne Park is gearing up for its first tournament in 25 years without the presence of either Federer or Nadal. Djokovic, eyeing his 25th major title, is in a position to surpass Margaret Court's Grand Slam haul.As the top seed and defending champion, Djokovic remains a formidable force and a favorite in the tournament, with many eyes on whether he can make history once again in Melbourne.'My favourite place, no doubt'"I'm ...

12Jan

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The score is ‘love-all’: Sachin Tendulkar praises Novak Djokovic-Steve Smith on-court moment. Australian Open champion responds with… | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As videos and images of tennis great Novak Djokovic and batting stalwart Steve Smith having a blast went viral on social media on Thursday, legendary Sachin Tendulkar lauded the accomplished sportsmen, terming their on-court moment 'beautiful'.Ahead of the start of the main draw of the first Grand Slam of the year -- the Australian Open, Djokovic and Smith were seen trying hands at cricket and tennis respectively.While Djokovic seemed pretty amazed with Smith's tennis skills, the record Grand Slam champion too managed to hit the ball into the stands while 'batting'."Beautiful to see two accomplished sportsmen having a moment. The score is ‘love-all’," Sachin wrote on X, formally Twitter on Friday.Djokovic was quick to react to the legend's post, as he responded with the folde...

11Jan

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Watch: Novak Djokovic plays cricket, Steve Smith enjoys tennis with Australian Open champion | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Fans at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne were up for a treat on Thursday as they witnessed tennis legend Novak Djokovic and cricket stalwart Steve Smith having a blast together on court ahead of the Australian Open.Ahead of the start of the main draw of the first Grand Slam of the year, Djokovic and Smith were seen trying hands at cricket and tennis respectively in a light-hearted moment.While Djokovic seemed pretty impressed with Smith's forehand return, the record Grand Slam champion did manage to send the ball into the stands while 'batting'.The top seed Serbian Djokovic, who has won 24 majors, will be eyeing for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.Last year, Djokovic defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Australian Open final and then added the French and US Open titles...

10Jan

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Carlos Alcaraz has sights set on Novak Djokovic and no.1 spot at Australian Open | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Carlos Alcaraz is all set for the upcoming Australian Open, aiming to topple the current champion Novak Djokovic, clinch his third Grand Slam victory and reclaim the world number one ranking.The young 20-year-old Spaniard is determined to put behind an injury-ridden start to the previous year where he notably missed out on the Australian Open, where Djokovic triumphed to reclaim his top spot in the rankings.The bull-like Alcaraz, who has taken the tennis world by storm since becoming the youngest men's world number one after his U.S. Open triumph in 2022, hit back by capturing his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon following an epic five-set final victory over Djokovic.However, after winning the 2023 U.S. Open in September, the 36-year-old Serb beat his young rival at the A...

9Jan

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Dominic Thiem secures place in Australian Open main draw | Tennis News – Times of India

Dominic Thiem, the US Open winner in 2020, has secured a place in the main draw of the Australian Open following the withdrawal of Reilly Opelka, as confirmed by tournament organisers on Friday.Thiem, who recently lost to Rafael Nadal in the first round of the Brisbane International, will now directly enter the first round of the Australian Open starting on January 14, avoiding the need to go through the qualifiers.The 30-year-old Austrian, ranked 98th, made headlines by breaking the Grand Slam dominance of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic with his victory at the 2020 US Open. However, he faced a setback due to a wrist injury in the following year, sidelining him for several months. Thiem reached the Australian Open final in 2020, losing to Djokovic, and is looking to mak...

7Jan

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Rafael Nadal pulls out of Australian Open with muscle tear

5Jan

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Rafael Nadal expresses doubt over Australian Open participation | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Rafael Nadal is unsure over his participation in the upcoming Australian Open following his loss to Jordan Thompson in the quarter-finals of the Brisbane International. The 22-time Grand Slam champions, who recently returned to the court after nearly a year on hiatus due to a hip injury suffered during the 2023 Australian Open, on Friday left the court for a medical timeout during his match against Thompson.Having undergone surgery in June and not competing for the entire previous season, the 37-year-old had chosen the Brisbane International as a preparatory event for the Australian Open, scheduled to commence on January 14. Now, uncertainties surround Nadal's readiness and potential participation in the upcoming major tournament."I hope I can train next week and play the Aus...

3Jan

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De Minaur snaps Djokovic run in Australia with United Cup shock | Tennis News – Times of India

PERTH: Novak Djokovic crashed to his first defeat of the season and first in Australia for six years with a stunning 6-4 6-4 loss to Alex de Minaur who gave Australia a 1-0 lead over Serbia in their United Cup quarter-final on Wednesday.Djokovic was hampered by a right wrist problem in Serbia's victory over Czech Republic on Tuesday and the world number one had it worked on again by a trainer before De Minaur earned a late break and went on to clinch the opening set.Australian Open champion Djokovic dropped serve yet again to hand De Minaur a 4-3 advantage in the second set and saved three match points later, but was unable to prevent the shock loss ahead of the year's first Grand Slam later this month.Djokovic was on a 43-match winning run in Australia and preparing for a tilt at an 11...

31Dec

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Andy Murray says 2024 could be his last on Tour | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Andy Murray, a two-time Wimbledon champion hinted that 2024 might mark his farewell year with setbacks caused by illness and injuries affecting his preparation for the upcoming season.Commencing his year at the Brisbane International, Murray aims to gear up for the Australian Open scheduled for later in January.Sitting at the 42nd spot in the world rankings, the 36-year-old faced a challenging end to 2023, winning only a single match in his final four tournaments, adding to his frustrations.Murray has previously battled back from what seemed impending retirement after undergoing hip surgery in 2018.But he conceded that he will bring down the curtain on his career if the next 12 months follow the same pattern as 2023."If I was in a situation like I was at the end of last year,...

31Dec

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Pause, rewind, play: From Pat Cummins silencing Motera to Sheetal Devi, the archer without arms, looking back at 2023’s newsmakers

For some of India’s top stars, 2023 was the year when they had to pause, reflect and reboot. In some cases, to recover from injuries; in a few others, to rediscover lost form. All in the hope that when the big day comes, they’ll be ready and recharged for the challenge Silence is golden, the saying goes. It was certainly golden for Pat Cummins and his team when the Aussie captain induced Virat Kohli to play on to his stumps in the World Cup final at the stadium named after the incumbent Indian prime minister. The stadium, with a capacity of 1.3 lakh, was rendered voiceless and even Kohli took an age to come to terms with what had happened. The stands that were raucously cheering every run, even though progress was slow, was suddenly hushed into becoming a library. Make no mistake, the l...

30Dec

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Novak Djokovic relishing being back in his ‘happy place’ Australia | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: As Novak Djokovic gears up to start his season at the United Cup, the world no.1 fondly referred to Australia as his 'happy place' on Saturday. Despite being denied entry to the country almost two years ago due to his stance on Covid-19 vaccinations, the 36-year-old approaches the mixed team event without holding any grudges."Always felt like... (Australia) was my happy place where I felt great, other than that situation two years ago where obviously it wasn't really enjoyable," he said."But other than that, I have always enjoyed myself, played the best tennis, and so my feelings coming into Australia this year are really positive."Djokovic said he is looking forward to facing the 58th-ranked Zhang Zhizhen in Sunday's group tie in Perth.Djokovic is targeting a record 11th Aus...

11Dec

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Young rivals have awoken my inner ‘beast’: Novak Djokovic | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Next year, Novak Djokovic will turn 37, but the Serbian player believes that as youthful competitors bring out the "beast" in him, his hunger for glory will only grow.With three of the four Grand Slams won, the world number one had an incredible 2023. This brought his total to 24, two more than his fiercest opponent Rafael Nadal and four more above the retired Roger Federer.But Djokovic did not have it all his own way, as 22-year-old Jannik Sinner dashed his dreams of winning the Davis Cup and 20-year-old Carlos Alcaraz denied him a Wimbledon championship."The young guys who are very hungry and very inspired to play their best tennis against me is an additional motivation," Djokovic said on CBS News program "60 Minutes"."I think they kind of awaken a beast in me."Alcaraz was ...

5Dec

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ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic ends year at No.1 for record 8th time | Tennis News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Novak Djokovic capped off the 2023 ATP season by securing the year-end No. 1 spot for a record-extending eighth time, further solidifying his tennis legacy.Grand Slam TriumphsThe 24-time Grand Slam champion showcased his unparalleled skills by winning three of the four Grand Slam tournaments in 2023 — claiming victory at the Australian Open, French Open, and US Open. Djokovic's historic 24th Grand Slam title came in July at the US Open, where he demonstrated his dominance on the court.ATP Finals VictoryAdding to his illustrious season, the Serbian star engaged in a back-and-forth battle with Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals in Turin and emerged victorious, marking his eighth ATP Finals title.Historic Rankings MilestoneDjokovic began his 400th week atop the ATP Rankings, a his...

27Nov

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Can Jannik Sinner use Davis Cup triumph against Djokovic as springboard to next level?

With its revamped, commercialised format and presence at the fag end of an already bloated competitive tennis season, the modern-day significance of the Davis Cup has been in question for a few years now.But Jannik Sinner – the 22-year-old World No. 4 who powered Italy to a first Davis Cup title in 47 years on Sunday – had the kind of week that proved this unique competition’s ability as a platform for players to announce themselves on the big stage, as they contend with watchful expectations of representing their country and played for a team rather than just themselves. Italy defeated Australia in the final, and it was Sinner who would provide the winning moment, putting in a ruthless performance to blow past Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-0 and bring the title home. Yet, the final will not be...

25Nov

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Novak Djokovic furious over being asked to undergo doping tests 90 minutes before Davis Cup match

Novak Djokovic may be on the cusp of an all-time great tennis season, but he is not doing so without notable controversy. The Serb was fuming at being asked to undergo a dope test ahead of his Davis Cup match against Britain’s Cameron Norrie, and highlighted that it was unusual for him to be tested just 90 minutes before the tie. The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), however, maintained that this was standard practice at a team competition. Djokovic made his anger known after routinely dispatching Norrie 6-4, 6-4 against a partisan crowd in the Spanish city of Malaga. “I didn’t believe that they could make such a decision, in 20 and more years of my career, it never happened to me that an hour-and-a-half before the match, I needed to go for doping control,” he was quoted as ...

16Nov

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Sinner into ATP Finals semi with Djokovic at risk of exit

Italy’s Jannik Sinner. | Photo Credit: AFP Jannik Sinner made history as the first Italian ever to reach the last four of the ATP Finals on Thursday after Novak Djokovic beat Hubert Hurkacz 7-6 (7/1), 4-6, 6-1.World number four Sinner is guaranteed at least second spot in the Green Group thanks to Hurkacz, who played his only match of the season-ending tournament as a replacement for injured Stefanos Tsitsipas, claiming a set against Djokovic.The Serbian world number one is now sweating on his semi-final place despite a second win from three matches, as his qualification hinges on the result of Sinner’s final match with Holger Rune later on Thursday.“It’s hard but it’s what I’ve chosen to do. I’m happy to have won the last match of the group, the rest is out of my hands,” said Djokovic...