6 h. ago Novak Djokovic leaps to the defence of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Andy Murray

Novak Djokovic has been quick to credit Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner for their recent dominance but he also believes that they must show some respect to the legends of the game

Politics

11 h. ago America’s men’s grand slam drought is not Taylor Fritz’s burden to carry

Back at the ATP finals one year after reaching the last hurdle, Fritz remains a top-five talent. It’s a reminder that a certain major-title drought is not his burden to bearI would like to have some words with ESPN broadcaster Chris Fowler about what he said after Novak Djokovic beat Taylor Fritz, for the 11th straight time, in the US Open quarter-finals. Look – Fritz is American, Fowler is American – and sports often lend themselves to nationalism. A little bit of disappointment was appropriate. Instead, Fowler invoked the continued drought of American men at the majors: none of them had lifted a trophy since Andy Roddick in 2003, and Fritz had been the last one standing in the tournament.We all love a narrative, myself included. But come on. Even if Fritz had beaten Djokovic for the first time, force of nature Carlos Alcaraz was waiting in the next round, who Fritz has yet to beat in an official match. And if he’d somehow survived that, it would have been defending champion Jannik...

Politics

13 h. ago 'I've played on PGA Tour with Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods – it's clear who is more talented'

Tiger Woods is often considered the greatest golfer of all time, but one respected figure in the sport has placed Rory McIlroy above the American in terms of pure talent

Politics

14 h. ago The Fifth Step: Writer David Ireland reveals inspiration behind hit play starring Slow Horses star Jack Lowden

The Fifth Step will be released in cinemas from November 27

Events

24 h. ago Novak Djokovic withdraws from ATP Finals moments after winning 101st career title

Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti to win the Athens Open, but then withdrew from the ATP Finals to grant the Italian a place in the tournament

Sport

25 h. ago Novak Djokovic wins 101st career title to deny Lorenzo Musetti ATP Finals place

Lorenzo Musetti was denied a place in the ATP Finals, unless Djokovic decides to withdraw from the tournament

Sport

25 h. ago Elena Rybakina sinks Aryna Sabalenka to claim WTA Finals and record prize

Former Wimbledon champion wins 6-3, 7-6 (0)Unbeaten Rybakina takes home £3.98mElena Rybakina re-established herself as one of the significant players in women’s tennis as she closed out a week of devastating performances against the best in the world by completely overpowering Aryna Sabalenka to capture one of the biggest titles of her career at the WTA Finals in Riyadh with a 6-3, 7-6 (0) win.Having finished the season-ending tournament unbeaten in her five matches, Rybakina is now $5.235m (£3.98m) richer, earning the greatest prize money haul in the history of women’s sports. The victory marks the 26-year-old’s fourth big title after wins at Wimbledon in 2022, and Indian Wells and the Italian Open a year later. This is her third title of the season and her 11th title on the WTA Tour overall. Continue reading...

Politics

34 h. ago Rafael Nadal picks his easiest opponent between Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer

Rafael Nadal faced off against Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer on dozens of occasions during his illustrious career

Politics

48 h. ago WTA Finals tennis: Aryna Sabalenka beats Amanda Anisimova in semi

Sabalenka will face Rybakina in Saturday’s finalGet in touch! Send your thoughts to NiallFirst set: Pegula 2-2* Rybakina (*denotes next server) Rybakina had started the stronger but lost her way in that last service game. Can Pegula back up the break? An early double fault doesn’t help matters, and Rybakina outlasts her in a rally to earn break point. From the middle of the court, Rybakina lands an inside-out forehand on the line, and we’re back on serve.Cam Norrie is playing in the Metz semi-finals; he’s trailing Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 0-1. In Athens, Novak Djokovic is facing Yannick Hanfmann; it’s on serve in their semi-final. Continue reading...

Politics

50 h. ago WTA Finals tennis: Aryna Sabalenka v Amanda Anisimova in semi

Winner faces Elena Rybakina in Saturday’s finalGet in touch! Send your thoughts to NiallFirst set: Pegula 2-2* Rybakina (*denotes next server) Rybakina had started the stronger but lost her way in that last service game. Can Pegula back up the break? An early double fault doesn’t help matters, and Rybakina outlasts her in a rally to earn break point. From the middle of the court, Rybakina lands an inside-out forehand on the line, and we’re back on serve.Cam Norrie is playing in the Metz semi-finals; he’s trailing Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 0-1. In Athens, Novak Djokovic is facing Yannick Hanfmann; it’s on serve in their semi-final. Continue reading...

Politics

50 h. ago WTA Finals tennis: Elena Rybakina defeats Jessica Pegula in semi

Sabalenka faces Anisimova in second semi-finalGet in touch! Send your thoughts to NiallFirst set: Pegula 2-2* Rybakina (*denotes next server) Rybakina had started the stronger but lost her way in that last service game. Can Pegula back up the break? An early double fault doesn’t help matters, and Rybakina outlasts her in a rally to earn break point. From the middle of the court, Rybakina lands an inside-out forehand on the line, and we’re back on serve.Cam Norrie is playing in the Metz semi-finals; he’s trailing Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 0-1. In Athens, Novak Djokovic is facing Yannick Hanfmann; it’s on serve in their semi-final. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Novak Djokovic included in ATP Finals draw as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner groups revealed

Djokovic will face Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur if he plays in Turin

Sport

3 d. ago Novak Djokovic, 38, breaks down in tears on court after emotional tribute to late ‘tennis father’

NOVAK DJOKOVIC broke down in tears on court as a poignant tribute was paid to his late former coach Nikola Pilic. The Croatian, who began coaching Djokovic when the tennis superstar was just 12-years-old, died aged 86 in September. Pilic, who himself achieved a world No6 ranking, set up his own academy post-retirement - with...

Events

3 d. ago John McGinn: ‘Every year I have to prove myself against a younger or sexier player’

The Scottish midfielder on the constant battle to keep his place, the ‘stigma’ of employing a home chef, and why he believes Aston Villa will win a big trophy soonJohn McGinn has spent the best part of half an hour reflecting on his journey to this point, his next appearance for Aston Villa his 300th for the club, when he volunteers something of a confession. Asked whether he has lasered in on nutrition to maximise performance, perhaps inspired by Erling Haaland revealing his penchant for raw milk and honey, the Villa captain smiles a little sheepishly. “Yeah, I have, which makes me feel quite uncomfortable because I’m from a very humble part of the world,” he says, referring to his roots in Clydebank, a few miles north-west of Glasgow.“They will all laugh at me and wind me up for it but I do have a chef at home. I think there is a stigma towards it: ‘Who do you think you are?’ Which I get, because it used to be me thinking that. I was more nervous about telling my siblings and my m...

Sport

4 d. ago Novak Djokovic refuses request from wife as family suddenly interrupt press conference

Novak Djokovic was speaking to the media after beating Alejandro Tabilo at the Hellenic Championship before his wife, Jelena, and their children interrupted his press conference

Politics

4 d. ago Scotland rugby fans asked to vote for greatest Murrayfield moment as shortlist revealed

Panel of icons shortlist three defining moments to mark stadium’s centenary

Politics

5 d. ago Novak Djokovic's £3.8m decision 'confirmed' as tennis boss leaks message

Novak Djokovic's participation in the ATP Finals had remained uncertain after he withdrew from the recent Paris Masters – but an update has now been given

Economics

5 d. ago Novak Djokovic update on ATP Finals participation given after withdrawal speculation

Djokovic’s participation in the ATP Finals would leave just one last qualification spot ahead of Turin

Sport

6 d. ago Greater Manchester pickleball star revels in experience of English Nationals in Bolton

Ian Hodgkinson, who is a member of Trafford Pickleball Club, competed in the men’s doubles 60+ 4.0 category alongside Martin Bromley.

Politics

7 d. ago Novak Djokovic's true colours clear with first ever message to his wife’s parents

Novak Djokovic has long possessed an unshakeable belief in his tennis abilities, as evidenced by the confident first words he uttered to future wife Jelena's parents

Politics