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Arthur Fils to meet Hamad Medjedovic in Next Gen Finals championship match
The Associated Press | Posted Dec. 1 - 1:30 p.m. | Save Story
The Next Gen Finals championship match will feature one of the players being relied on to revive French tennis against the player that Serbia hopes can keep its flag at the top of the sport after Novak Djokovic. Top-seeded Arthur Fils will meet Hamad Medjedovic on Saturday for the trophy in the season-ending tournament for the top eight players aged 21 or under. The 19-year-old Fils beat fellow Frenchman Luca Van Assche 2-4, 4-1, 4-3 (1), 4-3 (6). Then Medjedovic advanced when Dominic Stricker retired midway through their semifinal due to a back injury. The 20-year-old Medjedovic was leading 4-3 (5), 2-1.
Rafael Nadal to return to playing at Brisbane International in January after being out for a year
The Associated Press | Updated Dec. 1 - 5:56 a.m. | Save Story
Rafael Nadal says he will return to playing at the Brisbane International in Australia in January. Nadal says in a video posted on social media "it is time to come back. It will be in Brisbane in the first week of January. See you there." The 37-year-old Spaniard has not played on tour since last January when he hurt his hip flexor during a loss in the second round of the Australian Open.
Fils and Medjedovic stay perfect and reach final four at Next Gen Finals
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 30 - 3:19 p.m. | Save Story
Arthur Fils and Hamad Medjedovic maintained their perfect starts to the Next Gen Finals to reach the final four. The top-seeded Fils beat Dominic Stricker 4-2, 3-4 (3), 4-2, 4-3 (5) to make it three wins out of three in the round-robin stage. Stricker also reached the semifinals of the tournament for the top eight ATP Tour players aged 21 or under. Medjedovic beat Jordanian wild card Abdullah Shelbayh 3-4 (6), 4-2, 4-3 (5), 4-2. The Serbian will face Stricker in the semifinals. The result also meant Luca Van Assche reached the final four after beating Alex Michelsen. Van Assche will play compatriot Fils.
Arthur Fils and Hamad Medjedovic maintain winning starts at Next Gen Finals
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 29 - 2:56 p.m. | Save Story
Arthur Fils and Hamad Medjedovic have maintained their winning starts in the round-robin stage of the Next Gen Finals. The top-seeded, 19-year-old French player Fils has defeated Italian player Flavio Cobolli 4-1, 4-2, 4-2, and Medjedovic defeated Fils' compatriot Luca Van Assche 4-2, 2-4, 4-3 (7), 4-1. The Next Gen Finals are played using special rules, with a best-of-five-sets format in which each set goes to the player who is first to four games, with a tiebreak at 3-3. Dominic Stricker has defeated Luca Nardi 4-1, 4-1, 4-2 and Jordanian player Abdullah Shelbayh defeated Alex Michelsen of the United States 4-2, 1-4, 4-0, 4-0.
Arthur Fils and Luca van Assche start with wins at Next Gen Finals
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 28 - 3:41 p.m. | Save Story
Arthur Fils and Luca van Assche have both started their pushes for the Next Gen Finals title with wins in the round-robin stage as the tournament opened at its new home in Saudi Arabia. Fils won 2-4, 4-3 (6), 4-2, 1-4, 4-2 over Luca Nardi and Flavio Cobolli won 4-2, 3-4 (7), 4-1, 4-2 against Dominic Stricker in the same group. Van Assche beat wild-card entry Abdullah Shelbayh 4-3 (5), 3-4 (5), 4-1, 4-1. Hamad Medjedovic withstood a comeback from Alex Michelsen as he won 4-2, 4-3 (3), 3-4 (3), 3-4 (5), 4-3 (4). It is a best-of-five-sets format in which each set goes to the player who is first to four games.
Sports on TV for Wednesday, November 29
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 28 - 2:20 p.m. | Save Story
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Sports on TV for Tuesday, November 28
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 27 - 8:00 a.m. | Save Story
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Sinner leads Italy to its first Davis Cup title in nearly 50 years with a 2-0 win over Australia
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 26 - 4:35 p.m. | Save Story
Italy has won its first Davis Cup title since 1976 with a 2-0 victory over Australia. Jannik Sinner beat Alex de Miñaur 6-3, 6-0 in the second singles match of Sunday's final. Matteo Arnaldi had given Italy the first point with a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win over Alexei Popyrin. The Italians had lost the last three finals it played against Australia, which was last year's runner-up to Canada. Sinner helped Italy defeat Novak Djokovic's Serbia in the semifinals on Saturday. Australia eliminated Finland in the last four.
Sinner enjoys double success over Djokovic to lead Italy into the Davis Cup final
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 25 - 3:51 p.m. | Save Story
Jannik Sinner has secured back-to-back wins over top-ranked Novak Djokovic in the singles and doubles to lead Italy into the Davis Cup final after rallying past Serbia 2-1. Djokovic had his country on the cusp of the final when he faced Sinner in the second singles match with Serbia leading 1-0. But the fourth-ranked Sinner saved three consecutive match points before ending Djokovic's streak of 21 straight wins in Davis Cup singles matches, 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, to pull Italy level. Sinner then teamed up with Lorenzo Sonego and they beat Djokovic and Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3, 6-4. Italy will face Australia in Sunday's final.
Australia beats Finland 2-0 to reach 2nd straight Davis Cup final
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 24 - 6:48 p.m. | Save Story
Alex de Minaur and Alexei Popyrin have put Australia back into the Davis Cup final for a second straight year after winning their singles matches in a 2-0 victory over Finland. Popyrin gave Australia a 1-0 lead in the semifinal match after beating Otto Virtanen 7-6 (5), 6-2. De Minaur then finished off Finland by beating Emil Ruusuvuori 6-4, 6-3. Novak Djokovic's Serbia will face Jannik Sinner's Italy on Saturday in the other semifinal match on the indoor hard court at Martin Carpena arena in Malaga, Spain. Australia lost last year's final to Canada.
Djokovic eases past Norrie to send Serbia to Davis Cup semifinals. Sinner's Italy beats Netherlands
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 23 - 5:12 p.m. | Save Story
Novak Djokovic has become the outright most successful Serbian player in the history of the Davis Cup. He took his nation to the semifinals for the second time in three years with his 21st straight singles victory on Thursday. The top-ranked Djokovic beat Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-4 to give Serbia a 2-0 victory over Great Britain and set up a last-four encounter with Jannik Sinner's Italy. It was a record 44th Davis Cup match win overall for Djokovic, who later told some British fans to "shut up." The win moved him one ahead of Nenad Zimonjic. Djokovic has 40 singles wins for his country. The Italians beat the Netherlands 2-1. Australia and Finland will meet in the other semifinal match.
Sports on TV for Friday, November 24
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 23 - 8:00 a.m. | Save Story
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Australia rallies to beat Czech Republic and reach Davis Cup semifinals
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 22 - 4:42 p.m. | Save Story
Australia rallied to defeat the Czech Republic 2-1 and reach the semifinals of the Davis Cup. Max Purcell and Matthew Ebden defeated Adam Pavlasek and Jiri Lehecka 6-4, 7-5 in the decisive doubles match to set up a last-four encounter with Finland on Friday. Tomas Machac defeated Jordan Thompson 6-4, 7-5 in the first singles to put the Czech Republic ahead. Alex de Minaur kept Australia alive by rallying from a set and a break down in a 4-6, 7-6 (2) 7-5 win over Lehecka.
Finland stuns defending champion Canada to reach semifinals of Davis Cup in Spain
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 21 - 4:22 p.m. | Save Story
Finland has upset defending champion Canada to reach the semifinals of the Davis Cup for the first time. Otto Virtanen and Harri Heliovaara defeated Alexis Galarneau and Vasek Pospisil 7-5, 6-3 in the decisive doubles match to give the 14th-ranked Finns the victory over No. 1 Canada in the first of the quarterfinals in southern Spain. Virtanen had kept Finland alive by defeating Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 7-5 in the second singles match after Milos Raonic had given Canada the first point with a 6-3, 7-5 win over Patrick Kaukovalta.
Sports on TV for Wednesday, November 22
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 21 - 8:00 a.m. | Save Story
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Improving Jannik Sinner has his sights set on serving up more success next season
Daniella Matar, Associated Press | Updated Nov. 20 - 7:03 a.m. | Save Story
Jannik Sinner will be looking to serve up the perfect dish next season. Sinner has compared his improvement this year to cooking pasta with tomato sauce. The 22-year-old Italian says "you add ingredients to always improve more" but adds "my dish is also not perfect yet." Sinner lacked the perfect ingredients to beat Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals on Sunday and cap an impressive season that has seen him rise from No. 15 at the end of last year to No. 4. But the top-ranked Djokovic feels it is only a matter of time before Sinner is winning Grand Slams.
Djokovic wins record 7th ATP Finals title by beating Sinner in straight sets
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 19 - 1:32 p.m. | Save Story
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has won a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title with a straight-set victory over home favorite Jannik Sinner. Djokovic took 1 hour, 43 minutes to win 6-3, 6-3 as the Serbian continues to break records at the age of 36. Djokovic entered the match tied with Roger Federer on six titles at the season-ending tournament for the year's top eight players. But Djokovic was in imperious form on Sunday and won 14 straight points from the end of the first set to the third game of the second to leave him firmly in control and subdue the Turin crowd.
Djokovic dispatches Alcaraz at ATP Finals to set up title match against home favorite Sinner
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 18 - 3:42 p.m. | Save Story
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic will be bidding for a record-breaking seventh ATP Finals title when he takes on home favorite Jannik Sinner in Sunday's final. Djokovic took less than 90 minutes to beat Carlos Alcaraz 6-3, 6-2 in a semifinal match between the top two ranked players on Saturday night. Sinner earlier dispatched Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1. The 36-year-old Djokovic is currently tied with Roger Federer on six titles at the season-ending tournament for the year's top eight players. Sinner recorded his first-ever victory over Djokovic earlier this week and the Serbian will also have to contend again with a passionate, partisan crowd.
Carlos Alcaraz sets up semifinal match against Novak Djokovic at ATP Finals after beating Medvedev
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 17 - 2:55 p.m. | Save Story
Carlos Alcaraz set up a semifinal match against top-ranked Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals after beating Daniil Medvedev 6-4, 6-4. The second-ranked Alcaraz beat Djokovic in the Wimbledon final. He is making his debut at the season-ending event for the year's top eight players after missing last year's tournament because of an abdominal injury. Alcaraz leaned back and yelled in celebration after Medvedev hit a backhand long on match point. Medvedev has also qualified for the semifinals and will next play Jannik Sinner. Two-time champion Alexander Zverev beat Andrey Rublev in a late match. Neither player could advance.
Mathieu named France's Davis Cup captain. He will also lead the men's tennis team at Paris Olympics
Jerome Pugmire, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 17 - 6:56 a.m. | Save Story
Paul-Henri Mathieu has been named France's Davis Cup captain and he'll also lead the men's national tennis team at next year's Olympics in Paris. The Frenchman replaces countryman Sébastien Grosjean, who was in charge for four years but left his position in order to coach 19-year-old French player Arthur Fils. The 41-year-old Mathieu says "I'm proud and honored to have this position." The Paris Games will run from July 26 to Aug. 11 and Mathieu says "I hope we will get a medal." As a player he lost the deciding rubber in the 2002 Davis Cup final against Russia in Paris.
Sinner's super run at ATP Finals continues with 3-set win over Rune. Djokovic also advances
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 16 - 4:16 p.m. | Save Story
Jannik Sinner is breaking down barriers match after match at the ATP Finals. The home crowd favorite from Italy registered a first career win over Holger Rune 6-2, 5-7, 6-4 two days after beating Novak Djokovic for the first time. Sinner had already secured his place in the semifinals at the season-ending event for the year's top eight players but he went one step further and finished first in his group with a perfect 3-0 record. Sinner's victory also enabled Djokovic to advance in second position in the group, following the 24-time Grand Slam champion's 7-6 (1), 4-6, 6-1 win over alternate Hubert Hurkacz.
Rafael Nadal will reveal his comeback plans soon after missing nearly all of 2023
Howard Fendrich, Associated Press | Updated Nov. 16 - 3:53 p.m. | Save Story
Rafael Nadal says he is sure he'll be returning to competition after missing nearly all of 2023 with a hip injury that required surgery. And now he says he'll be revealing his comeback plans soon. Nadal wrote Thursday on social media: "I confirmed yesterday I'll be back" and punctuated that message with a smiling emoji. He says that in the coming days he will announce when and where everyone can expect to see him in action. Next season begins in late December, with the year's first major tournament, the Australian Open, scheduled to begin main-draw matches on Jan. 14. Nadal hasn't played since last January and had surgery on his hip in June.
5 tennis players were suspended for match-fixing in a case tied to a Belgian syndicate
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 16 - 10:22 a.m. | Save Story
have been suspended for corruption linked to a match-fixing syndicate in Belgium. The International Tennis Integrity Agency announced the punishments Thursday. The players are connected to the criminal case of Grigor Sargsyan, the leader of the syndicate, the ITIA said, and follow bans on seven Belgian players that were announced last week. The players whose punishments were revealed Thursday include Alberto Rojas Maldonado, a Mexican banned from tennis for life and fined $250,000, the maximum allowed. The other players are Christopher Díaz Figueroa, José Antonio Rodríguez Rodríguez, Antonio Ruiz Rosales and Orlando Alcántara Rangel.
Rublev bloodies himself with racket during loss to Alcaraz at ATP Finals. Medvedev advances
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 15 - 3:29 p.m. | Save Story
Andrey Rublev grew so frustrated during a 7-5, 6-2 loss to Carlos Alcaraz at the ATP Finals that he repeatedly hit himself with his racket so hard that he bloodied his left knee. Rublev was virtually eliminated after losing both of his opening matches. Alcaraz boosted his chances of advancing from the round robin stage at the season-ending event for the year's top eight players. Alcaraz will next face Daniil Medvedev in the red group. Medvedev reached the semifinals with a 7-6 (7), 6-4 win over Alexander Zverev. Jannik Sinner leads the green group with two wins following his victory over Novak Djokovic on Tuesday. The top two finishers in each four-man group advance.
Home favorite Sinner records his first win over top-ranked Djokovic at ATP Finals
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 14 - 7:19 p.m. | Save Story
Jannik Sinner has recorded his first win over top-ranked Novak Djokovic much to the delight of a passionate home crowd at the ATP Finals. Sinner triumphed 7-5, 6-7 (5), 7-6 (2) in a match spanning more than three hours on Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning. It was the 22-year-old Sinner's first win in their four head-to-head meetings and ended Djokovic's 19-match winning streak. Sinner is now on the verge of reaching Saturday's semifinals. He next plays Holger Rune who has one win after Tsitsipas retired early in their green group match and withdrew from the tournament with a back injury.
Sports on TV for Wednesday, November 15
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 14 - 8:00 a.m. | Save Story
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Alcaraz loses to Zverev in his ATP Finals debut; Medvedev soundly beats good friend Rublev
Andrew Dampf, Associated Press | Updated Nov. 13 - 3:17 p.m. | Save Story
Carlos Alcaraz was beaten in his debut at the ATP Finals by two-time champion Alexander Zverev 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. Daniil Medvedev quickly dispatched his good friend Andrey Rublev 6-4, 6-2. Alcaraz missed the season-ending event for the top eight players last year because of an abdominal injury. Zverev also missed last year's edition after tearing ligaments in his right ankle in the French Open semifinals. But the big-serving German clearly likes the fast conditions inside the Pala Alpitour. He claimed the title in Turin two years ago. Zverev served 16 aces to Alcaraz's 11.
Sports on TV for Tuesday, November 14
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 13 - 2:10 p.m. | Save Story
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Novak Djokovic gets his trophy after securing year-end No. 1 ranking for a record-extending 8th time
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 13 - 7:27 a.m. | Save Story
Novak Djokovic has received his trophy after securing the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record-extending eighth time. Djokovic needed only one match win at the ATP Finals to be sure of keeping the top spot and the 24-time Grand Slam champion secured it in his opener by beating Holger Rune in a match spanning more than three hours on Sunday and into Monday morning. ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi presented Djokovic with the trophy for his achievement on Monday afternoon. Djokovic then posed for pictures with his team of coaches, physical trainers and family members.
Jannik Sinner's carrot-clad fans take root on the tennis tour in their orange-colored costumes
Andrew Dampf, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 13 - 4:57 a.m. | Save Story
They've quickly become some of the most recognizable fans in tennis. And what began as a spur-of-the-moment idea between six fans of Jannik Sinner to dress up as carrots has turned into a fully sponsored globe-trotting enterprise. After first appearing at the Italian Open in May, the orange-clad "Carota Boys" quickly picked up support from one of Sinner's sponsors and were sent to cheer for their favorite player at the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. Orders for T-shirts featuring the Carota Boys' logo have come in from around the world. Last week, the group of six boyhood friends were treated to a private meeting with their idol. Sinner says "they're almost more famous than I am."
Djokovic secures year-end top ranking for a record-extending 8th time by beating Rune at ATP Finals
Andrew Dampf, Associated Press | Updated Nov. 12 - 6:24 p.m. | Save Story
Novak Djokovic has secured the year-end top ranking for a record-extending eighth time. Djokovic needed only one match win at the ATP Finals to be sure of keeping the No. 1 spot and the 24-time Grand Slam champion did it in his opener by beating Holger Rune 7-6 (4), 6-7 (1), 6-3. The 36-year-old Djokovic had already moved ahead of previous record holder Pete Sampras two years ago. Sampras finished No. 1 six times. Carlos Alcaraz of Spain took the honors last year. Djokovic has won 19 straight matches since his five-set loss to Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July. Jannik Sinner beat Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 6-4 in an earlier match.
Canada tops Italy to win Billie Jean King Cup for 1st time one year after men's team won Davis Cup
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 12 - 5:01 p.m. | Save Story
Leylah Fernandez and Marina Stakusic won their singles matches as Canada defeated Italy 2-0 to claim its first-ever Billie Jean King Cup. Stakusic put Canada ahead by defeating Martina Trevisan 7-5, 6-3 for the biggest win of her career. Then Fernandez sealed the victory by defeating Jasmine Paolini 6-2, 6-3 at La Cartuja Stadium. Canada had beaten 11-time champion Czech Republic in the semifinals. Four-time champion Italy advanced past Slovenia for its first final appearance since 2013. Canada men's team will try to defend its first Davis Cup title later this month in Malaga, Spain.
Sports on TV for Monday, November 13
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 12 - 8:00 a.m. | Save Story
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Fernandez leads Canada into Billie Jean King Cup final after win over Czechs. Italy beats Slovenia
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 11 - 4:05 p.m. | Save Story
Leylah Fernandez has led Canada into the Billie Jean King Cup final after beating Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova and then helping to secure a 2-1 win over the Czech Republic in a decisive doubles match. Fernandez beat Vondrousova 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 to pull Canada level after Barbora Krejcikova had beaten Marina Stakusic 6-2, 6-1 to give the Czechs the early advantage. The 20th-ranked Fernandez got right back on the indoor hardcourt in Seville to help Gabriela Dabrowski beat Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova 7-5, 7-6 (3). In Sunday's final, Canada will face Italy which saw off Slovenia 2-0 after winning both singles matches.
Humbert wins his first ATP title since 2021 at Moselle Open
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 11 - 2:51 p.m. | Save Story
Ugo Humbert has claimed his first ATP tour title since 2021 by beating Alexander Shevchenko 6-3, 6-3 in the final of the Moselle Open. Humbert was born in the French city of Metz which hosted the indoor tournament. He will finish the season as the top-ranked French player at a career-high No. 20 in the rankings. Humbert saved the only break point he faced in the final and dropped just four points on his first serve. It was Humbert's fourth ATP title following his wins in Auckland, Antwerp and Halle.
Czech Republic wins doubles to beat United States 2-1 and reach Billie Jean King Cup semifinals
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 10 - 3:55 p.m. | Save Story
Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova have sent the Czech Republic into the semifinals of the Billie Jean King Cup by beating American duo Danielle Collins and Taylor Townsend 6-3, 7-5 in their decisive doubles match. Siniakova and Krejcikova completed a 2-1 comeback on the indoor hard court in Seville to eliminate the U.S. team. The Czechs will face Canada in Saturday's semifinals. Collins beat Siniakova 6-3, 6-2 in their opening match. Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova pulled the Czechs level at 1-1 after she brushed aside Sofia Kenin 6-1, 6-1. Italy will face Slovenia in the other semifinal.
Djokovic faces 'Young Gen' challenge from Alcaraz, Sinner and Rune at ATP Finals in Turin
Andrew Dampf, Associated Press | Posted Nov. 10 - 1:57 p.m. | Save Story
Novak Djokovic has already done well enough at holding off the rise of the so-called "Next Gen" by keeping players like Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Daniil Medvedev from winning more titles. Now Djokovic is joined by the three players who are being labeled the "Young Gen" at the ATP Finals. There's 20-year-olds Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune and 22-year-old Jannik Sinner. Djokovic says that "being able to be compete with the young guys is always extra motivation for me." The 24-time Grand Slam champion adds "that inspires me even more to play my best tennis." Play at the event in Turin for the year's top eight players opens Sunday.
Seven Belgian tennis players suspended in match-fixing probe
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 10 - 10:27 a.m. | Save Story
The International Tennis Integrity Agency says seven Belgian tennis players have been suspended from the sport as part of a match-fixing investigation. The ITIA says the players admitted to corruption breaches and that the sanctions "are linked to a recently concluded criminal case involving a match-fixing syndicate" in Belgium. The suspended players are Arnaud Graisse, Arthur de Greef, Julien Dubail, Romain Barbosa, Maxime Authom, Omar Salman, and Alec Witmeur. The ITIA says the players were "convicted by the criminal court and have subsequently agreed sanctions with the ITIA." The suspensions range in length from two years, seven months up to four years, 10 months.
Naomi Osaka set to make her tennis return at the Brisbane International
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 9 - 7:01 p.m. | Save Story
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka will make her comeback to tennis at the Brisbane International warm-up tournament ahead of the Australian Open. Tournament officials have confirmed Osaka will contest the Dec. 31-Jan. 7 event to start her 2024 season. A two-time Australian and U.S. Open winner, Osaka was a surprise withdrawal from last year's Australian Open before later revealing she was pregnant. The former tennis No. 1 announced the birth of her daughter Shai in July. Australian Open officials announced last month that Osaka would be in the field for the year's first major starting Jan. 14.
US tops defending champion Switzerland in BJK Cup Finals. Italy and Canada advance
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 9 - 3:51 p.m. | Save Story
The United States has begun its campaign in the Billie Jean King Cup Finals with a win over defending champion Switzerland. The victory sets up a decisive tie against the Czech Republic for a spot in the semifinals. Danielle Collins and Sofia Kenin won their singles matches to give the Americans the victory that left them tied with the Czech Republic atop Group A. The U.S. will face the Czechs on Friday. Only the winners in each of the four groups make it to the semifinals. The Czech Republic beat Switzerland on Tuesday.
Djokovic grouped with Sinner, Tsitsipas, Rune at ATP Finals. Alcaraz faces Medvedev, Rublev, Zverev
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 9 - 9:45 a.m. | Save Story
Defending champion Novak Djokovic has been placed in a group with home favorite Jannik Sinner for the ATP Finals in Turin. Stefanos Tsitsipas and Holger Rune have also been drawn in the Green Group for the round-robin stage. Second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz will face Daniil Medvedev, Andrey Rublev and Alexander Zverev in the Red Group. The top two from each group will advance to the semifinals. Djokovic is bidding to win the event for a seventh time. He needs to win just one match to end the year as world No. 1. The tournament starts Sunday and the final is scheduled for Nov. 19.
Teenager Stakusic leads Canada to win over host Spain in BJK Cup Finals. Italy tops France
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 8 - 5:15 p.m. | Save Story
Teenager Marina Stakusic got the biggest win of her career to help Canada defeat host Spain 3-0 in Group C of the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The 18-year-old Stakusic is ranked No. 258 in the world and defeated No. 65 Rebeka Masarova in straight sets to give Canada the first point of the day at La Cartuja Stadium. Stakusic's previous career-best victory had been against No. 152 Jaimee Fourlis in 2022. She had never beaten a top 100 opponent. Leylah Fernandez gave Canada the second point by edging Sara Sorribes Tormo in consecutive tiebreakers.
Czech Republic beats defending champion Switzerland in group stage of BJK Cup Finals in Spain
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 7 - 4:27 p.m. | Save Story
The Czech Republic beat defending champion Switzerland 3-0 on the first day of the group stage at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. Debutant Linda Noskova defeated Celine Naef in three sets in the first singles match on Tuesday. Another debutant Marie Bouzkova beat Viktorija Golubic in straight sets in the second match of the Group A tie. Bouzkova was a late addition to the Czech team following the withdrawal of world No. 8 Karolina Muchova because of a wrist injury. The third point came with Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova defeating Golubic and Jil Teichmann 7-6 (3), 6-2 in the doubles match. Slovenia defeated last year's runner-up Australia 2-1 in Group B.
Tennis legend Serena Williams honored as 'fashion icon' at fashion industry's big awards night
Jocelyn Noveck, Associated Press | Updated Nov. 6 - 11:00 p.m. | Save Story
Serena Williams has been honored at Monday's Council of Fashion Designers of America awards for her contributions to American fashion. Williams, who retired from tennis last year, is the first athlete to win the CFDA's Fashion Icon award. Catherine Holstein of the label Khaite won the coveted award for womenswear designer of the year, and Willy Chavarria won for menswear. Kim Kardashian presented the honor to Williams, who told the glittery audience how fashion was her favorite mode of expression as a young woman, with the tennis court serving as her own runway. The fashion industry's equivalent of the Oscars was held at the American Museum of Natural History in Manhattan.
Iga Swiatek will finish the year at No. 1 after beating Jessica Pegula to win the WTA Finals
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 6 - 7:32 p.m. | Save Story
Iga Swiatek has earned her first WTA Finals title and the year-end No. 1 ranking by beating Jessica Pegula 6-1, 6-0 in the latest in a series of dominant performances. From 1-all at the outset on Monday, Swiatek seized complete control, collecting the next 11 games with her high-quality baseline game, rarely making an unforced error and repeatedly pressuring Pegula into mistakes. The 22-year-old Swiatek went 5-0 at the tour's season-closing championship, winning all 10 sets she played and ceding a total of just 20 games. That's the fewest by the tournament's winner since 2003, when it returned to a round-robin format. Swiatek is also the youngest WTA Finals champion since Petra Kvitova was 21 in 2011.
Billie Jean King Cup Finals prize money rises to $9.6 million, equal to men's Davis Cup, ITF says
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 6 - 8:58 a.m. | Save Story
The Billie Jean King Cup Finals will offer a record total of $9.6 million in prize money. That includes $2.4 million to the champions. The International Tennis Federation announced the BJK Cup Finals women's payouts are equivalent prize money to the men at the Davis Cup Finals.. The 12-team BJK Cup Finals start Tuesday at Seville's La Cartuja Stadium. The runner-up team will earn $1.44 million, each losing semifinalist will get $960,000 and teams eliminated in the group stage will receive $480,000. The ITF
Sports on TV for Tuesday, November 7
The Associated Press | Posted Nov. 6 - 7:00 a.m. | Save Story
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Iga Swiatek tops Aryna Sabalenka at the WTA Finals to reach the title match and get a shot at No. 1
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 5 - 7:12 p.m. | Save Story
Iga Swiatek has given herself a shot at her first WTA Finals title and the year-end top ranking by eliminating No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 6-2 in a rain-suspended semifinal. The second-seeded Swiatek will meet the fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula on Monday for the trophy. Both players have claimed all eight sets they've played on the outdoor hard court in Cancun. The final was supposed to be held on Sunday, but a series of showers throughout the week continued on Saturday, when Pegula defeated Coco Gauff in the first semifinal. The second semifinal, Swiatek vs. Sabalenka, was stopped in the fourth game. When they resumed on Sunday, Swiatek took a 4-1 lead and never looked back.
Untouchable Djokovic downs Dimitrov in straight sets for record-extending 7th title at Paris Masters
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 5 - 9:43 a.m. | Save Story
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic won a record-extending seventh title at the Paris Masters on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-3 win over Grigor Dimitrov in the final. Djokovic, who had been pushed to three sets in his three previous matches, enjoyed a comfortable afternoon under the roof of the Palais Omnisports. He was in total control from the start while Dimitrov got off to a timid start, letting his opponent dictate the play, and never found his rhythm. Dimitrov was second-best in all areas and the result improved Djokovic's record against Dimitrov to 12-1. Djokovic was untouchable on his serve and did not face a single break point as he claimed a 40th Masters 1000 title.
Jessica Pegula beats Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals. The Swiatek-Sabalenka semi is suspended by rain
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 4 - 10:14 p.m. | Save Story
Jessica Pegula has outplayed U.S. Open winner Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-1 at the WTA Finals in a matchup between American doubles partners on a rainy and windy evening. The victory Saturday allowed Pegula to reach the title match at the season-ending championship for the first time. She is a 29-year-old American who is a decade older than Gauff. Pegula's next opponent is not yet known because the semifinal between No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek was pushed back until Sunday after a heavy shower arrived just four games into their match. The singles final will be played Monday.
Djokovic wins a 3-set battle with Rublev to set up Paris Masters final against Dimitrov
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 4 - 2:40 p.m. | Save Story
Top-ranked Novak Djokovic was made to fight for more than three hours by Andrey Rublev in their semifinal match before earning the right to play for a record-extending seventh title at the Paris Masters. Djokovic overcame a slow start to rally past his Russian opponent 5-7, 7-6 (3), 7-5 and maintain his perfect record in the semifinals at the indoor tournament. Djokovic will take on Grigor Dimitrov in Sunday's final. The Bulgarian overcame strong resistance from seventh-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas with a 6-3, 6-7 (1), 7-6 (3) victory.
The WTA Finals semis are Coco Gauff vs. Jessica Pegula, and Aryna Sabalenka vs. Iga Swiatek
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 3 - 9:49 p.m. | Save Story
Coco Gauff has overcome 17 double-faults and come back after being a game away from elimination at the WTA Finals to pull out a 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3 victory over Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in a round-robin match. Gauff will face her good friend and doubles partner Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. The other semifinal Saturday in Cancun, Mexico, will be No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka vs. No. 2 Iga Swiatek. Gauff took five of the match's last six games to improve to 2-1 at the season-ending championship. Swiatek won their group by going 3-0, finishing with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Ons Jabeur. Sabalenka defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Djokovic gets his revenge by beating defending champion Rune to reach Paris Masters semifinals
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 3 - 6:31 p.m. | Save Story
Novak Djokovic took his revenge over defending champion Holger Rune to reach the semifinals of the Paris Masters after a nearly three-hour battle. The Dane beat Djokovic in last year's final but could not prevail this time. Djokovic won 7-5, 6-7 (3), 6-4. The top-ranked Djokovic, a six-time champion at the Paris Masters, advanced to the last four for the ninth time. The result extended Djokovic's winning streak to 16 matches. He will meet Andrey Rublev for a place in the final. Grigor Dimitrov also booked his spot in the semifinals with a 6-1, 4-6, 6-4 win over Hubert Hurkacz. Dimitrov will next play Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Olympic tennis champion Belinda Bencic announces she is expecting her first child
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 3 - 5:05 a.m. | Save Story
Olympic tennis champion Belinda Bencic says she is expecting her first child. The 26-year-old Swiss player and her partner Martin Hromkovič announced the news on their Instagram accounts. He is a former professional soccer player who is also her fitness coach. Bencic writes: "Expecting our little miracle soon! We can't wait to meet you." She did not state when their baby is due or any plans to return to playing. Bencic has won two of her seven singles titles on the WTA Tour this season though has not played in the past six weeks. She's now ranked No. 14.
The WTA Finals match between Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina was suspended because of rain
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 2 - 11:05 p.m. | Save Story
Aryna Sabalenka's bid to clinch the year-end No. 1 ranking has been put on hold because her WTA Finals round-robin match against Elena Rybakina was suspended in the second set by rain. With the winner headed to the semifinals at the season-ending championship and the loser eliminated, Sabalenka took the opening set 6-1. Rybakina was about to serve for the second while ahead 5-3 when the latest in a series of showers interrupted play at about 11:30 p.m. local time. After a bit of a wait, organizers decided to call things off and push back the resumption until Friday. Earlier Thursday, Jessica Pegula beat Maria Sakkari 6-3, 6-2 to finish round-robin singles play with a 3-0 record a year after going 0-3.
Sinner withdraws from Paris Masters and slams organizers for lack of rest after early morning finish
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 2 - 5:32 p.m. | Save Story
Jannik Sinner has pulled out of the Paris Masters in a rare scheduling protest with the fatigued Italian criticizing organizers for failing to give him enough time to rest following an early morning finish in his previous match. On social media the Italian said Thursday "I am sorry to announce that I am withdrawing from today's match." That decision saw his third-round opponent Alex de Minaur get a walkover into the quarterfinals. Sinner finished playing his second-round match against Mackenzie McDonald at 2:37 a.m. in Paris early Thursday morning. He says he had "to make the right decision for my health and my body." He got support from other players. Novak Djokovic beat Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6 (2), 6-4.
Iga Swiatek says female tennis players are united as they seek improvements from the WTA
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 2 - 12:34 a.m. | Save Story
Iga Swiatek says she and other women's tennis players are more united than in the past as they seek changes on the WTA Tour, including improvements to prioritize the athletes' well-being. Swiatek said at the WTA Finals on Wednesday that players are not happy with some things. Some players recently outlined various concerns in a letter to WTA CEO Steve Simon and during two meetings with tour leadership. Among the topics were a guaranteed income and coverage for maternity leave and injury absences, along with an objection to a planned change in rules governing mandatory tournament appearances. Swiatek is a four-time Grand Slam champion who was ranked No. 1 until September.
Iga Swiatek beats Coco Gauff at the WTA Finals. Gauff double-faulted 4 times in 1 game
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 2 - 12:32 a.m. | Save Story
U.S. Open champion Coco Gauff double-faulted four times in a row while serving for the second set and wound up losing 6-0, 7-5 to four-time major title winner Iga Swiatek in round-robin action at the WTA Finals. Ons Jabeur beat Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova 6-4, 6-3 in the other singles match Wednesday night. Gauff led Swiatek 4-2 in the second set, then was a game away from forcing a third while serving at 5-4. The teenager from Florida went up 15-love, then dropped the game with the series of double-faults. Gauff lost 12 of the last 13 points against Swiatek. Gauff and Jessica Pegula were scheduled to play a doubles match later Wednesday.
Djokovic starts Paris Masters with win over Etcheverry. Medvedev out of year-end No. 1 contention
The Associated Press | Updated Nov. 1 - 7:52 p.m. | Save Story
Novak Djokovic stayed on track for the year-end No. 1 ranking for a record eighth time by beating Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3, 6-2 in the second round of the Paris Masters. Djokovic was competing in his first singles match since mid-September when he played for Serbia in the Davis Cup group stage. Daniil Medvedev dropped out of contention for the year-end No. 1 ranking by losing to Grigor Dimitrov 6-3, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (2) and then was booed off the court after remonstrating with the crowd during the match. No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who lost on Tuesday, is the only player who can overtake Djokovic. Djokovic can't clinch the year-end No. 1 spot in Paris.
