DIRS.INFO The most relevant business & tech news

☆ Gauff outshines Raducanu to win battle of the prodigies
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-18 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"I just told myself to hang in there," Gauff said in her on-court interview. "Emma was playing really good tennis towards the end of the match and the whole match was great. "In the beginning we both started off rocky but I think the match was good quality for the most part. "This was a long anticipated match since the draw came out so I'm glad the match was good for you guys." Gauff next takes on the winner of the match between fellow American Bernarda Pera and China's Zheng Qinwen, hoping to win and match her best run at Melbourne Park three years ago.

☆ Djokovic feels the love during dominant opening victory
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 17 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic soaked up thunderous applause in his first match back at the Australian Open after last year's deportation drama, as the nine-times champion outclassed Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3 6-4 6-0 on Tuesday in a flawless start to his title bid. Returning to Melbourne Park where the prolific Serbian was denied a title defence in 2022 after being sent home amid public fury for not having a COVID-19 vaccination, Djokovic saved three early break points to win the first set as fans sang his name. A heavily strapped left thigh due to a hamstring strain he suffered en route to the Adelaide title proved little hindrance for the 35-year-old who was enjoying his time in front of the Rod Laver Arena crowd as he took the second to double his lead. Striking the ball superbly throughout, Djokovic underlined his credentials as favourite to win the title, which would take him level with holder Rafa Nadal on 22 majors, by wrestling Carballes Baena into submission in a one-sided third set. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Ken FerrisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Raducanu happy injured ankle passed opening test at Melbourne Park
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

"Everything I've done has been quite controlled in the last week," 2021 U.S. Open champion Raducanu told reporters. Raducanu wasted little time in reaching the second round, dismissing Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 6-2 to set up a showdown with French Open runner-up Coco Gauff. "Coco's obviously done a lot of great things and she's playing well. Part of the next generation of tennis, really. She's playing really good tennis and looking really solid right now.

☆ Swiatek quells Niemeier challenge in testing opener
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/3] Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 16, 2023 Germany's Jule Niemeier in action during her first round match against Poland's Iga Swiatek REUTERS/Carl RecineMELBOURNE, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Iga Swiatek took time to get going but found her way past Jule Niemeier, beating the German 6-4 7-5 in the opening round of the Australian Open on Monday for a slightly unconvincing start as the firm favourite for the year's first Grand Slam title. In a rematch of their U.S. Open fourth-round meeting where Swiatek battled from a set and break down to prevail, the Pole revved up her backhand to save two breakpoints before a nervy hold as Niemeier gave her little room to work the angles. But the top seed targeted world number 68 Niemeier's serve to grab the decisive break and with it the opening set, before surrendering serve early in the next only to hit back from 0-2 down to level at 5-5 and seal the victory. Swiatek, backed to stamp her authority on the women's game by winning the title vacated by the retired Ash Barty, continues her quest for a fourth major trophy when she meets Colombia's Camila Osorio in the second round. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ 'Let's move on': Melbourne fans ready to make Djokovic feel welcome
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic made his way to Melbourne for the Australian Open unsure about the reception he would receive after being deported before last year's Grand Slam over his unvaccinated status, but forgiving fans said the nine-times champion was welcome again. But 12 months on, fans at Melbourne Park said that they were willing follow the lead of their Adelaide counterparts, who gave Djokovic a rousing reception throughout his title run in a warm-up tournament. "Well I hope everyone makes him feel welcome," Jane Powell, an Adelaide resident attending the year's first Grand Slam, told Reuters TV. Australian Open organisers have said any fans targeting Djokovic, who begins his quest for a 22nd Grand Slam to match Nadal against Roberto Carballes Baena on Tuesday, would be slapped with potential tournament bans. Another Melbourne resident, Leigh Harrison, echoed those views saying Adelaide had shown Melbourne the way forward.

☆ Rune ready to rock the boat at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-15 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 15 (Reuters) - Holger Rune heads into the Australian Open as the last man to beat favourite Novak Djokovic and the Danish teenager is ready to take the fight to the established order at the year's first Grand Slam, which starts on Monday. "It was a crazy match," Rune, who has surged up the world rankings to 10th spot, told reporters. "I still have a lot I want to achieve and I'm super excited to go for it." I'm not afraid," Rune said. "I'm just going to go out there and play my tennis but now it's just the first match I have to focus on.

☆ Djokovic seeks normal service at Australian Open to match Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-13 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/2] Jan 12, 2023; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Novak Djokovic of Serbia hits a backhand during a practice session on Rod Laver Arena with his coach Goran Ivanisevic at Melbourne Park. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY SportsMELBOURNE, Jan 13 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic resumes his Grand Slam title race with Rafa Nadal next week at the Australian Open, returning to what was his happiest hunting ground before the ugly controversy which led to his absence last year. While Roland Garros has been Nadal's domain for nearly two decades, Melbourne Park is almost as much for Djokovic, with the world number five capturing nine titles and holding an 82-6 record since 2007. Djokovic has also proven to be unbeatable in Australian Open semi-finals and finals with 9-0 records in both, making him the automatic favourite anytime he enjoys a deep run. The injury withdrawal of world number one and U.S. Open champion Carlos Alcaraz robbed the year's first Grand Slam of a genuine title contender.

☆ Australian Open title can be balm for Djokovic after deportation saga
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

However, the 35-year-old said this week that the bitter saga had taken its toll. "I was really drawn into a storm in media worldwide that was related to anything to do with COVID and the vaccine," Djokovic told Channel Nine. "All of a sudden I became the villain of the world which is a terrible position to be in as an athlete. I had an amazing tournament, tremendous support - a packed house every match," Djokovic said. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Simon Cameron-MooreOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Djokovic faces Carballes Baena, Swiatek meets Niemeier at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-12 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Second seed Casper Ruud - twice a runner-up on the Grand Slam stage last year - plays Tomas Machac. A pre-tournament practice match between Nick Kyrgios and Djokovic saw tickets sold out in 58 minutes and the pair could potentially meet in a blockbuster quarter-final. Five-times runner-up Andy Murray plays Matteo Berrettini while fifth seed Andrey Rublev meets wildcard Dominic Thiem in other first-round matches. The Polish player could face seventh seed Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals and third seed Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals. Women's world number two Ons Jabeur will begin her latest attempt to become the first Arab player to claim a Grand Slam singles title when she plays Tamara Zidansek.

☆ Former champion Osaka withdraws from Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 8 (Reuters) - Two-times champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the Australian Open, organisers of the year's first Grand Slam which begins on Jan. 16 said on Sunday without elaborating on the reason, as a cloud hung over one of the sport's brightest stars. The Japanese former world number one's name was on the entry list for the Australian Open, but Osaka was not scheduled to play in warm-up tournaments in Adelaide and Hobart, raising doubts about her participation in the hardcourt major. "Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the Australian Open. We will miss her at #AO2023," the Australian Open tweeted. Her withdrawal marks a double blow for Australian Open organisers a day after American seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams was ruled out due to injury.

☆ Fritz delivers as U.S. win inaugural United Cup crown
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/5] Tennis - United Cup - Ken Rosewall Arena, Sydney, Australia - January 8, 2023 Taylor Fritz of the U.S. reacts during his match in the final against Italy's Matteo Berrettini REUTERS/Asanka Brendon RatnayakeSYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) - Taylor Fritz edged Matteo Berrettini 7-6(4) 7-6(6) as the United States justified their status as favourites to outclass Italy in a one-sided final at the inaugural United Cup mixed team tournament on Sunday. It's amazing for the team to win this event. We came in with really high hopes, or at least I did," Fritz said. SHOULDER INJURYA shoulder injury forced the 20-year-old Musetti to concede to Tiafoe after his first serve of the second set. The Americans top the table with most titles in the Davis Cup (32), Billie Jean King Cup (18) and Hopman Cup (6).

☆ Djokovic shakes off hamstring issue to down Medvedev, reach Adelaide final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ADELAIDE, Jan 7 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic overcame an injury scare midway through his match against Daniil Medvedev on Saturday to mow down the Russian 6-3 6-4 and storm into the Adelaide International 1 final, where he will take on unseeded American Sebastian Korda. Djokovic saved a break point with a 200 kmh second serve before holding firm from there to seal a comfortable victory. "Thankfully it was nothing too serious," Djokovic said of his injury in an on-court interview. The longer the match went on, my hamstring got warmer and bothered me less. Up next for Djokovic is Korda, who reached the final after Japan's Yoshihito Nishioka retired due to an injury with the score at 7-6(5) 1-0.

☆ United States blank Poland to reach United Cup final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

I had no doubt that if I were to lose that the rest of the team would have come through," Fritz said. I think it's a huge advantage this time having the girls on our team because it just makes the whole team so much stronger. "I'm super excited going into the final and I think we've been the favourites all week." Italy lead their semi-final against Greece 2-0 after Martina Trevisan and Lorenzo Musetti won their matches on Friday. Matteo Berrettini can book their place in the final with a victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas in the evening session.

☆ Venus out of Australian Open following injury in Auckland
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 7 (Reuters) - Seven-times Grand Slam champion Venus Williams pulled out of this month's Australian Open due to injury, the organisers of the season's first Grand Slam said on Saturday. Williams was set to play her 22nd Australian Open after being awarded a wildcard to the Jan. 16-29 tournament. "Venus Williams has withdrawn from the Australian Open due to an injury sustained at the ASB Classic in New Zealand," the Australian Open said in a tweet. Australia's Kimberly Birrell was awarded her wildcard place. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Noskova stuns Jabeur in Adelaide to set up Sabalenka showdown
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/4] Tennis - Adelaide International - Memorial Drive Tennis Club, Adelaide, Australia - January 7, 2023 Czech Republic's Linda Noskova in action during her semi final match against Tunisia's Ons Jabeur REUTERS/Loren ElliottJan 7 (Reuters) - Qualifier Linda Noskova continued her giant-killing run at the Adelaide International 1 on Saturday, as the 18-year-old toppled ailing world number two Ons Jabeur 6-3 1-6 6-3 to set up a final against second seed Aryna Sabalenka. She returned rejuvenated to grab the second set dropping only one game, but found herself a break down at 1-3 in the decider and Noskova held her nerve to grab the victory. "I'm happy with the level I played today, especially with her different game," Sabalenka said of Begu. The American will meet 2016 Junior Roland Garros singles champion Rebeka Masarova of Spain, who downed fellow qualifier Ysaline Bonaventure of Belgium 6-3 6-3. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru Editing by Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Djokovic outclasses Shapovalov in Adelaide to set up Medvedev semi-final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ADELAIDE, Australia, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic will face the biggest test of his Australian Open preparations in a blockbuster semi-final with former world number one Daniil Medvedev after the Serbian beat Denis Shapovalov 6-3 6-4 at the Adelaide International 1 on Friday. Canada's world number 18 Shapovalov raised his game to draw level at 3-3 in the second set but surrendered his serve after a wayward shot and a double fault as Djokovic surged ahead 5-4 before closing out the quarter-final clash on serve. Top seed Djokovic has won his previous three meetings with Medvedev, who last beat him in the 2021 U.S. Open final. Third seed Medvedev earlier advanced with a 6-3 6-3 win over compatriot Karen Khachanov in their first tour meeting since 2019 to improve his record against him to 3-1. "So I just wish him all the best for the coming weeks and the Australian Open coming up."

☆ Medvedev relishing potential clashes with Djokovic, Nadal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Medvedev lost to 21-times Grand Slam champion Djokovic in the Australian Open final two years ago, before falling to 22-times major winner Nadal in a marathon Melbourne Park title clash 12 months ago. I still have the chance to play Rafa and Novak, and every time I have this chance, I want to win. Medvedev beat Djokovic to claim his maiden major at the U.S. Open in 2021, but said playing him in Australia was a completely different challenge. "It's a challenge to play Novak in Australia. The Australian Open begins on Jan. 16.

☆ Noskova stuns Azarenka in Adelaide as Jabeur, Sabalenka reach semis
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Jan 6 (Reuters) - Teenaged qualifier Linda Noskova saved a match point before completing a stunning 6-4 6-7(3) 7-6(6) victory over double Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka on Friday to reach the semi-finals of the Adelaide International 1. Noskova, who also upset third seed Daria Kasatkina earlier in the WTA 500 event, next meets favourite and world number two Ons Jabeur who battled past Marta Kostyuk 7-6(5) 7-5. Second seed Aryna Sabalenka staved off a late fightback from former French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova to win 6-3 7-5 in hot conditions. She fought until the end and I was really happy I was able to win," WTA Finals runner-up Sabalenka said after another battling display in her preparation for the Jan. 16-29 Australian Open. "I think because I'm staying really calm and I feel like I'm at home here that's why I play really well.

☆ Sabalenka survives scare to reach Adelaide quarters
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Having received a bye into the second round, second seed Sabalenka started sluggishly to find herself in trouble trailing by five games to one but the 24-year-old roared back to save six set points and claim the opening set in the tie-break. After the pair traded breaks other early in the next set, Sabalenka showed her mental toughness again in the tie-break to seal her first win of the season in two hours and 15 minutes. "She's an incredible player with a huge serve, so it was a tough match and I'm super happy with this win." Sabalenka will next face former French Open runner-up Marketa Vondrousova, who handed Kaia Kanepi a bagel en route to a 6-0 6-4 victory. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Robert BirselOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Medvedev downs Kecmanovic to reach Adelaide quarters
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

ADELAIDE, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Daniil Medvedev reached the Adelaide International 1 quarter-finals with a 6-0 6-3 win over Miomir Kecmanovic on Wednesday, moving a step closer to a potential semi-final showdown with Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open warm-up event. Former U.S. Open champion Medvedev was pushed hard in the previous round by Lorenzo Sonego, saving nine set points before winning the first set, but had an easier time of it against Serbian Kecmanovic, the world number 29. Miomir is a tough opponent, a high-ranked player, so there are no easy guys left in Adelaide," Medvedev said. "I'm not sure there were (any easy opponents) from the first round, so I'm happy to be through, happy with my level." Up next for world number seven Medvedev is a meeting with compatriot and eighth seed Karen Khachanov, who beat Briton Jack Draper 6-4 6-2.

☆ WTA says return to China will require resolution to Peng case
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Peng had accused Chinese former Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli of sexual assault in 2021 in a post on social media that was soon removed from the country's internet. "There has not been any change in the WTA position on a return to China and we have only confirmed our 2023 calendar through U.S. Open," the WTA said in a statement. The WTA said it had received confirmation Peng was safe and comfortable but were yet to meet with her personally. "We continue to hold firm on our position and our thoughts remain with Peng," the statement added. In July last year, men's governing body ATP had cancelled its events in China due to the COVID-19 crisis in the country.

☆ Barty to mentor local wildcard Gadecki at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Jan 4 (Reuters) - Retired Australian Open champion Ash Barty is returning to Melbourne Park for this year's event to mentor local hope Olivia Gadecki, who received a wildcard for the season's first Grand Slam. Former world number one Barty called time on her career last March, shortly after ending her country's 44-year wait for a home champion at the Australian Open. World number 202 Gadecki said at the United Cup in Sydney that Barty would be in her camp at Melbourne Park for the Jan. 16-29 tournament. The 20-year-old will begin her Australian Open preparations at next week's Hobart International. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Berrettini inspires Italy to big victory in United Cup
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

In a rematch of their U.S. Open quarter-final and Gstaad final, where world number three Ruud prevailed last year, it was Berrettini who took control of the match on the back of his powerful serve to seal a 6-4 6-4 Group E win. I knew I had to serve my best," Berrettini, who fired 10 aces and won 88% of points on his first-serve, said. The fourth semi-finalist will be a runner-up with the best record from their three matches in the $15 million event. World number 10 Hubert Hurkacz earlier beat Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka 7-6(5) 6-4 to send Poland on their way. Maria Sakkari earned Greece a spot in the Perth final from Group A with a 6-1 7-5 win over Belgium's Elise Mertens.

☆ Djokovic gets the welcome he wished for in Adelaide
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

ADELAIDE, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Novak Djokovic cruised through his first singles match in Australia since being deported last year with a 6-3 6-2 victory over Constant Lestienne at the Adelaide International 1 on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Serb was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban for the country, which was waived in November. "I have to say, I'm glad to be back in Australia, thank you all for coming out," Djokovic said on court. I won my first Grand Slam here in 2008 and I have nine Australian Open titles - I've had some epic matches. Up next for world number five Djokovic is another Frenchman in Quentin Halys, who beat Australian Jordan Thompson 6-3 6-4.

☆ Nadal calls for United Cup format tweaks to avoid dead rubbers
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-03 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

SYDNEY, Jan 3 (Reuters) - Rafa Nadal likes the United Cup concept but says the mixed team tournament's format should be changed to ensure there were fewer dead rubbers going forward. "The competition's great, idea is great," said Nadal, who next heads to Melbourne for his Australian Open title defence. After Britain clinched a 3-1 win over Spain in their opener, Nadal skipped the mixed doubles rubber. "I don't think it's good for the competition that we're playing Australia, both of us being out of the tournament. The inaugural edition of the United Cup is being played in Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

Search resuls for: "Sridhar"

25 mentions found