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☆ At Wimbledon, Novak Djokovic Aims to Clean Up on the Grass
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-03 | by ( David Waldstein | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Novak Djokovic, bent over with a towel in hand, delighted the Centre Court crowd during a rain delay at Wimbledon on Monday when he mopped some moisture from the grass. Djokovic has not lost a match at Wimbledon since 2017, and with a victory over Pedro Cachin of Argentina in their first-round meeting Monday, he extended his record over the last five Wimbledon tournaments to 29-0. He has won the last four men’s singles titles, and one more this year would set him up to eclipse even more names in the record book. Djokovic would also tie Roger Federer for most Wimbledon men’s singles titles (eight) and tie Bjorn Borg for the most consecutively (five). (Court won 13 majors before 1968, during a time when professionals were not allowed to play in the majors.)

Persons: Novak, Djokovic, Pedro Cachin, Rod Laver, Don Budge, Maureen Connolly, Margaret Court, Steffi Graf, Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg Organizations: Wimbledon, All England Club, Laver Locations: Argentina

☆ Novak Djokovic now stands alone at the top of the men’s grand slam count. And he’s not done yet
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-12 | by ( George Ramsay | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

This was the moment he won grand slam number 23, surpassing Rafael Nadal at the top of the men’s all-time list. “He has this software in his head that he can switch when a grand slam comes,” Djokovic’s coach, Goran Ivanišević, told reporters on Sunday. “A grand slam is a different sport compared to other tournaments.”Djokovic hits a serve against Casper Ruud in the French Open final. There, he will attempt to defend his title and take another step towards completing the calendar grand slam of winning all four majors in the same year. 1 adding to his 23 grand slam titles, particularly while he remains free of major injuries.

Persons: Casper, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer’s, – Djokovic, Ruud, I’ve, –, ” Djokovic, “, Roland Garros, Clay, ”, Goran Ivanišević, Casper Ruud, Clive Mason, Djokovic, Tom Brady –, Brady –, Federer, Nadal – Djokovic, I’m, Rod Laver, He’s, …, ” Andy Roddick, Andy Cheung, didn’t, “ He’s, Ben Rothenberg, CNN Sport’s Don Riddell Organizations: CNN, Sunday, Serbian, NFL, Wimbledon, Musketeers, Melbourne Park, Covid, Djokovic Locations: Paris, PARIS, FRANCE, France, Kosovo, Australia

☆ Novak Djokovic wins his 23rd Grand Slam title by beating Casper Ruud in the French Open final
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

If Djokovic could wait this long to hold this record, he certainly could wait for the half-hour or so it took to straighten out his strokes in the French Open final. He has won 10 trophies at the Australian Open, seven at Wimbledon and three at the U.S. Open. Djokovic came close to pulling off that feat in 2021, when he won the Australian Open, French Open and Wimbledon and made it all the way to the title match at the U.S. Open before losing to Daniil Medvedev. This was the third Slam final in the past five events for Ruud, a 24-year-old from Norway, but he is now 0-3. He lost to Nadal at the French Open a year ago and to Alcaraz at the U.S. Open last September.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Sebastian Ofner, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Philippe Chatrier, Casper Ruud, Djokovic, Federer, Ruud, —, Rod Laver, Daniil Medvedev, Serena Williams, Margaret Court, Roland Garros, Carlos Alcaraz, Alcaraz Organizations: World Tennis League, Cola, Nadal, Wimbledon, U.S ., U.S, All England Club, COVID, Margaret Locations: Dubai, Serbia, Australia, United States, Paris, Norway

☆ Tennis-Reaction to Djokovic winning 23rd Grand Slam singles title
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

June 11 (Reuters) - Following are reactions to Novak Djokovic winning a men's record 23rd Grand Slam singles title by beating Casper Ruud in the French Open final on Sunday. AMERICAN TENNIS GREAT BILLIE JEAN KINGCongrats to Djokovic, Men's Singles title for the third time. He now has a record 23 Grand Slam tournament singles titles. AUSTRALIAN TENNIS GREAT ROD LAVERCongratulations on winning 23 majors... and cementing your legacy in another command performance at Roland Garros. TWO TIMES GRAND SLAM WINNER VICTORIA AZARENKAUnreal Djokovic.

Persons: Novak Djokovic, Casper Ruud, Ruud, Rafa Nadal's, THOMAS BACH Chapeau Novak, Roger, Federer, Rafael, Nadal, RAFA NADAL, BILLIE JEAN KING Congrats, Djokovic, ROD LAVER, Roland Garros, AZARENKA, AZARENKA Unreal Djokovic, Tommy Lund, Toby Davis Organizations: INTERNATIONAL, Olympic Games, AZARENKA Unreal, Thomson Locations: Serbian, Norwegian, Gdansk

☆ Federer serves up directions as latest voice on Waze navigation app
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

The retired, polyglottic tennis star can offer directions in English, French, or German, and is the first person to record custom navigation in three different languages, the navigation app said on Wednesday. The 41-year-old Swiss offers a variety of motivational messages to drivers, on top of basic directions. "It's drive time - I can feel the adrenaline kicking in already," Federer says in one recording. I'm ready to coach you along the way." Federer joins an assortment of celebrity voices on the navigation app, which Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) acquired for $1 billion in 2013, including pop stars Christina Aguilera and the Jonas Brothers.

Persons: Europe's Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Team World's Jack Sock, Frances Tiafoe REUTERS, Andrew Boyers, Federer, Christina Aguilera, Jonas Brothers, Amy Tennery, Toby Davis Organizations: Laver, Team, Thomson Locations: London, Britain, Swiss, New York

☆ Owen Davidson, Who Won 8 Grand Slams With Billie Jean King, Dies at 79
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-14 | by ( Alex Traub | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Owen Davidson, an Australian tennis player who formed a dominant mixed doubles team with Billie Jean King in the 1960s and ’70s, winning eight Grand Slam titles with her, along with five doubles titles with other partners, died on Friday in Conroe, Texas, a suburb of Houston. Davidson came of age during a heyday for Australian tennis, with peers like Rod Laver, Ken Rosewall, Roy Emerson, John Newcombe and Margaret Court. Unlike those players, Davidson did not have significant success in singles tennis, never advancing beyond the semifinals of a Grand Slam tournament. From 1965 to 1974, he won 11 major mixed doubles titles and two men’s doubles titles. In 1967, he swept every major mixed doubles event, winning the Australian Open with his countrywoman Lesley Turner Bowrey and then winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open with King.

During a historic and solemn two-hour service, which dates back to the time of King William the Conqueror in 1066, Charles' second wife Camilla was also crowned queen. Charles, 74, automatically succeeded his mother as king on her death last September. GREAT AND GOOD[1/20] Britain's King Charles and Queen Camilla wave on the Buckingham Palace balcony following their coronation ceremony in London, Britain May 6, 2023. Much of the ceremony featured elements that Charles' forebears right back to King Edgar in 973 would recognise, officials said. Not everyone who came to watch was there to cheer Charles, with hundreds of republicans booing and waving banners reading "Not My King".

☆ Coyotes and Kings to play first pre-season games in Australia
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

MELBOURNE, April 12 (Reuters) - The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings will clash in pre-season games in Melbourne, Australia in September, the first National Hockey League contests in the southern hemisphere. The Sept. 23 and Sept. 24 games will be held at Rod Laver Arena at Melbourne Park, the venue for the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam. "The Arizona Coyotes and Los Angeles Kings are two of our League's rising young teams and among our most innovative and adventurous franchises," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman added. "We look forward to their two games at Rod Laver Arena and know this history-making visit will thrill our many avid fans in Australia." Reporting by Ian Ransom in Melbourne; Editing by Christopher CushingOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Nadal withdraws from Indian Wells due to injury
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Feb 28 (Reuters) - Three-time champion Rafa Nadal has withdrawn from the Masters 1000 event starting next week in Indian Wells due to injury, tournament organisers said on Tuesday. The 36-year-old Spaniard, who was a runner-up last year in Indian Wells, has not competed since his Australian Open title defence in January ended in a second-round defeat during which he aggravated a hip problem. "We wish Rafa continued healing, and hope to see him back at the BNP Paribas Open next year," tournament director Tommy Haas said in a statement. Nadal won at Indian Wells in 2007, 2009 and 2013. Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto; Editing by Toby Chopra and Christian RadnedgeOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Emotional Djokovic hails biggest victory of his life
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

But the Serbian's woes are now well behind him and his 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) victory over Tsitsipas was met with thunderous applause from a packed crowd at Rod Laver Arena. "I have to say that this has been one of the most challenging tournaments I have played in my life, considering the circumstances," Djokovic said in his on-court interview. This, probably, is the biggest victory in my life considering the circumstances." This is definitely not your last Grand Slam, you still have a lot of time, much more than me," Djokovic said. Tsitsipas, who fell short of becoming the first Greek tennis player to win a Grand Slam, commended Djokovic's contribution to the sport.

☆ Djokovic crushes Tsitsipas to win 10th Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Tennis - Australian Open - Men's Singles Final - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 29, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic in action during his final match against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas REUTERS/Jaimi JoyMELBOURNE, Jan 29 (Reuters) - A ruthless Novak Djokovic resumed his reign over Melbourne Park by winning a record-extending 10th Australian Open title on Sunday and crushing the Grand Slam dream of Greek trailblazer Stefanos Tsitsipas in a one-sided final. In a rematch of the 2021 French Open decider, Djokovic swept to a 6-3 7-6(4) 7-6(5) victory at Rod Laver Arena to reclaim the world number one ranking and again deny Tsitsipas a maiden major title. The atmosphere was electric and the crowd often unruly as Serbian and Greek fans bayed in the terraces as if roaring on football teams. Nole" won out as Djokovic tore into a 5-0 lead in the final tiebreak and closed out the match with a thumping forehand down the line that Tsitsipas could only hit long. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne, editing by Ed OsmondOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Australian Open 2023: order of play on Sunday
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: 1 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Order of play on the main showcourt on the 14th day of the Australian Open on Sunday (prefix number denotes seeding):ROD LAVER ARENAWomen's doubles final (3:00 p.m. local time - 0400 GMT)1-Barbora Krejcikova/Katerina Siniakova (both Czech Republic) v 10-Shuko Aoyama/Ena Shibahara (both Japan)Men's singles final (7:30 p.m. local time - 0830 GMT)3-Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) v 4-Novak Djokovic (Serbia)Compiled by Rohith Nair in Bengaluru; Editing by William MallardOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Belarusian Sabalenka crowned first 'neutral' Grand Slam champion
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The big-hitting Belarusian overhauled Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina 4-6 6-3 6-4 in the final at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday while barred from representing the eastern European nation. Had Rybakina not switched allegiance to Kazakhstan in 2018, the Russia-born player would also have competed as a neutral. "I think everyone still knows that I'm Belarusian player. Asked whether missing Wimbledon made her Australian Open win sweeter, Sabalenka was non-committal. The Belarus tennis federation was quick to extend congratulations to the country's second tennis player to win a Grand Slam, following on from twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, who was knocked out in the semi-finals.

☆ Djokovic battles Tsitsipas in high stakes Australian Open final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Never beaten at Melbourne Park after reaching the semis, fourth seed Djokovic is rated an unbackable favourite to triumph again under the floodlights at Rod Laver Arena. It offers a rematch of the dramatic 2021 French Open final, in which Djokovic came back from two sets down to snatch the title and leave Greek Tsitsipas heartbroken. "I think he (Tsitsipas) has never played a (Grand Slam) finals, am I wrong?" At 35, Djokovic needs one major title to draw level with 36-year-old Nadal's 22 in the all-time Grand Slam race. He buried his semi-final hoodoo at Melbourne Park against Russian bruiser Karen Khachanov in four sets on Friday after falling three times previously at the hurdle.

☆ Sabalenka subdues Rybakina to win maiden Grand Slam at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-28 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 28 (Reuters) - Aryna Sabalenka bludgeoned her way to a maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open with a 4-6 6-3 6-4 win over Kazakh 22nd seed Elena Rybakina on Saturday in a thrilling final between two of the most exciting power-hitters in the women's game. "Thank you so much for an amazing atmosphere," said Sabalenka, who received the trophy from former world number one Billie Jean King. "And of course my team, the craziest team on tour, I would say. Sabalenka served with venom and hammered deep returns in the decider to punch holes through Rybakina's defence for a 5-3 lead. It was an amazing two weeks for me and hopefully I'm going to have the same results and even better."

☆ Djokovic’s dad stays away from Australian Open semifinal after posing with Russian flag
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Novak Djokovic’s father decided to stay away from the 21-time Grand Slam champion’s semifinal after getting embroiled in a flap involving spectators who brought banned Russian flags to Melbourne Park, Tennis Australia said Friday. “Throughout the event, we’ve spoken with players and their teams about the importance of not engaging in any activity that causes distress or disruption,” Tennis Australia said. Four people were kicked out of the tournament because of the flags and for threatening security guards that night, police and Tennis Australia said. A supporter waves a Russian flag during the men's singles match between on day one of the Australian Open in Melbourne. William West / AFP - Getty ImagesNormally, flags can be displayed during matches at Melbourne Park.

☆ Djokovic's father won't attend semi-final after Russia flag controversy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Alasdair Pal | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

The video caused controversy in Australia, leading to the country's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Friday reiterating Australian support for Ukraine and criticising supporters of Russia's invasion. I had no intention of causing such headlines or disruption," Srdjan Djokovic said in an emailed statement. Albanese did not respond directly to the question about whether Srdjan Djokovic should be deported. Srdjan Djokovic was seen in some posts posing with the Russian supporters. Australian Open organisers on Thursday issued a reminder to players and their entourages about their policy on flags after the video of Djokovic's father emerged.

☆ Rybakina meets Sabalenka in clash of big hitters for Australian Open crown
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

While that victory brought prestige and financial reward, it did not boost her up the rankings. Rybakina would have climbed into the top 10 had the ranking points been available but she has proved she belongs in the spotlight at Melbourne Park, knocking out three Grand Slam champions en route to this year's title clash. "I think it was a great challenge for me because for sure, they have experience of winning Grand Slams, so it was nothing new for them," Rybakina, who beat Azarenka 7-6(4) 6-3 in the semi-finals, said. With Russian and Belarusian players only allowed to compete as individual athletes without national affiliation at Melbourne Park, Sabalenka could become the first neutral athlete to win a Grand Slam. Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Melbourne; Editing by Peter RutherfordOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

☆ Tsitsipas beats gutsy Khachanov to reach first Australian Open final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Tsitsipas, who had crashed three times at the semi-final stage at Melbourne Park, will take on favourite Novak Djokovic or Tommy Paul for the title. Winning his first Grand Slam crown on Sunday would see Tsitsipas take the number one spot from Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, who is absent from the tournament due to injury. "I'd like that number," Tsitsipas said. Tsitsipas regrouped in the fourth set to go 3-0 up and went on to close out the match in style and claim a place in his second Grand Slam final. "Rod Laver Arena has been special in my life and I couldn't think of a better arena to finish my career at a Grand Slam."

☆ Tsitsipas eyes boyhood dream of Grand Slam title, top ranking
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 27 (Reuters) - Stefanos Tsitsipas moved into the Australian Open final on Friday, taking a step towards becoming the first Greek world number one, which the third seed said would be the culmination of a boyhood dream. "I remember watching (Grand Slam finals) on TV saying to myself, I want to be there one day myself. I want to recreate that feeling for me," Tsitsipas, who plays favourite Novak Djokovic or Tommy Paul next, told reporters. There are certain steps you have to take to give yourself the chance to be competing for something like this. He said he was also delighted to put his country on the map along with women's world number six Maria Sakkari.

☆ Djokovic’s father seen posing with fans carrying Russian flags
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +2 min

Australian Open organizers have issued a reminder to players and their entourages about their policy on “inappropriate flags” after a video emerged showing Novak Djokovic’s father posing for pictures with fans holding Russian flags. Four fans with “inappropriate flags and symbols” were questioned by Victoria Police following Wednesday’s quarter-final between Djokovic and Russia’s Andrey Rublev. Late on Wednesday another video showed Djokovic’s father Srdjan posing for pictures with fans holding Russian flags. Russian forces have used the letter “Z” as an identifying symbol on their vehicles in Ukraine following the invasion. Russian and Belarusian players were banned from Wimbledon last year but are able to compete as individual athletes without national affiliation at Melbourne Park.

☆ Djokovic's father seen posing with fans carrying Russia flags
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Australian Open organisers have issued a reminder to players and their entourages about their policy on "inappropriate flags" after a video emerged showing Novak Djokovic's father posing for pictures with fans holding Russian flags. Four fans with "inappropriate flags and symbols" were questioned by Victoria Police following Wednesday's quarter-final between Djokovic and Russia's Andrey Rublev. Late on Wednesday another video showed Djokovic's father Srdjan posing for pictures with fans holding Russian flags. Russian and Belarusian flags are banned from Melbourne Park during the tournament after a complaint from the Ukraine ambassador to the country. Russian forces have used the letter "Z" as an identifying symbol on their vehicles in Ukraine following the invasion.

☆ Soccer mom Azarenka ordered to take off PSG shirt at Australian Open
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

MELBOURNE, Jan 26 (Reuters) - Self-described "obnoxious soccer mom" Victoria Azarenka was ordered to take off her Paris St Germain shirt at the Australian Open on Thursday before bowing out of the Grand Slam with a straight sets defeat by Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals. After an exchange of words with the chair umpire at Rod Laver Arena, Azarenka took off the PSG shirt before warming up in her regular kit against Rybakina. "They told me to take it off twice because I had a different shirt," the 22nd seed told reporters after losing 7-6(4) 6-3 to Kazakh Rybakina. "My son wore the white jersey today to his practice, and I tried to wear a white jersey to my match but couldn't. "But give me a couple of hours and I can have probably a better outlook on this month in Australia.

☆ Rybakina takes down Azarenka to reach first Australian Open final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

The 22nd-seeded Rybakina was broken as she served for the set but Azarenka double-faulted to concede three match points in the next game, allowing the Kazakh to close out an emphatic win. Rybakina shrugged it off then broke Azarenka twice, repeatedly outrallying the powerful Belarusian. Running full tilt, she saved a set point with a forehand passing shot and put the pressure back on Rybakina. Though failing to land a first serve 11 times in succession, Rybakina saved three break points at 5-5 before momentum shifted again when Azarenka tightened up in the tiebreak. Rybakina wobbled when serving out the match, a double-fault coughing up three break points and opening the door for Azarenka.

☆ Djokovic romps on towards 10th Australian title, Linette stuns Pliskova
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-25 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Djokovic is making a mockery of the theory that the second week of Grand Slam tournaments get tougher. Fifth seed Rublev has now lost all seven Grand Slam quarter-finals which he contested. "I'm really excited, man. So I'm really grateful." Linette had no problems serving out her quarter-final against twice Grand Slam finalist Pliskova, whose 36 unforced errors sabotaged yet another bid to win a first major.

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