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☆ Emotionally drained Djokovic savours happy end to difficult fortnight
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

"When I went into my box, I emotionally collapsed there and teared up with my mother and my brother when I gave them a hug," Djokovic told reporters. Djokovic senior skipped his son's semi-final against American Tommy Paul and was also absent from the title clash. We both agreed it would probably be better that he's not there," Djokovic said. I saw him after... though he was happy to hug me, I could see he was a bit sad. If it's going to be better for me... that he's not in the box, then so be it.

☆ 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.

☆ Valero profit beats estimates on higher fuel demand, tight supplies
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] The Valero refinery next to the Houston Ship Channel is seen in Houston, Texas, U.S., May 5, 2019. REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File PhotoCompanies Valero Energy Corp FollowJan 26 (Reuters) - Valero Energy Corp (VLO.N) zoomed passed Wall Street estimates for quarterly profit on Thursday, wrapping up the refiner's best year on record, boosted by higher demand for fuel and healthy refining margins as crude supplies remained tight. U.S. refineries operated at record levels last year, aided by a quick recovery in domestic sales and strong exports demand following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Valero refineries operated at 97% capacity utilization rate in the fourth quarter, the highest since 2018. Valero Energy, the second-largest U.S. refiner by capacity, said quarterly refining throughput volumes averaged 3.04 million barrels per day (bpd), slightly above the year-ago quarter.

☆ Early French Open triumph proved a burden, says resurgent Ostapenko
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 22, 2023 Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko in action during her fourth round match against Coco Gauff of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren ElliottMELBOURNE, Jan 22 (Reuters) - Grand Slam success came to Jelena Ostapenko in a hurry when she hoisted the French Open trophy as an unseeded 20-year-old but the early career triumph soon became a burden. She next plays Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, who sent world number one Iga Swiatek packing in the early match at Rod Laver Arena. Her country's first Grand Slam champion, Ostapenko is hardly alone in being unable to back up after winning a major title but her retreat from the spotlight was sudden and sustained. Of course, (there was) a lot of attention from everywhere outside the court, like photo shoots and all those kind of things. Ostapenko is no shrinking violet and has sometimes let her emotions get the better of her on court.

☆ Gauff in tears after failing to crack Ostapenko code
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-22 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

"I think every loss is somewhat in my control because I do feel like I'm a good player, but today she just played better," Gauff, seeded seventh, told reporters. "I think it's because I worked really hard and I felt really good coming into the tournament and I still feel good," Gauff said. "But when you play a player like her and she plays really well, it's like there's nothing you can do. "I think doubles has taught me how to play after losing, how to play with frustration," Gauff added. I hope I can help her and I hope that she continues well in the (singles) tournament now that I'm out.

☆ Djokovic backs up Murray's concerns over 'gruelling' schedule
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

When asked for his opinion on Murray's comments, nine-times champion Djokovic told reporters: "I think that players' input is always important for tournament organisation. "I would agree with his (Murray's) points... For the crowd, it's entertaining, it's exciting, to have matches (end at) midnight, 1, 2, 3 am. "Even if you go through and win, prevail in these kind of matches, you still have to come back. Yeah, something needs to be addressed I guess in terms of the schedule after what we've seen this year." Djokovic next faces Australian Alex de Minaur in the fourth round on Monday.

☆ Raducanu under more pressure than me, says Gauff
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

Seventh seed Gauff will meet former U.S. Open champion Raducanu for the first time in the second round of the Australian Open after both won their opening matches in straight sets at Melbourne Park. "Obviously she's gone through a lot of pressure, bursting onto the scene. I feel like probably more than I have experienced coming to win a Slam," Gauff told reporters after her 6-1 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova. "Especially being from the U.K., the first British person to do something in a long time, probably is a lot more pressure than what I'm used to being an American. Now, Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys and Shelby Rogers were there to share the spotlight with her, said Gauff.

☆ Nadal survives early test, Kyrgios pulls out in Australian Open shock
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-16 | by ( Ian Ransom | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

With Draper's injury reducing him to a groaning wreck, Nadal finished strongly to close out the match 7-5 2-6 6-4 6-1. With Kyrgios gone and last year's women's champion Ash Barty retired, the chances of a another home winner for local fans are greatly diminished. Seventh seed Coco Gauff also raced into the second round, while last year's finalist Danielle Collins advanced with a tougher, three-set win over Anna Kalinskaya. Briton Raducanu will next face teenager Gauff, who won in Auckland and confirmed her good form with a 6-1 6-4 win over Katerina Siniakova. Italian 15th seed Jannik Sinner, a quarter-finalist last year, was the first man to reach the second round, rolling over Briton Kyle Edmund 6-4 6-0 6-2 on John Cain Arena.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ 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.

☆ Djokovic can't forget being deported but ready to move on in Australia
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-29 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Serbia's Novak Djokovic practices ahead of the Adelaide International and Australian Open tournaments, at Memorial Drive Tennis Club in Adelaide, Australia, December 29, 2022. Djokovic was deported on the eve of the 2022 Australian Open in January for not being vaccinated against COVID-19 and received a three-year travel ban for the country. "You can't forget those events, it's one of those things that stick with you," said Djokovic in his first news conference since returning to Australia. I'll do my best to play some good tennis and bring good emotions and good feelings to the crowd." It's been my favourite Grand Slam, the results prove that."

Relentlessly rising rents, eight consecutive interest rate hikes, surging living costs and devastating natural disasters in the past few years have inflamed what was already among the world's least affordable rental markets. In Demographia's International Housing Affordability report this year, Sydney ranked the world's second-least affordable market, behind only Hong Kong. Australia's worst floods on record in the east of the country earlier this year destroyed homes and forced about 40,000 people to evacuate, adding to the housing crisis. SEEKING SOLUTIONSProperty owners say rising costs are forcing them to raise rents. Trina Jones from Homelessness New South Wales said for the move to be successful, homes need to be representative of social and affordable housing, and not aimed at making profits.

☆ The US may have lost in the World Cup, but soccer is more popular than ever in America
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-12 | by ( Harry Enten | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +36 min

The Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal. They made history as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Less spoken about is that they also rate better on television than the men do in the World Cup. We’ll just have to wait and see, though with the US, Canada and Mexico hosting the 2026 World Cup, soccer isn’t going away anytime soon.

☆ Croatia beats Japan on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-05 | by ( Ben Church | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +28 min

CNN —Goalkeeper Dominik Livaković made himself a national hero as Croatia beat Japan on penalties 1-1 (3-1) to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. Marko Djurica/ReutersJapan’s heartbreakDespite its defeat, Japan can look back at an impressive World Cup campaign. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago. He also became just the third goalkeeper to save three penalties in a single World Cup shootout.

☆ France reaches World Cup quarterfinals with 3-1 victory over Poland as Kylian Mbappé breaks Pelé’s record
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Matias Grez | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +30 min

CNN —France was made to work hard for its place in the World Cup quarterfinals, overcoming an improved Poland side 3-1 thanks to goals from Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappé. That is Mbappé’s fifth goal of Qatar 2022 and already his ninth World Cup goal overall, breaking Pelé’s record of seven World Cup goals scored before the age of 24. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Issei Kato/Reuters Kylian Mbappé scores his second goal on November 26, leading France to a 2-1 victory over Denmark. Mbappé was one of the leading stars of the team's World Cup triumph four years ago.

☆ USMNT’s youth and talent at Qatar 2022 bodes well for 2026 World Cup
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Issy Ronald | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

The Netherlands knocked the USMNT out of the Qatar World Cup on Saturday. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament. Qatar is the first Islamic country to host a World Cup.

☆ Japan vs. Croatia: Samurai Blue aiming to reach World Cup quarterfinals for first time
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-04 | by ( Aimee Lewis | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +31 min

CNN —In a World Cup of surprises, Japan has played a leading role in headline-making shock results. Croatia is a team undefeated in nine of its last 10 World Cup matches. They made history Thursday as the first all-female refereeing crew for a men's World Cup match. Frappert became the first woman to referee a men's World Cup match. It was Morocco's first World Cup win since 1998 — and its third-ever at the tournament.

☆ Australia's Coles flags climate challenge as floods push up inflation
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-25 | by ( Byron Kaye | Harshita Swaminathan | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

2 grocer Coles Group Ltd flagged climate change as its next big operational challenge on Wednesday as floods pushed up prices in the first quarter, lifting sales revenue but squeezing the farming supply chain. Coles shares fell 3% by mid-session, against a flat overall market, as analysts weighed the impact of inflation, which economists also blame on soaring energy prices, on profit growth. Shares of larger rival Woolworths Group Ltd, which reports September quarter sales on Nov. 3, were also down 3%. At its annual meeting, Woolworths CEO Brad Banducci said inflation remained a concern and the company expected the operating environment to remain challenging. With Australian inflation at a 32-year high of 7.3% in the September quarter, Coles CEO Cain said cost of living pressures were changing customer behaviour, with lower-income shoppers buying less fresh produce and more canned goods, and “catering in bulk” to reduce food waste.

☆ Explainer: Australia floods: why the country is battling weather again
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-15 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

A home is inundated by floodwaters, following heavy rains and severe flooding in the McGraths Hill suburb of Sydney, Australia, July 6, 2022. Another contributor is the Indian Ocean Dipole - a climate phenomenon that affects rainfall patterns near the Indian Ocean, including Australia. For the coming months, Santoso predicted conditions would ease as the effect of La Nina and Indian Ocean Dipole dissipate, especially over summer. Even so, the country's weather forecaster expects that with another La Nina underway, eastern Australia should experience above-average rainfall in spring and early summer. With rivers high and dams full across much of eastern Australia, any rainfall now has the potential to cause widespread flooding, the forecaster said this month.

☆ Prayers and release of birds to mark 20 years since Bali bombing
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Doves are released during a memorial service to mark the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings, which killed 202 people including 88 Australians, at Coogee Beach in Sydney, Australia, October 12, 2022. People of about 20 other nationalities also died in the attacks on the island that is a popular holiday destination, especially for visitors from nearby Australia. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterA ceremony including peace prayers and the symbolic release of 20 birds will be among several events taking place on the predominantly Hindu island, including at a memorial erected in the area of the blasts. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese spoke at a ceremony at Coogee Beach in Sydney, home to the Dolphins rugby team, which lost six members in the attacks. "Even when I realise I am not in Kuta traffic, I can shake in fear, break out in a cold sweat and feel really scared."

☆ Investors may soon be able to replicate stock trades by Republican and Democratic lawmakers with the NANC and CRUZ ETFs
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-24 | by ( Carla Mozée | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Two proposed exchange-traded funds would mimic stock trades made by members of Congress and their spouses. If approved, the ETFs would track trades by Democrats and Republicans, under tickers NANC and CRUZ. The House of Representatives may vote next week on legislation to ban Congress members from trading stocks in reforming the STOCK Act. In July, the California representative denied her venture capitalist husband uses information she provides to make stock trades. 70% of likely voters want new legislation to ban stock trades by Congress members, according to a poll shared with Insider in June by Data for Progress.

☆ Pets left in limbo as Australian owners get cold feet
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Loren ElliottSYDNEY, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Australian animal shelters are overflowing, and the wait to return animals can be as long as eight months as pet owners return to work and face rising costs. "The number of animals in the pounds and shelters that are just desperate to get out. The number of calls, emails, texts that we get here of people wanting to surrender their animals and it's just never-ending... "You have all these really nice ideas... and then in reality, it's so much pressure and hard work," she said. ($1 = 1.4883 Australian dollars)Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Stefica Nicol Bikes; Writing by Lewis Jackson.

☆ Valero, Marathon top beneficiaries of U.S. emergency oil releases
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Arathy Somasekhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File PhotoHOUSTON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - Oil refiners Valero Energy Corp (VLO.N) and Marathon Petroleum Corp (MPC.N) are the biggest beneficiaries of the U.S. government's oil reserve releases, taking nearly half the crude offered, a Reuters analysis of Department of Energy data showed on Wednesday. The Biden administration has opened spigots at the nation's Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to lower fuel prices and ease a supply crunch from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Awards of about 218 million barrels for the 12 months endedSept. Valero, the second largest U.S. refiner by capacity, secured 52.7 million, while top oil processor Marathon Petroleum snapped up 45.2 million barrels. About 24.42 million barrels were released by exchange, with the largest amounts taken by Exxon and Shell.

☆ NZ's Ardern says Christchurch Call anti-online hate project gets new tech investments
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-21 | by ( Lucy Craymer | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addresses members of the media during a joint news conference hosted with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (not pictured), following their annual Leaders’ Meeting, at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices in Sydney, Australia, July 8, 2022. REUTERS/Loren Elliott/File PhotoWELLINGTON, Sept 21 (Reuters) - New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern on Wednesday announced a new research initiative under a global project aimed at tackling online hate set up in the wake of a mass killing by a white supremacist in Christchurch in 2019. The Christchurch Call was launched by Ardern and French President Emmanuel Macron after 51 people were killed at two mosques in the New Zealand city while the shooter live-streamed his rampage on Meta's (META.O) Facebook platform. It said, however, many online service providers remain outside the Call, calling on some unidentified firms unwilling to meet the commitments to join. Register now for FREE unlimited access to Reuters.com RegisterReporting by Lucy Craymer; Editing by Kenneth MaxwellOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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