Sports
Djokovic aims to ‘mess up’ Sinner-Alcaraz plans at US Open | The Express Tribune
NEW YORK:
Novak Djokovic is in the unfamiliar role of spoiler as he tries to get in the way of a third straight Grand Slam final between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the US Open.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is the underdog going into Friday’s semi-final against Alcaraz but Djokovic is in no mood to concede to his much younger rival despite fears over his ageing body.
World number one and reigning US Open champion Sinner meanwhile is heavily fancied to beat Canadian 25th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime and reach his fifth successive Grand Slam final.
AFP Sport takes a look at the men’s two semi-finals (x denotes seeding):
Carlos Alcaraz (ESP x2) v Novak Djokovic (SRB x7)
Alcaraz has won 35 of his last 36 matches, storming into the semi-finals without dropping a set at Flushing Meadows.
Djokovic though beat him in four sets in the Australian Open quarter-finals this year and denied him gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The 38-year-old Djokovic has reached the last four at all four majors this year but has found his hopes compromised by his health, retiring with injury in Melbourne and struggling physically in his Wimbledon loss.
While his strict nutritional regime and holistic approach, core to which is yoga and meditation, is well documented and key to his longevity, he is crossing his fingers he can still withstand the strain of a demanding two-week event.
“You know, nowadays (I am) more concerned than I have ever been,” Djokovic said of his physical state earlier in the tournament.
However, his mindset is as resolute as ever.
“I definitely am not going with a white flag on the court,” he said.
“Everybody is probably expecting and anticipating the finals between the two of them (Sinner and Alcaraz). I’m going to try to, you know, mess up the plans of most of the people.”
Alcaraz is eager to avenge his last two losses to Djokovic, who is 5-3 lifetime against the 23-year-old Spaniard.
“Novak, we all know Novak’s game… It doesn’t matter that he has been out of the Tour since Wimbledon,” said Alcaraz.
“I know I played a lot of times against him. I really want revenge. That’s obvious.”
Jannik Sinner (ITA x1) v Felix Auger-Aliassime (CAN x25)
Sinner is aiming to become the first man to successfully defend the US Open crown since Roger Federer won the last of five consecutive titles in 2008.
He has captured the Australian Open and Wimbledon titles this season but lost to Alcaraz in an epic five-set battle in the French Open final.
Sinner has won his last 26 Grand Slam matches on hard courts and it will take a Herculean effort from Auger-Aliassime to upset the Italian top seed.
Auger-Aliassime has triumphed in two of three previous meetings but Sinner thrashed him for the loss of just two games in Cincinnati last month.
“It’s going to be completely different, because, you know, conditions here are different. He had some big wins, so big confidence boost for him,” said Sinner.
“Because (it’s a) Grand Slam, the energy and everything is going to be different.”
Auger-Aliassime has had to put his wedding plans to one side after making it to his second US Open semi-final.
The 25-year-old is in the last four of a Grand Slam for time since 2021 after matching that run at Flushing Meadows this fortnight.
“The biggest challenges are yet to come, but that’s what I live for, that’s what I train for,” said Auger-Aliassime.
He will likely have to postpone a wedding suit fitting scheduled for Monday and top of the to-do list is devising a gameplan to unseat Sinner.
“I mean, strengths and weaknesses… Jannik, not many strengths, huh? A lot of weaknesses in his game,” joked Auger-Aliassime.
“What to say about Jannik’s game? He’s been obviously untouchable at times.
“Honestly, the next match I’m not really going to focus on my opponent more than myself.”
Liverpool are considering Newcastle United‘s Anthony Gordon as an upgrade on Cody Gakpo, while Roma‘s defender Wesley França is a target for Arsenal.
Join us for the latest transfer news and rumors from around the globe.
Transfers home page | Men’s winter grades | Women’s grades
TRENDING RUMORS
– Liverpool could replace Cody Gakpo with Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Gakpo has been offered to clubs in the Premier League, including Tottenham Hotspur, and around Europe as Liverpool attempt to gauge interest in the Netherlands international through third-party representatives. Gakpo’s departure could make way Gordon who continues to impress Reds’ officials, though Newcastle have made no secret of their intention to keep the 25-year-old on Tyneside. Gordon spent part of his youth development at Liverpool before joining Merseyside rivals Everton in 2012, where he began his professional career at Everton.
– Arsenal are stepping up their quest for Roma’s in-form defender Wesley França, with Ben White set to make way in the summer, according to TEAMtalk. Brazilian right-back França has been a revelation since joining the Italians from Flamengo last summer, the 22 year old impressing with a four-goal haul. Arsenal scouts have also noted his athleticism, defensive diligence and attacking capabilities. Everton are also interested. The Gunners are also monitoring Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, Eintracht Frankfurt‘s Nnamdi Collins and Monaco‘s Vanderson. Meanwhile, White’s departure has been sanctioned by the club if the right offer comes along.
– Barcelona and Real Madrid are both planning to test the water for Manchester City striker Erling Haaland in the summer, but City are not planning on allowing the 25-year-old to leave, according to Football Insider’s Pete O’Rourke. Haaland is contracted at the Etihad Stadium until 2031, and City are looking to sign players in other positions around him, rather than allow their main striker to leave. Haaland has been out of form by his high standards — scoring just five goals in 18 appearances since the turn of the year — prompting suggestions he may consider a new challenge, and the two Spanish giants remain intent on trying to lure the Norway international to LaLiga as a statement signing. O’Rourke also reports that should manager Pep Guardiola leave the club, City would prefer to replace him with Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany, rather than other possible candidates such as Enzo Maresca or Luis Enrique.
– Juventus boss Luciano Spalletti is keen on signing Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger and, in doing, so fend off interest from a number of Premier League clubs, according to Tuttosport. Spalletti and Rüdiger worked together at Roma, and it remains an ambition of the Bianconeri boss to re-sign the 33-year-old, ideally on a two-year deal, to bring some stability to his back line. Spalletti sees the Germany defender as the perfect short-term addition to his squad, with his UEFA Champions League experience and leadership qualities both valuable qualities. Rüdiger is available on a free transfer at the end of the season. However, Diario AS reports that there has been a “radical twist” in the situation, with a contract renewal for the defender now on the cards. Madrid coach Álvaro Arbeloa enthusiastically said on Saturday that he’d “build a statue to Rüdiger and put it in my garden.”
– Atlético Madrid have bid €35 million plus bonuses for Atalanta midfielder Éderson, according to Sportitalia’s Alfredo Pedulla. The Italian club are hoping to recoup closer to €40 million for the Brazilian. Éderson was a key member of the team as Le Dea won the Europa League and finished fourth in Serie A in 2023-24, and since then he has been linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs for several seasons. The 26-year-old’s contract in Bergamo is due to expire at the end of next season.
EXPERT TAKE
0:53
Nicol: Slot shouldn’t get sacked if Liverpool miss out on a UCL spot
Steve Nicol debates Arne Slot’s future after Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Brighton in the Premier League.
OTHER RUMORS
– Liverpool are ahead of Chelsea in the race to sign midfielder Eduardo Camavinga. Real Madrid are willing to listen to offers in the region of €50 million. (Caught Offside)
– Despite being heavily linked with a move away from Newcastle, particularly to Manchester United, Bruno Guimarães is committed to the north-east. (Newcastle Chronicle)
– Inter Milan and Juventus are tracking the situation of Chelsea midfielder Andrey Santos, hoping the 21-year-old could form an integral part of their midfield rebuilds in the summer. (Ekrem Konur)
– Arsenal could allow a number of players to leave in the summer as they look to freshen up their squad and build on what they hope will be a title-winning season. (Daily Telegraph)
– Liverpool winger Giorgi Mamardashvili is a target for European clubs and he could be tempted with the promise of more game time. (Football Insider)
– Rangers boss Danny Röhl has expressed his desire to extend Mikey Moore‘s deal beyond the end of the season, whether it’s a loan move or permanent deal. The 18-year-old was on the scoresheet for Rangers against Aberdeen on Saturday. (Daily Mail)
– Xabi Alonso is the leading contender to replace Arne Slot should the Dutchman be relieved of his duties as Liverpool Manager. Slot came under fresh pressure following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion. (Football Insider)
Sports
PSL matches to go ahead without spectators under govt’s austerity drive amid regional crisis: Naqvi
LAHORE: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, in a major announcement on Sunday, said that the much-awaited Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be held without spectators as part of the government’s austerity measures amid ongoing regional crisis.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Naqvi said the tournament will be limited to two venues, Karachi and Lahore. He added that the decision aims to reduce public movement.
This is a developing story and will be updated with more information.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
No. 12 High Point put everyone on notice for the second time in as many games this March Madness, but could not find the same success.
After advancing to the Round of 32 following an upset victory over No. 5 Wisconsin, the Panthers’ season ended after No. 4 Arkansas ran away from them late Saturday night.
High Point led by as many as five early in the game, and they were up 56-52 with 14:17 to go after going on a 12-2 run.
Both teams exchanged buckets for several minutes, with no one expanding their respective leads by more than three points for a little while.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and guard Rob Martin (3) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
With 7:04 to play, the Panthers took a 72-71 lead, to which the Razorbacks responded with a 10-2 run, putting them up by seven and giving them their largest lead of the night.
The game was then quickly tied at 83 after a wild run by High Point, but over the final 3:19, Arkansas outscored High Point, 11-5, to snatch the victory, despite a valiant effort from the Panthers.
High Point Panthers forward Terry Anderson (5) drives against Arkansas Razorbacks forward Malique Ewin (12) and forward Billy Richmond III (24) in the second half during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
Arkansas was favored by 11.5, and while they couldn’t cover, it was another Sweet 16 appearance for legendary head coach John Calipari.
Two Panthers, Rob Martin (30) and Cam’Ron Fletcher (25), combined for 55 points, but Darius Acuff Jr. of Arkansas trumped everyone by dropping 36.
Arkansas will face the winner of No. 1 Arizona and No. 9 Utah State in the Sweet 16.
High Point Panthers head coach Flynn Clayman and forward Braden Hausen (15) react in the second half against the Arkansas Razorbacks during a second round game of the men’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Moda Center. (Craig Strobeck/Imagn Images)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
High Point’s victory over Wisconsin on Thursday marked their first ever in March Madness after making the tournament last year for the first time.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter
Lady Amelia Windsor shares private hen photos tied to grandparents’ love story
Sri Lanka increases fuel prices around 25% as Middle East tensions disrupt global oil supplies – The Times of India
Princess Eugenie husband springs in action for Fergie, Andrew: ‘Unexpected’
Tips and Advice for Buying Used or Refurbished Electronics
UAE savings strategies 2026 explained: Best apps, tools, budget rules and smart money hacks to beat rising cost of living in emirates – The Times of India
Iran threatens US-linked oil facilities after Kharg Island bombed
-
Tech1 week agoTips and Advice for Buying Used or Refurbished Electronics
-
Business1 week ago
UAE savings strategies 2026 explained: Best apps, tools, budget rules and smart money hacks to beat rising cost of living in emirates – The Times of India
-
Politics1 week agoIran threatens US-linked oil facilities after Kharg Island bombed
-
Entertainment7 days agoStrategic oil stocks to be released ‘immediately’ in Asia and Oceania: IEA
-
Entertainment1 week agoIran at war
-
Tech1 week agoApple’s New Monitor Does HDR Like It’s Never Been Done Before
-
Sports1 week agoJapan suffers shocking collapse to Venezuela in World Baseball Classic
-
Politics1 week agoHow can US get out of Iran war?