Sports
Djokovic eases into AO third round | The Express Tribune
Novak Djokovic hits a return to Italy’s Francesco Maestrelli. Photo: AFP
MELBOURNE:
Novak Djokovic sent 141st-ranked qualifier Francesco Maestrelli packing in straight sets to ease into the Australian Open third round on Thursday – with a little help from a fig tree.
The Serbian great is on his latest mission to win a record 25th Grand Slam title and dismissed the Italian 6-3, 6-2, 6-2.
Djokovic faces China’s Shang Juncheng or Botic van de Zandschulp of the Netherlands next in Melbourne.
Djokovic is well known for his sometimes unusual preparations, which include hugging a Brazilian fig tree in Melbourne’s botanical gardens.
“That is my oldest friend here in Melbourne,” said the 38-year-old former world number one, who has won 10 Australian titles, more than anyone in history.
“He has been there to heal my wounds and give me company.
“It’s a beautiful connection, nature is such a powerful ally.
“We have a friendship going over 20 years.”
In sunny, but noticeably cooler temperatures than recent days, the fourth seed appeared determined to get the job done as fast as possible.
Playing in the early afternoon on Rod Laver Arena, rather than his usual evening slot, Djokovic raced into a 5-2 lead.
The Italian doggedly held serve despite facing multiple set points, but it was only delaying the inevitable as Djokovic sealed the opening set in 47 minutes.
Djokovic, who has been tied with Margaret Court on 24 major titles since winning the US Open in 2023, was not quite as devastating as when winning his first-round match by the same scoreline.
But he still had far too much for the outclassed 23-year-old.
Djokovic broke Maestrelli, who was making his Grand Slam debut, to start the second set and cantered into the third round.
Keys draws on champion mindset
Madison Keys said she drew on her experience as defending champion to pull through a danger moment and make the Australian Open third round on Thursday, rattling off five straight games to secure victory.
Keys, who upset Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s final, blew hot and cold against fellow American Ashlyn Krueger before getting over the line 6-1, 7-5.
It set up a clash with former semi-finalist Karolina Pliskova after the Czech ended the dreams of Indonesia’s Janice Tjen in straight sets.
“I think in those tough kind of moments like today, getting down in that second set, just kind of reminding yourself that you have been here before, you figured it out,” Keys said.
“I think when you’re able to do that in a place where you have had success, it just feels like it comes a little bit easier.”
Keys admitted after her laboured first-round win that she was a bundle of nerves and “too timid”.
The 29-year-old threw off the shackles in the first set against the 92nd-ranked Krueger, taking it in just 23 minutes on John Cain Arena before having to rally from 2-5 down in the second.
“I started really well and Ash a little slowly,” said Keys, who began her season with quarter-final exits at Brisbane and Adelaide.
“I fully expected her to raise her level and she did. But it just got away from me a little quickly.
“Then once I got that momentum (back), I just tried to sink my teeth into the set and do whatever I could to get back into it.”
After taking more than an hour to win the first set in her opening round, Keys broke on three occasions against Krueger to storm through it this time.
Hitting well and pushing her opponent around the court, the ninth seed looked ominous and held to love in opening her second set account.
But Krueger, consulting a book at the changeovers, upped her intensity and against the odds broke Keys to lead 3-2 after the champion’s serve imploded, double-faulting three times.
Keys was broken again, to love and once more on a double-fault, to slump 5-2 behind.
However, she gathered herself to reel off five straight games and stay in the title hunt.
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
-
Sports1 week agoCollege Basketball Invitational abruptly cancels 2026 tournament