The divided reaction to Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios's Battle of the Sexes encounter continues, with another sportsperson brutally criticizing Sabalenka for participating in the event. Kyrgios comfortably beat the WTA world No. 1 6-3, 6-3 in Dubai. Although the former Wimbledon men's singles runner-up insisted that Sabalenka pushed him hard, he never looked in serious danger of being upset. Afterward, Sabalenka expressed openness to a rematch, wanting revenge. Many fans do not want that, feeling the contest was low-quality and a waste of time, and would prefer to focus again on the ATP and WTA Tours. Georgie Parker, who represented Australia's hockey team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is among Sabalenka's strongest critics. In her article for The Nightly, Parker wrote that Sabalenka was arrogant and harmed the cause of equality in sports. "Aryna Sabalenka has done a massive and arrogant disservice to female athletes around the world. ‘This match - played on a modified court in Dubai - did nothing for women athletes who have fought for equal pay, respect, and opportunity. Instead, it has reinforced the tired, lazy narrative that women’s sport is inherently inferior to men's." Before the match, Sabalenka spoke of wanting to kick Kyrgios's ass. However, Parker does think that would have been positive for women's sport anyway, and the Belarusian's paycheck was the only actual positive she attained. "Beating a man who doesn’t train, doesn’t compete, and doesn’t take the sport seriously isn’t some great feminist victory. There was never going to be a winner here - except Sabalenka’s bank account."  The reality is that Sabalenka lost to an unfit-looking Kyrgios despite having a bigger court to hit into. The sentiment from many that it's not good for the WTA Tour and women's tennis is understandable, but some think the exhibition was being taken too seriously by those who are unhappy. Aryna Sabalenka had a dig at Nick Kyrgios after their Battle of the Sexes contest Falling 3-6, 3-6 to Nick Kyrgios in their match in Dubai did not stop Aryna Sabalenka from delivering some fighting talk afterward. The Belarusian is among the fieriest competitors in tennis, and retained that edge. Sabalenka dismissed Kyrgios's pre-match talk about being an unpredictable player, claimed she knew where most of his shots were going, and said the difference was his superior speed and power. Those words are a good insight into why men and women play separately. Female players are no less capable of understanding the game, and many, like Sabalenka, have better tennis IQs than most of their male counterparts. However, the physical differences between men and women are impossible to ignore. Kyrgios was not moving anywhere near as quickly as in his prime, but Sabalenka admitted that it was still faster than her athleticism. That inherent contrast is among the reasons some do not like the Battle of the Sexes concept since it risks unnecessarily devaluing women's sports. Some counter that any additional attention to tennis and sports overall should be considered positive and productive.

Two of the most significant stars in sports history united when Novak Djokovic received an award from Cristiano Ronaldo. Many consider Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to be the best footballers ever. The pair competed against each other for many years in Spain at Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Ronaldo has played in Saudi Arabia for the last few years. At the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo was named the Middle East player for the third consecutive year. That is not surprising because of his quality, but also because his influence in the region. Previous editions of the awards only included football-related honors. However, that changed this year with the introduction of the Globe Sports Award to recognize someone who has delivered excellence beyond a single sport. Djokovic received that honor, and Ronaldo was on stage to hand him the award. That moment, evidently a special one for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, can be seen in the video below. After being given the award, Djokovic admitted he was shocked, but humbled. The Serbian also mentioned that he and Ronaldo are friends, and have inspired each other to be better despite playing different sports. "It is a great surprise. I am always caught off guard, but in a positive way. Receiving this from Ronaldo is a dream come true. I am thankful to call him a friend and someone who always inspires." "We are not part of the same sport, but we push each other. Standing here together and talking about how sport can inspire children around the world is something we look forward to." Djokovic's extraordinary career has undoubtedly inspired millions of children worldwide. He is the most statistically successful player ever, and continues to perform at a high level despite being 38. Novak Djokovic opened up about how his relationship with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal evolved When Novak Djokovic emerged as a young player, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the dominant forces on the ATP Tour. Some thought that the duo was destined to dominate men's tennis for the long term. Rather than be daunted by that task, Djokovic remained outwardly confident and never hid his ambition to be better than them. That particularly irritated Federer, but Nadal was also not friendly to Djokovic. In an interview with Slaven Bilic, Djokovic recounted how Federer and Nadal were cold to him. The former world No. 1 insisted that it never came from him, and he accepted their actions without making a fuss. Djokovic said that Federer and Nadal ultimately grew warmer before their retirements, and he accepted this without question. The trio, widely considered the best players ever, now get along quite well, even if the Serbian is not yet close friends with either of his former rivals. In contrast to that evolution, Djokovic has been open about his relationships with the younger players being better from the start. Remembering being coldly received by Federer, especially, might have influenced his efforts to support the next generation despite competing against them.

Aryna Sabalenka's defeat to Nick Kyrgios in their Battle of the Sexes contest did not stop her from engaging in fighting talk afterward. Sabalenka and Kyrgios's match, which had been rumored for several months before finally being scheduled and played in Dubai on Sunday, was opposed by many, but others liked the concept and the attention it brought to tennis. Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3, and many deemed the occasion underwhelming. Although the WTA world No. 1 hit some blistering winners, Kyrgios won the match comfortably despite his female opponent having a bigger court to hit into. The Australian also did not seem fully fit. Some think Sabalenka's winning six games was positive for women's tennis, but others feel her relatively comprehensive loss against Kyrgios, who was playing well below his peak, did not serve the WTA Tour well. Kyrgios also prevailed despite consistently using the drop shot. His persistent use of it may have indicated that he did not feel able for lengthy rallies, but that did not stop him from leaving the court victorious. Despite being unable to win, Sabalenka took a dig at Kyrgios's predictability in her post-match press conference. This year's US Open champion said she knew what his strategy was, and that the 30-year-old's superior physical abilities as a man were the reason he triumphed. "I mean, he called himself an unpredictable player, but, honestly, I could see pretty much everything. It's just that his physical abilities are much higher, and he was much faster and stronger, with the acceleration and everything." Although Sabalenka and Kyrgios have a good, light-hearted relationship, her words might sting him a little. The 2022 Wimbledon men's singles runner-up enjoys being seen as a player who mixes things up and leaves opponents dumbfounded with his variety. Aryna Sabalenka thinks her match with Nick Kyrgios was ideal preparation for the new season Many online fans were unimpressed with the quality of play in Nick Kyrgios's Battle of the Sexes victory over Aryna Sabalenka. After much hype, neither player consistently performed at an outstanding level, despite some flashes of brilliance. Nonetheless, Sabalenka thinks the contest was a good way to get ready for 2026. She outlined that position during her post-match press conference in Dubai, also mentioning that the match was a good experience. "That was fun, and it was great preparation for the season. I feel like physically I am more than ready, and tennis-wise, I pulled out a great level, which always matters." Although some would dispute that Sabalenka played consistently well against Kyrgios, the experience of playing a male player is unique preparation for the new season and might provide her with some benefits. Sabalenka will try to regain her Australian Open women's singles title when the 2026 edition begins in a few weeks. She had won the previous two iterations before losing a very close final against Madison Keys almost 12 months ago. The world No. 1's 2025 season was exceptional, but also a missed opportunity. Sabalenka had a realistic chance of winning all four Grand Slams, which would have been one of the best achievements in tennis history.

Novak Djokovic was seen as "the third guy" at the start of his tennis career, a feeling he experienced when trying to challenge Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Nadal and Federer seemed to have a perfect rivalry before a third man arrived. Djokovic is the youngest of the three, which is why he arrived on the ATP Tour as the last one, but he is also the last man standing and the most successful of the three. Although he can now look back on his achievements, even though that's not something he wants to do, as he still wants to compete, it wasn't so easy when he was starting out. He also wanted to be as liked as Nadal and Federer, which is why he tried to be someone he wasn't. Djokovic admitted in a recent interview at the World Sports Summit in Dubai that he did certain things to become more likable, but eventually realized that wasn't who he was. Now, he looks back on the great era he and his two rivals created. "Life is a beautiful journey, and I think we all have our unique stories to tell, and we don't need to copy anybody else. I'm talking like this because I went through my own experiences where I tried to be someone else when I was breaking through on the tour." "I tried to be a likable guy. I was doing impersonations, which, I think, they're fun … I was always doing them. People were really kind of not accepting me as a third guy. The Federer and Nadal era was so strong in their rivalry, and there was no room for the third guy. But I made some room, I created some room. And it was amazing, the big three and the golden era that we created." "I feel like when they retired, also part of me left. So, I had to kind of reinvent myself, find new inspirations. And the reason why I still keep on going is also to see how far I can push my own bar, setting my own path." Despite being 38 and having both of his main rivals retired, Djokovic doesn't seem to have the word retirement in his vocabulary. Instead, he is looking ahead, eyeing participation at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Djokovic completed his lifelong dream of winning a gold Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he would want to play under five Olympic rings one more time. "I do want to keep on going. The LA Olympics 2028 is kind of a guiding star, but honestly, there is no limit. So, let's see. You know what I mean? Let's just keep going. I love hitting the tennis ball and I love competing. I was saying to the guys that I was talking to, the greats in football, that it's really about passion and love, and as long as you really feel like you're playing on a high level and your body holds on, why not?" "People love to talk and speculate about retirement, because, OK, people love to talk. But at the end of the day, I feel like I'm still contributing to the growth of tennis. That is a beautiful job."

The 2026 Hobart International will be the last WTA 250 tournament held before the start of the Australian Open. Hobart International is one of the older events on the WTA Tour. It was first held in 1994, with Mana Endo winning the tournament. Since then, the likes of Kim Clijsters, Garbine Muguruza, and Elena Rybakina have lifted the trophy in Hobart. In 2026, the tournament will be held from January 12th to 17th at the Domain Tennis Centre in Hobart, Australia. In 2025, McCartney Kessler beat Elise Mertens to lift the trophy in Hobart, and they will both return to Hobart in 2026. The Hobart International will also feature one of the most popular tennis players on the WTA Tour. Emma Raducanu will want to finally kick-start her climb back into the Top 10, and the WTA 250 event in Hobart will be one of her first tournaments in 2026, despite saying she would like to play less next season. Although Mertens and Raducanu are the only players from the Top 30 to enter the event, the field still includes many talented players capable of winning this WTA 250 tournament. The likes of Iva Jovic, Eva Lys, and Ann Li will all hope to carve their name into this tournament's history. Raducanu also won't be the only Grand Slam champion competing in Hobart. Two-time major singles winner Barbora Krejcikova will play at the Hobart International as well. Tournament Director Darren Sturgess was proud to introduce the strong field, which will be still joined by wild cards. "Hobart International 2026 is shaping up to be the strongest line-up of players we’ve ever had. The 31st edition of the event will see world class tennis, right here in Hobart, and the tournament is gaining significant attention and interest from big name players right across the globe." "Every player named in our field in 2026 will compete at the Australian Open, reinforcing the event’s place as an important stop on the global tennis tour. Hobart continues to play a meaningful role in the Australian summer of tennis, and our ongoing efforts to lift standards for players are delivering results, with world-class competitors choosing here to begin their season. Four wildcard spots and some Australians will be confirmed in the coming weeks." 2026 Hobart International WTA Players Entry List: Seed Name Entry Ranking 1 Elise Mertens 20 2 Emma Raducanu 29 3 McCartney Kessler 31 4 Iva Jovic 35 5 Ann Li 38 6 Eva Lys 40 7 Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 41 8 Tatjana Maria 45 Emiliana Arango 49 Janice Tjen 54 Magda Linette 55 Elsa Jacquemot 56 Xinyu Wang 57 Magdalena Frech 59 Hailey Baptiste 61 Peyton Stearns 63 Barbora Krejcikova 65 Solana Sierra 66 Olga Danilovic 67 Sonay Kartal 68 Antonia Ruzic 70

Carlos Alcaraz enjoys getting new tattoos, and he added another one during the off-season, celebrating his 2025 US Open win. Alcaraz got his first tattoo to mark his maiden major win at the 2022 US Open. He has the date of the final match, September 11th, 2022, tattooed on his left arm. In 2024, he added another tattoo to commemorate his maiden Wimbledon win. Only a few months later, the Spaniard added yet another tattoo after winning the Roland Garros. Back then, he also admitted he would get a tattoo to commemorate a possible gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but he ultimately fell to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Olympic Games. Given how incredibly successful he has been at 22, Alcaraz probably can't get a new tattoo for every major title he wins, as he would probably run out of free spots on his skin very quickly. Despite that, he decided to enrich his initial US Open tattoo from 2022. Alcaraz used the off-season to visit a tattoo artist, and he has now added the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge above the date of his first US Open win, commemorating both of his victories at Flushing Meadows. Although he is an incredible tennis player, Alcaraz also draws plenty of attention for his off-court life. Tattoos aren't the only fashion statement he has made over the years, as he recently bleached his hair blonde. He has now returned to his old hairstyle, but his new tattoo will certainly draw some eyeballs in Melbourne, Australia, where the Spaniard will attempt to win his seventh career major title, his first in Australia. That would likely mean yet another tattoo. Carlos Alcaraz could end his tennis career at 25 says former Wimbledon winner Apart from bleaching his hair and getting a new tattoo, Alcaraz has generated plenty of headlines by parting ways with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. It was a decision that shocked the tennis world, including former Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli. Bartoli recently spoke about the split on RMC Sports, saying she is worried Alcaraz might end his tennis career at 25, like Bjorn Borg, if he doesn't have enough guidance in his career. "I am worried, but in a measured way, because he is someone who has exceptional qualities to begin with. But he needs structure because otherwise, he could end up quitting tennis like Borg did at 25." "And we have a genius here, so we don’t want that; we want him to continue for a very, very long time. What’s going to happen is that for the first six months, it’s going to be a trial-and-error process." "There will be names circulating, people wondering who will take the job, who won’t. If things don’t work out with the person he hires for whatever reason, and it’s Sinner who starts taking the first two Grand Slams of the season — that is, the Australian Open, where Jannik is the overwhelming favourite, and Roland Garros, where he was one point away from winning it — he’s going to call Juan Carlos back immediately, that’s obvious."

Novak Djokovic might be the most successful tennis player of all time, but winning a 25th major title might be out of reach for the Serbian legend. Only two years ago, Djokovic seemed to be unstoppable. At the time, he had won seven major titles in his last 10 Grand Slam appearances, reaching the magical number of 24 majors. However, the 2023 US Open title was his last for now, as Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have split all the Grand Slams in the past two years. But Djokovic doesn't give up. He keeps chasing another major title, the legendary number 25. He doesn't think about retirement, even though some of the legends of the sport think he can't lift a major trophy again. Former ATP world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov recently spoke to journalist Saša Ozmo for Sportklub about Djokovic, saying it's "practically impossible" for the 24-time major winner to add number 25 to his title collection. "Honestly, I doubt that he can do it. He is the greatest player of all time, no question about it, but competing with these young guys… Novak is not even 35 anymore, he’s 39 now (in May). Believe me, the body and metabolism don’t allow you to recover quickly enough or move like a younger player." "Nobody can beat nature. A 39-year-old is simply too old to compete with a 22-year-old in peak physical condition. He can still compete in best-of-three events, but best-of-five… that’s practically impossible." Djokovic isn't the type of player who would be sad or angry to hear Kafelnikov's words, quite the opposite. Having doubters has always fuelled the Serbian player, and he will try to use them as fuel once again. 'I have no clue' why Djokovic keeps playing, says Kafelnikov Even other legends of the game, like Kafelnikov, are stunned that Djokovic keeps competing, even though he will turn 39 in 2026. He is by far the oldest player in the Top 50 of the ATP Rankings, and it's not like he would be on the verge of that, the 38-year-old is ranked fourth in the world. According to Kafelnikov, Djokovic keeps competing because of his fan base. The 24-time major winner has one of the most loyal fan bases. "I honestly have no clue. I’ve said it before – maybe he feels too loyal to his fan base around the world, to the people who want him to keep going. And that’s fine. Hats off to Novak for that. It just shows his courage and dedication. But I really can’t come up with any other reason why he’s still playing." Djokovic will try to make his fans happy at the upcoming Australian Open. He is a 10-time winner at the event, and if there is some place where it would be fitting for him to win his 25th Grand Slam title, it's certainly Melbourne.

Aryna Sabalenka might have lost the 2025 Battle of the Sexes, but she's not ready to give up on playing against ATP players. The Battle of the Sexes returned after many decades, but it wasn't the spectacle it once used to be. Although the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai was reportedly sold out, the event has drawn a lot of criticism online. Fans didn't like the nature of it, thinking it could only hurt the women's tennis, as, obviously, it would always be hard even for the WTA world No. 1 to challenge anyone who has enjoyed success on the ATP Tour. However, some enjoyed the event for what it was. Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios seemed to be two of those people. They rejected any criticism, saying they couldn't see how anyone could view the match negatively. At the end of the day, they wanted to entertain people. Speaking after the match, which she lost 3-6, 3-6, Sabalenka was proud of her performance. She even hinted at a rematch, since she mentioned how she plans to approach the match "next time." "I felt great. I think I put on a great fight. He was struggling. He got really tight. I'm happy to see the guy is getting tight when taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level. I made a lot of great shots. Moved a lot to the net. Great drop shots, Nick. Great serving." "I really enjoyed the show. I think… not I think… I feel like next time I play him, I already know the tactic. I know his strengths and weaknesses. It’s gonna be a better match for sure." Sabalenka was immediately asked whether she would want a rematch. The Belarusian player is someone who loves to compete, which is why she eyes a revenge. "Yeah. I love revenge. I love to challenge myself. I would love to play again." Despite losing the match, Sabalenka focused on the positives. She saw it as an excellent preparation for the 2026 season, as taking on a man is always a great challenge for a WTA player. "Of course, it felt different. The court is different. I had to make a couple of adjustments. Obviously, playing against a guy is completely different tennis. Everything is much faster. It was a great fitness for me today." "I hope for the next couple of days I’ll have great recovery and great days off. After this match, I’m pretty much ready for the season. I hope I’ll bring great tennis and bring joy to the people watching me during the season." Sabalenka will start her season at the Brisbane International. After that, she will attempt to lift her third Australian Open title. She won in 2023 and 2024, but lost the 2025 final to Madison Keys.

Tennis fans worldwide were left stunned when Carlos Alcaraz and longtime coach and mentor Juan Carlos Ferrero parted ways, and the latter has revealed whether they have communicated since. Despite Alcaraz still being just 22, his spell with Ferrero is among the most successful in tennis history. The 2003 French Open champion began coaching his then-teenage compatriot in 2019, when the latter was a promising young star. Under Ferrero's guidance, Alcaraz has become a superstar and one of the most watchable players in tennis history. He is a six-time Grand Slam champion and finished 2025 as the ATP world No. 1 ahead of Jannik Sinner. The only Major title Alcaraz and Ferrero did not win together was the Australian Open. Although it is still a few weeks away, the fan favorite's outfit for the 2026 edition in Melbourne was recently revealed. It is bright and colorful. Alcaraz, having a career-best 2025 that included securing two more Grand Slams, made the split from Ferrero even more surprising. Disagreements between the coach and others close to Alcaraz reportedly caused it to happen. In an interview with Radio Nacional de España, Ferrero answered a question many fans have been curious about since the shock news was announced: Have he and Alcaraz been in contact despite no longer having a player/coach relationship? "We haven't spoken yet because he needs to be calm now so he can train. And when things settles down, we'll talk and everything will be fine." Ferrero's kind words about Alcaraz in the same interview support the possibility that the two will speak again eventually. He thinks the pair can be friends after achieving so much together. "I've learned so much from Carlos. He's a kid who exudes incredible charisma. He is always very loyal, very honest, he always tells the truth, he is very hardworking. And I'm leaving happy because when all this settles down, I'm sure we'll keep talking, reminiscing about many of the things we experienced together, and we'll remain friends." No longer coaching Alcaraz after putting in so much work to make him among the best must be one of the toughest moments of Ferrero's life. Taking some time before contacting the 22-year-old might also be good for him. Juan Carlos Ferrero was asked about coaching Jannik Sinner after splitting from Carlos Alcaraz One of Juan Carlos Ferrero's principal jobs as Carlos Alcaraz's coach since the start of 2024 has been helping him devise ways to beat Jannik Sinner. The pair have won every men's singles Grand Slam contested in the past two seasons. With Ferrero no longer Alcaraz's coach after their surprising split, the coach was asked about the possibility of a stunning move to Sinner's team, which would be among the most notable off-court switches in tennis history. Ferrero did not rule it out when asked, instead saying he wanted time to come to terms with no longer being Alcaraz's coach. Sinner is still coached by Simone Vagnozzi and Darren Cahill after the latter reversed his decision to retire at the end of 2025.

The divided reaction to Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios's Battle of the Sexes encounter continues, with another sportsperson brutally criticizing Sabalenka for participating in the event. Kyrgios comfortably beat the WTA world No. 1 6-3, 6-3 in Dubai. Although the former Wimbledon men's singles runner-up insisted that Sabalenka pushed him hard, he never looked in serious danger of being upset. Afterward, Sabalenka expressed openness to a rematch, wanting revenge. Many fans do not want that, feeling the contest was low-quality and a waste of time, and would prefer to focus again on the ATP and WTA Tours. Georgie Parker, who represented Australia's hockey team at the 2016 Rio Olympics, is among Sabalenka's strongest critics. In her article for The Nightly, Parker wrote that Sabalenka was arrogant and harmed the cause of equality in sports. "Aryna Sabalenka has done a massive and arrogant disservice to female athletes around the world. ‘This match - played on a modified court in Dubai - did nothing for women athletes who have fought for equal pay, respect, and opportunity. Instead, it has reinforced the tired, lazy narrative that women’s sport is inherently inferior to men's." Before the match, Sabalenka spoke of wanting to kick Kyrgios's ass. However, Parker does think that would have been positive for women's sport anyway, and the Belarusian's paycheck was the only actual positive she attained. "Beating a man who doesn’t train, doesn’t compete, and doesn’t take the sport seriously isn’t some great feminist victory. There was never going to be a winner here - except Sabalenka’s bank account."  The reality is that Sabalenka lost to an unfit-looking Kyrgios despite having a bigger court to hit into. The sentiment from many that it's not good for the WTA Tour and women's tennis is understandable, but some think the exhibition was being taken too seriously by those who are unhappy. Aryna Sabalenka had a dig at Nick Kyrgios after their Battle of the Sexes contest Falling 3-6, 3-6 to Nick Kyrgios in their match in Dubai did not stop Aryna Sabalenka from delivering some fighting talk afterward. The Belarusian is among the fieriest competitors in tennis, and retained that edge. Sabalenka dismissed Kyrgios's pre-match talk about being an unpredictable player, claimed she knew where most of his shots were going, and said the difference was his superior speed and power. Those words are a good insight into why men and women play separately. Female players are no less capable of understanding the game, and many, like Sabalenka, have better tennis IQs than most of their male counterparts. However, the physical differences between men and women are impossible to ignore. Kyrgios was not moving anywhere near as quickly as in his prime, but Sabalenka admitted that it was still faster than her athleticism. That inherent contrast is among the reasons some do not like the Battle of the Sexes concept since it risks unnecessarily devaluing women's sports. Some counter that any additional attention to tennis and sports overall should be considered positive and productive.

Two of the most significant stars in sports history united when Novak Djokovic received an award from Cristiano Ronaldo. Many consider Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to be the best footballers ever. The pair competed against each other for many years in Spain at Real Madrid and Barcelona, but Ronaldo has played in Saudi Arabia for the last few years. At the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo was named the Middle East player for the third consecutive year. That is not surprising because of his quality, but also because his influence in the region. Previous editions of the awards only included football-related honors. However, that changed this year with the introduction of the Globe Sports Award to recognize someone who has delivered excellence beyond a single sport. Djokovic received that honor, and Ronaldo was on stage to hand him the award. That moment, evidently a special one for the 24-time Grand Slam champion, can be seen in the video below. After being given the award, Djokovic admitted he was shocked, but humbled. The Serbian also mentioned that he and Ronaldo are friends, and have inspired each other to be better despite playing different sports. "It is a great surprise. I am always caught off guard, but in a positive way. Receiving this from Ronaldo is a dream come true. I am thankful to call him a friend and someone who always inspires." "We are not part of the same sport, but we push each other. Standing here together and talking about how sport can inspire children around the world is something we look forward to." Djokovic's extraordinary career has undoubtedly inspired millions of children worldwide. He is the most statistically successful player ever, and continues to perform at a high level despite being 38. Novak Djokovic opened up about how his relationship with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal evolved When Novak Djokovic emerged as a young player, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal were the dominant forces on the ATP Tour. Some thought that the duo was destined to dominate men's tennis for the long term. Rather than be daunted by that task, Djokovic remained outwardly confident and never hid his ambition to be better than them. That particularly irritated Federer, but Nadal was also not friendly to Djokovic. In an interview with Slaven Bilic, Djokovic recounted how Federer and Nadal were cold to him. The former world No. 1 insisted that it never came from him, and he accepted their actions without making a fuss. Djokovic said that Federer and Nadal ultimately grew warmer before their retirements, and he accepted this without question. The trio, widely considered the best players ever, now get along quite well, even if the Serbian is not yet close friends with either of his former rivals. In contrast to that evolution, Djokovic has been open about his relationships with the younger players being better from the start. Remembering being coldly received by Federer, especially, might have influenced his efforts to support the next generation despite competing against them.

Aryna Sabalenka's defeat to Nick Kyrgios in their Battle of the Sexes contest did not stop her from engaging in fighting talk afterward. Sabalenka and Kyrgios's match, which had been rumored for several months before finally being scheduled and played in Dubai on Sunday, was opposed by many, but others liked the concept and the attention it brought to tennis. Kyrgios defeated Sabalenka 6-3, 6-3, and many deemed the occasion underwhelming. Although the WTA world No. 1 hit some blistering winners, Kyrgios won the match comfortably despite his female opponent having a bigger court to hit into. The Australian also did not seem fully fit. Some think Sabalenka's winning six games was positive for women's tennis, but others feel her relatively comprehensive loss against Kyrgios, who was playing well below his peak, did not serve the WTA Tour well. Kyrgios also prevailed despite consistently using the drop shot. His persistent use of it may have indicated that he did not feel able for lengthy rallies, but that did not stop him from leaving the court victorious. Despite being unable to win, Sabalenka took a dig at Kyrgios's predictability in her post-match press conference. This year's US Open champion said she knew what his strategy was, and that the 30-year-old's superior physical abilities as a man were the reason he triumphed. "I mean, he called himself an unpredictable player, but, honestly, I could see pretty much everything. It's just that his physical abilities are much higher, and he was much faster and stronger, with the acceleration and everything." Although Sabalenka and Kyrgios have a good, light-hearted relationship, her words might sting him a little. The 2022 Wimbledon men's singles runner-up enjoys being seen as a player who mixes things up and leaves opponents dumbfounded with his variety. Aryna Sabalenka thinks her match with Nick Kyrgios was ideal preparation for the new season Many online fans were unimpressed with the quality of play in Nick Kyrgios's Battle of the Sexes victory over Aryna Sabalenka. After much hype, neither player consistently performed at an outstanding level, despite some flashes of brilliance. Nonetheless, Sabalenka thinks the contest was a good way to get ready for 2026. She outlined that position during her post-match press conference in Dubai, also mentioning that the match was a good experience. "That was fun, and it was great preparation for the season. I feel like physically I am more than ready, and tennis-wise, I pulled out a great level, which always matters." Although some would dispute that Sabalenka played consistently well against Kyrgios, the experience of playing a male player is unique preparation for the new season and might provide her with some benefits. Sabalenka will try to regain her Australian Open women's singles title when the 2026 edition begins in a few weeks. She had won the previous two iterations before losing a very close final against Madison Keys almost 12 months ago. The world No. 1's 2025 season was exceptional, but also a missed opportunity. Sabalenka had a realistic chance of winning all four Grand Slams, which would have been one of the best achievements in tennis history.

Carlos Alcaraz is the latest high-profile player whose outfit for the 2026 Australian Open was recently unveiled. Next year's Australian Open will run from January 18th to February 1st. With it now just three weeks away, more details are slowly being revealed, including what players will be wearing. Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as the most watchable and popular ATP player in the last few years. That means, regardless of whether it is something he wants or not, the Spaniard's outfits on and off the court get more attention. The six-time Grand Slam champion's choice for the opening Grand Slam of 2026 can be seen in a picture below. It has been developed by Nike, Alcaraz's long-time sponsor and collaborator on several projects. Alcaraz's shirt at the Australian Open will be a combination of white, green, and black. The green moves from the top right of it and stretches across to the bottom left, with the signature Nike tick in that section. The black and white parts have a more curved motion, with the black starting closer to the centre of the shirt, moving to the left, and curving back to the right. The white's motion is similar, but it ends in the bottom right corner. Alcaraz's shorts will be green and black. They look as if the green and black at the bottom of the shirt extend directly downwards onto them, but the shorts are separate. The outfit is designed to be perfectly symmetrical. The shoes are a combination of green, white, and yellow, with the green at the front, white in the middle, and the laces being yellow. It completes a vibrant and bright look for Alcaraz, who will hope to reign supreme in Melbourne with that outfit. Carlos Alcaraz will get a final tattoo if he wins the 2026 Australian Open After winning each Grand Slam for the first time, Alcaraz got a tattoo to commemorate that achievement. His maiden Major triumph at the 2022 US Open led him to get the date of his final win against Casper Ruud tattooed. His 2023 Wimbledon final success against Novak Djokovic led to him getting a tattoo of a strawberry, referencing the tournament's tradition of strawberries and cream, and he chose the Eiffel Tower to mark his success at the 2024 French Open in Paris. Although it was not his first success at the US Open, Alcaraz decided he should get something specifically related to New York when he won the men's singles at this year's edition at Flushing Meadows. That was done with tattoos of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam left for Alcaraz to secure. He will have another chance in a few weeks at the 2026 edition, but achieving that goal will be challenging since his rival Jannik Sinner plays so well in Melbourne. If Alcaraz does claim the only Major title missing from his collection, he will undoubtedly get one more tattoo. The 22-year-old would also become the youngest man to achieve the Career Grand Slam.

Novak Djokovic was seen as "the third guy" at the start of his tennis career, a feeling he experienced when trying to challenge Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Nadal and Federer seemed to have a perfect rivalry before a third man arrived. Djokovic is the youngest of the three, which is why he arrived on the ATP Tour as the last one, but he is also the last man standing and the most successful of the three. Although he can now look back on his achievements, even though that's not something he wants to do, as he still wants to compete, it wasn't so easy when he was starting out. He also wanted to be as liked as Nadal and Federer, which is why he tried to be someone he wasn't. Djokovic admitted in a recent interview at the World Sports Summit in Dubai that he did certain things to become more likable, but eventually realized that wasn't who he was. Now, he looks back on the great era he and his two rivals created. "Life is a beautiful journey, and I think we all have our unique stories to tell, and we don't need to copy anybody else. I'm talking like this because I went through my own experiences where I tried to be someone else when I was breaking through on the tour." "I tried to be a likable guy. I was doing impersonations, which, I think, they're fun … I was always doing them. People were really kind of not accepting me as a third guy. The Federer and Nadal era was so strong in their rivalry, and there was no room for the third guy. But I made some room, I created some room. And it was amazing, the big three and the golden era that we created." "I feel like when they retired, also part of me left. So, I had to kind of reinvent myself, find new inspirations. And the reason why I still keep on going is also to see how far I can push my own bar, setting my own path." Despite being 38 and having both of his main rivals retired, Djokovic doesn't seem to have the word retirement in his vocabulary. Instead, he is looking ahead, eyeing participation at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Djokovic completed his lifelong dream of winning a gold Olympic medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and he would want to play under five Olympic rings one more time. "I do want to keep on going. The LA Olympics 2028 is kind of a guiding star, but honestly, there is no limit. So, let's see. You know what I mean? Let's just keep going. I love hitting the tennis ball and I love competing. I was saying to the guys that I was talking to, the greats in football, that it's really about passion and love, and as long as you really feel like you're playing on a high level and your body holds on, why not?" "People love to talk and speculate about retirement, because, OK, people love to talk. But at the end of the day, I feel like I'm still contributing to the growth of tennis. That is a beautiful job."

Despite all the online criticism, the 2025 Battle of the Sexes took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with Nick Kyrgios winning the match. The Battle of the Sexes is a significant term in tennis. There have been multiple such matches held over the years. In 1973, former ATP world No. 1 Bobby Riggs, then 55, took on Margaret Court, beating her 6-2, 6-1. Months after that, Billie Jean King, who won the Wimbledon Championships that year, stepped up to beat Riggs in three sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, a match that was significant for women's tennis, as the WTA was founded in 1973 by King. That year's US Open was also the first major to offer equal prize money to men and women. Nearly two decades later, Jimmy Connors beat Martina Navratilova in another edition of the Battle of the Sexes. Now, in 2025, Evolve, the agency behind both Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, organized a Battle of the Sexes match with special rules. The match was held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the court on Sabalenka's side 9% smaller, and both players had only one serve. The match has received plenty of criticism online, with many pundits and journalists suggesting women's tennis had nothing to gain from it. Others saw it as a pure form of entertainment and an exhibition match, just with a twist. Both players arrived on the court with bright smiles on their faces. Sabalenka even wore a shiny coat, entering the court to "Eye of the Tiger," clearly enjoying the occasion. It became obvious early on that there could be some great rallies on show, as the lack of a first serve meant more rallies and the smaller court on Sabalenka's side equalled the playing field a tiny bit. Both players held their serve to start the match, but they both lost it twice in a row, with the score tied after six games at 3-3. That proved to be the crucial game of the first set, as Sabalenka lost a 40-15 lead after committing multiple double faults, or in this case, single faults, as players had only one serve. Kyrgios then controlled the remainder of the first set, winning it 6-3. But he didn't carry the momentum into the second set, with Sabalenka getting the early break and leading 3-1. She then had another break point to lead 4-1, but after failing to convert it, Kyrgios once again stepped up to beat the world's best female tennis player, 6-3, 6-3. So what was the 2025 Battle of the Sexes really like? Throughout the match, it was evident that whenever the Australian wanted or needed it, he could find another gear and push Sabalenka around the court. At the same time, there were many great rallies and shots that the WTA world No. 1 produced, as she dominated some rallies by getting on the front foot early. Overall, it was an entertaining match, thanks in part to the adjusted rules, which probably made it enjoyable for both players. The most significant difference seemed to be how players handled the rule of having only one serve. While Kyrgios barely missed, Sabalenka gave away way too many free points to her opponent. If there were another edition of this exhibition, the match could be even closer and more exciting if the female player were allowed two serves. Other than that, the match was quite entertaining.

Aryna Sabalenka is aware of the strong feelings surrounding her match against Nick Kyrgios and offered her perspective on why it will be positive for tennis. The Battle of the Sexes contest, scheduled for December 28th in Dubai, has generated significant criticism from fans and dismissiveness from some players, who do not think it will feel like an actual battle. Casper Ruud was among the ATP players who said the concept felt gimmicky since the rules will be adapted to give Sabalenka a better chance of competing. Ruud thinks it should be a typical match as usual without any adaptations. Other prevalent criticisms from fans are that Sabalenka losing to Kyrgios despite rule changes would be terrible for women's tennis, and the Australian's history of pushing his ex-girlfriend, despite escaping a conviction, means the WTA world No. 1 should not collaborate with him. In a pre-event press conference, Sabalenka responded to the concerns. She knows of the strong feelings many have, but insists she is focusing on inspiring young female players by competing well against a man. "I’m used to being under pressure, and I’m used to both the love and hate on social media, so I don’t pay too much attention to it. I know there are people who support the event and others who don’t." "I’m just focused on myself. I hope we have a good battle. I think that by putting myself in this situation, by facing a guy, I inspire the next generation to be brave and challenge themselves. That’s how I see it." Although criticisms of the concept are understandable, Sabalenka is undoubtedly at least somewhat brave for being willing to risk ridicule if Kyrgios comfortably wins despite her having a larger court area to hit into. Aryna Sabalenka does not think her match with Nick Kyrgios should be compared to Billie Jean King's battle with Bobby Riggs Despite tennis's multitude of significant moments over the past 52 years, Billie Jean King's 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs remains one of the most iconic and widely viewed matches, watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide. That moment helped mainstream women's tennis and led more people to respect it. Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka's Battle of the Sexes match on December 28th has been compared to Billie Jean King's battle with Riggs. However, in a press conference before her contest against Kyrgios, Sabalenka said Jean King was seeking to achieve equality between male and female players. The Belarusian outlined how her and Kyrgios's match serves a different purpose. "I think back then it was a completely different story. They were fighting for different things. We’re here to take tennis to a different level, bring attention to our sport, help it grow, and have fun. Women have already shown that we deserve equality. I want to show that we’re capable of having a great fight with a man." Whether Sabalenka is helping the WTA Tour by playing Kyrgios has generated intense debate. The answer to that question will become clearer afterward.

Carlos Alcaraz enjoys getting new tattoos, and he added another one during the off-season, celebrating his 2025 US Open win. Alcaraz got his first tattoo to mark his maiden major win at the 2022 US Open. He has the date of the final match, September 11th, 2022, tattooed on his left arm. In 2024, he added another tattoo to commemorate his maiden Wimbledon win. Only a few months later, the Spaniard added yet another tattoo after winning the Roland Garros. Back then, he also admitted he would get a tattoo to commemorate a possible gold medal at the Paris Olympics, but he ultimately fell to Novak Djokovic in the final of the Olympic Games. Given how incredibly successful he has been at 22, Alcaraz probably can't get a new tattoo for every major title he wins, as he would probably run out of free spots on his skin very quickly. Despite that, he decided to enrich his initial US Open tattoo from 2022. Alcaraz used the off-season to visit a tattoo artist, and he has now added the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge above the date of his first US Open win, commemorating both of his victories at Flushing Meadows. Although he is an incredible tennis player, Alcaraz also draws plenty of attention for his off-court life. Tattoos aren't the only fashion statement he has made over the years, as he recently bleached his hair blonde. He has now returned to his old hairstyle, but his new tattoo will certainly draw some eyeballs in Melbourne, Australia, where the Spaniard will attempt to win his seventh career major title, his first in Australia. That would likely mean yet another tattoo. Carlos Alcaraz could end his tennis career at 25 says former Wimbledon winner Apart from bleaching his hair and getting a new tattoo, Alcaraz has generated plenty of headlines by parting ways with his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. It was a decision that shocked the tennis world, including former Wimbledon winner Marion Bartoli. Bartoli recently spoke about the split on RMC Sports, saying she is worried Alcaraz might end his tennis career at 25, like Bjorn Borg, if he doesn't have enough guidance in his career. "I am worried, but in a measured way, because he is someone who has exceptional qualities to begin with. But he needs structure because otherwise, he could end up quitting tennis like Borg did at 25." "And we have a genius here, so we don’t want that; we want him to continue for a very, very long time. What’s going to happen is that for the first six months, it’s going to be a trial-and-error process." "There will be names circulating, people wondering who will take the job, who won’t. If things don’t work out with the person he hires for whatever reason, and it’s Sinner who starts taking the first two Grand Slams of the season — that is, the Australian Open, where Jannik is the overwhelming favourite, and Roland Garros, where he was one point away from winning it — he’s going to call Juan Carlos back immediately, that’s obvious."

Novak Djokovic will attempt to win his 25th Grand Slam title at the 2026 Australian Open, and his outfit for the season's opening Grand Slam has been revealed. All eyes are on Djokovic every time he lands in Melbourne, Australia. He is the most successful person in the history of the Australian Open, having won the "Happy Slam" a total of 10 times across 20 participations. That means every time Djokovic plays in Melbourne, it's a 50-50 chance whether he will win the title or not. That's a ridiculous record, one that could probably only be topped by Rafael Nadal's Roland Garros record. Djokovic has won 99 matches at the Australian Open in his career, and it's very probable he will win his 100th in 2026. For that occasion, he will return to a color that brought him a lot of success at Melbourne Park. The Serbian legend usually wears a few selected colors for certain swings. For example, he almost exclusively wears red in China, which he explained was to honor the Chinese culture, in which red is an important color. In recent years, Djokovic has worn blue at the Australian Open, but that will change in 2026. He will return to green, which he wore during his triumphs in 2020 and 2021. His sponsor, Lacoste, has already revealed Djokovic's outfit for the opening Grand Slam tournament of the new season, which will run from January 18th to February 1st, 2026. It features a green t-shirt and dark blue shorts. Novak Djokovic's chances of succeeding again doubted by former rival Despite Djokovic's incredible success at the Grand Slam level, many pundits, coaches, and former players are starting to doubt whether he will be able to win another major in his tennis career. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have won all of the last eight majors, with Djokovic's last win coming at the 2023 US Open. Former ATP world No. 1, Andy Roddick, spoke about Djokovic during a recent episode of his Served with Andy Roddick podcast. He spoke about the 38-year-old's body, doubting whether Djokovic can succeed again, with his age starting to be a real obstacle. "The question is… and he was questioning this after the US Open. I don’t know that he can train the way he used to. I would suspect that you can’t train that psychotically, and I mean that in a good way, at 38 years old. And if you can’t do that, can you get your body to hold up over the course of two weeks at a major, over best-of-five?" "The answer this year was no. To his own admission. It was like 'I don’t know if my body can do it. When I get to the semis am I going to beat these guys if my body is damaged goods by the time I get there?' That is the whole thing for this conversation."

Aryna Sabalenka might have lost the 2025 Battle of the Sexes, but she's not ready to give up on playing against ATP players. The Battle of the Sexes returned after many decades, but it wasn't the spectacle it once used to be. Although the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai was reportedly sold out, the event has drawn a lot of criticism online. Fans didn't like the nature of it, thinking it could only hurt the women's tennis, as, obviously, it would always be hard even for the WTA world No. 1 to challenge anyone who has enjoyed success on the ATP Tour. However, some enjoyed the event for what it was. Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios seemed to be two of those people. They rejected any criticism, saying they couldn't see how anyone could view the match negatively. At the end of the day, they wanted to entertain people. Speaking after the match, which she lost 3-6, 3-6, Sabalenka was proud of her performance. She even hinted at a rematch, since she mentioned how she plans to approach the match "next time." "I felt great. I think I put on a great fight. He was struggling. He got really tight. I'm happy to see the guy is getting tight when taking away one of my serves. I think it was a great level. I made a lot of great shots. Moved a lot to the net. Great drop shots, Nick. Great serving." "I really enjoyed the show. I think… not I think… I feel like next time I play him, I already know the tactic. I know his strengths and weaknesses. It’s gonna be a better match for sure." Sabalenka was immediately asked whether she would want a rematch. The Belarusian player is someone who loves to compete, which is why she eyes a revenge. "Yeah. I love revenge. I love to challenge myself. I would love to play again." Despite losing the match, Sabalenka focused on the positives. She saw it as an excellent preparation for the 2026 season, as taking on a man is always a great challenge for a WTA player. "Of course, it felt different. The court is different. I had to make a couple of adjustments. Obviously, playing against a guy is completely different tennis. Everything is much faster. It was a great fitness for me today." "I hope for the next couple of days I’ll have great recovery and great days off. After this match, I’m pretty much ready for the season. I hope I’ll bring great tennis and bring joy to the people watching me during the season." Sabalenka will start her season at the Brisbane International. After that, she will attempt to lift her third Australian Open title. She won in 2023 and 2024, but lost the 2025 final to Madison Keys.

Novak Djokovic gave a fascinating insight into how his relationship with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer has evolved. Despite only being a year younger than Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion was already an established Grand Slam champion when Djokovic came onto the scene. Federer, six years older, was the dominant player on the ATP Tour at the time. At the end of 2010, Djokovic had only secured one Grand Slam, at the 2008 Australian Open. That contrasted sharply with Federer's 16, a record in men's singles at the time, and Nadal's nine major titles. That deficit never stopped Djokovic from believing he would ultimately overtake them, and he carried that confidence openly. Federer openly did not like the Serbian when he was younger, and Nadal was also not overtly warm. Djokovic spoke about that dynamic in an interview with former footballer and manager Slaven Bilic. The former world No. 1 insisted that his attitude towards them never changed, and he always had respect despite being confident. "My behavior towards them never changed. The situation changed because they changed their attitude towards me. I always tried to be, how to say it... I admired them. And I still consider them as those who paved the way for me." This year's Wimbledon semifinalist said that he accepted Federer and Nadal to a lesser extent, being cold towards him for many years, and that he developed a better relationship with them when they decided to change. "From the moment I felt that coldness and distance on his part, I said to myself: 'Alright, no problem.' Then, when they approached me, I welcomed them with open arms." Although Djokovic and Nadal are not close friends, the 24-time Grand Slam champion believes he always understood the Spaniard better than Federer because they are closer in age. "I always had the impression of understanding him better. We are almost the same age, so maybe that's why." Relations between the legendary trio are noticeably warmer since Federer and Nadal retired. The former has admitted he regrets not being more respectful towards Djokovic when he emerged. Roger Federer never practiced with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, according to Andy Murray Top players hitting together is now common. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the dominant players in men's tennis since the start of 2024, have practiced with each other, and with others near the top. Andy Murray, the best player outside of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for several years until a severe hip injury derailed him, revealed that Federer did not like practicing with his rivals because they were competitors. The Swiss Maestro used to occasionally train with Murray, but that changed when the Briton began challenging for Grand Slams. Federer's reluctance to practice with his most significant on-court rivals was more common until recently. Murray was briefly Djokovic's coach from the start of this year until they split during the clay-court swing. They had a promising start at the 2025 Australian Open, but both men ultimately felt it was not working.

Carlos Alcaraz is the latest high-profile player whose outfit for the 2026 Australian Open was recently unveiled. Next year's Australian Open will run from January 18th to February 1st. With it now just three weeks away, more details are slowly being revealed, including what players will be wearing. Carlos Alcaraz has emerged as the most watchable and popular ATP player in the last few years. That means, regardless of whether it is something he wants or not, the Spaniard's outfits on and off the court get more attention. The six-time Grand Slam champion's choice for the opening Grand Slam of 2026 can be seen in a picture below. It has been developed by Nike, Alcaraz's long-time sponsor and collaborator on several projects. Alcaraz's shirt at the Australian Open will be a combination of white, green, and black. The green moves from the top right of it and stretches across to the bottom left, with the signature Nike tick in that section. The black and white parts have a more curved motion, with the black starting closer to the centre of the shirt, moving to the left, and curving back to the right. The white's motion is similar, but it ends in the bottom right corner. Alcaraz's shorts will be green and black. They look as if the green and black at the bottom of the shirt extend directly downwards onto them, but the shorts are separate. The outfit is designed to be perfectly symmetrical. The shoes are a combination of green, white, and yellow, with the green at the front, white in the middle, and the laces being yellow. It completes a vibrant and bright look for Alcaraz, who will hope to reign supreme in Melbourne with that outfit. Carlos Alcaraz will get a final tattoo if he wins the 2026 Australian Open After winning each Grand Slam for the first time, Alcaraz got a tattoo to commemorate that achievement. His maiden Major triumph at the 2022 US Open led him to get the date of his final win against Casper Ruud tattooed. His 2023 Wimbledon final success against Novak Djokovic led to him getting a tattoo of a strawberry, referencing the tournament's tradition of strawberries and cream, and he chose the Eiffel Tower to mark his success at the 2024 French Open in Paris. Although it was not his first success at the US Open, Alcaraz decided he should get something specifically related to New York when he won the men's singles at this year's edition at Flushing Meadows. That was done with tattoos of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge. The Australian Open is the only Grand Slam left for Alcaraz to secure. He will have another chance in a few weeks at the 2026 edition, but achieving that goal will be challenging since his rival Jannik Sinner plays so well in Melbourne. If Alcaraz does claim the only Major title missing from his collection, he will undoubtedly get one more tattoo. The 22-year-old would also become the youngest man to achieve the Career Grand Slam.

Despite all the online criticism, the 2025 Battle of the Sexes took place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with Nick Kyrgios winning the match. The Battle of the Sexes is a significant term in tennis. There have been multiple such matches held over the years. In 1973, former ATP world No. 1 Bobby Riggs, then 55, took on Margaret Court, beating her 6-2, 6-1. Months after that, Billie Jean King, who won the Wimbledon Championships that year, stepped up to beat Riggs in three sets, 6-4, 6-3, 6-3, a match that was significant for women's tennis, as the WTA was founded in 1973 by King. That year's US Open was also the first major to offer equal prize money to men and women. Nearly two decades later, Jimmy Connors beat Martina Navratilova in another edition of the Battle of the Sexes. Now, in 2025, Evolve, the agency behind both Aryna Sabalenka and Nick Kyrgios, organized a Battle of the Sexes match with special rules. The match was held at the Coca-Cola Arena in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the court on Sabalenka's side 9% smaller, and both players had only one serve. The match has received plenty of criticism online, with many pundits and journalists suggesting women's tennis had nothing to gain from it. Others saw it as a pure form of entertainment and an exhibition match, just with a twist. Both players arrived on the court with bright smiles on their faces. Sabalenka even wore a shiny coat, entering the court to "Eye of the Tiger," clearly enjoying the occasion. It became obvious early on that there could be some great rallies on show, as the lack of a first serve meant more rallies and the smaller court on Sabalenka's side equalled the playing field a tiny bit. Both players held their serve to start the match, but they both lost it twice in a row, with the score tied after six games at 3-3. That proved to be the crucial game of the first set, as Sabalenka lost a 40-15 lead after committing multiple double faults, or in this case, single faults, as players had only one serve. Kyrgios then controlled the remainder of the first set, winning it 6-3. But he didn't carry the momentum into the second set, with Sabalenka getting the early break and leading 3-1. She then had another break point to lead 4-1, but after failing to convert it, Kyrgios once again stepped up to beat the world's best female tennis player, 6-3, 6-3. So what was the 2025 Battle of the Sexes really like? Throughout the match, it was evident that whenever the Australian wanted or needed it, he could find another gear and push Sabalenka around the court. At the same time, there were many great rallies and shots that the WTA world No. 1 produced, as she dominated some rallies by getting on the front foot early. Overall, it was an entertaining match, thanks in part to the adjusted rules, which probably made it enjoyable for both players. The most significant difference seemed to be how players handled the rule of having only one serve. While Kyrgios barely missed, Sabalenka gave away way too many free points to her opponent. If there were another edition of this exhibition, the match could be even closer and more exciting if the female player were allowed two serves. Other than that, the match was quite entertaining.

Aryna Sabalenka is aware of the strong feelings surrounding her match against Nick Kyrgios and offered her perspective on why it will be positive for tennis. The Battle of the Sexes contest, scheduled for December 28th in Dubai, has generated significant criticism from fans and dismissiveness from some players, who do not think it will feel like an actual battle. Casper Ruud was among the ATP players who said the concept felt gimmicky since the rules will be adapted to give Sabalenka a better chance of competing. Ruud thinks it should be a typical match as usual without any adaptations. Other prevalent criticisms from fans are that Sabalenka losing to Kyrgios despite rule changes would be terrible for women's tennis, and the Australian's history of pushing his ex-girlfriend, despite escaping a conviction, means the WTA world No. 1 should not collaborate with him. In a pre-event press conference, Sabalenka responded to the concerns. She knows of the strong feelings many have, but insists she is focusing on inspiring young female players by competing well against a man. "I’m used to being under pressure, and I’m used to both the love and hate on social media, so I don’t pay too much attention to it. I know there are people who support the event and others who don’t." "I’m just focused on myself. I hope we have a good battle. I think that by putting myself in this situation, by facing a guy, I inspire the next generation to be brave and challenge themselves. That’s how I see it." Although criticisms of the concept are understandable, Sabalenka is undoubtedly at least somewhat brave for being willing to risk ridicule if Kyrgios comfortably wins despite her having a larger court area to hit into. Aryna Sabalenka does not think her match with Nick Kyrgios should be compared to Billie Jean King's battle with Bobby Riggs Despite tennis's multitude of significant moments over the past 52 years, Billie Jean King's 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs remains one of the most iconic and widely viewed matches, watched by an estimated 90 million people worldwide. That moment helped mainstream women's tennis and led more people to respect it. Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka's Battle of the Sexes match on December 28th has been compared to Billie Jean King's battle with Riggs. However, in a press conference before her contest against Kyrgios, Sabalenka said Jean King was seeking to achieve equality between male and female players. The Belarusian outlined how her and Kyrgios's match serves a different purpose. "I think back then it was a completely different story. They were fighting for different things. We’re here to take tennis to a different level, bring attention to our sport, help it grow, and have fun. Women have already shown that we deserve equality. I want to show that we’re capable of having a great fight with a man." Whether Sabalenka is helping the WTA Tour by playing Kyrgios has generated intense debate. The answer to that question will become clearer afterward.

Novak Djokovic will attempt to win his 25th Grand Slam title at the 2026 Australian Open, and his outfit for the season's opening Grand Slam has been revealed. All eyes are on Djokovic every time he lands in Melbourne, Australia. He is the most successful person in the history of the Australian Open, having won the "Happy Slam" a total of 10 times across 20 participations. That means every time Djokovic plays in Melbourne, it's a 50-50 chance whether he will win the title or not. That's a ridiculous record, one that could probably only be topped by Rafael Nadal's Roland Garros record. Djokovic has won 99 matches at the Australian Open in his career, and it's very probable he will win his 100th in 2026. For that occasion, he will return to a color that brought him a lot of success at Melbourne Park. The Serbian legend usually wears a few selected colors for certain swings. For example, he almost exclusively wears red in China, which he explained was to honor the Chinese culture, in which red is an important color. In recent years, Djokovic has worn blue at the Australian Open, but that will change in 2026. He will return to green, which he wore during his triumphs in 2020 and 2021. His sponsor, Lacoste, has already revealed Djokovic's outfit for the opening Grand Slam tournament of the new season, which will run from January 18th to February 1st, 2026. It features a green t-shirt and dark blue shorts. Novak Djokovic's chances of succeeding again doubted by former rival Despite Djokovic's incredible success at the Grand Slam level, many pundits, coaches, and former players are starting to doubt whether he will be able to win another major in his tennis career. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have won all of the last eight majors, with Djokovic's last win coming at the 2023 US Open. Former ATP world No. 1, Andy Roddick, spoke about Djokovic during a recent episode of his Served with Andy Roddick podcast. He spoke about the 38-year-old's body, doubting whether Djokovic can succeed again, with his age starting to be a real obstacle. "The question is… and he was questioning this after the US Open. I don’t know that he can train the way he used to. I would suspect that you can’t train that psychotically, and I mean that in a good way, at 38 years old. And if you can’t do that, can you get your body to hold up over the course of two weeks at a major, over best-of-five?" "The answer this year was no. To his own admission. It was like 'I don’t know if my body can do it. When I get to the semis am I going to beat these guys if my body is damaged goods by the time I get there?' That is the whole thing for this conversation."

Novak Djokovic gave a fascinating insight into how his relationship with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer has evolved. Despite only being a year younger than Nadal, the 14-time French Open champion was already an established Grand Slam champion when Djokovic came onto the scene. Federer, six years older, was the dominant player on the ATP Tour at the time. At the end of 2010, Djokovic had only secured one Grand Slam, at the 2008 Australian Open. That contrasted sharply with Federer's 16, a record in men's singles at the time, and Nadal's nine major titles. That deficit never stopped Djokovic from believing he would ultimately overtake them, and he carried that confidence openly. Federer openly did not like the Serbian when he was younger, and Nadal was also not overtly warm. Djokovic spoke about that dynamic in an interview with former footballer and manager Slaven Bilic. The former world No. 1 insisted that his attitude towards them never changed, and he always had respect despite being confident. "My behavior towards them never changed. The situation changed because they changed their attitude towards me. I always tried to be, how to say it... I admired them. And I still consider them as those who paved the way for me." This year's Wimbledon semifinalist said that he accepted Federer and Nadal to a lesser extent, being cold towards him for many years, and that he developed a better relationship with them when they decided to change. "From the moment I felt that coldness and distance on his part, I said to myself: 'Alright, no problem.' Then, when they approached me, I welcomed them with open arms." Although Djokovic and Nadal are not close friends, the 24-time Grand Slam champion believes he always understood the Spaniard better than Federer because they are closer in age. "I always had the impression of understanding him better. We are almost the same age, so maybe that's why." Relations between the legendary trio are noticeably warmer since Federer and Nadal retired. The former has admitted he regrets not being more respectful towards Djokovic when he emerged. Roger Federer never practiced with Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, according to Andy Murray Top players hitting together is now common. Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, the dominant players in men's tennis since the start of 2024, have practiced with each other, and with others near the top. Andy Murray, the best player outside of Djokovic, Nadal, and Federer for several years until a severe hip injury derailed him, revealed that Federer did not like practicing with his rivals because they were competitors. The Swiss Maestro used to occasionally train with Murray, but that changed when the Briton began challenging for Grand Slams. Federer's reluctance to practice with his most significant on-court rivals was more common until recently. Murray was briefly Djokovic's coach from the start of this year until they split during the clay-court swing. They had a promising start at the 2025 Australian Open, but both men ultimately felt it was not working.