Tennis
Novak Djokovic “at his best” for his return to the game
(Dubai) Serbian Novak Djokovic said on Sunday that despite his absence of a few weeks and his psychological distress linked to his detention and his expulsion from Australia, he feels “at his best” for his return to the courts.
The world’s leading racket was optimistic at a press conference on the eve of the start of the ATP 500 tournament in Dubai.
It will be Djokovic’s first tournament since being kicked out of Australia and missing the first Grand Slam tournament of the year due to his COVID-19 vaccination status.
“It wasn’t really difficult for me to pick up a racquet and go practice,” said the Serb. I am as well prepared as I could have been. »
Many eyes are on this tournament due to Djokovic’s presence. As a result, Dubai authorities have put in place additional security measures.
The organizers notably prevented most photographers and cameramen from attending Djokovic’s press conference, without giving a reason.
PHOTO: KAMRAN JEBREILI, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Previously, security guards were present in large numbers at Djokovic’s training. They questioned the journalists, which they did not do during the training sessions of the other players.
The organizers were not immediately available for an interview.
The saga of Djokovic’s canceled travel visa on the eve of the Australian Open has garnered worldwide attention. This legal dispute also had personal repercussions for the player.
I went through a lot of emotions on my return from Australia. It was strange. I was disappointed and sad with how it all turned out and how I left the country.
Novak Djokovic
If he still refuses to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, Djokovic will have to forfeit other Grand Slam tournaments, such as the United States Open and the French Open.
The 34-year-old tennis player made it clear that he was ready to make this sacrifice.
“As soon as there is a tournament where I can play, I will try to get there,” Djokovic said, although he admitted that his vaccination status could limit his movements and that he will have to travel. submit to the requirements of the authorities of each country.
I can not choose. I will have to look where I can go and play these tournaments.
Novak Djokovic
Dubai authorities do not require visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to enter their country.
After hours of practicing his backhand from the baseline in Dubai, Djokovic added he was excited to return to the tournament he has won five times.
“Having already had positive experiences on the court gives me a sense of belonging with this tournament,” Djokovic said. I will concentrate on this tournament and we will see for the rest. »
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Sophia Jhon is a sports journalist and author. He has worked as a news editor for Sportish and is now a sport columnist for the same publication. Alberta’s professional interests lie largely in sports news, with an emphasis on English football. He has also written articles on other sporting topics.
Four representatives from Ukraine were included in the qualification list Australian Open 2026.
Yulia Starodubtseva (WTA 113), Angelina Kalinina (WTA 127), Daria Snigur (WTA 153) and Vitaly Sachko (ATP 153) will compete for the Australian Open main draws.
The best moments of tennis matches LIVE on Telegram channel Tennis on Sport.ua
Major qualifiers in Melbourne will be held from January 12-17.
The place at the heart of the Australian Open 2026 is guaranteed by four Ukrainian tennis players: Elina Svitolina, Marta Kostyuk, Dayana Yastremskaya and Alexandra Oleynikova.
Home page for Australian Open 2026 qualifiers (women)
Home page for Australian Open 2026 qualifiers (men)
Source: Sport UA
I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.
Ukraine’s first racket Elina Svitolina (WTA 14) became the “Opening Week” participant of the Australian Open 2026.
On January 14, 2026, the Ukrainian will play an exhibition match against Amanda Anisimova (USA, WTA 4) at the tournament’s main stadium, Rod Laver Arena.
The meeting will be held in the format of two standard sets as the deciding game and a super tiebreak up to 10 points.
There will also be four more exhibition matches: Elena Rybakina – Zheng Qingwen, Alexander Zverev – Lorenzo Musetti, Carlos Alcaraz – Alex de Minaur, Jannik Sinner – Felix Auger-Aliassime.
After the match between Svitolina and Anisimova, Rod Laver Arena will host the AO 1 Point Slam tournament, where tennis stars Iga Swiatek, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Daniil Medvedev, Zheng Qingwen, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Jasmine Paolini will compete against amateurs.
Source: Sport UA
I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.
Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced the list of all award winners for the 2025 season.
World number one Arina Sabalenka was chosen as the best tennis player of the year. Hendrik Vleshouwers, coach of American Amanda Anisimova, received the best coach award.
Anisimova received the Progress of the Year award, while Victoria Mboko received the Newcomer of the Year award. Katerina Sinyakova / Taylor Townsend couple was chosen as the best duet of the season.
WTA Awards 2025. All award winners
- The best tennis player of the season – Aryna Sabalenka
- Best Duo of the Year – Katerina Sinyakova / Taylor Townsend
- Progress of the Year – Amanda Anisimova
- Rookie of the Year – Victoria Mboko
- Comeback of the Year – Belinda Bencic
- Diamond Aces (promoting tennis both on and off the court) – Coco Gauff
- Peachy Kellmeier Award (for contributions to WTA players) – Gabriela Dabrowski
- Karen Kranzke Sportsmanship Award – Jessica Pegula
- Georgina Clarke Mother of the Year Award (awarded to retired female tennis players) – Nicole Pratt (Australian coach)
- Coach of the Year – Hendrik Vleshouwers (Amanda Anisimova’s coach)
- Pet of the Year (singles) – Zheng Qingwen
- Favorites of the year in pairs – Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini
- Shot of the year – Carolina Muchova (vs. Clara Towson in WTA 1000 semi-final in Dubai)
- Match of the year – Coco Gauff vs. Zheng Qingwen (WTA 1000 semi-final in Rome – 7:6 (7:3), 4:6, 7:6 (7:4))
VIDEO. Shot of the year from Carolina Muchova
This Thursday I’m offering you a tweener throwback 🤩
Only @karomuchova7 things 🙂↕️#ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/TUfY7Q02Rh
— wta (@WTA) November 13, 2025
VIDEO. Match of the year from Coco Gauff and Zheng Qingwen in Rome
Source: Sport UA
I am a sports journalist who has worked in print and online. I have authored articles for a sports website and have covered sports news for over 6 years.
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