Key first round fixtures at the Australian Open
Following is a list of key opening round matches at next week’s Australian Open after the tournament draw was made on Thursday (Prefix denotes seeding):
Djokovic faces Struff, Barty takes on Tsurenko at Australian Open
Top seed and world number one Ash Barty’s bid to end the host nation’s long wait for a homegrown Australian Open champion will begin against Ukraine’s Lesia Tsurenko when the year’s first Grand Slam gets under way next week.
‘Devastated’ De Minaur pulls out of Australian Open with injury
World number 21 Alex de Minaur was forced to pull out of the Australian Open on Thursday with an abdominal injury, robbing the men’s singles draw of one of its strongest local challengers.
NBA roundup: Magic halt Lakers’ 9-game win streak
Markelle Fultz amassed 21 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists, and the visiting Orlando Magic ended the Los Angeles Lakers’ nine-game winning streak with a 119-118 victory on Wednesday night.
W Series links up with Formula One in the Americas
The all-female W Series will be part of the Formula One support program in its second season with new races at the U.S. and Mexican Grands Prix in October, organizers announced on Thursday.
Clijsters urges Australian Open organizers to tackle smoke risks
Four-times Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters believes it is impossible to ignore air quality issues heading into next week’s Australian Open and urged organizers to make player health a top priority.
Rejuvenated Osaka looking to retain Melbourne title
Japan’s Naomi Osaka heads to Melbourne looking to defend her Australian Open title following a tumultuous 2019 which saw her reach world number one, change coach twice and become the second-highest paid female athlete on the planet.
Barty to soak up pressure of hopeful Australia
Bringing the world number one ranking and Grand Slam success to the Australian Open, home hero Ash Barty will carry a heavy burden of expectation to deliver the goods at Melbourne Park.
Wozniacki to head into retirement, loved but legacy unsure
Caroline Wozniacki will, fittingly, take her final bow over the next fortnight at Melbourne Park, the scene of her only Grand Slam victory in a career that earned her praise for her tenacity and approachable character but also saw her acquire detractor…
With Cahill back in her corner, Halep chases Melbourne glory
Simona Halep hopes having Darren Cahill back in her corner at the Australian Open will help her land a third Grand Slam title but if the Melbourne Park trophy eludes her once again it will not be down to a lack of fitness or preparation.
