Tennis

Tennis

Former world number one Simona Halep announces retirement

Former world number one and two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep announced her retirement from professional tennis on Tuesday after losing in the first round at her home event in Cluj.

1d ago

Kvitova to make comeback this month after maternity break

Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova will return to action this month after a 15-month maternity break, with the Czech set to play in three tournaments in the United States.

2d ago

I think Sinner is the best, says Alcaraz

"He has lost only four or five matches in the past year, so it's crazy. I know people say who's better out of us. They say Jannik is better or some say me. It's all discussion."

2d ago

Aussie Open champion Sinner won't defend his title in Rotterdam

World number one Jannik Sinner will not defend his ATP 500 title in Rotterdam as the Italian's "body needs time to rest" after winning the Australian Open, tournament organisers announced Monday.

1w ago

Sinner destined for greatness but first comes doping hearing

Double Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner set his sights on mastering clay and grass courts to make himself a complete player after the Italian claimed his third hardcourt Grand Slam title on Sunday.

1w ago

Sinner 11th player in the Open era to retain Australian Open men's singles title

The 23-year-old came through a tense battle between the world's top two players 6-3, 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 on Rod Laver Arena, raising his arms in the air and looking to the sky in celebration.

1w ago

Sinner dismantles Zverev to retain Australian Open title

The victory earned the Italian world number one his third Grand Slam crown.

1w ago

'You pay my bills' and 'kick him out': Australian Open storylines

The Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year, ends on Sunday when defending champion Jannik Sinner faces Alexander Zverev for the men's title. AFP looks back on five memorable storylines from the past two weeks in Melbourne:

1w ago

Nadal to battle Djokovic one last time after Alcaraz defeat

The 38-year-old Nadal announced last week he would retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

3m ago

Alcaraz will face 'difficult' clash with 'idol' Nadal

Nadal, the winner of 22 Grand Slam titles, announced last week that he will retire from tennis after the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga next month.

3m ago

'I still plan to compete and play next season,' says Djokovic

Novak Djokovic insisted Sunday that he plans "to compete and play next season" despite suffering another loss at the hands of world number one Jannik Sinner.

3m ago

Sinner wins Shanghai Masters to deny Djokovic 100th career title

World number one Jannik Sinner defeated 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 on Sunday to win the Shanghai Masters.

3m ago

Sinner reaches Shanghai final, will end year number one

Jannik Sinner beat Tomas Machac 6-4, 7-5 to reach the Shanghai Masters final on Saturday and ensure he finishes the year as world number one.

3m ago

Djokovic 'overwhelmed' after 'greatest rival' Nadal's retirement

Novak Djokovic said Friday he was "overwhelmed" by the news of Rafael Nadal's retirement and called the Spaniard "the greatest rival that I ever had", but said he has no plans to stop.

3m ago

Retiring Nadal remains an inspiring role model for fellow pros

As a child Alcaraz had watched Nadal and was grateful for the "immense gift" of playing alongside him at the Paris Olympics earlier this year which was held at Roland Garros.

3m ago

Nadal's place in tennis history etched in clay

When a teenaged Rafa Nadal bounced in to Roland Garros in pirate pants and sleeveless shirt in May 2005 before scything through the draw, few realised it marked the start of an unprecedented era of sporting domination.

3m ago

A fine bromance: Nadal's epic rivalry with Federer

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer's rivalry started in the sweltering heat of Miami and ended almost two decades later in tears and hand-holding in an emotional London farewell.

3m ago

Rafael Nadal calls time on epic tennis career

Rafael Nadal on Thursday announced he will retire after the Davis Cup finals in November, ending a career which brought 22 Grand Slam titles, global respect and inspired epic, iconic rivalries with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic.

3m ago