World number five Rafael Nadal has been knocked out of the Australian Open first round by fellow Spaniard Fernando Verdasco. The epic five-set match ended 7-6, 4-6, 3-6, 7-6, 6-2 in four hours, 41 minutes. It’s only Nadal’s second ever opening round defeat at a major tournament. Meanwhile, in the women’s competition, former world number one Ana Ivanovic beat the unseeded Tammi Patterson 6-2, 6-3.
Medvedev disqualified from China Open semi after hitting ball into crowd
Russian Daniil Medvedev was disqualified from his China Open semi-final clash with Novak Djokovic after hitting a rebounding ball into the crowd, striking a spectator in the eye.
Pakistan drop Agha as T20 captain, hand Farhan role for Sri Lanka series
Pakistan have dropped Salman Ali Agha as T20 captain and left him out of the squad for this month's Sri Lanka series, while naming squads for the T20 series and ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England.
Alcaraz rallies past Munar into Japan Open final
Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz overcame early wobbles on his serve to outclass fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar 5-7 6-3 6-1 and reach the Japan Open final on Monday, taking a step towards his first singles title after his comeback from a wrist injury.
UAEFA provides 12 chartered flights to Gulf Cup final in Jeddah
The UAE Football Association (UAEFA) has provided 12 chartered aircraft to transport fans to Jeddah to witness the UAE national team's final match against Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cup on Tuesday.
Portugal secure place in Nations League quarter-finals
Title holders Portugal have maintained their 100 per cent record in the Nations League with a 2-1 home win over Norway on Sunday to seal a place in the March quarter-finals and shift the focus further away from Cristiano Ronaldo's abrupt exit from the squad last week.
