SPORT Saturday 26 January 2019 PAGE | 17 PAGE | 19 Asensio and Dominant Bale boost Djokovic sets up Madrid after Nadal final in injury layoffs Melbourne Hatem’s stunning strike takes Qatar into semis
REUTERS Qatari misfielder ABU DHABI QFA President Abdulaziz Hatem (second right) hails Qatar’s Qatar’s Abdulaziz Hatem scored celebrates with with a stunning late strike as the team-mates after heroics 2022 World Cup hosts upset Son scoring the winning goal Heung-min’s South Korea 1-0 to during the AFC Asian reach the semi-finals of the Asian QNA Cup quarter-final match Cup for the first time yesterday. ABU DHABI against South Korea, The defensive midfielder’s yesterday. left-footed shot came out of the President of Qatar Football blue in the 78th minute and flew Association (QFA) Sheikh past South Korea goalkeeper Kim Hamad bin Khalifa bin Seung-gyu to decide a largely dis- Ahmed Al Thani yesterday appointing contest in front of a praised the qualification of crowd of only 13,700 at Zayed the Qatari team to the semi- Sport City. final of AFC Asian Cup in the Twice former champions UAE, after beating South South Korea poured forward to Korea through Abdulaziz try and rescue the match but were Hatem’s goal. unable to produce an equaliser The win saw the national and it will be the Qataris who face team reach the semi-final of the hosts United Arab Emirates for the competition for the first a place in the final next Tuesday. time in its history. The pres- “We’ve achieved something ident of QFA said in a special today, this is history for Qatar upset 2015 finalists and statement to the press that the us,” said coach Felix Sanchez, former champions South Korea 1-0 delight of the Qatari and Arab whose team will go into the semi- people with win made it even final without having conceded a Al Annabi set maiden last-four more pleasing. goal. appearance at AFC Asian Cup He then congratulated the “We played a great game, the players, coaching staff, and players made a huge effort and we Qatar to meet hosts UAE in the Qatar’s citizens and residents achieved something great for our on the qualification to the country. semi-final on January 29 semi-final of the “I’m the happiest coach in the competition. world.” Pre-tournament favourites Qatari players celebrate their historic victory. South Korea, who had been looking to reach the last four for a record-extending 11th time, bowed out before the semi-finals We’ve achieved for the first time since 2004. something special Both teams had played their today, this is last 16 matches on Tuesday, which history for us. We perhaps contributed to a forget- table first half with just one shot played a great on target -- Akram Afif’s long- game, the players range effort after 32 minutes made a huge effort which South Korea keeper Kim and we achieved safely gathered. something great for The Qataris, who started with our country. I’m the five at the back, came out with more attacking intent in the happiest coach in Qatar coach Felix Sanchez second half but were almost the world: Sanchez celebrates after yesterday’s win. immediately caught on the break with Hwang Ui-jo forcing a save out of Saad Al Sheeb. The game was opening up with chances at both ends and Holders Australia crash out Son, who had looked fatigued since joining the South Korean squad for their third group game, as UAE book Qatar semi started to impose his influence. The Tottenham Hotspur REUTERS the changes and within a forward got a low drive on target AL AIN minute of kickoff almost in the 72nd minute which went took the lead. Ismail Al straight to Saad and made a decoy Defending champions Hammadi flew through the run before Kim Jin-su curled the Australia crashed out of the Australian defence, but Ryan ball onto the outside of the post was nestled in the bottom right- the video assistant referee, and Portuguese coach Paulo Bento Asian Cup yesterday when a was equal to his goal-bound from a free kick three minutes hand corner of the South Korean Qatar held on to secure a famous said after suffering his first defeat contentious Ali Mabkhout effort. later. net. victory. in 12 matches in charge. goal earned hosts the United Al Hammadi threatened Just when it looked like the Hwang Ui-jo had the ball in “We tried to dominate the “We were eliminated because Arab Emirates a 1-0 victory again 19 minutes later, with Koreans might be getting on top, the back of the opposite net two game as we had in our previous we weren’t efficient enough in and a semi-final meeting Ryan called into action again though, the ball broke for Hatem minutes later but was ruled matches but they were very well- converting our opportunities into with Qatar next week. after the winger had stepped in midfield and seconds later it offside, a decision confirmed by organised,” South Korea’s goals.” Mabkhout struck inside Australia’s backline. midway through the second The Socceroos half after Milos Degenek threatened, too, in an open under-hit a pass back to Mat and entertaining first half. Ryan, and the Al Jazira man Mabkhout, though, swooped to round the goal- should have scored in the keeper and slot the ball into dying seconds of the half, an empty net for his ninth only for his close range goal in two Asian Cups. header to fizz over the The Australians com- crossbar. plained Degenek had been He made amends after fouled prior to giving away halftime when he capitalised possession by Mohammed on Degenek’s poor pass to South Korean Abdulrahman, but Japanese give his side the lead. goalkeeper referee Ryuji Sato waved Australia coach Graham Kim Seung-gyu away the protests and the Arnold threw on strikers unsuccessfully goal stood. Awer Mabil and Andrew attempts to stop Victory means Alberto Nabbout in a last-ditch Hatem’s strike, Zaccheroni’s side will move attempt to take the game yesterday. on to the semi-final against into extra time. their Arabian Gulf neigh- However, the UAE held bours, who earlier stunned firm to avenge their loss to South Korea 1-0. the Socceroos in the semi- The home side who finals four years ago in looked comfortable despite Australia. SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 17
Al Annabi pitted along with Argentina, Colombia and Paraguay in the June 14-July 7 event Qatar set for Argentina dual in Copa America
CHINTHANA WASALA Qatar - along with Japan THE PENINSULA will take part as guests in the 12-team tournament in Qatar have been drawn along Brazil and will be playing with global football heavy- weights Argentina, Colombia in their first tournament in and Paraguay in Group B for South America. this summer’s Copa America, it was revealed yesterday. The official draw ceremony The 2019 Copa America, took place in Rio de Janeiro and the 46th edition of the Brazilian legend Cafu picked event, will be played across up Qatar’s slip during the glam- five cities in Brazil from orous event which was attended by his countrymen June 14 to July 7. Zico, Ze Roberto and Marta, Argentina’s Javier Zanetti, Uru- guay’s Diego Lugano, Colom- During the group stage, bia’s Francisco Maturana and Qatar will take on Paraguay Paraguay’s Romerito. on June 16, Colombia in A team of Qatar Football their second Group match Association (QFA) officials, headed by Ibrahim Khalil Al on June 19 and Argentina Mohannadi, Executive Com- on June 23. mittee Member of the QFA, par- ticipated in the draw ceremony. The Qatari delegation also included Fahad Al Thani, Director of the Development Department of QFA, Khalifa Us rhput hqiruv qyhprq Saleh Al Haroun, Senior Mar- rh t rxpxhtrs hr keting Advisor to the Secretary- !"#!"# General, Abdul Rahman Abdul # Jabbar, Media Officer and $% Mubarak Al Ali, Security Officer. The draw also saw hosts &# Brazil getting a relatively easier !"# group. Eight-time winners Brazil, the top seeds in Group Brazillian legend Cafu pulls out Qatar’s slip during the official draw ceremony of the 2019 Copa A, were given a pool with America in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Thursday. Bolivia, Venezuela and Peru. Japan, making their second !" appearance after a disap- Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador 12.30am Qatar time on the fol- the tournament for the first E $% &' Wrr pointing debut in 1999, landed and Sao Paulo. The tournament lowing day time in 12 years. !& ()( Q 6yrt r in a tough Group C as they drew is set to get under way on June In their third and final All eyes will be on global !' SvqrEhrv 15-time champions Uruguay, 14 and will run for three weeks Group B match, Al Annabi will icon Lionel Messi who could ( !' ThQhy holders Chile and Ecuador. until the final on July 7. be up against the former world return to lead Argentina after !( ()( Thyhq Qatar - along with Japan Qatar’s opening match of champions Argentina on June a disappointing World Cup Ey ' * &' will take part as guests in the the tournament will be against 23. The match is set to kick off campaign. 12-team tournament in Brazil Paraguay on June 16. The at 10.00pm. Argentina have won the ! + + 7ryC vr and will be playing in their first match will kick off at 10.00pm Chile have won the past tournament 14 times but their " +( + Q 6yrt r tournament in South America. Qatar time. two tournaments but have last cup win came in 1993. %,- # # "&& The 2019 Copa America - Next up, they will meet slipped to 13 in the world Uruguay is the most suc- % ThQhy the 46th edition of the event - Colombia in their second Group rankings - below Denmark - cessful team in the tourna- will be played across five cities match on June 19 and the as hosts Brazil who start off as ment’s 103-year long history ./0 "#* & @hqvHh hphhSvqrEhrv in Brazil - Belo Horizonte, Porto match is set to kick off at favourites, will attempt to win with 15 title victories. !' $!()*+ !#'## $ , ' Chelsea edge Spurs to reach League Cup final Asensio and
REUERS Chelsea players Bale boost LONDON celebrate after winning Chelsea produced the perfect response the penalty Madrid after to manager Maurizio Sarri’s weekend shootout criticism to beat London rivals against injury layoffs Tottenham Hotspur on penalties on Tottenham Thursday and set up a League Cup final Hotspur during showdown against holders Manchester their League REUTERS City. Cup semi-final MADRID Trailing 1-0 from the semi-final on Thursday. first leg, Chelsea turned the tie on its Real Madrid forwards Marco Asensio and head with goals by N’Golo Kante and Gareth Bale both returned to full training Eden Hazard in the first half but yesterday after injury layoffs, handing the Fernando Llorente struck for Spurs in European champions a boost in attack an enthralling Stamford Bridge duel. three weeks before their Champions Chelsea had 20 goal attempts to Spurs battled hard but their wait standings, looked comfortable early on break and Kane’s replacement Llorente League last-16 tie with Ajax Amsterdam. Tottenham’s five but the visitors held for silverware goes on. but the hosts gradually began to exert bundled in a header from Danny Rose’s Spain international Asensio has been firm to set up a penalty shootout. After Chelsea’s 2-0 weekend a measure of control. Chelsea went cross to put them back on level terms out for over a month with a thigh injury Christian Eriksen scored Totten- Premier League defeat at Arsenal, Sarri ahead in the 27th minute when Kante’s on aggregate in the 50th minute. sustained during Madrid’s Club World Cup ham’s first spot-kick but team mate Eric raised eyebrows by accusing his players shot from the edge of the area went The Spanish striker also wasted a campaign, while their record signing Bale Dier, the hero of England’s World Cup of being “difficult to motivate” and pub- through the legs of two Spurs players great chance from Eriksen’s raking pass has been sidelined since a 2-2 draw at shootout win over Colombia last year, licly demanded more of his Belgium and squirmed past Gazzaniga -- in goal before being replaced by Moura. Villarreal in early January with a calf fired over and Lucas Moura’s penalty forward Hazard. instead of Hugo Lloris. However, it was Chelsea who looked problem. was well-saved by goalkeeper Kepa But a visit from rivals Tottenham, With their tails up Chelsea began the more likely side to avoid the need Despite their pedigree, Asensio and Arrizabalaga. with a Wembley final at stake, provided to dominate and they went ahead in for penalties. Hazard twice went close Bale both face a daunting task in Chelsea’s penalties were more the incentive for a far sharper display, the tie in the 38th minute when a fluid and Spurs needed some last-ditch attempting to win a place back in the team clinical and David Luiz slotted past with Hazard at the heart of Chelsea’s passing move ended with Cesar tackles to keep Chelsea at bay. ahead of Brazilian teenager Vinicius Jr, Paulo Gazzaniga to seal the victory and attacking endeavour. Azpilicueta’s low cross being calmly It was all in vain for Mauricio who has spearheaded Madrid’s return to send Chelsea into their 15th cup final Tottenham, who are four points side-footed home by a stretching Pochettino’s side, though, as they fal- form in an otherwise disappointing in 17 years. above Chelsea in the Premier League Hazard. Tottenham responded after the tered with a domestic final in sight. season. Santiago Solari’s side lie third in La Liga, 10 points behind leaders Barcelona, but earned a fourth win in five games in all competitions by beating Girona 4-2 in Lionel Argentina coach hopeful of Messis’ return a Copa del Rey quarter-final, first leg on Messi Thursday. REUTERSREUTERS Messi took a sabbatical from the days before the March list. When the That win followed a therapeutic 2-0 RRIOIO DEDE JANEIROJANEIRO national side after another disap- time is right we will speak,” Scaloni victory over Sevilla in the league in their pointing World Cup, with Argentina told reporters. “I hope he can be here previous outing. ArgentinaArgentina coach LionelLion Scaloni said knocked out in the second round but more than that, we want him to “We are playing well, at the start of the hehe hashas a “good“good feeling” about after winning just one game in four. be happy. I have a good feeling.” year we had two slipups which didn’t help LionelLio Messi’s He has not said whether he will Argentina, who are desperate to us at all, but now we are feeling good again possiblep return return for the Copa America in Brazil end a trophy drought that dates back and believe we can achieve great things,” to interna- in June but the interim coach said at to 1993 when they last won the Copa said Madrid winger Lucas Vazquez on tional football Thursday’s draw he was hopeful the America, were drawn in Group B for Friday at a promotional event. and will talk to the BarcelonaBar forward inspiring forward might return for a the upcoming tournament, alongside “The best way to fight for the Copa del about a possible returnretur from his self- March friendly. Colombia, Paraguay and invited side Rey and the Champions League is to do imposed exile.exile. “We will speak with Leo in the Qatar. well in the league. We are on a good run now and the way we played in the last two games is the way we want to go.” 18 SPORT SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2019 Australia in command of day-night Test
AFP SCOREBOARD balls before he was squared up by BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA Dushmantha Chameera and Sri Lanka (I innings) ...... 144 Total ...... 323 Australia (I innings) Fall of wickets: 1-37, 2-72, 3-76, 4-82 (Lyon), tickled a catch behind to Niroshan Half-centuries from Travis Head M Harris c Thirimanne b Kumara ...... 44 5-248, 6-272, 7-272, 8-278, 9-304, 10-323 Dickwella. Skipper Paine was out and Marnus Labuschagne and a J Burns c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 15 Bowling: Lakmal 27-9-75-5 (2nb), Kumara 15-5- first ball, edging a Lakmal last-ball strike by Pat Cummins put U Khawaja b Perera ...... 11 37-1 (2w), Chameera 21-3-68-1 (3nb), Perera 32.2- outswinger to Kusal Mendis at Australia firmly in command of the N Lyon c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 1 9-84-2, de Silva 8-3-22-1, Karunaratne 3-0-14-0 second slip for a splendid low day-night Test against Sri Lanka M Labuschagne c Thirimanne b de Silva ...... 81 Sri Lanka (II innings) catch and young Test newcomer at the Gabba in Brisbane yesterday. T Head lbw b Lakmal ...... 84 D Karunaratne c Paine b Cummins ...... 3 Kurtis Patterson showed prom- Head hit a Test best 84 and K Patterson lbw b Lakmal ...... 30 L Thirimanne (batting) ...... 6 ising resilience to bat for 82 balls Labuschagne posted 81 as Aus- T Paine c Mendis b Lakmal ...... 0 Extras (B4, LB4) ...... 8 before he was lbw to Lakmal for tralia amassed 323 to hold an P Cummins c Dickwella b Chameera ...... 0 Total (for 1 wkt) ...... 17 30. Mitchell Starc hit out lustily for imposing 179-run innings lead M Starc (not out) ...... 26 Fall of wickets: 1-17 26 with four fours and a six before over the Sri Lanka after the second J Richardson c Karunaratne b Perera ...... 1 Bowling: Starc 2-0-2-0, Richardson 2-1-2-0, Jhye Richardson was the last day. Extras (B6, LB17, NB5, W2) ...... 30 Lyon 1-0-5-0, Cummins 1-1-0-1 wicket to fall, for one. Lakmal fin- Sri Lanka lurched into further ished with five for 75. strife losing the wicket of Dimuth “We are still in the game and Karunaratne on the last ball of the (Richardson) and Pat bowled chance to really drive the game and we need to bat as long as we can day by Cummins for three as the against the right handers yesterday get a massive lead and be still with and take a lead and put some tourists had to negotiate a tricky by swinging the ball away we can batters in the shed tonight.” pressure (on Australia) after six overs facing the pink ball under put them under real pressure in Labuschagne was out shortly before tomorrow,” Lakmal said. lights. the morning.” dinner, also with a maiden Test “I treasure the Australian five Karunaratne was snapped up Head was trapped leg before century beckoning.His patient 150- (wickets) because I always had a behind by Tim Paine as Sri Lanka wicket by Suranga Lakmal, ball knock ended when he skipped dream of achieving a five-wicket reached stumps at 17 for one with meaning no Australian batsman down the wicket to lift a drive only haul in Australia and it’s a dream Lahiru Thirimanne on six to trail has scored a Test century in nine to find the bottom of his bat and was come true.” Head and by 162 runs overall and battling to innings against India and Sri Lanka taken at short mid-on by Thir- Labuschagne put on 166 runs for avoid defeat with three days left. this summer. imanne off Dhananjaya de Silva. the fifth wicket to seize the Australia’s Travis Head reacts after being dismissed for 84 “A massive wicket. It’s nice to “Two of us had opportunities Sri Lanka grabbed a few momentum and put Australia in runs during the day-night Test match against Sri Lanka get them one down and break the today to go on and get a big score,” wickets towards the end of Aus- command after losing two wickets at the Gabba Cricket Ground in Brisbane, yesterday. left-handers up,” Head said. Head said. tralia’s innings. Cummins was in the opening session chasing Sri “I think the way Jhye “It’s disappointing to miss the unable to get off the mark in 21 Lanka’s modest 144.
A man drives a vehicle with tarpaulin Windies take massive cover as rain starts to fall and delay the third ODI match between South Africa and Pakistan at the Supersport lead over England Park Cricket Stadium, yesterday.
AFP demolishing the tourists on the second BRIDGETOWN, BARBADOS afternoon for just 77, the pair, who came together just before the end of play on Jason Holder reached his highest Test day two, are yet to be separated in a score and Shane Dowrich was on the stand now worth 229 runs and which verge of his own third Test hundred as has extended the home side’s overall the West Indies seventh-wicket pair advantage to a mammoth 561 runs. continued to pile on the misery for Holder, the West Indies captain, con- England in the first Test yesterday. tinued to dominate the scoring in The pair batted through the reaching 151 -- his second hundred in afternoon session, extending their second Tests against England -- at the break innings to 349 for six at tea on the third with wicketkeeper-batsman Dowrich day at Kensington Oval. content to trail in the all-rounder’s wake Having resumed from the overnight in getting to 97. position of 127 for six, and with a first After putting on 110 in the morning innings lead of 212 runs after period, they added another 112 in the two hours after lunch, capitalising on weary, New Zealand aim to bounce back dispirited opponents who could not summon the energy to make a difference with the second new ball even though AFP “Everyone has been performing Mohammed Shami whipped out the Holder gave them two difficult chances MOUNT MAUNGANUI, NEW ZEALAND really well. Our strength (of depth) is very New Zealand openers in his first two after bringing up his hundred with a good.” While India have the nice problem overs but Boult and new ball partner straight hit for six off leg-spinner Adil New Zealand have pin-pointed two of a surfeit of talent, New Zealand swing Tim Southee were unable to make a Rashid.Rory Burns could not hold on to a “obvious” areas where they need to bowler Trent Boult noted the home side’s similar breakthrough. running, diving effort at deep cover when improve for today’s second one-day issues in the two key areas. “We know that early wickets in this the tall right-hander miscued a heave at international against India -- batting “I think it’s obvious we know where format kind of kill you,” Boult said, part-time bowler Keaton Jennings. and bowling. we went wrong,” he said. “We were saying New Zealand needed to be Then just before the interval wick- India exposed a huge gulf between severely outplayed the other day.” After aggressive with the new ball. etkeeper Ben Foakes could only get a the world’s second- and third-ranked winning the toss and electing to bat, “If we can get three wickets in the glove to a leg-side deflection off Ben sides when they strolled home by eight New Zealand were rolled for 157 in 38 first 10 overs, we know what pressure Stokes before it raced to the fine-leg wickets in the series opener at Napier overs. The match was shortened to 49 that puts on the rest of the team in the boundary. With their confidence on Wednesday. overs -- and India given the slightly shed. “They are human and they do severely dented after being routed the Shikhar Dhawan, who finished reduced target -- after glare from the make mistakes.” previous day for the lowest innings total unbeaten on 75 as India chased down setting sun forced a delay of more than New Zealand played Mitchell in 89 years of Test Cricket at the Ken- the 156-run target, said there was half an hour. Santner as their sole spinner in Napier sington Oval, and their fourth-lowest pressure on all the tourists to perform Boult said New Zealand needed to but may add Ish Sodhi to the line-up against the West Indies, England relied if they wanted to make the squad. set a good platform at the start of the for game two following the success of West Indies’ Jason Holder celebrates at the start of play and again when the “The competition is always there in innings “and obviously put a good target India’s spin pair Kuldeep Yadav and reaching 150 runs during the first Test second new ball was taken in the our side,” he said yesterday on the eve on the board... it’s about batting in part- Yuzvendra Chahal, who took six against England at the Kensington Oval, afternoon on James Anderson and Stokes of the second ODI in Mount nerships and taking the game deep so wickets between them in the opener of Bridgetown, Barbados, yesterday. to provide a breakthrough. Maunganui. we can really cash in those later overs.” the five-ODI series. Qatar Superstock 600: Al Sulaiti clinches pole position
THE PENINSULA Young rider Abdullah Al to first, but Mohamad Al Khaiat DOHA Qubaisi although will start in the Action from the third round of the Qatar Superstock 600 is very close so for sure we will third place with a lap time of championship at Losail International Circuit yesterday. have a good battle and Ibrahim Saeed Al Sulaiti and Abdulla Al 2:05.265, is not happy with his Al Abdulghani,” said Al Khelaifi. Khelaifi clinched the pole posi- results. Al Khaiat, with a time of tions in Qatar Superstock 600 “‘I am not happy at all with 2:25.231 will start in second place (QSTK) and Qatar Touring Car my results as I expected a better at the grid. Championship (QTCC) respec- lap time. I didn’t have the right As last round, Ibrahim Al tively at Losail International feeling with the bike but hope- Abdulghani finished in third Circuit during the third round of fully todayI can fight in front for place in the Qualifying ‘The car both championships. the win as the difference is not is fine, it is faster than last round Al Sulaiti was on top at the so big’,” Al Qubaisi said. and I like how the car is running, Free Practice 2 and also did the In the QSTK Trophy, the very consistent. Hopefully I can fastest lap at the Superpole, fastest rider was again Qatar’s be a bit better tomorrow and 2:04.283 so he will start from the Jassim Al Thani with a lap time finish in the podium’ Al front row today, ahead of Mishal of 2:08.600. Kuwaiti riders Abdulghani stated after the Al Naimi, who finished second Mohamed Al Zaidan and Nawaf session. with a time of 2:05.010. Al Shuaibi finished second and Today, QSTK Race 1 starts at “I feel better this round with third in their category. 11:30 and Race 2 at 14:30. For my injuries. I am really happy to “The feeling is ok, I am again QTCC, the first race is scheduled secure the third Superpole this the fastest rider in the QSTK at 13:00 and the second race at season. I have a good feeling with Trophy and I did a very good lap 16:00. the bike and hopefully the time. I hope today I can push in Qatar Superstock 600 and weather will be fine,” said Al Race 1 to work on a good gap to Qatar Touring Car Championship Sulaiti. secure the first position in the another position, he clocked Khaiat. Al Khelaifi was very adjusting the map to today’s tem- are organized by Losail Circuit Al Naimi had good feelings standings,” Al Thani again the fastest time in the happy for another pole in the peratures. In the Qualifying Sports Club and Qatar Motor and with his bike and is looking commented. Qualifying session with a time of season . “The weather is a bit hot session, I started from seventh Motorcycle Federation with forward to the race. In QTCC, Al Khelaifi clinched 2:24.174 in front of Mohamad Al this time so I did some logging and climbed to second and then Pirelli Qatar as sponsor. SATURDAY 26 JANUARY 2019 SPORT 19 Dominant Djokovic sets up Nadal final
AFP MELBOURNE Rafael Nadal Novak Djokovic yesterday continued his quest for a record seventh Australian Open crown by swatting aside French 28th seed Lucas Pouille 6-0, 6-2, 6-2 to set up a final against Rafael Nadal. It was a flawless display on Rod Laver Arena by the world number one who moves into a first Melbourne decider since 2016. “It is definitely one of the best matches I’ve ever had on this court, definitely,” said Djokovic, who hit 24 winners and had just five unforced errors “You know, everything worked the way I imagined it before the match and even more so. “Tough one for Lucas, but he had a great tournament, and I wish him all the best for the rest of the season,” he added. Djokovic lost in the fourth round last year, followed by elbow surgery and poor form until he won Wimbledon and turned his season around. “It was highly unlikely 12 months ago that I would be where I am today, a year later,” said the Serbian top seed. “But I’ve said it before, and I always have plenty of belief in myself, and I think the self-belief is something that always Serbia’s Novak Djokovic hits a return against France’s prevails.” Lucas Pouille during their men’s singles semi-final match Djokovic will face second of the Australian Open in Melbourne, yesterday. seed Nadal in a 53rd career meeting and eighth in the final of a Slam. quarter-final opponent Kei just 21 minutes. Pouille held his opportunity and raced to the record against Djokovic in Grand In 2012 the pair contested the Nishikori had quit after 51 first service game of the second second set. On Thursday, Nadal Slam finals, including all three longest Grand Slam final in terms minutes and he jumped all over set to a huge ovation from the had allowed his young Greek meetings since their Melbourne of time at the Australian Open the world number 31 right from centre court fans, but it was a opponent Stefanos Tsitsipas to Park marathon seven years ago, It is definitely one of when Djokovic edged an epic the start. brief respite as Djokovic, a win just six games on the way to and both players are chasing battle 7-5 in the fifth set after 5hr Djokovic was in total control picture of precision on serve and the final in an hour and 46 milestones tomorrow. the best matches I’ve 53min. against the Frenchman who had return, would not allow him any minutes. A win for Nadal will see him ever had on this court, Djokovic, in his 34th Grand needed more than three hours chance to get back into the Djokovic made that look become the first player in the definitely. You know, Slam semi-final, took just 83 to see off Milos Raonic in the last match. pedestrian, allowing Pouille only Open era to win all four Grand everything worked minutes to outclass his regular eight. Pouille’s coach Amelie Mau- four games and taking 23 Slam titles twice, while victory practice partner Pouille, who The Serb ran Pouille resmo, who won the Australian minutes less to reach his first for Djokovic will take him clear the way I imagined it was appearing in his first. ragged so effectively that he Open women’s singles in 2006, Melbourne final since 2016, of six-time Melbourne winners before the match and The 14-time Grand Slam title dished out a dreaded 6-0 could only look on helplessly as when he won his sixth title. Roger Federer and Roy even more so: Djokovic winner was fresh because “bagel” in a first set that lasted Djokovic broke at the next Nadal holds a 4-3 win-loss Emerson.
Osaka vs Kvitova Osaka and Pliskova chase 4-NAOMI OSAKA Age: 21 WTA Ranking: 4 WTA titles: 2 Coach: Sasha Bajin Grand Slam titles: 1 (US Open 2018) 2018 Australian double delight in Melbourne Open performance: Fourth round Best Australian Open performance: Final (2019) Road to final: First round: beat REUTERS Magda Linette (Poland) 6-4 6-2 Second round: beat Tamara MELBOURNE Zidansek (Slovenia) 6-2 6-4 Third round: beat Hsieh Su-Wei (Taiwan) 5-7 6-4 6-1 Fourth round: beat 13-Anastasija The rewards could not get bigger when Petra Sevastova (Latvia) 4-6 6-3 6-4 Quarter-finals: beat 6-Elina Kvitova takes on Naomi Osaka in today’s Svitolina (Ukraine) 6-4 6-1 Semi-finals: beat 7-Karolina Australian Open final with one of them set to Pliskova (Czech Republic) 6-2 4-6 6-4 emerge as a fresh champion at Melbourne Park The US Open champion was forged in fire at Flushing as well as the new world number one. Meadows and has relied on the confidence that comes with Four months after stunning 23-times Grand winning a Grand Slam to dismiss rivals at the Australian Open. Slam champion Serena Williams in the final of the While she has polished her reputation as one of the US Open last September, 21-year-old Osaka is one cleanest strikers of the ball in women’s tennis during her win away from becoming the first player since Melbourne run, Osaka has also shown that she has the Jennifer Capriati to win the next Grand Slam after stomach for a fight when things are not going her way. her maiden major title. Having reached the final in consecutive Grand Slams, The fourth seed, one of the cleanest strikers Osaka meets double Wimbledon champion Kvitova for of the ball in women’s tennis, is not expecting it the first time in her career in what is now a face-off for the to be a cakewalk, especially being pitted against number one ranking in women’s tennis. an opponent as aggressive as Osaka and also more Osaka has matched Kvitova for aggression although experienced with two Wimbledon titles under her she has not been as dominant in the tournament, but it belt. is the Japanese player’s endurance and composure that Osaka fought back from a set and 4-1 down could help her prevail. against Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei in the third round 8-PETRA KVITOVA at Melbourne Park and showed her determination Age: 28 in winning two more three-setters to keep a Japan’s Naomi Osaka (left) reacting after a point against Czech Republic’s Karolina Pliskova WTA Ranking: 6 WTA titles: 26 13-match victory streak in Grand Slams running. during their women’s singles semi-final match. Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova celebrating her Coach: Jiri Vanek She will need all of that grit if she hopes to stop Grand Slam titles: 2 (Wimbledon 2011, 2014) 2018 Kvitova, who is yet to drop a set en route to her victory against Australia’s Ashleigh Barty during their women’s singles quarter-final match of the Australian Open. Australian Open performance: First round Best Australian maiden Australian Open final, in their first career Open performance: Final (2019) Road to final: First round: meeting. beat Magdalena Rybarikova (Slovakia) 6-3 6-2 Second “I think to have the opportunity to play her for “I have been in the final of the Grand Slam, I think Naomi is on fire. She’s in very good form,” round: beat Irina-Camelia Begu (Romania) 6-1 6-3 Third the first time in a final of a Grand Slam is some- but this is a little bit different,” she told reporters Kvitova said. round: beat Belinda Bencic (Switzerland) 6-1 6-4 Fourth thing very amazing,” Osaka told reporters after on Friday. “She’s an aggressive player, which I am, as round: beat Amanda Anisimova (U.S.) 6-2 6-1 Quarter-finals: her semi-final win. “I’ve watched her play the “I’m not playing on the grass, but I think it’s well. So I think it will be about who gonna take beat 15-Ashleigh Barty (Australia) 6-1 6-4 Semi-finals: beat Wimbledon finals. just probably a little bit more special because it’s the first point and push the other a little bit.” With Danielle Collins (US) 7-6(2) 6-0 “I know what a great player she is. It’s defi- after everything I have been through. So I think both players evenly matched in their aggressive Two years after missing the Australian Open while recovering nitely going to be very tough for me.” Kvitova is it’s just different, but I don’t think it’s, like, more play and ability to serve big, Kvitova’s coach Jiri from a knife attack by a home intruder, Kvitova is now one match one match away from capping one of the most nervous.” The 28-year-old, currently sixth in the Vanek believed the player with the bigger heart away from the title and a third Grand Slam trophy of her career. inspiring comebacks in the history of the sport, rankings, won the Sydney International warm-up will win Saturday’s contest. Having overcome the physical injury and the mental having had to undergo a nearly four-hour surgery before arriving in Melbourne and has not looked Vanek’s opposite number Sascha Bajin believes scars it left, the Czech is finally playing with the freedom and on her playing hand in 2016 after being attacked back, having strolled past her opponents in a Osaka’s fitness and mindset will give her the edge belief that made her one of the most effective players on the by a knife-wielding intruder at her home in the 11-match winning streak. in rallies. women’s tour en route to two Wimbledon titles. Czech Republic. Saturday could, however, be a different fight The number one ranking will be the cherry on Appearing leaner and stronger than before, the left- She missed the 2017 tournament at Melbourne against the big-hitting Osaka, who hammered 56 the top for the winner as she will unseat Romanian hander has mowed down opponents without dropping a set Park while recovering from the surgery and it was winners and clubbed 15 aces to defeat another Simona Halep, who was ousted by Serena Wil- at Melbourne to enter her first hard court Grand Slam final on just not a case of overcoming a physical injury as Czech player in Karolina Pliskova. liams in the fourth round, at the top spot of the an 11-match winning streak. the attack left an indelible mental scar too. “I need to play my best tennis, what I can say. women’s game on Monday.