SYDNEY, Dec 31 — Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, nicknamed “Sincaraz,” are set to kick off the 2026 season ahead of the Australian Open, while world number one Aryna Sabalenka aims for further Grand Slam success.
SYDNEY, Dec 31 — Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, nicknamed “Sincaraz,” are set to kick off the 2026 season ahead of the Australian Open, while world number one Aryna Sabalenka aims for further Grand Slam success.
The season begins with the mixed-teams United Cup in Perth and Sydney, featuring Iga Swiatek and Alexander Zverev. Sabalenka starts at the Brisbane International from January 4-11, facing a strong field including Madison Keys and Amanda Anisimova.
Alcaraz and Sinner will play an exhibition in South Korea on January 10 as a warm-up for the Australian Open. Last year, Alcaraz claimed eight titles, including the French and US Opens, while Sinner retained the ATP Finals crown and defended his Australian Open title.
Novak Djokovic begins what could be his final season at the Adelaide International from January 12, chasing a record 25th major and 11th Australian Open title.
Other top players competing early in the season include Felix Auger-Aliassime, Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur, Daniil Medvedev, and Nick Kyrgios.
Sabalenka, after winning her second US Open and titles in Brisbane, Madrid, and Miami, is the favorite for a third Australian Open crown, with challengers including Swiatek, Gauff, and Rybakina. — AFP
BANGKOK, April 24 — Thailand’s Supreme Court on Friday agreed to hear a petition accusing 44 current and former opposition lawmakers of ethics violations over their 2021 move to amend a law protecting the monarchy from criticism, according to Thai media reports.
PUTRAJAYA, April 24 — The Court of Appeal today dismissed Kepala Batas MP Dr Siti Mastura’s appeal against a High Court ruling ordering her to pay RM825,000 in damages and costs for defaming three DAP leaders by linking them to former Communist Party of Malaya leader Chin Peng.
THE HAGUE, April 23 — Former Philippines president Rodrigo Duterte will stand trial at the International Criminal Court after judges on Thursday confirmed charges of crimes against humanity over his controversial “war on drugs.”