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Shelton criticises 'disrespectful' on-court interviews
Earlier this week, 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic refused to do his usual on-court interview after his fourth-round win against Jiri Lehecka following what he described as "insulting and offensive" comments by Channel Nine's Tony Jones.
Jones shouted "Novak, he's over-rated, Novak's a has-been, Novak kick him out" towards Djokovic fans while live on air at the Australian Open on Friday.
The Australian broadcaster has since apologised for his remarks but Shelton says that incident was not a one-off.
"I've been a little bit shocked this week with how players have been treated by the broadcasters," he said.
"I don't think that [Djokovic being mocked] was just a single event. I've noticed it with different people, not just myself."
Shelton also referred to an "embarrassing and disrespectful" on-court interview with 19-year-old American Learner Tien after his shock second-round victory against fifth seed Daniil Medvedev.
The on-court interviewer told Tien "19-year-olds aren't meant to be that good" before asking him if he had heard of his third-round opponent Corentin Moutet.
"I feel like broadcasters should be helping us grow our sport and help these athletes who just won matches on the biggest stage enjoy one of their biggest moments," added Shelton.
"I feel like there's just been a lot of negativity. I think that's something that needs to change."
BBC Sport has contacted Tennis Australia, which organises the Australian Open, for comment.
Swiatek double-bounce controversy reignites video debate
A clear double bounce in the Australian Open quarter-final between Iga Swiatek and Emma Navarro has reignited the debate over how tennis uses video technology.
Navarro lost a point when she trailed 6-1 2-2 A-40 despite the ball bouncing twice in front of a stretching Swiatek, who went on to win 6-1 6-2.
Because Navarro continued playing, instead of immediately stopping the point, the American eighth seed was unable to challenge the call.
The Australian Open has introduced a video review system for the first time this year - but it can only be used on a point ending call or when a player stops play.
Afterwards Navarro said the incident did not "cause a momentum swing" but still believes there should be a change to the system.
"I think we should be able to see it afterwards," Navarro said.
"It happened so fast. In the back of your head you're like, 'OK maybe I can still win the point even though it wasn't called'.
"It's going to be a downer if I stop the point and it turns out it wasn't a double bounce.
"It's tough."
Five-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek said she "wasn't sure" if it was a double bounce after it was suggested she should have conceded the point.
"It was hard to say because I was full sprinting. I don't remember even seeing the contact point," said the Polish second seed.
"I don't know. Sometimes you don't really look when you hit the ball.
"I thought this is like the umpire's kind of job to call it. I was also waiting for the VAR, but I didn't see it so I just proceeded."
Anticipation was high among the Australian fans arriving at Rod Laver Arena that De Minaur could cause a shock - particularly given the uncertainty about Sinner's condition.
A pale-looking Sinner was visibly shaking in his chair during his fourth-round win over Rune and benefitted from an enforced 20-minute break when the net broke.
But Sinner looked healthy in a performance where he proved again to be a class above De Minaur.
The world number one struck the ball sweetly and consistently to outlast De Minaur in the rallies.
Clinching six breaks of serves, and saving just the one chance for De Minaur in the second set, illustrated his dominance.
Afterwards Sinner said he had "a very easy day" on Tuesday, hitting with his coaches for only "half an hour or 40 minutes" to maintain rhythm.
"I felt ready for today," Sinner added.
"When you play a night session you try to sleep as long as you can and eat healthy."
De Minaur came into the match with a terrible record against his opponent, losing all nine of their previous meetings and winning just one set in the process.
The 25-year-old Australian was looking to end that unwanted run and become the first home player since 2005 to reach the men's singles semi-finals.
But what was expected to be a raucous atmosphere failed to materialise on a cool Melbourne night.
It was testament to Sinner's assured display that he largely silenced the majority of the 15,000 fans.
"Right now my worst match-up on tour is Jannik. The head to head doesn't lie," said De Minaur.
"In these types of conditions where it's a little bit colder and you can't really get the ball out of his strike zone, he can just unload and not miss. It's tough."
Swedish Table Tennis Celebrates Historic Night at Sports Gala
Truls Möregårdh has become the first table tennis player to win Swedens Jerring Prize since its establishment in 1979. The achievement came during Mondays Sports Gala, where the sport celebrated a double success with Jörgen Persson named Coach of the Year.
Möregårdhs victory in the public vote follows his historic Olympic performance, where he ended Swedens 24-year wait for a table tennis medal. His remarkable run to silver included a stunning victory over world number one Wang Chuqin. He finished ahead of Olympic champions Armand Duplantis (pole vault), Sarah Sjöström (swimming), and beach volleyball duo David Åhman and Jonatan Hellvig in the peoples prize voting.
In an emotional acceptance speech, Möregårdh expressed gratitude to his supporters and paid special tribute to his parents. I am really in shock, he said. I want to thank all of Sweden for the incredible support this year; it has been absolutely fantastic. It is so fun to see all the table tennis fever that has been created in Sweden.
The evenings success continued as former national team captain Jörgen Persson was recognised for his outstanding year as mens national team coach. Under his guidance, Sweden not only secured Möregårdhs individual silver but also made history with their first-ever medal in the mens team event.
Speaking after receiving the award, Persson reflected on his journey: I stood here 24 years ago and received an award as a team player. And now Im standing here again, but this time as a leader. I could hardly have dreamed of that.
Persson acknowledged the crucial role of his team members, including Kristian Karlsson, Anton Källberg, and Truls Möregårdh, as well as Mattias Falck, physiotherapist Mikael Holm, and assistant coach Jon Persson in achieving this recognition.
This double success at Swedens most prestigious sports awards ceremony underlines the current strength of table tennis in the country.
The ITTF congratulates both Truls Möregårdh and Jörgen Persson on their well-deserved recognition.
Source: sbtf.se
Wales add Jones to coaching staff for Six Nations
Jones won 100 international caps with 95 games for Wales and five Tests for the British and Irish Lions on two tours.
He was awarded the first of his caps in 2003 against England and went on to win four Six Nations titles and compete in three World Cups.
Jones toured with the Lions in South Africa in 2009 and proved a cornerstone on the victorious series win in Australia four years later.
He starred for Neath and Ospreys, and played a season for Cardiff Blues before joining Harlequins in 2015.
After combining coaching and playing duties, Jones announced his retirement in 2018 to take up a full-time coaching role at Quins, where he has helped props like Joe Marler, Kyle Sinckler and Fin Baxter.
"Representing your country as a player or a coach is a great honour," said Harlequins director of rugby Billy Millard.
"When we were informed of Adam's opportunity, we wanted to work collaboratively with him and the Welsh Rugby Union on a solution that catered for all.
"We have no doubt he'll benefit greatly from the exposure of coaching at international level and take learnings from the experience, while continuing to support Danny [Wilson] and the wider coaching staff throughout the Premiership Rugby Cup campaign."
Former Harlequins and Wales centre and current WRU board member Jamie Roberts benefitted from McCann's work in his playing days.
'It's brilliant for the playing group to have someone of Andy's experience and wisdom to lean on during the upcoming Six Nations campaign," said Roberts.
"Having been around the camp for many years during Warren's first tenure, I know from experience that Andy's mental and motivational skillset played a pivotal role in supporting the growth, confidence, and performance of many of the household names of that generation."
Lions selection 'brings that extra factor' - Doris
Ireland's opening encounter against England offers up a chance to avenge last year's defeat by Steve Borthwick's side at Twickenham, which denied the Irish a second consecutive Grand Slam.
"We've got England at home first which sharpens the mind definitely so it's hard to look too far beyond them," explained the Leinster back-rower.
"Momentum is so big in this competition that if you don't get the first game right you're kind of trying to play catch-up. So it's all about England and preparing as best as possible for that game.
"There's a lot of belief within the group but there's also the feeling that we can improve a tonne still."
Doris is eager to atone for the disappointment of the agonising 23-22 reverse suffered against England last March.
"I don't think we were quite there defensively. They've got very dangerous ball carriers, but the number of missed tackles for us, for me personally, wasn't where we are capable of being definitely," Doris said.
"Our attack, it felt like in the first half we didn't fire a whole lot of shots, then we started the second half well, ended up leading.
"Even though some of England's results hadn't gone too well prior to that game we were aware that they were a quality team. You rewind only six months from that game and they were in a semi-final of the World Cup."
Gatland says he will aim to ignore external criticism.
"It's been about creating some positivity," said Gatland.
"It is almost like creating a siege mentality and realising there is a lot of negativity and criticism from outside towards myself and the coaches and the players.
"We need to put some confidence back in and create that self-belief. It's about bonding and working hard as a group.
"The messaging is to try and get rid of that negativity, don't let social media take over too much of what is being said externally.
"Sometimes it creates a bond within a group with some positive momentum going into the tournament."
Gatland says patience is needed as Wales build towards the 2027 World Cup.
"We have stated we are building towards 2027," said Gatland.
"It is going to take a bit of time when you lose so much experience and have youngsters now.
"We have a young group we are trying to build with.
"For this tournament, we have players like Taulupe Faletau, Josh Adams and Daf Jenkins back and they are going to make a big difference to us.
"It is a British and Irish Lions year, so that is something for the players to be excited for."
Hahn Commits to Chasing Third ASCS National Tour Title
CONCORD, N.C. After spending two seasons away from the full-time 360 Sprint Car ranks, Blake Hahn is returning to the ASCS National Tour this year to chase a third championship.
Hahn, 30, of Sapulpa, Okla., won back-to-back National Tour championships in 2021 and 2022 before transitioning his program into a 410-focused operation for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. But the grandson of ASCS founder Emmett Hahn is returning to the nations premier 360 Sprint Car tour this year for several reasons, and it starts with coming back home.
For me, the main answer is family, Hahn said. Me growing up around Oklahoma, watching ASCS develop and seeing the trade of hands from my grandpa over to [World Racing Group] I think its going in a great direction. I think everythings going to continue to grow. Their schedule fits really well with us; it leaves us some opportunity to go and still run some other events with the World of Outlaws and some other people.
Since his last ASCS title, Hahn has refrained from chasing points championships, opting for pick-and-choose schedules for his 410 efforts. But 2025 will be different. Hahn will pilot his signature yellow/pink Smileys Racing Products No. 52 at all 42 races on the ASCS National Tour in search of a third championship, which would tie him with Tim Crawley for third-most all-time.
I really want to come back and win a championship, Hahn said. I want to prove to people that I can get it done. Ive had people say, Well, you were only able to win it because we didnt have the heavy hitters there.
In my opinion, I think we will have a really good chance to compete for a championship when its all said and done.
In November, Hahn shined with ASCS during championship weekend, recording three-straight top-10 finishes, including a feature win on Friday night of Fuzzys Fall Fling at his home track Creek County Speedway.
We ran a good chunk of races with ASCS this year and I felt like, toward the end of the season, we finally picked up to be back where we were when we left off with ASCS, Hahn said. Theres a lot of room for improvement, but I feel like weve got a good, competitive car. I feel like everybody knows that if we come back, well definitely be in the running for a championship win.
The National Tour has seen an upgrade in competition since Hahn departed the full-time 360 Sprint Car ranks. Five-time champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. rejoined the points chase in 2024 for the first time since his most recent championship in 2020, as did reigning champion Seth Bergman. The two remained the standout contenders for the points title throughout the season, and Hahn plans on battling both in pursuit of a championship for the first time in 2025.
I have some experience running with those guys, and I think thatll help, just going out there and knowing their tendencies, Hahn said. When youre running for a championship, you have to drive a little bit differently. I think people saw that with Seth this year.
With Seth coming back and trying to back up his championship with another, hell definitely be another hard car to beat. But theres no doubt in my mind weve got a car and a team that can compete for a championship.
2025 will also mark his first season as a member of the full-time roster in the new era of ASCS. World Racing Group (WRG) acquired the organization from the Hahn family in March 2024, ensuring the National Tours future in Americas Heartland. Now, under the new leadership of Series Director Lonnie Wheatley, Hahn expressed his appreciation for the presence and resources of WRG and his positive outlook for the future of his familys creation.
After seeing my grandpa hand the reins over to them and see what they did in their first year, I think its been great, Hahn said. I think its one of the deals where, building the good platform that they have, its only going to continue to grow.
Obviously, having DIRTVision in their back pocket is a great thing. Its not only great for the fans, but its great for me and my sponsors and getting good exposure. The streaming services have been taking off lately, so it really helps for me to be able to sell to some people across the country that wont necessarily be at every racetrack but can watch on DIRTVision.
With the offseason nearing its conclusion, Hahn and his team are deep into preparation for the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 30Feb. 1. His ultimate goal of a third National Tour championship begins at the Florida half-mile, and hes ready to make every effort to hoist the new trophy adorned with a statue of his grandfather at seasons end.
A top three is great, but looking at it, I feel like theres no reason we cant go out there and win a championship, Hahn said. Weve got a good team in line, and our team hasnt changed a lot of equipment. Weve kinda stuck with the same manufacturers, so not a lot has changed.
I feel like theres no reason we cant go out there and compete for a win. Ill be honest, if it comes down to the end of the year and were not standing on top, Ill be a little bit disappointed.
After multiple seasons racing with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series, Brock Zearfoss confirmed on Wednesday morning that hell race more often in his native Pennsylvania this season, while still hitting sprint car racings biggest events.
Zearfoss will split time between his own Brock Zearfoss Racing No. 3z and the No. 8 Eichelberger Racing machine that he will drive at Williams Grove Speedway and Port Royal Speedway.
Staying home more doesnt equal racing less, Zearfoss posted on X. Close to 110 races on the schedule this year split between our family car and the Eichelberger 8. Im excited for this change of pace for myself and the team to race more in front of our partners and compete at the high-profile events.
Staying home more doesnt equal racing less! Close to 110 races on the schedule this year split between our family car and the Eichelberger 8. Im excited for this change of pace for myself and the team to race more infront of our partners and compete at the high profile events! pic.twitter.com/VPkOkTFcVH
Brock Zearfoss (@Brock_Zearfoss) January 22, 2025
Zearfoss posted his full schedule and hell open his season during the DIRTcar Nationals at Floridas Volusia Speedway Park and also plans to run Pennsylvania Speedweek, the Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway and the Knoxville Nationals at Iowas Knoxville Raceway.
Skylar Gee Set For World of Outlaws Rookie Campaign
CONCORD, N.C. Skylar Gee is ready to be a part of The Greatest Show on Dirt.
The 25-year-old out of Leduc, Alberta, Canada is set for his rookie World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car tour this year aboard the Logan Fenton Racing No. 99. Gee joins Cole Macedo, Chris Windom and Garet Williamson in the strong class chasing this years Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year.
Gee follows in the footsteps of his father, Tim Gee, who competed with the World of Outlaws full-time for multiple seasons in the 1980s and is one of two Canadian-born Feature winners.
As cliché as it sounds, its a dream come true, Gee said. Growing up at the racetrack and racing with my dad and everything its something Ive always wanted to do is to go out and race with the World of Outlaws and have that opportunity.
We feel that were ready for that jump, team owner Logan Fenton said. Ultimately, were a newer team. This is essentially our third full season. It takes a while to get an organization together like this and especially at the caliber the World of Outlaws demand. We understand there is a different level of commitment from teams at this level and we intend to do just that.
While 2025 will mark Gees debut campaign with the World of Outlaws, hes far from new to racing with a traveling series.
Back in 2017 and 2018, Gee competed full-time with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS), finishing eighth and seventh and points and picking up a prestigious Grizzly Nationals victory.
Gee graduated to the 410 Sprint Car touring ranks in 2019 as he took on the All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) for the first time. He nabbed his first series victory that season at Abbottstown, Pa.s Lincoln Speedway, where the World of Outlaws will visit twice in 2025, and came home seventh in points. The next season he again competed full-time, improving to fifth in the standings.
Hes since shifted to a pick and choose schedule in the last few years, competing in roughly 60-70 races per year since 2021. Gee and Fenton joined forces ahead of 2022 and have proven to be a strong pairing, picking up seven wins together all in the state of Ohio.
Kind of where I felt like our team was trending, Gee said on why this year was the right one to make the jump. We made some big races and raced pretty well. We had some good showings, I thought, and it kind of opened some doors for us to be able to do this.
Now, the combination is hitting the road with the best Sprint Car drivers in the country. Gee and the Logan Fenton Racing crew will tackle the 90-night World of Outlaws calendar as one of the most competitive rookie battles in series history continues to take shape. The 25-year-old will face off with Macedo, Windom, Williamson, and potentially more as they all look to etch their names in the history book.
Its going to be tough, Gee said of going after Rookie of the Year. Ive raced with Cole, Garet, and Chris now for a handful of years. I think weve raced around each other enough to understand its going to be tough. I think looking at it right now it could go to anybody.
Im really excited to watch and see how that transpires this year as we run with top level teams, Fenton said. I think that translates into some interesting racing this year with Cole Macedo, Chris Windom, and Garet Williamson. Thats four guys that are going to give us a really good, close battle. I dont think theres one single driver that absolutely blows the other ones out of the water.
Youre going to see one of the better Rookie of the Year contentions that weve seen in Sprint Car racing in quite a number of years honestly.
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