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Could Novak Djokovic play in next year's Australian Open?
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, arguably the greatest men's tennis player in history, learned over the weekend he cannot participate in the ongoing Australian Open and was deported from that country because he is unvaccinated against COVID-19. Djokovic will have to wait to attempt to win a record-setting 21st Grand Slam, but Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison told 2GB radio on Monday that the 34-year-old could be welcomed back to Australia next January even though he's technically banned from entering the country for a total of three years.
"I'm not going to precondition any of that or say anything that would not enable the [immigration minister] to make the various calls he has to make," Morrison explained, according to Reuters (h/t ESPN). "It does go over a three-year period, but there is the opportunity for [a person] to return in the right ci rcumstances, and that will be considered at the time."
Earlier this month, France sports minister Roxana Maracineanu said Djokovic and other unvaccinated players would be able to compete in this year's French Open set to begin in May. However, that was before France passed a law requiring individuals to show proof of vaccination to enter public places, including sporting venues.
"This will apply to everyone who is a spectator or a professional sportsperson. And this until further notice," the French Sports Ministry said about that law Monday, per Julien Pretot and Shrivathsa Sridhar of Reuters. "As far as Roland Garros is concerned, it's in May. The situation may change between now and then and we hope it'll be more favorable. So we'll see but clearly there's no exemption."
More must-reads:
- Novak Djokovic loses final appeal, will be deported from Australia
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'I don’t want to waste time playing a way I don’t want to play': Coco Gauff describes sudden move to new coach ahead of US Open
Coco Gauff returns to New York not as the defending US Open champion unlike last year but she arrives with a new coach, a retooled mindset, and a willingness to make changes even on the eve of a Grand Slam. “It feels great to be back here,” Gauff said as she opened her pre-tournament press conference. “Hopefully I can have a good run.” A Sudden Coaching Change The biggest talking point surrounding Gauff’s preparation was her surprise split with Brad Gilbert and the decision to bring in Gavin MacMillan. “It was a very sudden decision,” she admitted in her US Open press conference. “Gavin became available, and I just felt this was the best decision for my game. Matt [Gilbert] is a great coach and a great person, and I loved working with him 100 percent. We obviously had a very successful partnership. But I’m looking long term, and Gavin has had experience with this before, so I’m hoping I can tap into his knowledge and see what happens.” Making changes so close to the tournament didn’t faze her. “A tournament’s a tournament. I hate losing regardless of where I am — even if it was a 250, I’d feel the same,” she explained. “This felt like the right opportunity. I don’t have that many points to defend this part of the season, and I’m always thinking long term. Hopefully I’ll have it together by the time I play Monday or Tuesday. If not, I’ve got the rest of the year to keep working. But I know I need to make a technical change, and I don’t want to waste time doing the wrong things.” Her new coach, she added, has embraced the challenge. “He’s a confident person. There’s pressure on both of us, but I’m not thinking about outside opinions. I’ve won the French Open, made two finals back-to-back, the quarters in Australia. I could say, okay, I’m fine, and just keep playing the way I am. But I know where I want to see my game in the future, and I don’t want to waste time playing in a way I don’t want to play.” Obsessed With the Process That drive for constant improvement has always been part of Gauff’s mindset. “When I won the US Open here, I was very vocal that I wasn’t happy with how I played the whole tournament,” she said. “It was a great result, but for me it’s about getting better. I’m obsessed with the process of getting better. Sometimes maybe it hurts me because I get obsessed with it too much, but I feel like I have a clear vision of my future. I feel like I’m really close, and this technical change will bring everything together.” The comfort, she said, is that she’s already achieved so much without yet hitting her peak. “It’s a big comfort knowing I’ve won two majors without playing my best tennis. I’d feel worse if I was playing great and losing. Even at the French Open, some matches I was playing my best, some I wasn’t. I’d love to get to the point of playing great all the way through — three, four weeks, back-to-back 1000s and a Slam. I think with these changes I’ll get there. It’s just a matter of time.” Style and Substance Off the court, Gauff continues to build her profile in fashion, working with Miu Miu on collaborative kits. “It’s been really cool to work with them. Cincinnati was the last of our three kits, and I’ll be doing more stuff with them off court, which I’m super excited about,” she said. “It hasn’t really been done in tennis to have a collaborative kit, and to be one of the first is really cool. I hope more brands get involved.” Fashion, she explained, isn’t just about aesthetics. “It’s so important. For me, it’s almost extra motivation when I have a great kit — I want to play better to get the photos I want. Especially as a woman, when you feel good and the fit is right, you’re confident on court and you’re not thinking about anything else. Fashion also brings more fans into the sport. At the US Open, we get that demographic, but I’d love to see more of it across the tour.” Music as Matchday Fuel Music is another key part of her preparation. At the French Open, she quoted Tyler, the Creator in her victory speech. “I don’t plan it out — it depends on how I feel,” she said. “Usually if I’m doing well in a tournament, I’ll stick with the same pre-match song. It’s usually between rap and gospel. When I’m nervous, I’ll listen to gospel because I need a higher power to calm me down. When I’m feeling good, I’ll play rap. Before my semifinal in Paris, I felt great so it was a rap day. Before the final, I was nervous so it was a gospel day. It definitely carried me through.” A Wide-Open Women’s Field Asked about the parity in women’s tennis — 10 different US Open champions in the past 11 years — Gauff welcomed it. “Honestly, not much goes through my mind hearing that,” she smiled. “Wimbledon has been similar. In best-of-three, there’s more probability for new champions. In best-of-five, the better player usually has more time to find their game. But I think it’s great. If you go into a tournament already knowing who the four semifinalists are going to be, it can get boring. In women’s tennis, there are new possibilities, and that’s exciting.” Fighting for Fair Share Gauff also spoke about prize money, which continues to grow in tennis but remains a subject of debate. “It’s great that prize money is rising, but revenue is rising too,” she said. “I think players should get more of a percentage share. You’ve all seen the letter circulating on Twitter. We’re continuing to push. I’m very grateful to be in tennis, especially as a woman, because other sports don’t have the same opportunities. But I think it’s important to address it — not just for tennis but for the future of other sports. The WNBA is trying to get there. Women deserve their fair share of revenue too.” Rain, Reps and Mixed Doubles Her practice sessions this week even drew attention when she was spotted hitting in the rain. “Honestly, it was just drizzling,” she laughed. “People on social media made it seem like I was in a hurricane. The courts weren’t that wet. I’ve served in the rain before. The indoor courts were all booked, and I just wanted more reps.” She also admitted she had “a little bit of FOMO” watching the new mixed doubles format unfold. “I love mixed doubles. I played the one-set format last year with Ben [Shelton], which was really fun. But I had too many sponsor obligations this week, so I knew it wasn’t possible. I thought it was really cool, and great to see mixed doubles get the recognition it deserves. Next year, maybe they can balance entries so more doubles specialists can compete. I definitely wouldn’t rule out playing in the future. New York is always tough for me, but if other Slams add it, that would be easier.” Reality TV and Relaxation Off the court, Gauff revealed she spent much of her summer immersed in Love Island. “Love Island took up my whole summer, quite literally,” she laughed. “I’m even trying to work up the courage to invite a couple of the cast members to a match, but I don’t have the courage yet.” She’s also been watching the film Weapons and her usual anime favorites, though she admitted books haven’t been a big part of her routine. Other reality shows didn’t capture her attention in the same way. “I tried Temptation Island, but I was like, this is dumb. Who goes on the show with your boyfriend? That was just stupid.” Focused on the Future As she prepares to begin her US Open defense, Gauff is stepping into a new chapter of her career with big goals and an open mind. “I feel like I’m really close,” she said. “I know where I want to see my game, and I think this change will bring everything together.”
Dallas Stars lock up one of the league's best players with massive extension today in hockey history
The Dallas Stars have had many defining moments in their history, but few symbolize loyalty and leadership like Mike Modano's contract extension in the early 2000s. On August 21, 2003, the Stars officially locked up their franchise icon with an extension that cemented his role as the face of hockey in Texas. The move wasn't just about keeping a superstar forward, it was about keeping the identity of the Stars firmly tied to one of the most respected players in the game. Mike Modano's extension showed his loyalty and lasting impact on the Dallas Stars At the time, speculation lingered about whether Modano might test the waters elsewhere. Instead, he reaffirmed his commitment to Dallas, the franchise that had drafted him first overall back in 1988 when they were still the Minnesota North Stars. "This team, this city, it means everything to me. Staying here was the only choice that felt right," Modano said during the press conference announcing the deal. Those words resonated with fans, as his decision represented stability during an era when star players often left in search of bigger contracts. The extension also ensured that Modano would continue climbing the NHL record books in a Stars uniform. He went on to become the all-time American-born leader in goals and points, a record that defined his Hall of Fame career. Looking back, the August 21 signing stands as a cornerstone moment in Dallas Stars history. I think it was one of the smartest moves the franchise ever made, keeping Modano in green not only secured wins on the ice but also preserved a legacy that still inspires players today.
Former Yankees Outfielder Rips Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman
The New York Yankees have been having a rough couple of months, losing their once-dominant lead of the AL East. Now, both Yankees manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman are on the receiving end of some tough words by a former player, outfielder Clint Frazier. Boone has been criticized by a number of analysts (not to mention Yankees fans) for lineup and mid-game moves that range from head-scratching to downright bizarre, especially for a team that has been having a hard time securing wins. Cashman has repeatedly defended Boone, arguing that is knowledge of the players' capabilities is driving his decisions. To Frazier, Cashman's defense of Boone is self-serving because Cashman is the person who is responsible for Boone's tenure as manager. “When Cashman comes out and gives support to Boone, lowkey, I kind of feel like that’s self-preservation,” Frazier said on his podcast. “I know his resume is insane, but when he gives the confidence boost to Boone, I was saying ‘he’s got to, because Booney is the frontline of defense for him. I brought this guy in, and I have to support him, because he’s my guy.' Boone is Cashman’s shadow a little bit." Frazier, who played for the Pinstripes from 2017 to 2021, went on to discuss the Yankees' playoff chances, criticizing Boone for his lineup and mid-game decisions, which he claims will impact the team negatively during the post-season. “You need to make sure that you aren’t walking into it with bad decisions, because these are the decisions they’ll be doing in the playoffs,” he said. “They’re going to be way more under the microscope in the playoffs... You’ve got to make sure that you’re buttoned up and ready to go. If you start firing from the hip, it becomes a mockery of what every guy is trying to do.” While the Yankees are doing better now than they were at the time of Frazier's comments, surpassing the Boston Red Sox for second place in the AL East and securing the top spot in the AL Wild Card standings, they still aren't consistent. For New York to secure a trip to the World Series for the second year in a row, they're going to have to play better, which requires Boone to make better decisions. Make sure to bookmark Yankees On SI to get all your daily New York Yankees news, interviews, breakdowns and more! Yankees Have Advantage in Cody Bellinger Sweepstakes Former Yankees Pitchers Swap Places On NL Contender Hall of Famer Explains Leaving Red Sox for Yankees Mariano Rivera's Injury End of Yankees Old-Timer's Game? Four Yankees Among MLB's Top 25 Free Agents
Orioles' latest extension could spell doom for All-Star catcher
It's not a good day to be Adley Rutschman. The All-Star catcher could face an uncertain future with the Baltimore Orioles after ESPN's Jeff Passan reported an extension agreement between the club and top prospect Samuel Basallo on Friday morning. Basallo has just four games of MLB experience to his name, but the Orioles are investing in his future development at the big league level, with his plus hit tool that could make him a middle-of-the-order bat in Baltimore for years to come. On the flip side, this extension comes with potential consequences for Rutschman, who has suddenly gone from franchise player to tradeable asset. Selected first overall in 2019 by the Orioles out of Oregon State University, Rutschman was the first prominent figure of Baltimore's rebuild, debuting in 2022 and catapulting the club to back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024. And while both of those runs were short-lived, there didn't seem to be much doubt that he would quickly entrench himself as a franchise cornerstone. However, Rutschman has struggled in 2025. The 27-year-old has spent time on the injured list, but even when on the field, his OPS of .684 and OPS+ of 92 are both below-average and short of his career .758 OPS and 116 OPS+, respectively. That lack of production, combined with injuries, has clearly sown doubt into the Orioles' belief that he will remain a key cog of Baltimore's future. And while it's possible that Basallo could eventually move to first base down the line, that doesn't change the perception that Rutschman might feel like an odd man out at Camden Yards. For years, many Orioles fans and pundits had been calling for Rutschman to be extended, along with shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who continues to shine amid larger team struggles. That doesn't seem to be the direction executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias is taking, though, as he appears content to let Rutschman and Henderson walk when they reach free agency. And in the case of Rutschman, specifically, he could now become an intriguing trade chip this winter if the Orioles are so inclined.
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