Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open, marking the third consecutive tournament the world number four has missed due to injury.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not played a competitive match in over a month following a shock early exit at Indian Wells.
He recently bypassed both the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters while struggling with a persistent right shoulder problem.
Continuing recovery
The veteran Serb confirmed his absence on social media less than 24 hours after expressing doubts about his fitness to the media.
“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon.”
Tournament organisers released an official statement expressing their hope for a swift return for the three-time champion at the Caja Magica.
Speculation regarding his participation had already grown on Thursday evening when the tennis icon was interviewed while attending a basketball match in the Spanish capital.
“I’ve been struggling a little bit, physically, with an injury, so I am trying to address that and play as long as I can.”
French Open preparations in doubt
This latest setback leaves the former world number one with critically limited preparation time ahead of the French Open.
Despite being spotted training on clay courts in Marbella in recent days, his physical condition remains short of tournament readiness.
He remains registered to compete at the Italian Open in Rome, which commences on 6 May.
The defending Geneva Open champion has endured a frustrating season so far, competing in only two events and finishing as runner-up at the Australian Open.
Several other high-profile players are also facing fitness concerns ahead of the prominent clay-court event.
Spanish prodigy Carlos Alcaraz recently withdrew from the Barcelona Open with a wrist injury, while Jannik Sinner is evaluating his schedule after a demanding run of recent titles.
Rory McIlroy has withdrawn from the RBC Heritage to prioritise a mental reset following his 2025 Masters victory at Augusta National.
The Northern Irishman declined the chance to compete for a £2.6m top prize in South Carolina this weekend.
He collected £3.36m for his triumph last Sunday, successfully defending the Green Jacket to join Jack Nicklaus, Nick Faldo and Tiger Woods in an exclusive club of back-to-back winners.
Prioritising a mental reset
The 36-year-old has decided to take time away to recuperate and celebrate rather than making an immediate return to PGA Tour action.
This marks the third occasion in four years that the former world number one has bypassed the Harbour Town Golf Links event straight after playing the opening major of the year.
Competitors are no longer fined for missing multiple signature events during a season, following a recent rule change that abolished a previous £2.2m penalty.
Augusta earnings face heavy taxation
Despite his commanding victory, the European Ryder Cup star will reportedly lose more than a third of his Augusta prize money to United States taxation.
Jon Elphick, a managing tax partner at accounting firm Band, explained the financial complexities surrounding overseas earnings.
The tax position of an international sports person largely depends on where they are resident as well as where they perform the activities generating the earnings.
Typically, a level of local tax will be paid where the event takes place, but additional tax may then be due in the country the sports person lives.
In his absence, a strong field including Scottie Scheffler and Tommy Fleetwood will remain in contention for the lucrative RBC Heritage purse.
LIV Golf broadcasters and chief executive Scott O’Neil have strongly dismissed rumours that the Saudi Public Investment Fund is preparing to end its financial backing of the breakaway circuit.
Speculation emerged earlier this week suggesting the sovereign wealth fund was ready to withdraw its estimated £3.7bn investment.
Such a move would severely jeopardise the future of the 54-hole competition, which launched in 2021 as a direct rival to the PGA Tour.
However, key figures within the organisation used the start of their Mexico City event broadcast to mount a staunch defence of their long-term viability.
‘Imminent demise greatly exaggerated’
Lead commentator Arlo White directly addressed the situation before play commenced at Club de Golf Chapultepec.
“We’re delighted to report that the reports of the imminent demise of the LIV Golf league were, in fact, greatly exaggerated.”
The English broadcaster added that he had spoken with the chief executive, describing the leadership as extremely confident about the future.
Co-commentator David Feherty also hit back at the media, criticising journalists who propagated the shutdown narrative.
“This generation has spawned fast typists that consider themselves to be experts, and evidently, they’re not.”
Internal reassurances to staff
Beyond the public broadcast, internal communications have also sought to steady the ship and reassure employees.
O’Neil reportedly sent an email to all staff confirming that the season would proceed uninterrupted and at full throttle.
The memo stressed that the organisation is heading into the heart of its schedule with more energy and influence than ever before.
Ironically, shortly after the defiant on-air exchange, the live stream suffered a temporary blackout on both YouTube and the Fox Sports app.
Players remain focused on the course
This controversy arrives against the backdrop of ongoing framework agreement negotiations between the Saudi backers and the traditional golfing establishment.
Despite the off-course noise, prominent players insist their focus remains entirely on the fairways.
Spanish former Masters champion Sergio Garcia stated that the roster has received no indication of any impending closure.
“Honestly, we haven’t heard anything other than what Yasir told us at the beginning of the year, that he’s behind us.”
Liverpool manager Arne Slot has confirmed Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson will leave Anfield at the end of the season, outlining the club’s strategy to replace the departing duo.
The pair will bid farewell to supporters following the final Premier League match of the campaign against Brentford.
Robertson has been strongly linked with a free transfer to Tottenham Hotspur.
Defensive reshuffle awaits
The Scotland captain’s potential move reportedly depends on the north London club avoiding relegation to the Championship.
Focus on Merseyside has already shifted towards mitigating the loss of two foundational pieces of their recent success.
The Dutch coach hinted that an internal solution may already exist for the left-back position.
“We know Robbo and Mo are going to leave, so that means changing two players,” Slot explained on Friday.
Search for a new attacker
“We also know that Kostas Tsimikas comes back.”
Replacing the Egyptian forward presents a more complex challenge for the Anfield hierarchy.
Reports suggest RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has emerged as a top target for the recruitment team.
The Liverpool boss remains unsure whether the club will pursue a direct stylistic match or alter their attacking profile entirely.
Focus on existing stars
“I think the first aim is to see how we are acting in the position of Mo,” he added.
“Do we want to replace with a similar player or are we going to do that differently?”
The manager emphasised the club’s healthy financial position, noting a net spend of £150m across his four transfer windows.
He also moved to quash rumours of a wider squad exodus, insisting no further imminent departures are expected.
Securing the backline
Attention will now turn to securing the future of French centre-back Ibrahima Konate.
“Of course there’s the Ibou contract situation,” Slot stated.
“There might not be such a big need of trading a lot if you don’t need to bring new players in.”
Iranian footballers Fatemeh Pasandideh and Atefeh Ramezanisadeh have thanked the Australian government for granting them asylum and vow to rebuild their sporting careers down under.
The pair were among an initial group of six players and one support staff member from the national squad offered humanitarian visas during their recent Asian Cup campaign.
While five members of the group subsequently chose to return to their homeland, Pasandideh and Ramezanisadeh decided to remain in Australia.
“We wish to express our deepest gratitude to the Australian government, and particularly Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, for granting us humanitarian protection and a safe haven in this beautiful country.”
Focus turns to A-League Women’s football
The athletes have already taken steps towards resuming their professional pathways by commencing training with A-League Women’s outfit Brisbane Roar last month.
“At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives.”
“We are elite athletes, and it remains our dream to continue our sporting careers here in Australia.”
Safety fears originally emerged for the touring squad after several individuals refused to sing the national anthem prior to an Asian Cup fixture.
Tensions follow anthem protest
Following the silent protest, Iranian state television heavily criticised the team, labelling the participants “wartime traitors”.
The international tournament coincided with escalating geopolitical tensions, beginning just as airstrikes were launched on Iran by the United States and Israel.
The remainder of the squad arrived back in Iran last month after completing a tense journey via the Turkish border.
Australia’s decision to offer sanctuary came after significant pressure from Iranian advocacy groups and international political figures.
Conflicting claims over asylum offers
Australian Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed he had paperwork ready to immediately execute humanitarian visas featuring a pathway to permanent residency.
However, Iranian officials have presented a drastically different account of the events that unfolded in Australia.
Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s football federation, alleged that Australian police intervened on prime ministerial orders to pressure the squad into seeking asylum.
Furthermore, Iran’s head coach Marziyeh Jafari previously maintained that the travelling party wanted to return to the Middle East as quickly as possible.
Harry Kane has dismissed Real Madrid’s fury following Eduardo Camavinga’s controversial red card as Bayern Munich secured a dramatic Champions League quarter-final victory.
The German side progressed to the semi-finals after scoring twice in the dying moments at the Allianz Arena.
Their late surge followed Camavinga’s dismissal for a second bookable offence, which occurred with the aggregate score locked at 4-4.
The French midfielder was penalised by referee Slavko Vincic for throwing the ball away after a foul was awarded to Bayern.
Madrid fury boils over
The sending-off sparked outrage among the visitors, who crowded the match official after the final whistle.
England international Jude Bellingham branded the decision a joke, while veteran defender Dani Carvajal was seen screaming at the referee.
Tensions continued to escalate long after the match concluded, culminating in a post-match red card for substitute Arda Guler.
Kane shrugs off complaints
When informed of the intense anger in the opposition camp, the England captain offered little sympathy.
“I’m sure they are, but they’ve had many things go their way over the years.”
The former Tottenham striker noted that throwing the ball away while already on a booking is always a substantial risk.
“The ref made a decision, and it’s nice to get one in our favour.”
Kane, who registered his 50th goal of the campaign during the chaotic encounter, described the second leg as a uniquely special night.
Semi-final showdown awaits
Bayern will now prepare to face Paris Saint-Germain in a highly anticipated semi-final clash.
The first leg is scheduled to take place at the Parc des Princes on Tuesday, 28 April.
Expecting a demanding tactical battle, the prolific forward praised Luis Enrique’s team for their intense man-for-man pressure and individual quality.
“One of the best in Europe for sure, reigning European champions for a reason. Hopefully, we can come out on top.”
Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali has pledged to sign experienced players and admitted Enzo Maresca’s mid-season departure disrupted their campaign during a rare conference address in Los Angeles.
The Blues are currently struggling for form under new head coach Liam Rosenior.
They sit four points adrift of fifth-placed Liverpool and are in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification.
A dismal run of just one victory in seven league matches has severely derailed their domestic progress.
Targeting immediate quality
Speaking at the CAA World Congress of Sports, the Clearlake Capital co-founder addressed the club’s youth-focused recruitment model.
He insisted the overarching project remains in its early stages but acknowledged a pressing need for immediate quality in the transfer market.
“We’ve got to be better on a few things, to add more ready-made players at this part of the project, to take it to the next level, to be consistent over time,” Eghbali stated.
“The view is to keep, sign and retain and compensate and extend some of the world’s best players, and ultimately the view was you need eight, 10, 12, 15 elite players to win and win sustainably.”
The managerial transition
The Stamford Bridge hierarchy have faced heavy scrutiny since Maresca unexpectedly left his post on New Year’s Day.
Rosenior was brought in to stabilise the squad, but the mid-season transition has proven incredibly challenging.
“It’s not a change we wanted to make,” Eghbali admitted regarding the Italian’s exit.
“It’s a change that had a bit of a negative impact in the season, when you’re changing systems and personnel, and it’s one we’ve got to fight our way out of.”
Salvaging the campaign
Despite their recent league struggles, the west London side still have an opportunity to secure silverware.
An upcoming FA Cup semi-final offers a crucial lifeline in an otherwise turbulent calendar year.
“We still have six matches in the Premier League, and an FA Cup semi-final coming up,” Eghbali added.
“In my perspective, when you get punched in the face, you’ve got to fight back, you’ve got to stand up and fight, and it’s going to hopefully show a lot about the character of this squad.”
Oklahoma senior Faith Torrez has claimed the NCAA gymnastics all-around title on Thursday in her season debut across all four events following an injury-plagued year.
The 2026 championship victory in Fort Worth, Texas, saw the collegiate athlete defy the odds with a stunning total score of 39.7875.
Torrez defeated a stacked field of Olympic and world champions to secure the highest individual honour in American collegiate gymnastics.
Miraculous recovery stuns gymnastics world
Prior to the dramatic semi-final, the Sooners star was not considered a front-runner for the coveted crown.
She had been restricted to the uneven bars and balance beam since February and had not competed in all four disciplines at any point this season.
“If you would have told me probably two and a half weeks ago that I would be in this position right now doing four events, like living out my dream right now, I’d probably laugh at you.”
“I had no intentions of doing this at the beginning of the season, middle of the season, but to be here and have everything kind of just play out as it did was really amazing.”
Oklahoma advance as rivals falter
Head coach K.J. Kindler revealed her star pupil only requested to resume floor training following the SEC championships in late March.
Remarkably, the newly-crowned champion had not completed a full floor routine until earlier this week.
Kindler praised her athlete’s incredible air awareness and physical resolve after such a prolonged absence from full-intensity competition.
The historic individual victory helped propel the defending champion Sooners into Saturday’s national team final.
LSU and Florida progress to national final
LSU gymnast Kailin Chio, who held the top national ranking for the majority of the campaign, finished as the overall runner-up.
Florida standout eMjae Frazier secured third place as the Gators comfortably won the afternoon session.
LSU were forced to battle until the final rotation to edge out a resurgent Georgia side to keep their title hopes alive.
Meanwhile, highly-fancied UCLA struggled following an uncharacteristic fall from Olympic gold medallist Jordan Chiles on the bars.