Australian Open Chief Tells Djokovic Family: 'Be Really Careful'

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 21, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov after winning his third round match REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 21, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov after winning his third round match REUTERS/Loren Elliott
TT

Australian Open Chief Tells Djokovic Family: 'Be Really Careful'

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 21, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov after winning his third round match REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 21, 2023 Serbia's Novak Djokovic shakes hands with Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov after winning his third round match REUTERS/Loren Elliott

Australian Open chief Craig Tiley on Saturday advised Novak Djokovic's family to be "really careful" of people using the tournament's global exposure as a platform for "disruptive" purposes.

It follows a video posted on a pro-Russian YouTube account showing Djokovic's father Srdjan posing in Melbourne Park with a fan holding a Russian flag that featured the face of Vladimir Putin.

It sparked a backlash from Ukraine and led to calls for Djokovic senior to be banned from the tournament.

He decided to skip his son's semi-final victory on Friday and it remains to be seen if he will be at Sunday's final.

Tiley told the Melbourne Age newspaper he had spent "a fair amount of time talking to the Djokovic family,” AFP reported.

"My advice is that you have to be really careful because if this is an event of global significance, it's a platform," he said he told them.

"When you have hundreds of thousands of people come through the gate, you're going to naturally have some people that are coming here with an intention to be disruptive, and don't get yourself caught in the middle of that.

"And they completely understand that," he added. "The family were very good. They were upset that it was taken that way. There was no intention of it.

"His dad particularly does not support war and they're very focused on supporting peace."

Serbian star Djokovic insisted after his semi-final win there had been a "misinterpretation" of the images and his father had "no intention whatsoever to support any war initiatives".

He said his father had been greeting fans outside Rod Laver Arena after every match and had been "misused" on Wednesday night.

Tiley said the Open had more than 1,000 accredited journalists and growing TV audiences and "it does become a platform and that's new for us. It never used to be like that".

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year, Russian and Belarusian players have normally competed under a neutral white flag as independents, as is the case at the Australian Open.

Spectators have been banned from having Russian or Belarusian flags at the Grand Slam after Ukraine's ambassador to Australia and New Zealand demanded action when they were seen among the crowd early in the tournament.



British Government to Introduce Independent Football Regulator 

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)
TT

British Government to Introduce Independent Football Regulator 

Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)
Football - Premier League - Newcastle United v Burnley - St James' Park, Newcastle, Britain - September 30, 2023 General view of the ball ahead of the match. (Reuters)

The British government is planning to establish an independent football regulator to oversee the sport and encourage financial stability via a bill introduced in parliament on Tuesday.

The regulator will be independent of government and football authorities with the power to fine clubs up to 10% of their turnover for non-compliance with financial regulations, the government said in a press release.

The legislation will strengthen tests of the suitability for those running clubs and would also block "closed-shop competitions" such as the frequently proposed European Super League.

Clubs will also be obliged to consult fans over matters such as strategic direction and anything that impacts their heritage.

"For too long some clubs have been abused by unscrupulous owners who get away with financial mismanagement, which at worst can lead to complete collapse," Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said.

"This bill is a historic moment for football fans – it will make sure their voices are front and center, prevent a breakaway league, protect the financial sustainability of clubs, and protect the heritage of our clubs big and small."

The government announcement comes after the Premier League last week failed to agree a new financial settlement with the English Football League (EFL), which runs the professional game in lower tiers.

The government had warned the Premier League in February that it needed to reach an agreement for a new deal or have one imposed on it.

FUTURE GROWTH

The Premier League said it would study the bill.

"We agree it is vital that football clubs are sustainable, remain at the heart of their communities and that fans are fundamental to the game," the league said in a statement.

"(But we are) mindful that the future growth of the Premier League is not guaranteed, we remain concerned about any unintended consequences of legislation that could weaken the competitiveness and appeal of English football."

The EFL welcomed the bill.

"We hope (it) will be an important milestone to help us secure the long-term financial sustainability of England’s football pyramid," chairman Rick Parry said in a news release.

"The establishment of the independent football regulator will be at the heart of this reform, and we are encouraged that the regulator will be given backstop powers to deliver financial redistributions should the game be unable to agree a deal itself."

David Sullivan, the owner of Premier League club West Ham United, said he was opposed to the establishment of a regulator and suggested it would be expensive and inefficient.

"The Premier League is the best league in the world so why change a winning formula?" he told Sky News.

"I hope the government doesn't wreck something that works. This means we will be competing with teams from leagues in Europe who give a fraction of the money Premier League clubs give to both the EFL and grassroots football.

"If over the coming seasons the Premier League ceases to be the best league in the world, it will be down to an interfering government."


Guardiola Focused on ‘Final’ Against Arsenal 

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)
TT

Guardiola Focused on ‘Final’ Against Arsenal 

Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)
Manchester City's head coach Pep Guardiola follows the FA Cup quarter-finals soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle United in Manchester, Britain, 16 March 2024. (EPA)

Manchester City are still in the running to pick up two trophies at Wembley this season, but manager Pep Guardiola said all his focus is on their Premier League clash with title rivals Arsenal at the end of the month, a match he described as a "final".

City face Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-finals next month, as well as Real Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, which has its title decider at Wembley this season.

Guardiola, however, said he was not looking past their next league fixture against Mikel Arteta's side on March 31.

"One step at a time," he told City's website. "We have a final against Arsenal.

"I don't want to think too much in the future right now. It's been an intense period."

Guardiola said he hoped all his players return from the international break fit and ready for the match against Arsenal, who lead the league on goal difference from Liverpool with City a point further back.

"I will not watch the (International) games. I will rest and when they arrive we will see which players survive," he added.

"When we come back we will have three days to prepare for the game against Arsenal. Let's go"


Türkiye: Trabzonspor Fans Invade Pitch, Attack Fenerbahce Players

Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
TT

Türkiye: Trabzonspor Fans Invade Pitch, Attack Fenerbahce Players

Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)
Fenerbahce's players clash with Trabzonspor supporters at the end of Turkish Super Lig soccer match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce at the Senol Gunes stadium in Trabzon, Türkiye, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Huseyin Yavuz/Dia Images via AP)

Turkish top tier club Trabzonspor fans invaded the pitch following a home loss against Fenerbahce late Sunday, touching off violent scuffles between the fans and visiting players.
The Trabzonspor fans charged onto the pitch as Fenerbahce players celebrated their 3-2 win following the final whistle of the Turkish Superlig game in the Black Sea coastal city of Trabzon.
Some Fenerbahce players hit back at fans who kicked or punched them, the state-run Anadolu Agency reported. Security staff later helped the Fenerbahce players down the tunnel into the dressing room, The Associated Press said.
The incident came just months after the president of top-flight club Ankaragucu was arrested for punching a referee following a match, prompting the Turkish Football Federation to briefly suspend league games.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that an investigation has been launched and that those who invaded the pitch would be identified.
“The occurrence of violence on football fields is not acceptable,” he wrote.
The Turkish Football Federation also condemned the incident and said those responsible would be punished following an investigation.


Alcaraz Defeats Medvedev to Defend Indian Wells Title

17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
TT

Alcaraz Defeats Medvedev to Defend Indian Wells Title

17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
17 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Spanish tennis player Carlos Alcaraz celebrates with the trophy after defeating Russia's Daniil Medvedev during their Men's final tennis match of the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Carlos Alcaraz arrived at Indian Wells full of doubt about his twisted right ankle. He's leaving as a two-time champion, The Associated Press reported.
He defeated Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (5), 6-1 for the second straight year in the BNP Paribas Open final on Sunday, earning his first title since winning Wimbledon last year.
Iga Swiatek beat Maria Sakkari 6-4, 6-0 in just over an hour to win the women’s title, with Swiatek losing just 21 games in six matches during the 12-day tournament — an average of 3.5 games per match.
Alcaraz sprained his ankle at the Rio Open in late February. His first practice at Indian Wells lasted 30 minutes without any movement. His first practice with his fellow pros “was really tough for me,” he said in a Tennis Channel interview.
Alcaraz outlasted Jannik Sinner in a three-set semifinal after needing three sets to get out of his second-round match.
“After every match I was feeling better,” Alcaraz said. “I was getting more confident after every match. Winning a Master 1000 again, a really important tournament to win, gives you motivation to keep going.”
Alcaraz became the first man to defend his Indian Wells title since Novak Djokovic won three in a row from 2014-16. He beat Medvedev 6-3, 6-2 last year in the Southern California desert.
“It’s definitely your court, you like it here,” Medvedev told Alcaraz during the victory ceremony. “Hopefully you can one day let me play a little bit better here.”
Medvedev led 3-0 in the first set while Alcaraz had eight unforced errors over those games. The Spaniard won three games in a row to tie it, 3-3.
The players held serve the rest of the set, with Alcaraz serving a love game to get into the tiebreaker. He led 3-0 and 5-2 before Medvedev tied it 5-5. Alcaraz won the next two points to close it out.
Alcaraz got the only two breaks in the second set, when Medvedev had one winner and nine errors.
For the match, Alcaraz hit 25 winners and had 26 unforced errors, while Medvedev had 11 winners and 23 unforced errors.
Swiatek improved to 20-2 this year, with her wins leading the WTA Tour.
It was a repeat of the 2022 final, in which Swiatek beat Sakkari 6-4, 6-1. Sakkari hasn’t defeated the Polish star since 2021.
Swiatek raced to a 3-0 lead in the opening set. Sakkari recovered to win three straight games, including a break of Swiatek. She served a love game to tie it, 4-4. Swiatek lost just two points on her serve the rest of the set, wrapping it up with a forehand winner in the corner.
Swiatek was more dominant in the second set, breaking Sakkari three times all in love games. She lost just five points in the set.
Swiatek hit 15 winners and had 11 unforced errors in the 1 hour, 8-minute match. Sakkari had eight winners and 18 unforced errors.
Alcaraz and Swiatek earned $1.1 million each for their wins. That's less than the $1.26 million the women's and men's champions received in 2023. This year more prize money was allocated to the earlier rounds, reducing the champions' prize money by nearly 13%.


Fourth Place Not the Goal for Tottenham, Postecoglou Says

Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)
Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)
TT

Fourth Place Not the Goal for Tottenham, Postecoglou Says

Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)
Tottenham Hotspur's Greek-Australian Head Coach Ange Postecoglou gestures on the touchline during the English Premier League football match between Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur at Craven Cottage in London on March 16, 2024. (AFP)

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou said he is more interested in building a competitive team than in finishing in the top four of the Premier League, after his side were beaten 3-0 by Fulham on Saturday.

Tottenham would have moved above Aston Villa into fourth place in the standings with a win, but the defeat ensured Postecoglou's side remained in fifth with 53 points from 28 games.

Asked if Tottenham could still finish fourth and secure the final Champions League qualifying spot, the Australian told reporters: "I don't see fourth as the prize. I don't want to finish fourth if we haven't grown and developed as a team.

"Part of the narrative is to push you in these kinds of positions where you think that fourth is some kind of achievement that gives you something for next year.

"Fourth would be great if I feel like we're growing as a team, and we're creating something that is going to bring us success next year. But fourth is not our goal... If we finish fifth, and if I think we've got a team to challenge next year, then I won't be disappointed."

Tottenham next host 18th-placed Luton Town in a league game on Saturday.


Casemiro Out of Brazil Squad with Injury, Porto Forward Pepe to Take His Place

Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)
Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)
TT

Casemiro Out of Brazil Squad with Injury, Porto Forward Pepe to Take His Place

Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)
Casemiro of Manchester United thanks the fans after the English Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton FC, at Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain, 09 March 2024. (EPA)

Manchester United midfielder Casemiro is out of the Brazil squad for this month's friendlies against England and Spain due to injury, coach Dorival Junior said on Saturday, with Porto winger Pepe set to take his place.

Casemiro is the latest absence for Brazil, following injuries to Man City keeper Ederson, Arsenal striker Gabriel Martinelli and Paris St Germain defender Marquinhos, ahead of a match at Wembley on March 23 and one in Madrid's Santiago Bernabeu three days later.

"From a preliminary list of 50 names, 13 had already been ruled out by injury at their clubs," coach Junior said.

"Unfortunately, we also lost Casemiro. Pepe, from Porto, a forward by origin and now a midfielder, has been called up."

It is the 27-year-old Pepe's second call-up by Brazil, after his debut in a 2-1 loss to Colombia in a World Cup qualifier last year.

Dorival named Vasco da Gama keeper Leo Jardim, Flamengo defender Fabricio Bruno and Porto forward Galeno to replace the injured. It is the first call-up to the national side for all three players.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Bento (Athletico-PR), Leo Jardim (Vasco da Gama), Rafael (Sao Paulo)

Defenders: Danilo (Juventus), Yan Couto (Girona), Ayrton Lucas (Flamengo), Wendell (Porto) Beraldo (Paris St Germain), Gabriel Magalhaes (Arsenal), Fabricio Bruno (Flamengo), Murilo (Palmeiras)

Midfielders: Andre (Fluminense), Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle United), Douglas Luiz (Aston Villa), Joao Gomes (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham United), Pablo Maia (Sao Paulo)

Forwards: Endrick (Palmeiras), Pepe (Porto), Galeno (Porto), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham Hotspur), Rodrygo (Real Madrid), Savinho (Girona) and Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid).


Paris Games Could Feature Only 40 Russian Athletes, Says IOC’s Coates

 A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)
A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)
TT

Paris Games Could Feature Only 40 Russian Athletes, Says IOC’s Coates

 A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)
A view shows the Eiffel Tower and rooftops of Paris, France, March 16, 2024. (Reuters)

Senior International Olympic Committee (IOC) Vice-President John Coates is unsure how many Russian athletes will compete as neutral athletes at the Paris Games, but thinks reports that it might be as low as 40 could be close to the mark.

Under sanctions put in place because of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, for which Belarus acted as a staging post, the IOC is allowing only some Russian and Belarussian athletes to compete in Paris under tight restrictions.

The inclusion of the neutral athletes remains a contentious issue, with Ukraine Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba describing December's decision to allow them as "shameful", and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo saying last week she hoped they would not come.

"The issue is how many of them are going to be there too, because they're not going to be in any team sports because they can't compete as Russia," Coates said in Sunday's edition of Sydney's Daily Telegraph.

"And then anyone who is prepared out of the Russian military clubs, they're not going. I don't know, but obviously some athletes might choose not to go if they're not competing for Russia.

"I mightn't be right, but I think that I've read something that it might be as little as 40."

Neutral athletes will compete only in individual sports without flags, emblems or national anthems, and athletes who actively support the war in Ukraine, or are contracted to the Russian or Belarusian military, are not eligible.

Moscow, which describes the invasion as a "special military operation", called the restrictions "illegitimate, unfair and unacceptable", but Russia's Olympic chief, Stanislav Pozdnyakov, has confirmed its athletes would not boycott the Games.

Because of doping sanctions that prevented them from competing under the Russian flag, 335 athletes took part in the 2021 Tokyo Summer Games as the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) team, winning 71 medals. Belarus sent 101 athletes who won seven medals.

The ROC has since been suspended by the IOC for recognizing regional Olympic Councils in territories annexed from Ukraine, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) last month.

Of 4,600 athletes who had qualified for the Games at the time of the December decision on neutral athletes, eight were Russians and three held Belarusian passports. More than 60 Ukrainians had qualified.

Some sports, such as equestrian, have announced they will not allow any athletes from the two countries to compete, while World Athletics has had a blanket ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes since early 2022.

Others, such as World Swimming and the International Tennis Federation (ITF), will allow Russians and Belarussians to compete under the IOC restrictions.

Russia's world number four tennis player, Daniil Medvedev, said earlier this month he was looking forward to competing and would abide by the rules.

The Paris Olympics run from July 26 to Aug 11.


Howe Insists Newcastle Can Still Salvage Season after FA Cup Exit

Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Newcastle United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 16, 2024 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Newcastle United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 16, 2024 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
TT

Howe Insists Newcastle Can Still Salvage Season after FA Cup Exit

Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Newcastle United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 16, 2024 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)
Football - FA Cup - Quarter Final - Manchester City v Newcastle United - Etihad Stadium, Manchester, Britain - March 16, 2024 Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe applauds fans after the match. (Reuters)

Newcastle United's 2-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City has left them without a shot at silverware, but manager Eddie Howe said his side still have plenty to play for in the final months of the season as they chase qualification for European football.

Newcastle have been eliminated from the FA Cup, League Cup and Champions League. Howe's side are 10th in the Premier League standings after 28 games and still have an outside chance of qualifying for the Europa Conference League next season.

"We have a responsibility in the last 10 games to build. We will always have our targets for the season because we are building for the future and to be the most competitive team we can be," Howe told reporters on Saturday.

"There will be no negativity from me or the players. We know the importance of representing the club well in every game and every single moment."

Asked if qualifying for European football would help salvage the season, the English manager said: "That's our aim. There is a huge amount to play for, people say our season is over and that's absolute nonsense.

"We're driving forward to try to get our best form back and try to win as many games as we can. We aim to finish the season in a positive way."

Newcastle next host West Ham United in a league match on Saturday.


Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Miami Open

11 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in action against Italy's Luca Nardi during their men's singles second round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
11 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in action against Italy's Luca Nardi during their men's singles second round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
TT

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Miami Open

11 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in action against Italy's Luca Nardi during their men's singles second round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
11 March 2024, US, Indian Wells: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic in action against Italy's Luca Nardi during their men's singles second round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Photo: Charles Baus/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic will skip the Miami Open, saying less than a week after a surprise loss at Indian Wells that he needs to balance his “private and professional schedule.”
The Serb's announcement Saturday on his social media accounts follows his 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 defeat to unheralded Luca Nardi on Monday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.
“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world,” Djokovic wrote.
Nardi, who is ranked No. 123, become the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing No. 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
The 20-year-old Italian got into the field as a “lucky loser,” which is a player who stumbled on the final hurdle in qualifying but made it into the main draw as a replacement for an injured player who pulled out before the first round.
The 36-year-old Djokovic is a six-time champion in Miami. The hardcourt tournament begins next week.


FIFA Gives President Infantino 33% Raise in Pay Deal Worth $4.6 Million in Women’s World Cup Year

FIFA President Giovanni Infantino attends the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 final match between Brazil and Italy at the Dubai Design District Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)
FIFA President Giovanni Infantino attends the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 final match between Brazil and Italy at the Dubai Design District Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)
TT

FIFA Gives President Infantino 33% Raise in Pay Deal Worth $4.6 Million in Women’s World Cup Year

FIFA President Giovanni Infantino attends the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 final match between Brazil and Italy at the Dubai Design District Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)
FIFA President Giovanni Infantino attends the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup UAE 2024 final match between Brazil and Italy at the Dubai Design District Stadium in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Sunday, Feb. 25, 2024. (AP Photo/Christopher Pike)

FIFA raised president Gianni Infantino's base salary 33% last year to lift his total pay package to more than 4.13 million Swiss francs ($4.67 million), soccer’s governing body said in its financial report.

Infantino was re-elected unopposed in 2023 to extend his presidency to 11 years before FIFA staged the Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand and picked preferred candidates to host two future men’s World Cups, including the 2034 edition in Saudi Arabia.

Infantino’s pre-tax base salary payment rose by more than 500,000 Swiss francs ($565,000) last year to reach more than 2.46 million Swiss francs ($2.78 million). His annual bonus was 1.65 million Swiss francs ($1.87 million), the same as in 2022 when the men’s World Cup was played in Qatar.

The previous FIFA president, Sepp Blatter, had a contracted bonus of $12 million for the 2014 World Cup on top of a $3 million basic salary and annual bonuses.

Infantino had a home in Qatar to oversee preparations for the 2022 tournament and now spends time in Florida, where FIFA has offices at Coral Gables, ahead of the United States co-hosting the next men’s World Cup with Canada and Mexico. Florida does not have a state income tax.