Djokovic, Sabalenka Named ITF's 2023 'World Champions' 

 Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball against Italy's Jannik Sinner during the second men's singles semifinal tennis match between Italy and Serbia of the Davis Cup tennis tournament at the Martin Carpena sportshall, in Malaga on November 25, 2023. (AFP)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball against Italy's Jannik Sinner during the second men's singles semifinal tennis match between Italy and Serbia of the Davis Cup tennis tournament at the Martin Carpena sportshall, in Malaga on November 25, 2023. (AFP)
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Djokovic, Sabalenka Named ITF's 2023 'World Champions' 

 Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball against Italy's Jannik Sinner during the second men's singles semifinal tennis match between Italy and Serbia of the Davis Cup tennis tournament at the Martin Carpena sportshall, in Malaga on November 25, 2023. (AFP)
Serbia's Novak Djokovic returns the ball against Italy's Jannik Sinner during the second men's singles semifinal tennis match between Italy and Serbia of the Davis Cup tennis tournament at the Martin Carpena sportshall, in Malaga on November 25, 2023. (AFP)

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) named Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka as its "world champions" of 2023 after their performances at this year's Grand Slams.

Djokovic was given the men's singles award for a record-extending eighth time after winning three out of the four majors, the game's global governing body said in a news release.

The 36-year-old Serb took his Grand Slam tally to 24, matching Margaret Court with the most major singles crowns, and won the ATP Finals title for a record seventh time, finishing the year as number one.

Sabalenka won her maiden major at the Australian Open, finished runner-up at the US Open and reached the semi-finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon.

The Belarusian, who was pipped to the yearend top spot by Iga Swiatek at the WTA Finals, said 2023 had been "incredible" and was delighted to be named world champion.

"I can't wait to get back out on court for the new season in January," she said in the ITF release.

Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury took the men's doubles award after winning their third consecutive US Open title while Wimbledon runners-up Storm Hunter and Elise Mertens claimed the women's doubles title.



Italian Club Parma Hires Cristian Chivu as Coach for Relegation Battle in Serie A 

Parma’s Giovanni Leoni (C) celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913, in Cagliari, Italy, 09 February 2025. (EPA)
Parma’s Giovanni Leoni (C) celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913, in Cagliari, Italy, 09 February 2025. (EPA)
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Italian Club Parma Hires Cristian Chivu as Coach for Relegation Battle in Serie A 

Parma’s Giovanni Leoni (C) celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913, in Cagliari, Italy, 09 February 2025. (EPA)
Parma’s Giovanni Leoni (C) celebrates after scoring the 2-1 goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Cagliari Calcio and Parma Calcio 1913, in Cagliari, Italy, 09 February 2025. (EPA)

Relegation-threatened Parma hired Cristian Chivu as coach on Tuesday with the team 18th in the 20-team Serie A.

Parma announced the appointment in a statement that did not specify contract details, but according to reports Chivu's deal runs until the end of next season.

The former Romania defender, who was working as a youth coach at Inter Milan, will lead the team for the first time when it hosts Bologna on Saturday.

Parma lost four straight games before firing Fabio Pecchia on Monday and has not won a league game in 2025.