Carlos Alcaraz is looking to get a small kangaroo tattooed on one leg. It would be a lasting memento of his win over Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open final on Sunday which made him the youngest male player, at 22, to complete a career Grand Slam. “I already know it’s going to be a kangaroo. I just don’t know the place,” Alcaraz said. “I’m just thinking about the leg, but I don’t know which calf, whether it will be the right or left one,” added the Spaniard, who has a tradition of inking his body after major title wins across the world. He already has the Eiffel Tower inked for his French Open Triumph and the Statue Of Liberty inked for his US Open title. He also has a strawberry inked for his Wimbledon conquest. Meanwhile, the Spanish super star posed for photographers on Monday with the ornate Australian Open trophy, looking casually stylish in black, loafers and no socks. The photoshoot took place at the Royal Exibition Building among gardens in central Melbourne. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 February,2026 08:34 AM IST | Melbourne | AgenciesNodirbek Abdusattorov of Uzbekistan clinched the Tata Steel Masters title with a black-piece victory against Arjun Erigaisi while world chess champion D Gukesh emerged as the best Indian with a joint eighth finish here on Monday. Gukesh drew with Vincent Keymer of Germany to end as the top performing Indian on 6.5 points. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 February,2026 08:23 AM IST | Wijk Aan Zee (The Netherlands) | PTIIndian teenage sensation Anahat Singh produced a stunning performance to upset top seed and World No. 10 Georgina Kennedy of England 12-10, 11-5, 11-7 and clinch her maiden PSA Bronze-level title at the Squash On Fire Open in Washington. The triumph marked the biggest title of the 15-year-old’s career and her 15th overall on the PSA Tour, achieved in just 26 tournaments, with the Delhi player currently ranked World No. 31. The seventh seed Anahat, who had lost to Kennedy in their only previous meeting, showed remarkable composure in the final, reeling off four consecutive points to snatch the opening game after trailing 8-10 and thereafter taking firm control of the contest. “I’m extremely happy. I knew I wanted to do well in these events, improve my ranking and put in strong performances, and I’m glad I was able to do that this time,” Anahat said after the win. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
03 February,2026 08:23 AM IST | New Delhi | PTITeen para archer Rutvi Lolge, 15, like any competitive sportsperson, hates to lose. But on Saturday, she had no regrets after losing her elimination round during the 7th NTPC Para Archery Championship at the Netaji Subhash National Institute of Sports (NIS) campus in Patiala. That’s because her opponent was none other than world champion Sheetal Devi. Rutvi idolises Devi, the only top-class global archer without both arms, who is also a bronze medal-winner at the 2024 Paralympics. In November last year, mid-day first highlighted how Rutvi, a Class X student of St Anne’s HS (Malad) has battled Spina Bifida (a congenital condition of the spinal cord that causes paralysis of the lower limbs) to win medals at inter-school, district, and state-level competitions against able-bodied athletes. Her mother, Suvarna, a single parent, who works as a freelance nurse, has to change her daughter’s urine bag every three hours during competitions. In December, OGQ, a highly credible not-for-profit organisation, founded by India legends Geet Sethi and Prakash Padukone for the promotion of sports and athletes, came forward to take Rutvi under their wings and sponsor her ultimate dream of winning an Olympic (Paralympic) medal for the country. The Patiala event was Rutvi’s first big step backed by OGQ, and she was understandably nervous being the youngest girl in the women’s open compound competition. “This was my first national competition so I was nervous, but when I saw Sheetal Devi in front of me, all those nerves disappeared. I felt fine. She has such a calming influence,” Rutvi told mid-day from her Malad home on Monday after returning from Patiala. Rutvi Lolge (left) and world champions Sheetal Devi are all smiles before their 1/16 elimination match in Patiala on Saturday In the qualification round on Friday (Jan 30), Rutvi shot a total of 469 points out of a maximum 720 (72 arrows with each carrying a maximum of 10 points) to make it to the top 16. The next day, she faced Sheetal in the 1/16 elimination round, where she shot a score of 99 out of a maximum 150 (15 arrows) in comparison to Sheetal Devi’s impressive 145. As fate would have it, Rutvi’s imported advanced compound bow, which her coach Rohan More had ordered from the USA, arrived in Mumbai on Saturday, a day after she left for Patiala for the competition. “I was never expecting to beat Sheetal Devi. She is a world champion after all, but I could have surely reduced the gap in points had I got my new bow in time,” said Rutvi, who competed with a basic bow. Rutvi and Sheetal Devi are in competition mode as they face off in the 1/16 eliminations Rutvi has been enriched with some great learnings from this outing though. “Sheetal Devi is my hero and I could barely utter a ‘hello’ to her before our match, but she sweetly smiled and returned my greeting. Normally, we archers don’t chat with opponents before a match. But later, I approached her along with Rohan sir,” said Rutvi. There too, Rutvi just couldn’t speak, revealed coach More. “Sheetal Devi is a very humble person despite her global accomplishments. I asked her what advice she would give someone like Rutvi, who is just starting out in the national circle. Sheetal Devi said, ‘This sport is a lot more mental than it is physical. So, mentally you have to always remain calm and only then will you be able to perform well. Also, I practice for long hours every day.’ Rutvi simply nodded in agreement,” explained More. Rutvi is currently preparing for her SSC Board exams next month after which she will resume her full-time training in archery. Meanwhile, her coaches More and Jagannath Shetkar are on the lookout for a dedicated practice venue for her since the St Anne’s school ground, where she currently trains, is also used by other students for different sports, leaving little time for her to train. “We are looking for a small 80 metres by 30 metres ground between Dahisar and Andheri, where Rutvi can train daily. Sheetal Devi has clearly told her that she must practice for long periods and only a dedicated ground can ensure this year-round training,” concluded coach Shetkar. 469Rutvi’s qualification score with which she made it to the top 16 at the Para Archery C’ship in Patiala 16Rutvi’s qualification position at the Para Archery C’ship in Patiala 99Rutvi’s score in the 1/16 elimination round vs Sheetal Devi out of a maximum of 150 points 145Sheetal Devi’s score in the 1/16 elimination round out of a maximum of 150 points
03 February,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashwin FerroIn the Australian Open men's final, Carlos Alcaraz registered a stunning victory against Novak Djokovic on Sunday. With this, he became the youngest male player at the age of 22 to complete a career Grand Slam. After the victory, the Spaniard said that he may get a small kangaroo inked on one of his legs. It would be a memento of his famous victory against the Serbian. "I already know it's going to be a kangaroo. I just don't know the place. I'm just thinking about the leg, but I don't know which calf, whether it will be the right or left one," said Alcaraz. He posed for photographers Monday with the ornate Australian Open trophy, looking casually stylish in black, in loafers and no socks. The photo shoot took place at the Royal Exhibition Building among the gardens in central Melbourne. According to Australian media reports, Alcaraz spent the night after his victory with his family in his hotel suite, ordering pizza, beer and champagne. In a social media post to fans during the photo shoot, Alcaraz said, "I still can't believe that I just made it. A dream come true for me, a career Grand Slam. I'm enjoying this amazing moment. I can't forget the support and the love I've received". He then explained his mindset during the victory moment. "Before the last point ... a lot of things came to my mind, to be honest. I was really nervous, I was shaking almost. So once I saw the ball go out, I was like alright, I made it. It was a great feeling, thinking about my family and my team as well," said the 22-year-old tennis star. The triumph also helped him join the likes of Don Budge, Fred Perry, Roy Emerson, Rod Laver, Andre Agassi, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Djokovic as only the ninth man to win all four Grand Slams. Alcaraz also expressed the desire to win other major titles for his country, Spain and also said that he tries to lose as less as he can. "I hate to lose, so that's my motivation. Trying to lose as less as I can. Yeah, there are some tournaments that I really wanted to win at least once. A few Masters 1000 I just really wanted to complete all the Masters 1000, trying to win each one at least once. Obviously the ATP Finals and the Davis Cup is a goal as well. I really wanted to achieve that for my country, for Spain. I set up some other goals for the season and I will try to be ready for, or to try to get those goals," he said. (With AP Inputs)
02 February,2026 10:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCarlos Alcaraz swept past Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open on Sunday and become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam, denying the Serbian great an unprecedented 25th major. The Spaniard was imperious after a slow start in dismissing the 38-year-old, 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 on Rod Laver Arena to claim a seventh Slam title and cement himself as undisputed World No. 1. He becomes the youngest man in the Open era to win all four majors, adding to his two titles each from Wimbledon and the French and US Opens. An ecstatic Carlos Alcaraz celebrates after his victory on Sunday At 22, he surpassed legendary countryman Rafael Nadal — in the crowd to witness the feat — who was 24 when he did the same. A seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl. “Lifting the trophy for the first time in Australia was crazy,” Alcaraz said, before writing on a TV camera lens: “Job finished. Four out of four complete.” He added: “A dream come true. I dreamt about getting an Australian Open and completing the career Grand Slam.” He paid tribute to Djokovic. “You were talking about how I’m doing the things I am, but what you’re doing is really inspiring, not only for tennis players but athletes around the world.” It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final, having won all 10 previously. 22 years 272 daysCarlos Alcaraz is now the youngest man in the Open Era to complete a career Grand Slam, moving ahead of American Don Budge (22 years, 363 days in 1938) SevenNo. of Grand Slam titles won by Alcaraz — the second-most before turning 23, after Sweden’s Bjorn Borg (8) OneNo. of Australian Open final defeats for Novak Djokovic; he has won all 10 previous championship matches in Melbourne This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 February,2026 08:44 AM IST | Melbourne | AFPNovak Djokovic said it had been “a great ride” and “God knows what happens tomorrow” after losing Sunday’s Australian Open final. The 38-year-old Serb crashed in four sets to Spain’s 22-year-old Carlos Alcaraz at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. It leaves Djokovic stuck on 24 Grand Slam titles, equal with Margaret Court, and one short of the all-time outright record. Afterwards, he admitted he had not expected to reach a major final again and suggested the future was uncertain. The former World No. 1 has not always had an easy relationship with the fans in Melbourne, but told the crowd: “I want to just say in the end that you guys, particularly, the last couple of matches, gave me something that I have never experienced in Australia. That much love, support, positivity. I tried to give you back with good tennis over the years.” Djokovic, whose last major final was a defeat to Alcaraz at Wimbledon in 2024, added: “I must be very honest and say that I didn’t think that I would be standing in a closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again. So I think I owe you the gratitude as well for pushing me forward throughout the last couple of weeks. “God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six months or 12 months. So it has been a great ride. I love you guys.” Djoko’s wait for 25th Slam continues 2024 Australian Open: Semi-finals (lost to Jannik Sinner) French Open: Quarter-finals (walkover/injured vs Casper Ruud) Wimbledon: Final (lost to Carlos Alcaraz) US Open: Third round (lost to Alexei Popyrin) 2025 Australian Open: Semi-finals (retired vs Alexander Zverev) French Open: Semi-finals (lost to Jannik Sinner) Wimbledon: Semi-finals (lost to Jannik Sinner) US Open: Semi-finals (lost to Carlos Alcaraz) This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 February,2026 08:40 AM IST | Melbourne | AFPElena Rybakina beat the two top-ranked players in the world to win the Australian Open and show that her quiet ruthlessness can propel her to No. 1 and more Grand Slam glory. The Moscow-born Kazakh emerged from a power battle with top seed Aryna Sabalenka to claim the Melbourne title in three tight sets on Saturday. The 26-year-old’s 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 triumph brought her a second major crown, more than three years after winning Wimbledon. Two-time Australia champion Sabalenka had her chances, notably leading the final set 3-0, but the fifth seed retained her trademark cool to pull through. Rybakina later revealed that beneath her understated celebrations was huge relief. She has been the form player on tour since the middle of last year and is set to return to her career-high ranking of three, behind Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek. Australian media labelled her a “quiet assassin”. “Last year I didn’t start that well,” said Rybakina, as she eyes a second Wimbledon title in June-July. “Now it’s different. So I just hope that I can carry all this momentum, hopefully do a good job with the team and continue this way throughout the year,” she added. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 February,2026 08:34 AM IST | Melbourne | AFPFynbos, the four-year-old filly (by Kingda Ka out of Mahali), bred at Nanoli stud, showed no mercy to her rivals, including the superstar colt Baychimo, when she ran away with the Villoo C Poonawalla Indian Derby (Gr 1), at the Mahalaxmi racetrack on Sunday. The 84th running of the blue riband of the Indian turf, sponsored by Dr Cyrus & Adar Poonawalla, turned out to be an absolutely one-sided affair as Fynbos sailed away in solitary splendour, sparing 5-1/4 lengths to Sovereign King (Akshay Kumar up), stopping the clock at 2 minutes 27.62 seconds for the mile-and-a-half trip. Baychimo, who went neck-and-neck with Fynbos in the bookmakers’s ring, with both alternating as favourites at 16/10, put in a dismal show on the racetrack to finish a long way off in fifth. Pesi Shroff, who led in his fourth Indian Derby winner as trainer, also grabbed the third and fourth spots with Kings Gambit (Yash Narredu up) and Red Bishop (P Trevor up). Horse racing fans serve up some style while enjoying the Indian Derby at the Mahalaxmi racetrack on Sunday Fynbos is owned by KN Dhunjibhoy, ZK Dhunjibhoy, Vispi R Patel, Anosha Meyers and Anita J Captain, who got richer by Rs 2.40 crore. The Derby victory was also the first ever win for English rider Tom Marquand on an Indian racetrack. Tom was specially flown in for the Derby ride by KN Dhunjibhoy, after Suraj Narredu told Pesi Shroff that he had already given his word to trainer Adhirajsingh for rival Baychimo. “Fynbos won the Oaks by six lengths, and now the Indian Derby by five lengths, so she is clearly the champion horse of her crop,” jockey Tom Marquand said after the race. “She settled an easy third in the race,” Tom added, “and then it was smooth sailing.” Tom was all praise for trainer Shroff as he continued, “When you ride for Pesi Shroff and his team, you know you are on a very well-prepared horse because Shroff himself had won a record nine Derbys as jockey [actually eight, as Saddle Up got disqualified for a drug positive in 1999], and it was just a formality today that I would ride Fynbos as his fourth Indian Derby winner as trainer.”
02 February,2026 08:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Prakash GosaviYoung Indian shuttler Devika Sihag clinched her maiden BWF Super 300 crown after Malaysia’s Goh Jin Wei retired midway through the women’s singles final of the Thailand Masters here on Sunday. The 20-year-old from Haryana was leading 21-8, 6-3 when World No. 68 Goh pulled out due to a hamstring injury, handing the 63rd-ranked Indian the biggest title of her career. “I’m really happy. I’ve played very good matches here. I’ve learnt a lot. Coming into the match, I didn’t think about winning or losing, rather wanted to give my 100 per cent. That gave me the confidence. I thought to start with a good pace initially, and that worked well,” said Devika. With this victory, Devika becomes only the third Indian woman to win a Super 300 women’s singles title, joining an elite list that includes PV Sindhu and Saina Nehwal. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
02 February,2026 08:30 AM IST | Bangkok | PTIDelhi pacer Divij Mehra, who claimed 5-30 when they defeated Mumbai at home last time in the 2022-23 season, came up trumps again, taking 5-64 to bowl out the 42-time champs for 317 in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group ‘D’ encounter on Saturday. Thereafter, Delhi captain Ayush Doseja (62 not out, 6x4) and Vaibhav Kandpal (61, 7x4) helped the visitors post 206-4 in their second innings, taking a 110-run lead at stumps on Day Three at the MCA-BKC ground. Mehra, 23, who was struggling with an injury — spur in the heel of his landing foot — and playing only his second match of the season, revealed that Test pacer Ishant Sharma inspired his comeback. “I was injured after that fifer against Mumbai [in 2022-23], so it felt very good to have contributed [again]. I spent a lot of time with Ishant bhaiya in the Vijay Hazare Trophy [in December and January]. He has helped in setting my routine and the areas I have to work on before the next season. He has told me about the kind of training I have to do and what my schedule will be like as a fast bowler,” Mehra told reporters after the day’s play on Saturday. “Ishant bhaiya spoke sternly to me after one match, saying, ‘dekh bhai itne se nahi chalega [this isn’t enough].’ He made me realise the things I was not able to do by myself,” Mehra added. Delhi’s pair of Doseja-Kandpal did well to stitch a 106-run fourth-wicket stand as the visitors fought back. Earlier, when Mumbai resumed their first innings on the overnight score of 266-5, they added 51 to finish at 317 all out. Friday’s cebturion Siddhesh Lad (103) managed to add just one run before he was clean bowled by pacer Money Grewal (3-74).
01 February,2026 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh MayureADVERTISEMENT
