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Madison Keys saved a match point to stun Iga Swiatek in a pulsating Australian Open clash and reach her second Grand Slam final.

In an enthralling contest inside the Rod Laver Arena, the 19th seed rallied from a set down to defeat second seed Swiatek 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(8).

Swiatek broke late on to take the first set, only for Keys to dominate the second set and force a decider.

READ: Serena Williams has absolutely no idea what’s going on as TGL team owner looks lost

A nervy end to the third set saw the world No 2 break and serve for the match – and hold a match point – only to double fault on break point down and set up a deciding 10-point tiebreak.

Keys was repeatedly down in the tiebreaker, though turned things around and converted her first match point to seal an epic comeback.

“I’m still trying to catch up to everything that’s happening,” joked Keys in her on-court interview. “I’m in the finals!

“That match was just such a high level and she played so well, and I felt like I was just fighting to stay in it. Obviously, I really kind of ran [away] with the second set, and the third was just a battle.

“To be able to be standing here and in the finals is absolutely amazing and I’m so excited that I get to be here on Saturday.”

Aged 29, Keys is now the oldest Australian Open women’s singles finalist since Serena Williams (35) and Venus Williams (36) both reached the final back in 2017.

Keys has also matched Caroline Wozniacki for the most Australian Open appearances before reaching the women’s singles final, with this being her 11th campaign Down Under.

Having reached her first Grand Slam final at the US Open in 2017, the American has also eclipsed Amelie Mauresmo’s record for the longest gap between first and second major singles finals.

Mauresmo had a seven-year gap between her 1999 Australian Open and 2006 Australian Open finals, a gap the American has now narrowly beaten.

World No 14 Keys will now face world No 1 and top seed Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final.

Sabalenka is the two-time defending champion in Melbourne and is looking to become the first woman since Martina Hingis in 1999 to win three straight titles.

Keys is 1-4 down in her head-to-head against Sabalenka and has lost her last three meetings against the Belarusian, including a heartbreaking 0-6, 7-6(1), 7-6(5) defeat in the 2023 US Open semi-final.

“Definitely some big hitting is going to happen, not a whole lot of long points”, said Keys on facing the world No 1.

“She’s obviously going for her third Aussie Open and I’m excited to get to play her, and I’m really excited for the challenge.”

GOLF

Tiger Woods has already set his retirement date, according to fans

The golf world is buzzing with excitement as the R&A officially announces that the 2027 Open Championship will be held at the iconic Old Course at St Andrews from July 15-18.

This will mark the 31st time the historic course has hosted the prestigious tournament, further cementing its reputation as one of golf’s most legendary venues. Known for its rich history and breathtaking landscapes, St Andrews has been the stage for unforgettable moments, including Bobby Jones’s 1927 triumph and Cameron Smith’s thrilling win in 2022.

As anticipation builds, golf enthusiasts are reflecting on the Old Course’s evolution over the years. While updates like new tee boxes and bunkers have modernized the course, it remains a true test of skill, demanding precision, strategy, and mental toughness. Fans worldwide are already counting down the days until the world’s top golfers compete for the coveted Claret Jug.

READ: Greg Norman issues daring LIV Golf request to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Among the chatter surrounding the 2027 Open is a significant prediction that has fans buzzing: Could this be Tiger Woods’s farewell to competitive golf? Woods, who turns 50 this year, has sparked speculation about his future.

Though he has previously stated he doesn’t plan to retire until 60, fans are wondering if the 2027 Open at St Andrews might be his swan song. “Early prediction: THIS will be Tiger’s final Open Championship,” one fan remarked, while another envisioned, “Picture this: The year is 2027 and a teary-eyed Tiger Woods is wearing Sunday Red for the final time at St Andrews.”

The reasoning behind these predictions lies in timing and circumstance. By 2027, Woods will be 51 years old. With the next Open at St Andrews not scheduled until 2032-when Woods would be 56-many believe this could be his last chance to compete at this iconic venue.

Additionally, his recent physical challenges, including a microdiscectomy in 2024, have raised questions about his ability to endure the physical demands of competitive play. One fan poignantly noted, “Tiger gets St. Andrews one last time,” reflecting the emotional weight of such a possibility.

Meanwhile, Woods’s potential transition to the senior circuit is also generating buzz. Players like Padraig Harrington have admitted they’re preparing for his arrival, underscoring his enduring influence on the sport. Whether or not 2027 marks Woods’s farewell, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on St Andrews as it once again becomes the epicenter of golf history.

BOXING

11 Years After Smashing Records, Canelo Alvarez Confesses His Only Regret From Floyd Mayweather Fight

Saul Alvarez, the current unified super middleweight champion, has had a remarkable career since his very first knockout victory against Abraham Gonzalez in 2005. He was only 15 at the time.

However, after a series of victories over some formidable opponents like Jose Miguel Cotto and Shane Mosley, Canelo Alvarez faced his first professional loss against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in September 2013. Despite tasting defeat for the first time, the ‘Cinnamon’ went on to dominate the ring, winning 15 consecutive fights and securing titles across multiple weight classes. And with a victory over Jaime Mungia in May 2024, Canelo even extended his record for the most successful undisputed title defenses in the four-belt era to four.

So reflecting on that fateful night against Money Mayweather, the Guadalajara native recently opened up during a conversation on the Ring Magazine podcast. As he prepares for a potential bout with Terence Crawford later this year, he shared insights about his past experiences, including the lessons learned from his loss to Mayweather.

JUST IN: The Winner Of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Must Face Undefeated KO Artist To Keep Belt

ESPN’s Mike Coppinger noted that Canelo Alvarez was just 23 when he fought Floyd Mayweather at MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. He mentioned that the Mexican superstar lacked the skills that come with more extensive experience. He further discussed how Alvarez had to give up weight concessions and rehydration clauses, which may or may not have impacted the fight’s outcome.

After more than 11 years, the 62-2 boxer, while acknowledging Mayweather’s superior skill and accomplishments in boxing, admitted, “He deserved the position in the moment.” He recognized that he was trying to make history himself but admitted that things didn’t unfold as planned. So the question is, what did he regret the most? The answer is clear. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Alvarez speculated that if he had fought seasoned opponents like Miguel Cotto before facing Mayweather, the outcome might have been different. “But you know, we never gonna know,” Canelo Alvarez lamented. “I learn from that fight. Things happen for a reason.”

To be honest, the fight itself was a masterclass from Floyd Mayweather. He showcased his defensive prowess and tactical brilliance to outclass Canelo over 12 rounds to claim a majority decision victory. Despite being the clear winner at the end of the contest, Judge C.J. Ross scored it a 114-114 draw, which baffled many of those in attendance, including Mayweather. Anyway, for Canelo Alvarez, this defeat became a catalyst for growth, making him the fighter he is today.

After Floyd Mayweather’s retirement in 2017, he took up the mantle of the face of boxing. Today, as Canelo Alvarez looks at his own retirement from the sport, a couple of years down the line, who will take up the mantle next? Coppinger decided to ask Canelo who he thinks can be the next big star in boxing. And the Guadalajara native had a few names in mind.

In the same interview, Alvarez pointed to two rising stars. He believed these fighters could emerge as the next faces of boxing. According to Canelo Alvarez, Ryan Garcia‘s knockout power and strong social media presence makes him highly marketable. With KingRy’s suspension ending soon in April, Garcia is set to face Rolando Romero in May at the 147 lbs division. If Garcia wins this fight, he could line up a rematch with Devin Haney, provided Haney defeats Jose Ramirez. A victory over Haney would not only bolster his previous win-turned-no-contest but also set him up for a title fight with Jaron Ennis for Ennis’ IBF welterweight title in early 2026, enhancing his claim to being the next face of boxing. And who’s the other one? It’s Gervonta Davis.

Tank Davis despite his controversies outside the ring, remains a formidable competitor inside it. He has an upcoming fight against Lamont Roach Jr. on March 1st, a fight that could further cement his position as one of the top fighters in the sport. If Davis defeats Roach, he will continue to build momentum toward bigger bouts, potentially leading to a rematch with Garcia or WBC lightweight champion Shakur Stevenson in the future.

As Alvarez reflects on his legacy and the future of boxing, he emphasizes the importance of nurturing new talent to keep the sport thriving.

BOXING

The Winner Of Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol Must Face Undefeated KO Artist To Keep Belt

Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol are set to face off for the second time in four months, with Beterbiev looking to retain the undisputed light-heavyweight title he gained in October of 2024.

Their first meeting was an elite-level display that saw Beterbiev go the twelve round distance for the first time in his pro campaign. In the eyes of two of the three scoring judges at ringside he did enough to win, with the other scoring it a draw.

Bivol has been gracious in defeat – his first in 24 fights – and landed a rematch quickly. Rather than criticising the decision, he has promised to train harder and leave no doubt this time around.

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Whilst both men have dominated the light-heavyweight ranks for some time, there are two recent additions to the division who fancy their chances of stealing the crown.

They are David Benavidez and David Morrell. Both recently moved up from super-middle after failing to land a fight with unified champion Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and, after one fight at the weight, will do battle on February 1.

The genuine bad blood between Benavidez (29-0, 24 KOs) and Cuba’s Morrell (11-0, 9 KOs) only adds to the intrigue of what is one of the most high-level and competitive bouts on the calendar. With Morrell putting his WBA Regular belt on the line and Benavidez his WBC Interim title, the fight has everything.

What’s more, the WBC has now confirmed that the winner will be ordered to face the winner of Beterbiev-Bivol.

“Interim champion David Benavidez will fight David Morrell on February 1. The winner will be the mandatory challenger of the division to fight the winner of Beterbiev vs. Bivol.”

With Beterbiev set to defend his belts just weeks after on February 22, the light-heavyweight division is worth keeping an eye on.

BOXING

Dmitry Bivol Rematch Endangered by Unresolved Issues as Canelo Alvarez Reopens Doors to Dream Fight

Unified super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez has revealed that he is open to a rematch against former WBA light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol.

The pair initially clashed back in May 2022, which ended in a major upset with Bivol emerging victorious with a unanimous decision win. A rematch was previously discussed, but nothing came out of it.

Today, Canelo is reportedly close to finalizing a fight deal with former undisputed welterweight champion Terence Crawford. Meanwhile, Bivol is slated to go toe-to-toe in a rematch against undisputed light heavyweight champion Artur Beterbiev on February 22nd. Amid all this, ‘Cinnamon’ appeared in the Ring Magazine podcast recently, sharing his thoughts on the long overdue rematch with Dmitry Bivol.

JUST IN: AJ vs Dubois II: Do Anthony Joshua Has Any Chance Of Ever Beating Dubois?

“Yeah, why not?” he said when asked about the fight in the future. “I always have it in my mind. Always have that idea in my mind.” The Mexican superstar went as far as to reveal that he hopes Bivol wins his upcoming fight against Beterbiev, adding, “Maybe they have the three fights,” which according to him, makes their potential rematch “a difficult situation.”

However, he is hopeful that they will dance in the ring one more time, “We’ll see in the future. But I have it in my mind. Always have that little thing.” Despite Canelo’s willingness, things are indeed much more complicated than they seem. You see, Bivol is unlikely to come down to super middleweight anytime soon, a win against Beterbiev can’t change that.

It’s also unlikely that Canelo would climb back to 175 lbs following his last loss to Bivol in the division. But, more importantly, because of his potential fight against Crawford, Canelo is likely to remain at 168 lbs, at least for the time being. What’s even worse is that Dmitry Bivol had previously claimed he couldn’t come down to 168 because of his agreement with the Saudis.

Dmitry Bivol has cast doubt on the possibility of a rematch with Canelo Alvarez in the near future. “I don’t have him [Canelo] on my agenda… my mind is elsewhere right now. I have another route. Maybe in the future, we can face each other again, but not in the short term,” Bivol told Fight Hub last year in September.

Bivol revealed past efforts to arrange a rematch, even offering to fight at 168 pounds, but negotiations fell through. “We had the possibility of doing it for a couple of years, but his team and my team couldn’t come to an agreement,” he explained. Now, Bivol is prioritizing his commitments with Saudi Arabia and Matchroom Boxing.

I can still give 168 pounds, but… I see my future with the Saudis, and with the options I have in my contract with them, and it is not in the plans to go down to 168 pounds,” he concluded.

That said, it appears the weight class difference between Canelo Alvarez and Dmitry Bivol has become an obstacle in making their rematch.

BOXING

AJ vs Dubois II: How Anthony Joshua Can Get Revenge Over Daniel Dubois

Roy Jones Jr has spoken about Anthony Joshua‘s chances of getting revenge over Daniel Dubois.

Former two-time world champion Joshua has lost four times, one upset to Andy Ruiz which he avenged, two points losses to pound-for-pound king Oleksandr Usyk, and a shock stoppage loss to Dubois last September.

Joshua was caught early and never really recovered then rolled the dice in the mid-rounds as soon as he got close but was caught with a short right hand from the power puncher ‘DDD’ from which ended the fight.

READ: Oleksandr Usyk Finally Responds To Call Out From ‘The Only Man Who Can Beat Him’

Speaking to talkSPORTBoxing, former world champion Jones was asked for his view on the contest and started by assessing Joshua’s trainer’s advice.

“First of all, I’m not saying Ben Davison was a bad trainer, he’s a great trainer, but in that situation, I think he might have made a wrong move telling him to gamble cause gambling ain’t really the thing to do at that point, especially when the guy has hurt you once.”

He then got on to what might happen in a rematch with a different plan.

“I think Joshua can beat him if he wants to, he was in control of the fight at that point, but he got caught early. Then when he got in control he tried to close the door too fast.

“The most dangerous animal in the world is a wounded animal so I feel like the instructions should have been we’ve got him now but we can’t rush him. Take our time, we’re back in control, let’s just do this ’til we get him where we want him then we can get him out. So yes, if ‘AJ’ does the right thing, and is smart, he will beat Dubois.”

Joshua opted against an immediate rematch and has instead taken time out, with many hoping he will still be able to make an epic fight with British rival Tyson Fury, despite ‘The Gypsy King’s recent retirement announcement.

GOLF

Serena Williams ‘has absolutely no idea what’s going on’ as TGL team owner looks lost

The 23-time grand slam winner may be a legend in the tennis world but it seems she’s got some convincing to do when it comes to golf.

Williams’ presence at SoFI Stadium is actually down to part-owning the ‘Los Angeles Golf Club’ team alongside sister Venus and husband Alexis Ohanian.

The team comprises Collin Morikawa, Justin Rose, Sahith Theegala, and Tommy Fleetwood. Although only the aforementioned first three were in action on Monday night with Fleetwood competing in the Dubai Desert Classic.

JUST IN: Greg Norman issues daring LIV Golf request to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Williams was alongside Ohanian watching in the stands before joining the commentary booth for an interview and to color commentate for a few holes. But her presence didn’t go down well. At one point in the broadcast, cameras showed Williams looking confused before joining in clapping.

During her interview, Williams appeared to openly admit that watching golf made her miss tennis even more. Asked to reflect on tennis with the Australian Open currently taking place, she said: “I’m obsessed with the sport. I didn’t realize until I was sat here watching golf.”

The public opinion from ESPN viewers soon came flooding in. One posted on X: “Serena Williams knows next to nothing about golf.” Another added: “Serena Williams has absolutely no idea what’s going on and I love it.”

Another posted on X: “This Serena Williams interview might have just killed TLG before it even took two steps.” A different viewer simply said: “Serena Williams has no idea what’s going on.”

In agreement, this X user said: “Serena Williams has no clue what is happening.” And they weren’t alone, another added: “Serena Williams looks awfully confused.”

Finally, on a more polite note, this user said: “God bless her for being there but Serena Williams has absolutely no idea what’s going on TGL.”

Speaking about her involvement in TGL, Williams said: “It’s so exciting to be here as a team owner and just get a different look at things.”

“It’s so wild. It’s something that you see a little bit in tennis, and we see it all the time in basketball, right? But we don’t really see it so much in golf. Actually we never see that in golf, right?

“So it’s just so good to kind of see their personalities and just see them shine as golfers as they are, because they’re usually so focused, so serious and so ready. So it’s so cool to see a new aspect.”

Discussing the format of the competition, she said: “I love this format. I think it’s so cool. It’s such a good way to engage the fans.”

BOXING

‘Lies’ Exposed as Shakur Stevenson Throws Gervonta Davis Under the Bus With an Ultimatum

The boxing world is abuzz once again as Gervonta Davis seemingly targets Shakur Stevenson.

Last year, Tank Davis and Shakur Stevenson appeared close to finalizing a fight after the collapse of negotiations for a Vasyl Lomachenko matchup. Fans and pundits alike were optimistic about the potential showdown between the fighters, but the fight ultimately didn’t materialize. Why? Because both of them ended up taking different opponents.

However, the situation recently took a dramatic turn when Gervonta Davis accused Stevenson of avoiding the fight, claiming he had allegedly sent a contract that was ignored. In response, Stevenson wasted no time in addressing these accusations. In a clip from Shawn Porter’s ‘The PorterWay Podcast’ shared by Hassan, Stevenson responded to accusations hurled against him by Davis. The caption of the post read, “Shakur Stevenson doubles down and says Gervonta Davis is lying about sending the contract and if he did to post it 😳.”

JUST IN: Oleksandr Usyk Finally Responds To Call Out From ‘The Only Man Who Can Beat Him’

In the video, Shakur Stevenson was firmly denying Davis’ claims that a contract had been sent his way. In the clip, the interviewer asked, “People say they put a contract on your desk. You never signed it. I’ve heard all types of stuff.”

Stevenson, visibly confident, responded: “Somebody says they put a contract on my desk? … If he did, post it… When Tank and Lomachenko were in negotiations that shit was worldwide. It was public. Like Lomachenko said No. They publicly say, ‘Yo, Lomachenko turned down the fight. He’s a duck.’ Why didn’t that happen to me if that happened?”

Stevenson’s comments put Davis on blast, calling for tangible proof of the supposed contract. While challenging Tank to make the alleged contract public, he questioned why, if the contract was indeed sent, it wasn’t made public as was the case with the Lomachenko situation. This not only puts pressure on Davis but also places doubt on the authenticity of his claims. However, if you wonder where did all these start from, here is the answer.

The backstory of this feud goes deeper than just the recent contract allegations. Gervonta Davis and Shakur Stevenson have long been rumored to be on a collision course, with the potential for a high-stakes showdown in the lightweight division. However, despite initial optimism, negotiations for the fight never came to fruition.

Tensions between the two fighters started to escalate when Davis accused Stevenson of dodging the fight, claiming he had sent a contract that Stevenson allegedly ignored. And a screenshot from Dantheboxingman on X only added fuel to the fire. In the screenshot, Gervonta Davis was seen commenting, “Ni***s sent him a contact he went elsewhere… get off my d**k you d**k eater.”

Stevenson, however, denied the allegations, stating emphatically that he had never received a contract. In a passionate interview with ‘Cigar Talks,’ he declared, “On my life, Tank a liar. If he sent me a contract, tell him to post that contract. Post that contract he sent me. That’s what I want to see.”

Shakur Stevenson did not stop there. He further criticized Davis’ resume, claiming that the Baltimore native has taken on less challenging opponents and used weight clauses to his advantage. “You’re taking the less talented fighters and putting them in the ring with yourself and making them look as though they are on this level, but they’re not,” Stevenson said. He also suggested that until Davis faces an elite-level fighter, he would remain uninterested in engaging in any further discussions about the rivalry.

Only time will tell if Stevenson and Davis can put their differences aside and focus on unifying the division. What do you think—Is Gervonta Davis lying about sending the contract, or is Shakur Stevenson avoiding the fight?

GOLF

Greg Norman issues daring LIV Golf request to Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy

Outgoing LIV Golf CEO Greg Norman has called out Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, urging them to acknowledge the benefits they’ve reaped from the emergence of the controversial golf league.

Despite being vocal critics of LIV and showing loyalty to the PGA Tour, Norman believes both golf icons have profited from the competition LIV has introduced. Norman has stepped down from his role to be replaced by Scott O’Neil, an experienced sports and entertainment executive. Norman is expected to continue working for LIV in some capacity.

“I would love them to recognise the fact that – like Tiger with his PIP money (Player Impact Program) – that only came because of LIV, right?” Norman told Australian Golf Digest. “So Tiger benefitted from that. Rory’s definitely benefitted from that.

READ: ‘Word Got Out’: Charlie Woods Impact Laid Bare as His Frantic Search for a Breakthrough Continues

“I would love to sit down and talk to them about it, no question about it. Because I’m not a judgmental person and you only learn the facts and truth when you hear the other side of it.

“But, yes, would I like to sit down with them? Sure, absolutely. And you know what? I’d win the debate.”

The relationship between Norman and McIlroy has been marked by public sparring over LIV, with McIlroy recently endorsing Norman’s departure as a positive step for the league. This comes after Norman had accused McIlroy of being “brainwashed” by the PGA Tour.

Discussions regarding a merger between the PGA Tour and LIV’s backers – Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – are still happening, but Norman has stepped away from the negotiating table. Meanwhile, Woods and McIlroy have launched their new TGL league, blending traditional golf with simulated indoor play.

The league which saw Woods play and will see McIlroy’s debut next Monday amid other renowned players, hasn’t captured Norman’s attention. “No, I haven’t watched a bit of it because there’s a couple of players who’ve been very vocal against me,” Norman added.

“So I’m not going to say anything positive or negative about it. All I can say is: The more golf gets exposure in different ways, the better off it is.

“Simulator golf is simulator golf. We had Putt-Putt and all those miniature golf courses we built around the world. I think innovation is a wonderful thing, I’m not going to belittle that. I wish them all the very best and success because it’s the market, right? They’re going to be pulling people into the game of golf.”

BOXING

Oleksandr Usyk Finally Responds To Call Out From ‘The Only Man Who Can Beat Him’

Oleksandr Usyk is running out of opponents having cleaned out the heavyweight division.

The Ukrainian cemented himself as the greatest heavyweight of his generation in December, defeating Tyson Fury for the second time to successfully defend his unified WBC, WBA and WBO heavyweight titles.

After writing himself into the boxing history books with two victories over ‘The Gypsy King’, Usyk is now faced with making a decision on what route to take next in what has been an incredible career.

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Having already won the undisputed championship at cruiserweight and heavyweight, there surely can’t be much left to achieve for the Ukrainian superstar.

Step forward reigning IBF world cruiserweight champion Jai Opetaia, who has said he would ‘hands down’ take a fight against Usyk and offered him a chance to return to the division he dominated for five years or face him at heavyweight down the line. The 29-year-old from Australia is unbeaten in 27 contests, with two solid victories over Mairis Briedis in 2022 and 2024 respectively.

Opetaia’s promoter Eddie Hearn has made it clear the ‘long term focus’ is a clash against Usyk and believes his man is the only fighter who has a chance of ending the 38-year-old’s undefeated record.

“The medium focus right now is every belt in the division and the long term focus is to fight Usyk for the unified heavyweight world championship. I believe he is the only fighter who can give Usyk a real fight over the next 12-18 moths.”

Speaking to iFL TV, Usyk was asked if he would be interested in facing the Australian star.

“I don’t know, maybe. He’s [Opetaia] a great fighter.”

The Ukrainian was then asked what else he wanted to achieve in the sport, with the prospect of a rematch against Daniel Dubois also an option.

“Now, just rest. No think about boxing.”

Usyk defeated Dubois in August 2023, getting up from the canvas after a controversial body shot landed on the Ukrainian’s belt line.

‘Dynamite’ went on to capture the IBF heavyweight title last year, making his first defence in a shock victory over Anthony Joshua last September.

Dubois stormed the ring just minutes after Usyk’s win in December, as he targets a rematch against the Ukrainian which would give him an opportunity to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.