Entertainment

Novak Djokovic Makes Tennis History as He Sets New Goal for Alcaraz And Sinner

Published

4 weeks ago

October 6, 2025

The Serbian tennis legend has broken yet another record in Shanghai

Novak Djokovic has made yet another piece of tennis history as he sets a new target for Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

The Serbian began his Shanghai Masters campaign with a convincing 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 victory over fellow veteran Marin Cilic. It was Djokovic’s first match since the US Open, where he bowed out in the semi-finals to the eventual champion Alcaraz.

The conditions in China were tricky, with humidity causing issues for the players. At one stage, Djokovic even put sawdust on his hands to help maintain his grip on the racket.

Despite those challenges, he found a way through, and even set a new record in the process.

Djokovic has now has more than 20 victories against seven different players, a mark that underlines his remarkable longevity at the pinnacle of the men’s game.

The Serbian has enjoyed his most success against the other members of the so-called ‘big four’. He has beaten Rafael Nadal 31 times, Roger Federer on 27 occasions and Andy Murray 25.

He also got the better of Tomas Berdych 25 times while Stanislas Warwinka was beaten on 21 occasions. Gael Monfils faced him 20 times without tasting success, whole Cilic only managed to defeat the Serb twice in their meetings.

It is yet another record for Djokovic, who already holds the record for the most male Grand Slam titles with 24.

He also has 100 ATP Tour singles titles to his name, and at 38, is still looking to add to that number in Shanghai. A straight sets victory over Cilic is the ideal start in his latest bid for silverware.

After the game he said: “I struggled to find my rhythm from the baseline. I [lacked] some matches, my last one was at the US Open, so I got a really tough opener against Marin, who when is feeling the ball, is so dangerous and can beat anybody.

“He didn’t give me time to breathe, so I think I dug myself out of trouble with good serving, which obviously makes me happy.”

Djokovic will face the German Yannick Hanfmann in the next round on Sunday following his surprise victory over Frances Tiafoe.

Although Djokovic will be confident of progressing through the early rounds, the challenge to go all the way will be far greater.

Presuming Sinner also comes through, the pair are on course to face each other in the semi-finals.

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Entertainment

Victoria Mboko beats Cristina Bucsa in Hong Kong to claim her second WTA title

Published

7 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Earnings

Canadian 19-year-old rising starVictoria Mboko overcame world number 68 Cristina Bucsa from Spain 7-5 6-7 (9-11) 6-2 in the Hong Kong final to claim the second WTA title of her career.

Mboko converted her second break point in the sixth game to open up a 5-2 lead in the first set. Bucsa broke straight back at 15 in the ninth game to draw level to 5-5 after Mboko wasted three set points across the eighth and tenth games.

Mboko served out the 11^th game with hold at 15 before breaking serve in the 12^th game to close out the first set 7-5.

Mboko broke in the second game of the second set and held serve at love to open up a 3-0 lead. Bucsa broke back in the fifth game and held serve in the next game to draw level to 3-3. Bucsa earned her second break in the 11th game, but she failed to serve out for the second set in the 12^th game, as Mboko broke straight back to draw level to 6-6. Mboko missed a championships point at 8-7 before Bucsa converted her fourth set point to force the match to the decider.

Mboko earned two breaks in the first and seventh games to close out a one-sided third set 6-2 on the third match point in the eighth game.

Last August Mboko won her first WTA 1000 title at the Canadian Open in Montreal. The Canadian player is set to break inside the top 20 for the first time in her career and reach a career-high by winning the WTA 250 title in Hong Kong.

Entertainment

Jannik Sinner ends Carlos Alcaraz’s reign, reclaims world no. 1 honor

Published

8 hours ago

November 2, 2025

Earnings

On Monday, Jannik Sinner will start his second stint on the ATP throne! The Italian claimed his fifth Masters 1000 crown in Paris, earning 1000 ATP points and dethroning his greatest rival, Carlos Alcaraz.

Jannik leads Carlos 250 ATP points on the latest ATP ranking list, although he has to defend 1500 points at the ATP Finals in Turin. The 24-year-old has won 2050 points since Beijing, including three titles.

His latest success came in the French capital following a flawless performance, having beaten five rivals in straight sets en route to the trophy, his 23rd in a career. Sinner did not think about the year-end no. 1 battle with Alcaraz.

However, his latest run keeps him in contention for the ultimate honor, his second in a row after a dominant display in 2024. Jannik will embrace his 66th world no. 1 week on Monday, moving closer to Stefan Edberg’s 72.

The San Candido native has won five ATP titles in 2025, including three notable ones. Sinner went back to the drawing board following the US Open title clash defeat to Alcaraz.

He brought his improvements to the Asian swing and extended his brilliant run on indoor courts to raise above all the rivals and conquer the ATP throne for the second time.

While not playing at his best physically, the Italian still endured all the efforts in Paris and became the fourth player to conquer a notable indoor event without losing a set.

Jannik dismantled injured Alexander Zverev in the semi-final and arranged the title clash against Felix Auger-Aliassime. The Canadian chased his first Masters 1000 crown and fought well in a 6-4, 7-6 defeat.

The Italian provided another indoor masterclass, serving well and maintaining the pressure on the other side. Sinner faced no break points and seized one of six opportunities on the return, missing a chance to move over the top earlier.

Jannik tamed his strokes nicely and forged the upper hand in the more advanced rallies. The Italian will take a well-deserved rest before heading to Turin, hoping to finish the season on a high note and claim another trophy.

Entertainment

Djokovic learns fate in new home as Sabalenka addresses behaviour

Published

2 days ago

November 1, 2025

Earnings

Express Sport brings you the latest tennis news from the Paris Masters.

We’re reaching the business end of the Paris Masters, as eight players become four in the French capital. Jannik Sinner is the overwhelming favourite to lift the trophy after Carlos Alcaraz was dumped out by Cameron Norrie in the Spaniard’s opening match. Norrie was then beaten by Valentin Vacherot, whose amazing 10-match winning streak at Masters 1000 level came to an end when he lost to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Canadian star Auger-Aliassime will face Alexander Bublik in the semis. Bublik defeated Alex de Minaur, who is among those to have already qualified for the year-end ATP Finals. Sinner is through to his first Paris Masters semi-final after beating Ben Shelton. He’ll face defending champion Alexander Zverev, who survived a tough match against Daniil Medvedev.

Novak Djokovic is not involved in the Paris Masters, having decided to skip the event for the second year in a row, but he has learned his fate in the draw of next week’s ATP 250 in Athens. And over in Riyadh, the WTA Finals are about to get underway.