Novak Djokovic is 'the best player in the history of men's tennis' but ...

CNN —

Even by the standards of Novak Djokovic’s eventful tennis career – replete with trophies and jaw-dropping performances, but also peppered with controversy – the circumstances ahead of this year’s Australian Open have been extraordinary.

“I see life as a great learning curve,” Djokovic told CNN in an interview last year, “and I feel over the years I learned how to bounce back.”

That ability to bounce back will be put to the test in the coming days as the world No. 1 continues to endure a turbulent start to the year.

Arriving in Australia unvaccinated but with a medical exemption to compete following a positive Covid-19 test on December 16, Djokovic spent his first five days in a detention facility in Melbourne as he mounted a legal challenge against the revocation of his visa.

His lawyers successfully argued that Djokovic had “ticked absolutely every box” for vaccine exemption with his recent Covid infection, but four days later, Australia’s immigration minister Alex Hawke announced the decision to revoke Djokovic’s visa for a second time “on health and good order grounds.”

Djokovic celebrates victory at last year's Australian Open. Darrian Traynor/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

It remains unclear whether Australia will move to deport Djokovic as the decision is being challenged by his legal team.

But it is another setback for the 34-year-old Serbian in his bid to move clear of Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer at the top of the men’s all-time list with 21 grand slam titles.

Such an achievement would arguably be the crowning moment of Djokovic’s already record-breaking career – the time he cements his status as the best player in the history of the men’s game.

“Strictly speaking about results, Novak Djokovic is the best player in the history of men’s professional tennis,” said journalist Ben Rothenberg.

“He’s tied with Federer and Nadal for the most grand slam titles, but Djokovic dominates pretty much every conceivable tiebreak category: most weeks ranked No. 1, a winning record against the other two, having won every grand slam and Masters 1000 event at least twice (no one else has won them all once, even).

“Djokovic is a counterpuncher with a great serve, an extraordinarily flexible athlete, and though he probably isn’t a popular pick for the most stylistically pleasing player ever, when it comes to who is the most effective and dominant on court over the longest period of time, he’s your guy.”

Video Ad Feedback Novak Djokovic is the no. 1 of number ones 03:44 - Source: CNN

Djokovic’s phenomenal record at the Australian Open, a tournament he has won nine times, had made him the favorite ahead of this year’s tournament, even taking into consideration his spell in detention.

Nadal stepped up his return from injury last week by winning the 89th title of his career at the Melbourne Summer Set 1 tournament, while Daniil Medvedev, who beat Djokovic in last year’s US Open final, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas will also be contenders for the title.

‘Novak is Serbia, and Serbia is Novak’

But few would have bet against Djokovic, who has received vociferous support from his fans – in Melbourne as well as back in his native Serbia – during the course of his visa saga.

Crowds gathered outside Melbourne’s Park Hotel in protest against Djokovic’s residency there last week, while chants of support were heard outside the office of his lawyers after he was cleared to stay in Australia.

There were similar scenes outside Serbia’s National Assembly in Belgrade, where the tennis star was hailed as a national hero by his family.

“They are holding him captive. Our Novak, our pride,” Djokovic’s father, Srdjan, railed in support of son last week. “Novak is Serbia, and Serbia is Novak … They trample Novak, and so they trample Serbia and the Serbian people.”

Video Ad Feedback Djokovic's mission to help Serbia's children 07:31 - Source: CNN

Despite the ardent support of his fanbase, Djokovic remains a divisive figure – within the tennis community and beyond.

He has spoken of his opposition to mandatory vaccinations, and the decision to grant him a medical exemption for the Australian Open was met with criticism; Stephen Parnis, one of the city’s prominent emergency physicians, said it sent “an appalling message to the public.”

“I’m not an expert, of course, and I’m not going to talk about what are the pros and cons of getting vaccinated,” Djokovic told CNN in August, “but I am a proponent of freedom of choice.”

He added: “I really believe that it should be left to a player to make a decision.

“We don’t know what the future holds. I don’t think any industry is really certain what the future brings.

“We are going to make sure that we gather as much expert information on this (as possible) and work with players and provide whatever information is needed for them to make a conscious choice.”

Video Ad Feedback Djokovic's detention in Australia sheds light on refugee crisis 03:40 - Source: CNN

Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about Djokovic’s actions in the aftermath of his positive Covid test last month.

On Wednesday, he admitted he did not immediately isolate after the positive result, but denied knowing he had the virus when attending public events.

He also said he had made an “error of judgment” in doing a media interview and photo shoot with French outlet L’Equipe on December 18, two days after his positive test.

‘I still have my fears, my insecurities’

It’s not the first time Djokovic’s actions have been questioned during the pandemic.

In June 2020, his Adria Tour exhibition event was canceled after he tested positive for Covid-19 alongside his wife, three other players, three coaches and one player’s pregnant wife.

Unlike other tennis tournaments held at the time, there was limited social distancing on the Adria Tour, which was played in crowded stadiums with players hugging and high-fiving each other.

Video Ad Feedback Djokovic 'deeply sorry' for Adria Tour after Covid-19 positive test 01:52 - Source: CNN

“I am so deeply sorry our tournament has caused harm,” Djokovic said after his positive test, adding that the charity event was organized “with a pure heart and sincere intentions.”

Nine months prior to the Adria Tour, Djokovic landed himself in hot water as he was defaulted from the US Open for striking a line judge with a ball. He again apologized and said he was left “sad and empty” by the situation.

Speaking about that period in an interview with CNN last year, Djokovic reflected on lessons learned.

“I’m still a human being like everyone else, I still have my fears, my insecurities, I still make mistakes and errors,” he said. “Tennis, it’s kind of my learning ground. My strongest, most beautiful emotions surface there, but all the worst of my emotions surface there.”

During and beyond this year’s Australian Open, it’s likely that Djokovic’s stance on vaccines will continue to be scrutinized. According to the ATP Tour, he is one of three unvaccinated players ranked in the top 100.

“Djokovic’s legacy is massively complicated and getting more so,” said Rothenberg

“For all of his professionalism and his generosity (he’s great with charities and in interactions with his fans), his judgment often gets him into trouble, often straying him … toward fringe ideas, like his recent anti-vaccine commitment.

“So much of tennis is about personalities and grace on and off court, and Djokovic has repeatedly sabotaged himself in these areas.”

CNN has contacted Djokovic’s representative for comment numerous times ahead of the Australian Open but has not received a response.

Djokovic is hoping to win his 10th Australian Open title. Daniel Pockett/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

Djokovic won his first grand slam title at the Australian Open in 2008, after which he had to wait three years for his next major triumph, again at the Australian Open.

Grand slam titles – 11 in total – came thick and fast in the six-year period between 2011 and 2016, culminating in Djokovic claiming the “Nole Slam” as the defending champion of all four grand slam tournaments at the same time.

But an elbow injury in 2017 derailed Djokovic’s progress. His initial unwillingness to undergo surgery frustrated his former coach Andre Agassi, who told The Guardian he thought Djokovic had hoped his elbow would “heal naturally, holistically.”

Djokovic eventually opted for surgery in early 2018 and returned to the court a few months later, but it was a setback that had almost led to him quitting tennis altogether.

“To do the surgery, it was against his core values,” his wife Jelena told CNN in 2019. “It was really huge, it’s like he buried one part of him with that decision. He said: ‘I’m done, I’m not playing tennis anymore, I lost this, I’m not having fun anymore, this is it.’”

Since that elbow surgery, Djokovic has won eight grand slam titles across a four-year period, eventually equaling Federer and Nadal’s record at Wimbledon last year.

Many see it as only a matter of time before he owns the record outright and establishes himself as the greatest player in the history of men’s tennis – a titan on the court with a complicated, controversial legacy off it.

US Open preview: Serena Williams' last hurrah at home grand slam ...

CNN —

The curtain will soon come down on one of the greatest careers the world of sport has ever seen and Flushing Meadows, the home of the US Open, will provide a fitting stage for Serena Williams’ final act.

Williams announced earlier this month that she would “evolve away from tennis” after this year’s US Open, saying that she has “never liked the word retirement.”

How to watch Serena's farewell tour at the US Open Williams vs. Kovinic When? Monday, 7 p.m. ETWhere? ESPN Monday, 7 p.m. ETESPN

Now 40 years of age, Williams’ career will come full circle as her final match is to be played at the site of the first of her 23 grand slam singles wins, the 1999 US Open. Then just a teenager, Williams burst onto the scene to stun world No. 1 Martina Hingis in the final and lay the first stepping stone on her path to two decades of dominance.

“If I could just pick one thing that she possesses incredibly strongly compared to other players and champions, it’s a strong determination to go through difficult stages and to win no matter what, year after year,” Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open men’s champion, told CNN Sport.

“I’m hoping that she’s going to have a fantastic US Open and to give the best farewell is to go with the win. So [I’m] hoping that she can do it.”

Serena won her first-round singles match on Monday against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Williams is also set to play her first doubles match with sister Venus on Wednesday.

Since returning to the circuit back in June after a year out through injury, Williams has managed to win just a single match and has been unable to get close to the form that helped her win her last grand slam title in 2017.

Even if she cannot achieve a dream final flourish by lifting the title at Flushing Meadows, Williams’ 23 grand slam singles titles will go down as the most by any player in the Open Era and just one shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record.

Serena Williams beat Martina Hingis in the 1999 US Open final to win her first grand slam title. Jamie Squire/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

Williams’ greatness is not only limited to the singles court, having won every doubles grand slam title at least twice and winning two of four mixed doubles grand slam titles. She has also achieved more than $94 million in on-court career earnings.

Few tennis players have transcended the sport like Williams and her presence will undoubtedly be missed on the Tour.

One of the many young talents that will likely be plugging that gap is defending US Open champion Emma Raducanu. The teenager stunned the world of sport last year by becoming the first qualifier in history to win a grand slam title in what was only her second appearance in the main draw of a slam.

Raducanu and Williams crossed paths for the first time two weeks ago at the Cincinnati Masters, with Raducanu coming out on top in straight sets.

However, that was one of just 12 wins that Raducanu has mustered in a season that has been blighted by injuries and patchy form. She’s shown flashes, though, of the player that triumphed at Flushing Meadows last year, most notably in the recent demolition of two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka in Cincinnati.

Two thousand of the 2,756 ranking points that currently have Raducanu 11th in the world – and as high as 10th back in June – came from her US Open win, and failure to get close to defending her crown will see the 19-year-old plummet down the WTA world rankings.

Emma Raducanu secured one of the most remarkable grand slam wins in history at the 2021 US Open. Elsa/Getty Images North America/Getty Images

Raducanu’s run in Cincinnati was ended at the hands of world No. 8 Jessica Pegula, but it was a closely-fought contest to finish a week that will likely give Raducanu increased confidence going into the US Open.

Among the stars hoping to snag Raducanu’s New York crown will be Poland’s world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, who has won a remarkable six singles titles in 2022.

The two-time French Open winner goes into the tournament as the bookmakers’ favorite, but has only ever reached the fourth round at Flushing Meadows and has struggled for form on the hard court in the lead up to the US Open.

However, Swiatek did reach the Australian Open semifinals at the start of the year and won three successive WTA 1000 hard court events earlier in the season, so she no doubt has the ability to go all the way in New York.

Rafael Nadal aims for No. 23

In the men’s draw, all eyes will be on Rafael Nadal as he looks to add to his men’s record 22 grand slam titles.

However, the 36-year-old has played just one match, a first round defeat to Borna Ćorić at the Cincinnati Masters last week, since withdrawing from the Wimbledon semifinals with an abdominal injury and it remains unclear just how fit Nadal is ahead of the US Open.

“The main thing for me is to stay healthy,” Nadal told reporters after the defeat. “It has been a difficult injury to manage, to be honest.

“The last month and a half hasn’t been easy because, having a tear on the abdominal, you don’t know when (you will be) 100 percent over the thing, so that affects me a little bit in terms of not (being) sure if you are able to try your best in every serve.”

But New York has been a happy hunting ground for Nadal over the years with the Spaniard winning the title on four occasions, most recently in 2019 when he came through a five-set epic against Daniil Medvedev.

Russia’s Medvedev, competing under a neutral flag since his country’s invasion of Ukraine, is the bookmakers’ favorite to lift the trophy and retain the crown he won in 2021 to mark his maiden grand slam victory.

Video Ad Feedback Daniil Medvedev on stopping Novak Djokovic's calendar grand slam 02:48 - Source: CNN

The 26-year-old’s lone title in 2022 came on the hard court in Mexico earlier this month, but Medvedev did reach the Australian Open final at the start of the year, agonizingly losing out after holding a two-set lead over Nadal.

Alexander Zverev, who would have been among the favorites to win, confirmed earlier this week that he was pulling out of the US Open after failing to recover from injury in time.

The world No. 2 underwent surgery back in June on torn ligaments in his ankle, which he sustained after landing awkwardly in the French Open semifinals against Nadal.

Zverev’s absence from the draw moves all those players ranked below him up a place in the seedings, meaning Nadal and Medvedev can now only face each other in the final.

Novak Djokovic confirmed on Thursday that he would not be competing at Flushing Meadows in 2022. The United States’ vaccination rules for non-US citizens meant the Serbian would not have been granted a visa to enter the country, so Nole will wait at least one more year before returning to the Big Apple.

The world No. 6 triumphed at Wimbledon earlier this year to win his 21st grand slam title and move to within one of long-time rival Nadal, but has been unable to play in any of the Tour’s US Open warmup events in the States or Canada.

The US Open will be the second grand slam this year that Djokovic will miss out on due to his unvaccinated status, after he twice had his visa revoked ahead of the Australian Open in January.

“Sadly, I will not be able to travel to NY this time for US Open,” Djokovic wrote on social media. “Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support.

“Good luck to my fellow players! I’ll keep in good shape and positive spirit and wait for an opportunity to compete again. See you soon tennis world!”

With a wide open field, the men’s draw will be fascinating to watch – will it be Nadal tying Serena on 23 grand slam singles titles or will another rise up to reign in New York?

Rafael Nadal on his French Open record: 'I always consider myself a ...

CNN —

With 14 French Open titles now to his name, the sporting world is running out of superlatives to describe Rafael Nadal.

For one athlete to have so much success at a single event is wholly unprecedented, while Nadal has also set himself apart from Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic by winning 22 grand slam titles to his rivals’ 20.

“There is no word to describe this feat,” Federer’s coach Ivan Ljubicic said after the Spaniard’s straight sets victory against Casper Ruud in Sunday’s French Open final.

“Don’t think good old Phillippe (Chatrier) would mind if his court changes the name to Rafael Nadal – (a) statue is not enough.”

But Nadal, always eager to understate his achievements, thinks his record at Roland Garros could one day be bettered.

“I always consider myself a very normal guy, so if I did it, maybe somebody else can do it,” he told CNN’s Christiane Amanpour on Monday.

“It’s obvious the record of 22 grand slams is something much more possible that somebody can increase that record. I am sure that’s going to happen; 14 Roland Garros is something … very difficult.”

Nadal celebrates with his 14th French Open title. Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

In the 17 years between Nadal’s first and most recent French Open titles, he has lost just three matches on the Paris clay – two against Djokovic, including in the semifinals last year, and one against Robin Soderling.

Sunday’s win saw Nadal, who turned 36 on Friday, become the oldest men’s champion at Roland Garros, and it was also the first time he has won both the Australian Open and French Open in the same calendar year to take him clear of Federer and Djokovic’s grand slam tallies.

“Of course, I want to be the player with (most) grand slams in history – that’s competition,” said Nadal.

“But it’s not something that I am obsessed (with) and it’s not something that changed my mind … Honestly, it’s something that does not bother me if Novak wins 23 and I stay with 22. I think my happiness will not change at all, not even one percent.”

Playing while injured

Events leading up to this year’s French Open are likely to make this title seem particularly special – not least improbable – to Nadal.

At last month’s Italian Open, he bowed out of the tournament against Denis Shapovalov in the last 16 while battling a foot injury – an ongoing problem that Nadal said required daily injections at the French Open in order to keep playing and training.

It meant he played the final without any feeling in his foot.

“After the pandemic, something happened in my foot. I am not able to manage the pain to play often and even practice,” said Nadal, who has been beset by injury problems throughout his career.

“The only thing I can say is going through all these challenges, I always hold the passion to keep going and I always hold the love for the game,” he added. “I always wanted to keep going. That’s probably why I am in the position that I am today.”

Nadal holds aloft La Coupe des Mousquetaires (The Musketeers' Trophy) at Roland Garros. Ryan Pierse/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images

In Sunday’s press conference, Nadal said he would undergo “radio frequency injection” on the nerve in his foot in a bid to ease the pain and continue playing.

Whether he competes at Wimbledon later this month depends on the success of that treatment, and for now, his long-term future in the sport is unclear.

“I never had in my mind (plans) to announce any retirement after this event, but of course, there is a possibility that things are not improving,” he said. “Then I don’t know what can happen.”

Is the ‘King of Clay’ now just ‘The King’?

Winning the first two grand slams of the year means Nadal, for the first time in his career, can potentially win a calendar grand slam by triumphing at Wimbledon and the US Open.

It’s a feat Djokovic came one game away from completing last year, and one no male player has achieved since Rod Laver in 1969.

“The chances are small in this health situation,” tennis journalist Christopher Clarey told CNN Sport’s Christina Macfarlane on Monday about the likelihood of Nadal triumphing at the next two grand slam tournaments.

“Wimbledon is not his best surface anymore; it’s been a while since he won. But how can you not try for that if you’re healthy?”

Nadal plays a forehand against Ruud in the French Open final. ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP/AFP via Getty Images

Even if he does not add to his grand slam tally, it will be impossible to ever question Nadal’s status as one of the greatest to play the game. And in time, “the King of Clay” may be remembered simply as “the King.”

“I achieved my dream and I enjoy what I am doing,” said Nadal, who remains unconcerned about how he ranks among his peers.

“I know the press and people are always caring a lot about this stuff, but in some way, I am an important part of the history of the sport and that makes me feel proud and happy.

“At the end, it doesn’t matter much.”

George Ramsay Christiane Amanpour Alicia Lloyd

Rafael Nadal is one win away from record-breaking grand slam title ...

CNN —

Rafael Nadal is just one win away from winning a record-breaking 21st grand slam title after the Spaniard reached the Australian Open final on Friday.

Nadal won his semifinal in impressive fashion after beating Matteo Berrettini of Italy in four sets – 6-3 6-2 3-6 6-3 – and will now face Daniil Medvedev in Sunday’s final.

Nadal currently shares the men’s singles grand slam record (20) with Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic but now has the chance to go one better than his historic rivals.

The 35-year-old was keen to play down his chance to create history and says he is just focused on winning the Australian Open, a title he’s won just once before in his illustrious career.

“For me it’s all about the Australian Open more than anything else,” Nadal said after the match.

“It’s just an amazing event that, as I said a couple of days ago, I had been a little bit unlucky with some injuries.

“There were times I played amazing finals with good chances – against Novak in 2012, against Roger 2017 – I was close a couple of times.

“I feel very lucky that I won it once in my career in 2009 but I never thought about another chance in 2022.”

READ: Ashleigh Barty thrashes Madison Keys to race into Australian Open final

Rafael Nadal reacts after winning the semifinal against Matteo Berrettini. Graham Denholm/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images

‘Best I’ve played for a long time’

There were questions over Nadal’s fitness going into the tournament after he struggled with injuries and a bout of Covid-19 last year.

He also suffered through a five-set thriller against Denis Shapovalov in the quarterfinals but the 20-time grand slam champion looked remarkably fresh against Berrettini.

With the roof closed on the Rod Laver Arena due to storms in Melbourne – creating an atmosphere that arguably might have favored Berrettini – Nadal raced into a two-set lead after producing tennis that he said was the “best I’ve played for a long time.”

The Italian, known for his power, eventually made a match of it by winning the third set but too many mistakes cost the 25-year-old and he could do little to quell Nadal’s intensity.

“We need to suffer and we need to fight. That is the only way to be where I am today. Honestly, it means a lot to me to be in the final here again,” Nadal said, who will now prepare for the 29th grand slam final of his career.

Novak Djokovic loses Grand Slam to Daniil Medvedev in US Open ...

NEW YORK — Daniil Medvedev knew whichever way Sunday’s U.S. Open final turned out, he was going to make it into the history books either either as a footnote in Novak Djokovic’s conquering of the elusive Grand Slam or the man who stopped it from happening.

And when the 25-year old Russian got his opportunity Sunday to determine which one would be his destiny, he did not miss.

After coming heartbreakingly close two years ago at the U.S. Open against Rafael Nadal and then failing miserably in his first shot at Djokovic in a Grand Slam final earlier this year in Australia, Medvedev finally broke through for his first major title, defeating Djokovic 6-4, 6-4, 6-4.

Medvedev became the first member of the 20-something generation to defeat one of tennis’ so-called Big Three including Djokovic, Nadal and Roger Federer in a Grand Slam final. In doing so, he stopped Djokovic’s quest to win all four majors in the same calendar year, something no man had accomplished since Rod Laver in 1969.

After his wins earlier in the Australian Open, the French Open and Wimbledon, Djokovic remains stuck on 20 majors, tied with Nadal and Federer for the most in history.

“You could feel that he was just at the height of his abilities on every shot,” Djokovic said. “He had a lot of clarity what he needs to do tactically and he executed it perfectly. And on the other hand, I was just below par. My legs were not there. I was trying. I did my best. Just one of these days where unfortunately it wasn’t meant to be.”

Though Medvedev had not yet beaten Djokovic on the biggest stage, his victory could not be considered a total surprise. Medvedev, in fact, had beaten Djokovic three of the past five times they played, including a come-from-behind win in the 2019 Cincinnati semifinals that served as his slingshot to prominence and eventually the No. 2 ranking.

What Medvedev hadn’t done is beat Djokovic at a Grand Slam, but he vowed to give a better effort this time than in Australia, where he lost a close first set 7-5 and seemed to let down emotionally thereafter.

This time, he turned that performance around in every possible way, beating Djokovic physically and tactically and refusing to let nerves get the best of him once he got the lead.

“We always talk tactics before the match with my coach the day before, and usually takes 5-to-10 minutes,” Medvedev said. “When it’s against Novak, it took probably 30 minutes. He’s so good that every match he changes his tactics, he changes his approach. I had a clear plan which did seem to work. Was he at his best? Maybe not. Today he had a lot of pressure. But I had a lot of pressure too.”

For Djokovic, who vowed after his five-set semifinal win over Alexander Zverev that he was approaching the U.S. Open final as if it was the last match he would ever play, it seemed that both the stakes of the moment and the demands on his body finally caught up to him.

After being pushed physically and emotionally in the previous three rounds by 20-year old American Jenson Brooksby, Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini and Zverev, Djokovic had already spent 17 hours, 26 minutes on the court in six matches by the final compared to 11 hours, 51 minutes for Medvedev. That difference may have ultimately been decisive.

“Energy-wise, I felt slow,” Djokovic said.

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Though the New York crowd lusted to see history made Sunday, at times to the point of being disrespectful to Medvedev, he had total control of both his game and his opponent from the very first ball when he broke Djokovic’s serve to begin the match.

That tiny opening was all Medvedev needed to win the first set, as he completely befuddled the greatest returner of all time with his serve speed, placement and variety. Medvedev, who made a conscious decision to go for big second serves and not allow Djokovic to get into a rhythm on return, lost only three points on his serve in the first set.

“After the final in Australia we had the feeling that Daniil didn’t have his fire that can help your game be much stronger, especially against a player like Novak,” Medvedev’s coach, Gilles Cervara, said. “He had to change for sure to play this final at another level.”

In the second set, where Djokovic had made his push throughout the tournament, Medvedev sent an early statement that he would not back down by digging out of a 0-40 hole on his first service game. He also denied a break point to Djokovic on his next service game, drawing a racquet smash in frustration. In the very next game, Medvedev broke a still emotional Djokovic and held onto win the second set, putting him in the same hole that Stefanos Tsitsipas had him in the French Open final earlier this year.

LOSING IT:Novak Djokovic loses temper in final, warned after smashing racquet

“My feeling on the court was not as good as the one that I had in Paris,” Djokovic said. “There was some opening there — one shot here and there, I was very close, and who knows the trajectory of the match if you make them.

But those moments never materialized, and Medvedev didn't let his foot off the gas even one bit. As he broke Djokovic once early in the third set, and then again for a 4-0 lead, it appeared the stress of the achievement he was attempting and the tough, physical battles he had been through earlier in the tournament had finally taken their toll.

As Medvedev stepped to the line to serve out the title at 5-1, the New York crowd began to get more involved, heckling Medvedev throughout the game and screaming and whistling during his service motion.

Medvedev did not handle it well, double faulting three times to hand one break back to Djokovic. Though the crowd attempted to give him one more shot of adrenaline at 5-4, Djokovic appeared to be weeping into his towel during the changeover.

Medvedev, too, felt the stress of the moment in the form of leg cramps and was trying not to let Djokovic see him struggling to move.

“Was definitely tough,” Medvedev said. “I knew the only thing I can do is focus. We never know what would happen if it’s 5-5, might start to get crazy.”

Medvedev double faulted one more time at 40-15, but finished the match at 40-30 with one more spectacular wide serve that Djokovic couldn’t put into play — a fitting ending to a mach where he had 16 aces and won 80 percent of the points when he made a first serve.

As he realized he the match was over, Medvedev — who typically does not do elaborate celebrations after winning tournament — fell on his side and stuck his tongue out, mimicking a move called the “dead fish” from the FIFA video games. He said he thought it up in the middle of the night during Wimbledon, when he was playing so well he thought he might just win the tournament. Instead, he lost in the round of 16 and had to save it for another day.

“The guys in the lockerroom, they’re young guys, super chill guys,” Medvedev said. “They play FIFA. They were like, ‘That’s legendary.’ Everybody who I saw who plays FIFA thinks that’s legendary. That’s how I wanted to make it.”

During the trophy presentation afterwards, an emotional and gracious Djokovic said there was no player than Medvedev who was more deserving of a Grand Slam title. He paid tribute to the New York crowd, which had finally embraced him after years here where his treatment was far less warm than Federer and Nadal.

“It's a tough one to swallow, this loss, considering everything that was on the line,” Djokovic said afterwards. “But on the other hand, I felt something I never felt in my life here in New York. The crowd made me very special. They pleasantly surprised me. I did not know, did not expect anything, but the amount of support and energy and love I got from the crowd was something I’ll remember forever.”

Medvedev, who called Djokovic the greatest tennis player in history during the trophy ceremony, was almost apologetic about disappointing the crowd. But he was also satisfied to have achieved something he had wanted so badly.

“Everything that happens or the first time is special,” he said. “When I won my first junior tournament it meant a lot to me. When I won my first futures (tournament), I was happy. You never know if you're going to achieve it in your career. I was always saying, If I don’t, I just want to know that I did my best to do it. That's my first Grand Slam. I don't know how I'm going to feel if I win a second one or third one. That's my first one, so I'm really happy. Means a lot to me.”

Novak Djokovic visa saga: game, set, match to Australian ...

Game, set, match to the Australian immigration authorities – or is it? Just three days before the start of the opening grand slam of the year, the Novak Djokovic saga took another twist today when the Australian Open defending champion had his visa re-cancelled by Alex Hawke, the country’s immigration minister.

When the men’s world No.1 tennis player arrived at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne nine days ago he was barred from entering the country after the Australian Border Force stated that he had “failed to provide appropriate evidence” to receive a vaccine exemption and his visa was subsequently cancelled.

Described by The New York Times’s Lindsay Crouse as an “anti-vaccine star athlete”, the Serb spent five days in detention before winning a courtroom battle after a judge said the decision to revoke his visa was unreasonable.

However, immigration minister Hawke today exercised his power under Australia’s Migration Act to cancel the visa on “health and good order grounds”, and on the basis that it was “in the public interest to do so”.

Challenging reality

Djokovic’s quest for a record 21st grand slam win “looks to be over now”, said Tennis.com. But his legal team are pursuing his available legal options heading into the weekend.

Unless he successfully appeals for a second time, Djokovic faces an “even more challenging reality” – the possibility of a three-year ban on receiving a visa to enter Australia, meaning he would be unable to play in the major again until 2025.

Djokovic’s lawyers continue to fight the decision with the “same stubbornness that the Serb brings to a baseline rally”, said The Guardian. A court hearing that took place late on Friday evening in Australia was adjourned after the parties made their submissions.

Following the urgent hearing, Djokovic’s counsel Nicholas Wood confirmed that the player is not in detention and is due to attend an interview with immigration officials on Saturday morning.

Today’s hearing was more “procedural” and the main hearing will be Sunday, said The Guardian’s Paul Karp. “So we’ve got at least a couple more days of this to look forward to.”

Karp reported that Djokovic’s weekend “diary” starts with an 8am interview with Border Force tomorrow, then detention, including 10am-2pm at his lawyers’s offices. From 9am on Sunday, also at his lawyers’s offices, this time for the hearing.

Murray: ‘Not great for the tennis’

Wood attacked the Australian government’s decision-making process. He claims the visa was cancelled not because Djokovic was unvaccinated, but because it might “excite the anti-vaccination movement in Australia”, the BBC said. His player’s legal team are also “very concerned about time”.

The nine-time Australian Open champion, who will be detained tomorrow, remains in the draw for the tournament. He is scheduled to play in the first round against fellow Serb Miomir Kecmanovic on Monday.

Should Djokovic win a second appeal, and be allowed to play in the slam, he would be on the same side of the draw as Rafael Nadal. The duo, both 20-time grand slam winners, could possibly face each other in the semi-finals.

For now though, British player Andy Murray just wants the Djokovic saga to get resolved. It’s “not great for the tennis, not great for the Australian Open, not great for Novak”, the three-time major winner said.

This is “such a mess” on the eve of the Australian Open, said Tom Parmenter on Sky News. It is one of the “most extraordinary spectacles in sport, off the tennis court”. There’s been bitterness from both sides, and it has polarised the anti-vaccination debate. “It has really become much bigger than that now.”

Australian Open: Novak Djokovic confirmed as No. 1 seed for grand ...

CNN —

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his participation at the upcoming Australian Open, Novak Djokovic has been listed as the men’s No. 1 seed by tournament organizers.

On Monday, a judge quashed the Australian government’s decision to cancel Djokovic’s visa and ordered him to be freed from a temporary immigration detention facility in Melbourne.

However, the unvaccinated world No. 1 may still face deportation as Australia’s immigration minister considers stepping in to remove the tennis player from the country.

Djokovic comes into this year’s Australian Open with the chance to separate himself from long-time rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer in the race to be considered the greatest player of all time.

All three are each currently on 20 grand slam titles and with Federer not competing this year due to knee surgery and Nadal still playing his way back into form after time out with an injury, Djokovic would be the heavy favorite to win the title in 2022.

Russian Daniil Medvedev – Djokovic’s conqueror in last year’s US Open final – is seeded second, with Alexander Zverev, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev seeded third, fourth and fifth respectively.

Nadal is seeded sixth but will come into the Australian Open with increased confidence after winning the Melbourne Summer Set title last week.

READ: Djokovic won his court case but few Australians are cheering

Video Ad Feedback Hear from Djokovic's family as tennis star wins appeal 01:43 - Source: CNN

‘Damaging on all fronts’

The ATP Tour weighed in on Djokovic’s ordeal for the first time since the 34-year-old was detained by the Australian government last Wednesday.

The men’s professional tennis tour called the series of events leading up to Djokovic’s Monday visa hearing “damaging on all fronts” – including to the athlete’s well-being, according to a statement from the association on Monday.

The ATP Tour also strongly recommended vaccination for all players on the ATP Tour, calling it “essential for our sport to navigate the pandemic.” It added that 97% of the top 100 players are vaccinated heading into this year’s Australian Open.

READ: Judge orders Djokovic be freed from immigration detention in Australia

A screen grab shows a Twitter post by Djokovic after he won a court challenge to remain in Australia, in Melbourne, uploaded on January 11, 2022. DjokerNole/Twitter/Reuters

“The ATP fully respects the sacrifices the people of Australia have made since the onset of COVID-19 and the stringent immigration policies that have been put in place,” the statement read.

“Complications in recent days related to player entry into Australia have however highlighted the need for clearer understanding, communication and application of the rules.

“In travelling to Melbourne, it’s clear Novak Djokovic believed he had been granted a necessary medical exemption in order to comply with entry regulations. The series of events leading to Monday’s court hearing have been damaging on all fronts, including for Novak’s well-being and preparation for the Australian Open.”

Investigation into travel declaration

Meanwhile, the Australian Border Force (ABF) is investigating whether Djokovic submitted a false travel declaration ahead of arrival in Australia, a source with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.

Djokovic declared he had not traveled and would not do so in the 14 days leading to his arrival in Australia on Wednesday, January 5, according to a travel declaration submitted as evidence to the court determining whether he would be allowed to remain in Australia.

Various pictures taken during that two-week period appear to show Djokovic in both Spain and Serbia.

While court documents show that Tennis Australia filled out the travel declaration on Djokovic’s behalf, the information used was provided by Djokovic, an ABF officer at Melbourne airport on January 5 determined.

The penalty for submitting a false travel declaration carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison, according to the Australian Department of Home Affairs website.

Djokovic’s media team has not responded to CNN’s requests for comment.

The ABF investigation comes as Australian Immigration Minister Alex Hawke considers whether to exert his personal power to cancel Djokovic’s reinstated visa.

Matias Grez Angus Watson
Matias Grez
Angus Watson

'I'm fulfilled, I'm happy': Ash Barty retires at the top of her game | The ...

Ash Barty, the women’s world No.1 and reigning Australian Open and Wimbledon champion, has shocked the world of tennis by announcing her retirement from the sport at the age of 25.

Speaking to friend and former doubles partner Casey Dellacqua in a video posted on Instagram, the Australian revealed she was quitting tennis as she wanted to “chase other dreams”.

“Success for me is knowing I’ve given everything I can – I’m fulfilled, I’m happy, and I know how much work it takes to bring the best out of yourself,” said the three-time grand slam champion. “I’ve said it to my team multiple times, it’s just that I don’t have that in me, I don’t have the physical drive, the emotional want – everything it takes to challenge yourself at the top level anymore. I am spent... physically I had nothing more to give. I’ve given absolutely everything I can to this beautiful sport of tennis.”

Barty’s second ‘retirement’

This marks Barty’s second “retirement” from the sport, Sky News said. She walked away from tennis as a teenager in late-2014, before “returning two years later and rising rapidly up the rankings”.

Barty’s rise to the top of women’s tennis was an “incredible story”, said the Daily Mail. After picking up a racquet at the age of four, her talent “was obvious” and she quickly competed against older children. However, after going overseas to play international competitions when she was 14, the schedule “became too much and the teenager found herself overwhelmed”.

In 2014 she “walked away from a promising tennis career”, Fox Sports said. Barty revealed she got “twisted” and quit tennis to be with the people who loved her. “I think I just needed to find myself a little bit,” she said. “I felt like I got twisted and maybe a little bit lost along the way in the first part of my career, just within myself mentally and what I wanted to do.”

Turning her attention to cricket, Barty earned a contract with the Brisbane Heat in the Women’s Big Bash League. After all the “media attention, pressure and depression” as a dazzling tennis prodigy, the stint playing cricket “set things right”, The Guardian said.

‘As a person, this is right’

After winning the Australian Open in January, Barty became the first Aussie to win the men’s or women’s singles title in 44 years. Now feeling “so happy” and “so ready”, Barty knows “in my heart, for me as a person, this is right”.

“People may not understand it and I’m ok with that because for me, Ash Barty the person has so many dreams that she wants to chase after that don’t necessarily involve travelling the world, being away from my family, being away from my home, which is where I’ve always wanted to be, it’s where I’ve grown up,” she said. “I’ll never ever ever stop loving tennis, it’ll always be a massive part of my life, but now I think it’s important that I get to enjoy the next phase of my life as Ash Barty the person, not Ash Barty the athlete.”

‘One of the great champions of the WTA’

Across all-levels of play, Barty had a 305-102 record in singles and a 200-64 record in doubles, earning total career prize money of $23,829,071, Greg Garber said on the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) website. Her current reign as world No.1 is the “fourth-longest streak in the history of the WTA Tour”, behind Steffi Graf (186 weeks), Serena Williams (186) and Martina Navratilova (156). Her 121 total weeks are seventh on the all-time list.

Steve Simon, chief executive of the WTA, praised Barty for being the “ultimate competitor” who always led by example through the “unwavering professionalism and sportsmanship” she brought to every match. “With her accomplishments at the grand slams, WTA Finals, and reaching the pinnacle ranking of No.1 in the world, she has clearly established herself as one of the great champions of the WTA,” he said.

How the tennis world reacted on social media

Ash, what can I say, you know I have tears right? My friend, I will miss you on tour. You were different, and special, and we shared some amazing moments. What's next for you? Grand Slam champion in golf?! Be happy and enjoy your life to the max xo Simo@ashbarty pic.twitter.com/WbX7kXnJ1l — Simona Halep (@Simona_Halep) March 23, 2022

Congrats on an incredible career Ash 🙏 It was a privilege to share a court with you. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter, @ashbarty. You will be missed 🥺❤ pic.twitter.com/bpL20nIUJQ — Karolina Pliskova (@KaPliskova) March 23, 2022

Ash, I have no words... actually you are showing your true class leaving tennis in this beautiful way. I am so happy I could share the court with you.. tennis will never be the same without you! I admire you as a player and a person.. wishing you only the best! ❤@ashbarty — Petra Kvitova (@Petra_Kvitova) March 23, 2022

Happy for @ashbarty gutted for tennis 🎾 what a player❤ — Andy Murray (@andy_murray) March 23, 2022

An incredible tennis player but more importantly one of the nicest people on tour ♥ Congratulations @ashbarty on an amazing career and good luck with what’s next! pic.twitter.com/Mhwzyf6nbX — Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) March 23, 2022

What we learned at the Australian Open

Douglas Robson, Special for USA TODAY Sports

Novak Djokovic keeps climbing the ranks of tennis greats

Victoria Azarenka%27s toughness was on display in Melbourne

The physicality and dominance of defense in the game were evident%2C too

MELBOURNE, Australia — Novak Djokovic's 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3, 6-2 victory Sunday against Andy Murray brought to a close the season's first major. What has the Australian Open taught us? Six observations:

1. Djokovic now one of the greats

With his sixth major and Open-era tying fourth at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic joins the likes of Boris Becker and Stefan Edberg on the Grand Slam leaderboard. Better company awaits.

Like Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, the Serb is a threat to win on every surface, and he is superior on hardcourts, the surface on which two of the four majors are played. Since the start of 2011, he has captured five of nine Slams.

At 25, and with a good five years of prime playing ahead of him, double-digit majors are well within reach.

"It's very realistic," said his coach, Marian Vajda. "I can clearly say that his mental state is fantastic now, he's very confident and rolling."

The 2012 French Open runner-up has yet to conquer Paris, but with Rafael Nadal coming back from an extended absence, this could be his year, too.

2. Azarenka is a tough cookie

By beating resurgent Li Na to win her second consecutive title in Melbourne, Victoria Azarenka kept her grip on No. 1. And she showed she could get the job done in difficult circumstances.

After questionable use of a medical timeout in her semifinal win against American teenager Sloane Stephens, she locked in and metaphorically donned the hoodie and headphones she prefers when she takes the court.

She blocked out a tough opponent, an unfriendly crowd, two days of savage treatment in the press and social media and managed to win the tournament without her best stuff.

Her mental fortitude? Intact.

"I know how tough she is," said her coach, Sam Sumyk. "I've known that a long time."

3. Murray should contend for No. 1

Andy Murray has reached the final of the last three majors, won the U.S. Open and pocketed an Olympic gold medal. Is there any question he's a formidable member of the Big Four?

Under Ivan Lendl's tutelage, the 25-year-old Scot has improved his court management, mixing in offensive strikes with his smothering defense. Verbally self-abusive, he has improved his body language and emotional comportment.

In his five-set win against Federer, he absorbed the 17-time major champion's directed anger and was the picture of Zen in the final set after blowing a chance to serve it out in the fourth set.

"He neutralized Federer's mindset by being calm, which is really cool to see," said EuroSport commentator Mats Wilander. "He is learning fast."

At this rate, he is a bona fide contender for the No. 1 ranking.

4. Defense rules

Equipment advances, bigger balls and slower courts have created an era of defensive magicians, but Murray, Djokovic and the absent Nadal have pushed retorts to new heights.

They were at it again on Rod Laver Arena on Sunday night, sneakers squeaking as they picked up balls up from their toes at the baseline and launched zingers from full stretch.

With few exceptions such as Roger Federer — and even his game is somewhat of a relic these days — offense is increasingly a losing proposition against the best defenders.

"When he's on defense he can actually win the point with one shot," Andre Agassi said of Djokovic. "That's an evolution of the game."

5. Is it getting too physical?

Serena Williams sprained her ankle; Azarenka tweaked her knee. On Sunday night in the men's, Murray was hampered by a blister.

Li Na? She fell not once but twice in the women's championship match, whacking her head on the Plexicushion surface and blacking out for a a couple of seconds.

Injuries are the normal hazards of elite competition, but the torque and force being inflicted on bodies — not to mention the increasing length of points and matches — is reaching dangerous levels.

6. MTO needs review

That being said, the medical timeout rule needs to be tightened.

There was controversy in the last few days of the women's tournament because of Azarenka's double medical timeout at a crucial time in her match against Stephens.

Tournament officials were clear that Azarenka was within the rules. But legit or not, it's up to officials to make sure the rule is not abused, and most were left with a bad feeling after Azarenka — who had just failed on five match points — was able to recover her composure.

"It's definitely a situation that warrants a review based on controversy it created," WTA CEO Stacey Allaster said.

Novak Djokovic fights past Tommy Paul and into Australian Open final

Associated Press

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Of all of his considerable talents, Novak Djokovic’s ability to cast aside whatever appears to stand in his way might be the most valuable.

So forget about the potential distraction of his father’s decision to stay away from Rod Laver Arena for Djokovic’s semifinal against unseeded American Tommy Paul at the Australian Open on Friday after getting caught up in a flap over being seen with a group waving banned Russian flags at the tournament.

Forget about the heavily taped left hamstring that was an issue for Djokovic last week. Forget about just how physical the points were against Paul. Forget about how Djokovic produced twice as many unforced errors, 24, as winners, 12, in the opening set. Forget about the lull of four games in a row that went to Paul. Forget about the brief back-and-forth with the chair umpire.

OPINION:Five storylines for the second week of the Australian Open

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And remember this: Djokovic simply does not lose semifinals or finals at Melbourne Park. Does. Not. Lose. And so, not surprisingly, he overcame some shaky play in the early going and took over the match, beating Paul 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 to close in on a 10th Australian Open championship and 22nd Grand Slam title overall.

From 5-all in the first set, Djokovic claimed seven games in a row and 14 of the last 17.

“I’m really thankful that I still have enough gas in my legs to able to play at this level,” said Djokovic, a 35-year-old from Serbia. “Some long rallies, you could really feel them. We both had heavy legs in the first set. I was really fortunate to kind of hold my nerves toward the end of the first set. That was a key. After that, I started swinging through the ball more.”

He extended his Australian Open winning streak to 27 matches, the longest in the Open era, which dates to 1968.

There was a pause in that string of victories a year ago, of course, when Djokovic was deported from Australia before competition began because he was not vaccinated against COVID-19. He still has not gotten the shots, but the strict border controls established by the country during the pandemic have been eased.

“Of course, it’s not pleasant for me to go through this with all the things that I had to deal with last year and this year in Australia. It’s not something that I want or need,” said Djokovic, who defended his father, Srdjan, for standing with a group of people waving Russian flags — at least one showing an image of Vladimir Putin — after the son's quarterfinal victory against a Russian opponent.

“I hope that people will let it be," Djokovic said, “and we can focus on tennis.”

That is what the No. 4-seeded Djokovic himself will hope to do Sunday when he takes on No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas, who eliminated Karen Khachanov 7-6 (2), 6-4, 6-7 (6), 6-3 to reach his first final at Melbourne Park and second at a Slam.

Whoever wins the final will rise to No. 1 in the ATP rankings. For Djokovic, that would mark a return to a spot he has occupied for more weeks than anyone; for Tsitsipas, if would mark a debut there.

“I like that number. It’s all about you. It’s singular. It’s ‘1,‘” said Tsitsipas, who was 0-3 in Australian Open semifinals before Friday. “These are the moments that I’ve been working hard for.”

Djokovic is now a perfect 19-0 over the last two rounds in Melbourne, and his nine triumphs there already are a men’s record. If he can add one more to go alongside his seven titles at Wimbledon, three at the U.S. Open and two at the French Open, Djokovic would equal Nadal for the most Grand Slam trophies earned by a man.

“Winning Grand Slams and being the No. 1 in the world is probably the two biggest peaks that you can climb as a professional tennis player,” said Djokovic, who is 10-2 against Tsitsipas, taking the last nine encounters in a row. “So let’s see what happens.”

Tsitsipas’ other major final came at the 2021 French Open, when he grabbed the first two sets before blowing that big lead and losing to Djokovic in five.

Which was all related to an amusing moment this week, when Djokovic said about Tsitsipas: “He has never played a final, am I wrong?” Reminded by reporters about what happened at Roland Garros, Djokovic replied: “That’s right. Sorry, my bad.”

Asked about that exchange, Tsitsipas responded with a deadpan expression and the words: “I don’t remember, either.”

Until this week, the 35th-ranked Paul never had been past the fourth round in 13 previous appearances at majors.

The 25-year-old was born in New Jersey and grew up in North Carolina, playing tennis at a club where the walls were festooned with posters of Andy Roddick — the last American man to win a Grand Slam singles title, way back at the 2003 U.S. Open. That drought will continue for now, because even though Djokovic was not at his best in the opening set, he was good enough at the end of it, breaking in the last game, and never relented.

“He didn’t really let me execute any game plan that I wanted to do,” Paul said.

The blips for Djokovic arrived right at the outset.

The footwork was not up to his usual reach-every-ball standard. The shotmaking was subpar. The serving was so-so. He started gesturing and shouting in the direction of coach Goran Ivanisevic and the rest of this entourage.

In the first game, Djokovic flubbed an overhead, a weakness he’s never solved. He dumped a backhand into the net. He double-faulted. Still, he overcame that to get off to a 5-1 lead. Then came a quick switch in direction.

Djokovic got broken when serving for the set there. And again at 5-3, when Paul walloped a down-the-line forehand and Djokovic’s backhand on a 29-stroke point landed out. Paul held for 5-all.

Might he be making a match of it?

Not for much longer. Djokovic, the greatest returner or his, or maybe any, generation, broke to close that set, when Paul sent a forehand wide. Serbian flags were displayed throughout the stands and the air was filled with chants of Djokovic’s two-syllable nickname, “No-le! No-le!”

The contest was never much of a contest from there on out.


'Sleepy' Suffolk town named UK's satanic capital | The Week UK

A “sleepy” Suffolk town has been named the UK’s capital for Satanists. In the last census, some 70 out of 8,500 people living in Bungay identified as devil-worshippers, about 100 times the national average. It has been suggested the trend is linked to a local legend of the devil taking the form of a black dog, which terrorised the congregation of St Mary’s Church in the town in 1577, noted the Daily Star. However, mayor Tony Dawes said: “I am wondering if people with nothing better to do during lockdown decided to put down that they were Satanists.”

Tweets show Brits are saddest on Tuesdays

Britons feel most fed up on a Tuesday, according to a study of social media posts. An analysis of nearly two million tweets by the Kyoto Institute of Technology in Japan found that the messages of Londoners were “the most angry and the least joyful on Tuesdays”, said The Telegraph, “while sadness peaked on Wednesdays, before tweets cheered up again as the weekend approached”. Angry tweets were mostly sent from bus stops and train stations, while happy tweets were often seen coming from hotels or farms.

X Files star wants women’s sex fantasies

Former X Files star Gillian Anderson is calling on women to send her their sexual fantasies for a new book. The 54-year-old actress will publish a selection of the anonymous testimonies sent to her in a new book based on Nancy Friday’s My Secret Garden: Women’s Sexual Fantasies, which the actress read to prepare for her role as Jean Milburn in the Netflix series Sex Education. “As women, we know that sex is about more than just sex but so many of us don’t talk about it,” Anderson said, writing in The Guardian.

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The BBC, the next election and economic ignorance | The Week UK

An independent review of the BBC’s coverage of government financial policies has concluded that “too many” of its journalists lack an understanding of “basic economics”, leading to problematic, biased or confused reporting.

The criticisms were part of a newly published “thematic review” of the BBC’s coverage of “taxation, public spending, government borrowing and debt output”. The review was commissioned by the BBC board.

Two economics experts, Michael Blastland and Sir Andrew Dilnot, were given the job of assessing the BBC’s impartiality on such matters, but found that reporters at the corporation “lack understanding of basic economics”, which could compromise their ability to cover complex economic and financial stories successfully.

‘Vaunted impartiality is at risk’

The review “does not hold back,” said James Meadway, director of the Progressive Economy Forum, in The Guardian. Journalists were criticised for regularly relying on simplistic political narratives and reporting party intrigue and Westminster gossip to cover over their “limited understanding” of the issues.

“Some journalists” at the BBC apparently “instinctively” believe all debt to be inherently bad, the review suggested, and therefore failed to appreciate that the role of government debt is “contested and contestable”. The review singles out “household analogies” for the government debt, in particular, as “dangerous territory”.

The depth of the criticism means the broadcaster’s “vaunted impartiality is at risk”, said the Daily Telegraph. This is especially problematic given that “the reach of the BBC gives it enormous power to move the news agenda”, the paper said. “This is particularly so when it comes to financial matters, as well as spending and taxation policies.”

“This isn’t another piece of ‘BBC bashing’,” said the Telegraph, but a “serious point made by independent scrutineers”, which “Tim Davie, the director-general, and his managers should take seriously”.

‘Most important arena for next election’

There are “two consequential things we know about the next election”, said Stephen Bush in the Financial Times: “one of the big battlegrounds will be economic policy, and the most important arena the contest will be fought in will be the BBC.”

The two matters tie together directly because, according to Ofcom, eight in 10 UK adults use the BBC in some form every week, while 73% use the BBC for news.

This means that “the decisions it makes about how to cover British politics matter more than almost everything else”, Bush wrote. And “some of the most important and difficult decisions will concern tax and spend”.

The impact that economic reporting has on politics is immediately apparent if you look to the past decade, said Meadway in The Guardian.

“Would a public not spoon-fed mush about the supposed perils of government borrowing have been so ready to accept David Cameron and George Osborne’s austerity in the early 2010s,” he asked. “Would Labour’s then leadership have felt so compelled to support spending cuts – a position that helped lay the ground for Jeremy Corbyn’s anti-austerity leadership bid? Might the Brexit vote have gone differently?”