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Australian Open 2024, women’s singles final: Preview, how to watch and prediction

Harry Carr
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Australian Open 2024, women’s singles final: Preview, how to watch and prediction

The Headliners

Aryna Sabalenka’s defence of the Australian Open crown she won in 2023 has been something of a cruise to this point.

The powerful right-hander has been on court for less than seven hours for her six matches at Melbourne Park this year, seeing off Ella Seidel, Brenda Fruhvirtova, Lesia Tsurenko, Amanda Anisimova, Barbora Krejcikova and Coco Gauff in quick time.

She could now become just the fifth player to win the women’s’ singles title without dropping a set since the turn of the millennium, after Ash Barty (2022), Serena Williams (2017), Maria Sharapova (2008) and Lindsay Davenport (2000).

Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso the ‘natural heir’, says Carragher
Medvedev hoping third time’s the charm in Australian Open final after Zverev classic
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso, Gerrard and the other candidates to be next Reds manager

The ultra-consistent Belarusian has reached at least the semi-finals of the last six grand slams, and she has a point to prove in Saturday’s final after losing to Gauff in the US Open showpiece last September.

“Of course, I’m super happy to be in another final of a grand slam,” the 25-year-old said after avenging that defeat in the last four on Friday. “Hopefully I can do a little bit better than the last time.

“I would say emotionally I’ll be very ready to fight. Not going crazy, because when you play your first final, you can get emotional and rush things sometimes.”

Standing in her way is the latest breakout star of the women’s game, with Zheng Qinwen looking to become the first Chinese player to win a major singles title since Li Na memorably triumphed at Melbourne Park exactly 10 years before Saturday’s match.

Zheng will be cheered on by millions of fans across China on Saturday, but far from feeling the pressure, the world number 15 is relishing the chance to clinch a career-defining triumph.

“At the beginning I felt it’s a responsibility, sometimes a pressure. But now I’m just trying to focus on myself,” she said of the support from home.

“I’m happy I received a lot of fans who came to support me here and also in front of the TV, across China and across the whole world.”

Zheng was beaten in straight sets when she met Sabalenka in the US Open quarter-finals four months ago – can she succeed where others have failed on Saturday, and at least provide the favourite with a stern test?

When and how to watch

Like the rest of the tournament, the women’s singles final will be available to watch live on Discovery+ and Eurosport in the United Kingdom. The match is scheduled to get under way at 08:30 UK time, on Rod Laver Arena.

Prediction

While Zheng has been playing the best tennis of her career at Melbourne Park, her big-hitting opponent approaches Saturday’s final as the clear favourite.

Zheng will have to find consistency on her serve; her tournament-leading 48 aces are double Sabalenka’s 24, but she also tops the charts for double faults with 35.

Sabalenka’s power, meanwhile, could simply prove too much. She makes a habit of finding the corners with huge groundstrokes before approaching the net for her winners, and she should have enough about her for another straight-sets victory on Saturday.

Dad makes plea for return of stolen momentos of dead son

Helen Greaney
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Dad makes plea for return of stolen momentos of dead son

A grieving dad has pleaded for thieves to “have a heart” and return momentos of his dead son.

Mark Holden took to facebook to explain how his car was broken into at Manchester Airport on January 20.

Thieves stole two cushions (pictured below) that had been handmade from T-shirts that belonged to his son Jay (23) who died in 2022.

Screenshot 20240126 163750 Screenshot 20240126 163800

Pictures by Mark Holden

In his social media post that has been shared thousands of times, Mr Holden explained that he took comfort from driving with the cushions in his car.

He said: “They made me feel close to Jay. I am currently feeling distraught and absolutely disgusted that some people can be so evil.”

Other items including glasses and another car key were also taken from the car.

Greater Manchester Police investigated and said that no suspect could be identified but would re-open the case if any information came to light.

A Manchester Airport spokesman said he was saddened to hear of the “appalling theft”, adding that they take security seriously at the car park, with extensive CCTV and staff on patrol.

Anyone who has information about the cushions, can contact police on 101.

Pictures posted by Mark Holden on facebook

Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso the ‘natural heir’, says Carragher

Harry Carr
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Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso the ‘natural heir’, says Carragher

Jamie Carragher believes outgoing Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp was born to manage the Reds, and he has a similar feeling about his potential successor Xabi Alonso.

Klopp announced on Friday that he will call time on his glittering stint with Liverpool at the end of the season, having led the Reds to seven major trophies in just over eight years at the helm.

With Liverpool now preparing to replace one of the most successful managers in their illustrious history, attention has already turned to the contenders to take Klopp’s place in the Anfield dugout.

Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso – who lined up alongside Carragher as Liverpool won the Champions League under Rafa Benitez in 2005 – has been touted as the early favourite after overseeing Die Werkself’s surprise Bundesliga title tilt.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso, Gerrard and the other candidates to be next Reds manager
Medvedev hoping third time’s the charm in Australian Open final after Zverev classic
Rahul and Jadeja punish England

Writing in The Telegraph on Friday, Carragher hailed Klopp as the perfect fit for the club and said he had the same feeling about Alonso during the Spaniard’s playing career.

“Finding the right man to lead Liverpool is as tough as it gets at any time. Replacing Klopp? All the best with that,” he said.

“Fenway Sports Group (FSG) must embark on their search knowing that all his backroom staff are leaving with him, and the sporting director Jorg Schmadtke will be departing soon too. That is too much of a radical overhaul in a short period.

“FSG also know that the requirements of a Liverpool manager are unique. Klopp is more than a coach. At most clubs, the managers are passing through. If you ask supporters if they would prefer to keep their coach or star players, they’re more likely to say the players.

“Ask Liverpool fans if they’d rather Klopp was staying and the club was selling Mohamed Salah, and they would unanimously thank the footballer and wish him well in the future.

“Like [Bill] Shankly and [Kenny] Dalglish, Klopp had that instant rapport with the Merseyside public. His core social values chime with them as much as his footballing philosophy.

“Klopp never had to learn how to connect with the Kop. It was like he was born to be the Liverpool manager.

“That’s one of the reasons why Xabi Alonso is already being considered the natural heir. From day one, it was like Xabi was born to be a Liverpool player.

“As he is my former team-mate, it is no surprise that so many are clamouring for him to be appointed. I would love Xabi to get the chance.”

The only major blot on Klopp’s record with Liverpool was a disappointing 2022-23 campaign, which saw the Reds limp to a fifth-place Premier League finish and ushered in an overhaul of their ageing squad last summer.

Carragher believes that season took a toll on the German, saying: “It is difficult to shake the idea that those unhappy 12 months have led us to this point.

“We like to think of these legendary managers as superhuman. They are not. It must have sapped him of his energy to the point where he can feel the tank emptying.

“There were times after some poor Liverpool performances last season when I wondered how much longer Klopp would go on – if he had the motivation to start again and rebuild a new team, infusing his ideas on the next generation.

“The team’s form since the start of this season removed those concerns. That makes the timing now so shocking.

“Having put the foundations in place, why hand it over to someone else, especially a coach who may have a different vision or be unable to forge the same strong personal relationships with the leaders in the squad? It is a monumental decision to let go now.”

Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso, Gerrard and the other candidates to be next Reds manager

Harry Carr
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Klopp leaving Liverpool: Alonso, Gerrard and the other candidates to be next Reds manager

On Friday, Jurgen Klopp stunned the football world by announcing he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season.

It’s fair to say his successor will have big shoes to fill.

Klopp has already brought the Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies to Anfield in just over eight years at the helm, and he has four opportunities to lead the Reds to more silverware in his final few months in charge.

Read our other Liverpool news stories here:
Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s exit bad for the Premier League, says Ten Hag
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Sporting director Schmadtke also departing Anfield
Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s legacy secured as Anfield great

While the German has said he is “running out of energy” and needs a break from management, there will be no rest for Liverpool as they seek to replace one of the most successful, beloved and charismatic bosses in the club’s history.

Here, we run the rule over five of the chief contenders to replace Klopp, asking what each of them could bring to the Anfield dugout.

Xabi Alonso

The news of Klopp’s impending departure had barely sunk in by the time former Liverpool midfielder Alonso was installed as the early favourite to succeed him.

The Spaniard, who played a key role as Liverpool won the FA Cup and Champions League under Rafa Benitez, seems to tick all the boxes.

Alonso is already a firm fans’ favourite at Anfield, and the 42-year-old has earned a reputation as one of Europe’s top up-and-coming coaches by leading Bayer Leverkusen to the top of the Bundesliga, four points clear of perennial champions Bayern Munich.

Leverkusen’s progressive, possession-based brand of football has won plaudits across the continent, leading to suggestions that another of his former clubs, Real Madrid, were interested in his services.

But with Los Blancos handing Carlo Ancelotti a new contract earlier this month, the coast could be clear for Liverpool to bring Alonso back to Anfield, pitting him against one of his mentors in Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola.

Alonso gave nothing away when asked about links to his former club on Friday, simply saying: “At the moment I am happy here and I am enjoying my work. Each game is a challenge and we are in an intense but beautiful journey here.”

Roberto De Zerbi

One potential obstacle between Alonso and the Anfield dugout could be Bayern, who have also been credited with an interest in their former midfielder and will surely dispense with Thomas Tuchel’s services if they fail to retain their German crown.

Should Alonso not get the job, Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi will surely be near the top of Liverpool’s shortlist.

The Italian has made a seismic impact since arriving in the Premier League in September 2022, leading Brighton to a sixth-placed finish last term despite not having a pre-season to implement his daring vision of vertical, possession-based football.

Guardiola has previously described De Zerbi as “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years”. The Italian is destined for the top and is sure to be in demand this summer.

Pep Lijnders

For several years, there was a feeling that Klopp’s eventual successor might just have been working alongside him.

Lijnders previously served as Brendan Rodgers’ assistant at Anfield before leaving the club for a short managerial stint with NEC Nijmegen in his native Netherlands. He returned as Klopp’s number two in 2018 and has seemingly been groomed for the top job ever since.

Lijnders’ tactical acumen has been praised by Klopp time and again, and he has also been trusted to undertake responsibilities surpassing those usually granted to assistant managers, including taking Klopp’s pre-match press conferences ahead of cup fixtures.

While replacing Klopp from within would certainly appeal to Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group, Lijnders was also confirmed to be leaving his role on Friday. He looks more likely to pursue a managerial post elsewhere, though he’s one to keep an eye on in the next few years.

Julian Naglesmann

Some were surprised when Nagelsmann – who is viewed as the ultimate training-ground coach, a tactical chameleon noted for his development of young players – was tempted into taking the Germany job on a short-term basis last year, following Hansi Flick’s dismissal.

The idea of the energetic 36-year-old staying in international management for the long term seems remote, and even if he leads Germany to Euro 2024 glory on home soil, it’s no secret that the German Football Association (DFB) are set on appointing Klopp in the future.

Might, then, a job swap be in order?

Naglesmann was rightly lauded for his work with Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig, leading the latter to a Champions League semi-final in his first season at the helm. Bayern didn’t exactly provide the time required for his ideas to blossom, but Liverpool just might.

Steven Gerrard

Now this one would come as something of a curveball, particularly with Gerrard now plying his trade in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Ettifaq, having struggled in his first Premier League job with Aston Villa.

Had things worked out differently for Gerrard at Villa Park, he would likely be considered a leading candidate to replace Klopp, who said the Reds legend would “definitely” return to manage his boyhood club back in 2021.

Gerrard’s stock has fallen dramatically since he led Rangers to an unbeaten Scottish Premiership-winning campaign in 2020-21, but the lure of a club great does funny things to decision-makers.

Gerrard may be a mere outsider for the job at present, but we should never say never in football.

Police appeal after boy robbed in Oldham

Helen Greaney
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Police appeal after boy robbed in Oldham
Police are appealing for witnesses after a 16-year-old boy was threatened and robbed in Oldham.
The incident took place at 9.30pm on December 31, along Featherstall Road North.
It is understood that the victim was threatened and when he refused to hand over his bag, he was assaulted to the head.

The suspects then fled the scene taking the victim’s bag before he was taken to hospital by officers after calling the police.

Officers are appealing to the public for any further information.

In particular are looking to speak to the four individuals in the images as police believe they may have further information regarding this incident that could help with the investigation.

Information can be shared by calling 101 quoting log number 2954 of 31/12/2023 or by using the ‘tell us about’ section at www.gmp.police.uk

Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s exit bad for the Premier League, says Ten Hag

Harry Carr
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Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s exit bad for the Premier League, says Ten Hag

Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Liverpool is bad for the Premier League, believes Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

Klopp has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, explaining on Friday that he is “running out of energy” and needs a break from management.

The German has already brought the Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, EFL Cup and UEFA Super Cup trophies to Anfield, and he could yet lead the Reds to four major honours in his final season at the helm.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s legacy secured as Anfield great
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Sporting director Schmadtke also departing Anfield
Medvedev hoping third time’s the charm in Australian Open final after Zverev classic

Liverpool’s old foes Manchester United could stand to be one of the clubs to benefit from his exit, but Red Devils boss Ten Hag says the Premier League will be poorer for his absence.

Asked about Klopp’s decision at his pre-match press conference ahead of United’s FA Cup tie against Newport County on Sunday, Ten Hag said: “It’s no good for the Premier League.

“He has made an era there, he built the club. He brought the club back where they belong, so congratulations on that. He has done an amazing job in Liverpool.

“I can understand, it is a long time. It is a period of building up, achieving, with setbacks and the Premier League is very intense, so I can understand his arguments to step down.”

With INEOS chairman Jim Ratcliffe set to assume control of United’s football operations after agreeing to purchase a 25 per cent stake in the club, Ten Hag’s own position could be called into question at the end of the season.

The Red Devils have endured a torrid second campaign under the Dutchman, sitting eighth in the Premier League table and crashing out of the Champions League and EFL Cup in disappointing fashion.

Ten Hag’s first season at Old Trafford was capped with an EFL Cup triumph last February, and he knows the FA Cup represents their last opportunity to add to their trophy cabinet in 2023-24.

“It’s the truth, the league [is about] qualification for the Champions League,” Ten Hag said.

“The FA Cup is as you say, it’s probably a fact, that this is our last opportunity for a trophy and we will go for it.”

Rahul and Jadeja punish England

Jon Fisher
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Rahul and Jadeja punish England

India batted themselves into a position of strength in the first Test on a difficult day for England.

Having bowled out the tourists on day one for 246, and moved to 119 for one at stumps, India knew three solid sessions at the crease would set themselves up to claim an early advantage in the five-match series.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Jose Enrique ‘mad’ at FSG
Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s legacy secured as Anfield great
Medvedev beats Zverev to set up Sinner final

They did so thanks to useful contributions from KL Rahul and Ravindra Jadeja as the home side closed day two on 421 for seven, a lead of 175 runs.

England needed quick wickets this morning and managed one from just the fourth delivery of the day, Yashasvi Jaiswal adding four runs to his overnight 76 not out before falling caught and bowled to Joe Root.

Shubman Gill made 23 before becoming Tom Hartley’s first wicket in Test cricket while Shreyas Iyer also got in and got out, contributing 35.

Rahul continued to impress and he and Jadeja pushed the score beyond England’s first-innings total before the former departed 14 runs shy of a century, his 86 coming from 123 balls.

Jadeja and wicketkeeper KS Bharat frustrated England’s attempts to get at the lower order, playing patiently while knowing there was plenty of time left in the game.

Root eventually struck to get rid of Bharat (41) and a run-out accounted for Ravichandran Ashwin (one) but Axar Patel – justifying his place in the side due to his batting ability – played nicely to accompany Jadeja to the close.

Patel finished on 35 not out with Jadeja unbeaten on 81.

Medvedev hoping third time’s the charm in Australian Open final after Zverev classic

Harry Carr
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Medvedev hoping third time’s the charm in Australian Open final after Zverev classic

Daniil Medvedev hopes it will be a case of third time lucky when he faces Jannik Sinner in the Australian Open final, having mounted a stunning fightback to overcome Alexander Zverev in the last four.

Third seed Medvedev found himself two sets down to Zverev in Friday’s semi-final, but the Russian dug deep to edge two nail-biting tiebreaks en route to a 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 win.

Medvedev was two points away from defeat in the fourth-set tiebreak, but he fought back to reach his third grand slam final at the end of a gruelling four-hour, 18-minute contest.

Read our other sports news stories here:
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Jose Enrique ‘mad’ at FSG
Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s legacy secured as Anfield great
Klopp leaving Liverpool: Sporting director Schmadtke also departing Anfield

The 27-year-old has previously reached the showpiece match at Melbourne Park on two occasions, but he was beaten by Novak Djokovic at the 2021 tournament and by Rafael Nadal in 2022.

Asked about those defeats in his on-court interview, Medvedev said: “First of all, we say third time lucky so let’s see.

“I can say from experience it doesn’t always work… but hopefully in Australia they have this phrase!

“It will mean a lot because this court is not my best court in terms of my performance and self-esteem and that’s why I have had to dig deep.

“I will be the happiest man on the planet [if I win] but I will have to play pretty well and win three sets on Sunday.”

Medvedev – who will take on Sinner in Sunday’s final after the Italian stunned Djokovic in the semi-finals – hit 22 more winners in the final three sets than he did in the first two.

The world number three admitted luck was on his side in the tiebreaks but was pleased to edge a lengthy battle after working on his endurance ahead of the season.

“I have never made it that tough and I’m happy about it,” he said. “Before, my statistic on five-set matches was not that good and physically and mentally, it’s tough.

“Many times, in the fifth I was not strong enough, so I’m happy. One month ago, I wanted to change a little and be strong mentally. I try to focus more, but I am far from being perfect.

“I made better shots that I didn’t before and started to serve better. In the tiebreaks I got a little bit lucky at 5-5 on return.

“The slice was intentional, but the drop shot with back spin against the wind was not intentional. Sometimes you have to be lucky and today is my day.”

Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s legacy secured as Anfield great

Jon Fisher
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Klopp leaving Liverpool: German’s legacy secured as Anfield great

“It’s not important what people think when you come in, it’s much more important what people think when you leave.”

The words of Jurgen Klopp at his first Liverpool press conference on October 9, 2015.

Eight-and-a-half-years on and Klopp caught everyone off guard this morning by announcing his time at Anfield was done; he will leave the club at the end of the season. The 56-year-old explained he had simply run out of gas, the tank was empty.

Read our other Liverpool news stories here:
Klopp to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
Carragher: Klopp exit announcement a ‘body blow’ for Liverpool
Jose Enrique ‘mad’ at FSG as Jurgen Klopp announces Liverpool exit

In four months he will depart to seek a “normal life”, refuel and then assess his options, although he has already ruled out managing another club in the Premier League.

Liverpool under Klopp have won the Champions League, Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup, FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Super Cup, as well as the Community Shield. You could argue that had his time in England not coincided with that of Pep Guardiola, that trophy haul would be significantly greater.

Whatever happens between now and May, and wherever he ends up, Klopp can be assured of a warm welcome on Merseyside – from the red half at least – whenever he returns.

He has had an enormous impact on the city – in 2022, he became just the second foreign national to be awarded the freedom of Liverpool after Nelson Mandela. He has championed social causes, supported political campaigns and always put club and city first.

That’s not to say his public demeanour is always one of a jovial raconteur. He often comes across as spiky, confrontational and abrupt – one question away from picking a fight.

But there is an authenticity about Klopp that is, for the most part, endearing. He mirrors the city he represents, as does his team.

Liverpool’s high-tempo, in-your-face approach – aided by huge levels of skill and discipline – are traits Merseyside shares in abundance.

As a city it’s unique, mostly by design, and it requires a strong manager to lead its biggest football club. In Klopp they found a man willing to embrace the challenge.

But to do that requires enormous reserves of energy.

Perhaps inevitably those reserves have dried up.

In explaining today’s decision, Klopp said of managing Liverpool: “It is only possible if you are very busy and 100,000 per cent committed to everything you do and you dedicate your whole life to it. 

“That’s what I did. I came here, and I said it on the first day, as a normal guy. I am still a normal guy, I just don’t live a normal life for too long now. 

“I don’t want to wait until I am too old for having a normal life. I need to at least give it a try at one point to see how it is.”

When he is sitting on his deckchair reminiscing on his time at Anfield, he can look back with satisfaction on a job well done.

Eight days after his introductory press conference, he took Liverpool to Tottenham for a 0-0 draw. His side contained the likes of Alberto Moreno, Nathaniel Clyne, Martin Skrtel and Emre Can.

Decent players but a shadow of those that followed.

Over time, he moulded a team that won, on a regular basis. But he also built a team that entertained, that continued to pour forward, that refused to give in.

That mentality provided some incredible moments: the 4-0 destruction of Barcelona, the thrilling comeback against former employers Dortmund, the 7-0 and 5-0 hammerings of old foes Manchester United, the 2020 Premier League title triumph in the midst of Covid and, perhaps most memorable of all, the 2-0 defeat of Tottenham in Madrid that handed Liverpool their sixth European Cup/Champions League crown.

There is still plenty to play for this season, a point Klopp was very quick to emphasise today and it would be a huge surprise if his trophy haul was not increased between now and what will be an emotional departure at season’s end.

But whatever happens over the next four months, Klopp’s legacy is secure.

And when he does leave, people will think of him as a Liverpool great.

Klopp leaving Liverpool: Sporting director Schmadtke also departing Anfield

Harry Carr
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Klopp leaving Liverpool: Sporting director Schmadtke also departing Anfield

Liverpool have confirmed Jorg Schmadtke will leave his position as sporting director at the end of the January transfer window, as the Reds prepare for life without Jurgen Klopp.

On Friday, Liverpool stunned the football world with the announcement that Klopp will leave Anfield at the end of the season, despite the German penning a new four-year contract with the club in 2022.

Shortly after the news of Klopp’s departure broke, Liverpool confirmed Klopp’s compatriot Schmadtke will depart at the end of this month, having only taken up his position last June.

Read our other Liverpool news stories here:
Klopp to leave Liverpool at the end of the season
Carragher: Klopp exit announcement a ‘body blow’ for Liverpool
Jose Enrique ‘mad’ at FSG as Jurgen Klopp announces Liverpool exit

Mike Gordon, president of the club’s owner Fenway Sports Group, said in a statement: “We would like to place on record our gratitude to Jorg for the important role he has played since joining Liverpool last summer.

“He has made a valuable contribution, both in terms of the support he provided to Jurgen Klopp and the assistance and guidance given to our outstanding football operations department.

“As well as departing with our appreciation for his efforts, we would also like to take this opportunity to offer Jorg and his family our very best wishes for the future.”

Schmadtke oversaw a significant overhaul of Liverpool’s squad ahead of the 2023-24 season, playing a key role in the acquisitions of Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo, Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister.

The 59-year-old said: “Liverpool is a very special club, so to have had the opportunity to work here has been a huge honour for me, even though I knew from the outset that it would only be for a short period.

“I would like to thank everyone – the owners, manager, staff, players and fans – for the support I have been given and offer my best wishes for the rest of this season.”

Liverpool also confirmed Klopp’s assistant managers Pep Lijnders and Peter Krawietz, as well as elite development coach Vitor Matos, will leave at the end of the campaign.

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