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Former WTA player Barbara Schett believes that now Naomi Osaka is planning her return, top players including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina wouldn't want to play against her. Anju Bobby George says that she competed "in the wrong era" while saying that she is envious of today's athletes.
Read more to catch up with the major happenings of the sports world in the last 24 hours.
Tennis
"My mom took a lot of criticism" - Jimmy Connors
American former tennis player Jimmy Connors revealed that his mother Gloria faced backlash for teaching him tennis. Gloria, herself, was a tennis player and participated in the US Open in 1942 and 1943. He said, "I would have never known about the game if it wasn't for my mom and my grandmother from a little town in Illinois, where, which is pretty extraordinary, tennis wasn't it back then." He added, "To beat men. Exactly. It's interesting that you say that, Casey, because my mom took a lot of criticism for that."
Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka or Elena Rybakina won't play against somebody like Naomi Osaka: Barbara Schett
Former WTA player Barbara Schett believes that now Naomi Osaka is planning her return, top players including Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, and Elena Rybakina wouldn't want to play against her. Schett said, “We know that she can hit the ball extremely hard, so pace is not going to be a problem at all. And one thing is for sure, Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka, or Elena Rybakina, do not want to play against somebody like Naomi Osaka. The pressure will be on them. She has won Grand Slam titles, and I think she's still young enough to have a second career. Also, her approach might be different now because she's had a baby."
Nick Kyrgios revisits victories over Djokovic, Rafael Nadal & Roger Federer
Australian tennis player Nick Kyrgios revisited his victories over tennis icons including the likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer. Kyrgios took to Instagram and posted video highlights of previous wins over tennis icons. He looks forward to making the same kind of return and reaching similar heights. Kyrgios captioned the video, "Y'all don't wanna see the healthy return." In another story, he wrote, "We will be back at the top."
Notably, Nick Kyrgios holds the record of beating the Big 3 in his first encounters against them.
Wrestling
Vinesh Phogat to return Khel Ratna and Arjuna Award to Prime Minister
Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat said that she wants to return her Arjuna Award and Khel Ratna amid the ongoing WFI row. She said that such honours have become meaningless in the current situation where wrestlers are fighting for justice. She took to Twitter to announce, "The Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Arjuna awards don't have any meaning in my life now. Every woman in this country wants to lead a dignified life. So PM sir I want to return my Dhyan Chand and Arjun awards to you so that these awards don't become a burden on us in our endeavour to lead a dignified life."
Rahul Gandhi meets Bajrang Punia; wrestlers with him
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi met wrestler Bajrang Punia amid the ongoing Wrestling Federation of India row. Gandhi was also spotted practicing wrestling with the Olympic bronze medalist. The Congress MP took to social media to share pictures while captioning it, "There is only one question - if these players, the daughters of India, have to leave the fight in their arena and fight for their rights and justice on the streets, then who will encourage their children to choose this path? These are innocent, straightforward, and simple people from farmer families. Let them serve the tricolour. Let them make India proud with full honour and respect."
Formula1
Michael Schumacher's Brother Gives Update On F1 Legend
Michael Schumacher's brother Ralf said that the Formula One legend's ski accident "changed our family". Ralf said that the 2013 clash might never fully recover Michael. Ralf shared an update on his brother's health and said, "Nothing is like it used to be" since his crash. He added, "I can say that his accident was a very bad and drastic experience for me but, of course, even more so for his children. Mick, as we all know, was there as a young teenager back then. Unfortunately, life isn't always fair and unfortunately, there was a lot of bad luck here too."
Athletics
I envy today's players because I was in the wrong era: Anju Bobby George
India's first-ever World Athletics Championship medallist Anju Bobby George says that she competed "in the wrong era" while saying that she is envious of today's athletes. George praised PM Narendra Modi's effort commenting that sports have transformed the country. George said, "As a sportsperson, I was here for almost 25 years and I'm seeing a lot of changes. When I got India's first global medal 20 years ago, even my department was not ready to give me a promotion. But after Neeraj (Chopra) got a medal, I have seen the changes… the way we are celebrating... I envy them because I was in the wrong era."
Football
Jim Ratcliffe writes letter to Manchester United fans; asks them for "time and patience"
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wrote a letter to Manchester United and asked them for "time and patience" after the announcement of his minority investment at Old Trafford. Ratcliffe, chairman of chemical company INEOS, agreed to buy a 25% stake for around $1.3billion. He wrote, "I wanted to write to you at this time given the critical role of the fans to the future of Manchester United as we recognise our responsibility as custodians of the club on your behalf. I believe we can bring sporting success on the pitch to complement the undoubted commercial success that the club has enjoyed. It will require time and patience alongside rigour and the highest level of professional management."
Jurgen Klopp names Liverpool midfielder as Player of the Match in Burnley win
Jurgen Klopp named Wataru Endo to be the 'Player of the Match' in Liverpool's 2-0 Premier League win against Burnley on Boxing Day (26 December). He said, "Van Dijk got man of the match, but someone else that should’ve got the award is Wataru Endo. Just wow! Where would we be without him?" After their win over Burnley, Liverpool moved to the top of the Premier League table.
Football fixture results
Premier League
Man United 3-2 Aston Villa
England Championship
Ipswich 1-1 Leicester
Italy-Serie B
Sampdoria 1-1 Bari
