Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Australian

  • Top-ranked tennis pro Jannik Sinner accepts three-month doping ban weeks after Australian Open victory

    Top-ranked tennis pro Jannik Sinner accepts three-month doping ban weeks after Australian Open victory

    Top-ranked men’s tennis pro Jannik Sinner has been suspended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) after twice testing positive for a banned anabolic steroid nearly a year ago. News of the ban comes just weeks after the Italian tennis pro won his third Grand Slam title. 

    WADA announced in a statement on Saturday that it agrees with the conclusion of the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA), which found that Sinner had not intentionally used a banned substance for competitive gain. 

    Jannik Sinner of Italy in action during his match against Marcos Giron of the United States of America in the third round of the men’s singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 18, 2025. (Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

    “WADA accepts the athlete’s explanation for the cause of the violation as outlined in the first instance decision,” the statement read. 

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    “WADA accepts that Mr. Sinner did not intend to cheat, and that his exposure to clostebol did not provide any performance-enhancing benefit and took place without his knowledge as the result of negligence of members of his entourage.”

    Sinner, 23, tested positive for low levels of metabolite of clostebol, a banned anabolic steroid that can be used for ophthalmological and dermatological use, in March 2024. Eight days after the Indian Wells tournament, Sinner tested positive again in an out-of-competition sample. 

    According to the ITIA’s initial findings, Sinner explained that he had tested positive after receiving a massage from a trainer who had used an over-the-counter spray that contained clostebol to treat a small wound after cutting his own finger. 

    Jannik Sinner U.S. Open

    Jannik Sinner plays in the men’s singles final of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York on Sept. 8, 2024. (Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images)

    JANNIK SINNER WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOR 2ND STRAIGHT TIME

    While WADA accepted the no-fault explanation, the organization said the three-month suspension was necessary as “an athlete bears responsibility for the entourage’s negligence.” WADA had initially challenged the ITIA’s decision for no suspension and was seeking a one-year ban minimum before agreeing to settle with a three-month suspension.

    WADA said that Sinner’s wins would not be rescinded in this case because of the ITIA’s findings that the positive test results had not provided a competitive advantage.

    Sinner released a statement Saturday accepting the WADA’s discipline. 

    “This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” he said. “I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction.”

    Jannik Sinner Australian Open

    Jannik Sinner of Italy in action during his match against Ben Shelton of the United States of America in the semifinals of the men’s singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on Jan. 24, 2025. (Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

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    Sinner’s doping scandal has received mixed reactions from the tennis community, but Saturday’s announcement was met with overwhelming disappointment from the sport’s biggest stars. 

    Among the most outspoken critics was Australian tennis star Nick Kryrgios. 

    “So wada come out and say it would be a 1-2 year ban,” Kryrgios said in a post on X. “Obviously sinners team have done everything in their power to just go ahead and take a 3 month ban, no titles lost, no prize money lost. Guilty or not? Sad day for tennis. Fairness in tennis does not exist.”

    Sinner’s suspension will last until May 4. He will not miss the Italian Open or any of the Grand Slam tournaments remaining. 

    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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  • Australian health care workers threaten Israeli man, claim to have killed Jews in their care

    Australian health care workers threaten Israeli man, claim to have killed Jews in their care

    Two Australian healthcare workers are being investigated after threatening to kill an Israeli man on camera, claiming they had previously killed Jews in their care.

    The man and woman, who said they were doctors, spoke with the man via Chatrouletka, a website where strangers are matched internationally to have conversations.

    After the Israeli man revealed his nationality, the female worker said “it’s Palentine’s country, not your country you piece of s—,” according to the video.

    Skyline of Sydney, Australia, which is the capital of New South Wales (Photo by Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images) (Getty )

    JEWISH CHILDREN, TEENS VIOLENTLY ATTACKED IN LONDON: ‘STREETS ARE NO LONGER SAFE’

    As the Israeli man asked for peace, the conversation escalated, and the woman said “when the time comes, I want you to remember my face, so you can understand that you will die the most disgusting death.”

    The pair went on to say they wouldn’t treat the man, and would kill him if he came to their hospital.

    The man in scrubs said “you have no idea how many Israelis came to this hospital and…,” while sliding his arm across his neck in a throat slashing motion.

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (centre) gives an address to the Leaders’ Plenary during the 2024 ASEAN-Australia Special Summit at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in Melbourne, Australia, March 6, 2024.  (Joel Carrett/Pool via Reuters/ File Photo)

    New South Wales Premier Chris Minns confirmed the two individuals are workers at Bankstown Hospital.

    Minns and Australia Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirmed the pair were identified quickly and were “stood down” by NSW authorities. 

    “They have rightly been referred to the NSW Police for criminal investigation,” Albanese wrote in a statement Tuesday on X. “Individuals found to have committed criminal antisemitic acts will face the full force of our laws.”

    Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia after an arson attack.

    MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 06: Members of the Synagogue recover items from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building early on Friday morning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an antisemitic act, emphasizing that such violence at a place of worship is unacceptable in Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

    Albanese described the comments as “vile,” and condemned the healthcare workers’ actions.

    “The antisemitic video circulating today is disgusting,” he wrote. “The footage is sickening and shameful. These antisemitic comments, driven by hate, have no place in our health system and no place anywhere in Australia.”

    A synagogue was fire-bombed in Melbourne on Dec. 6, which authorities are now investigating as a likely terrorist attack. Other reports indicate cars have been set aflame and buildings have been vandalized in Sydney Jewish communities.

    melbourne Synagogue

    A member of the Jewish community recovers an item from the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building early on Friday morning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an antisemitic act, emphasizing that such violence at a place of worship is unacceptable in Australia. (Photo by Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images) (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images))

    The Executive Council of Australian Jewry (ECAJ) reported more than 2,000 antisemitic incidents in Australia since Palestinian militants attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Data was collected between Oct. 1, 2023 and Sept. 30, 2024.

    In a news conference on Tuesday, Alexander Ryvchin, ECAJ co-chief executive officer, said members of the community have felt unsafe at Australian hospitals.

    COLUMBIA GROUP’S ANTISEMITIC NEWSPAPER DRAWS OUTRAGE FROM NY LAWMAKER, AS UNIVERSITY INVESTIGATES

    “Hospitals are a place where people should never feel unsafe,” Ryvchin said. “It’s the exact contrary. People should feel entirely comfortable that they’ll be treated based on their condition and humanity, not in the way that we saw in that video.”

    He added the incident was the “tip of the iceberg,” and he believes there are many Australians with the same ideology.

    Melbourne Synagogue

    Members of the local Jewish community look at the damage of the arson attack at the Adass Israel Synagogue on December 06, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia. An arson attack on the Adass Israel Synagogue in Melbourne forced congregants to flee as flames engulfed the building early on Friday morning. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned the incident as an antisemitic act, emphasizing that such violence at a place of worship is unacceptable in Australia. (Asanka Ratnayake/Getty Images)

    “Antisemitism has sadly taken root in Australia, and we need to expunge it root and branch,” Ryvchin said. “There need to be consequences.”

    On Wednesday, Australia enacted a hate crimes bill imposing minimum mandatory penalties for certain hate-related crimes, including six years for terrorist offenses, three years for financing terrorism and one year for displaying hate symbols.

    “There have been similar instances of such behavior in Sydney and Perth where perpetrators have been convicted and given only a token fine,” the ECAJ wrote in a statement posted on its website. “That is also unacceptable because perpetrators come to regard such fines as merely the cost of “doing business” and not as a real deterrent.”

    Anthony Albanese

    Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese posted on X after the video went viral online. (Mick Tsikas/AAP Image via AP)

    Though it has faced more intolerance, the Jewish population of Australia is substantially smaller than the Muslim population, which accounts for 3.2%, according to previous reporting. Jews account for just 0.4% of the population.

    The Australian Federal Police was previously tasked with conducting an operation that would “focus on threats, violence, and hatred” targeting the Jewish community, Fox News Digital reported. 

    In addition, the Prime Minister allocated $25 million, about $15 million in the U.S., beginning in 2022 to increase security for Jewish organizations, according to a Reuters report. He also took a stand against hate speech and banned the Nazi salute.

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    Fox News’ Beth Bailey contributed to this story.

    Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.

    February 12, 2025
  • Australian teenager dies in devastating shark attack

    Australian teenager dies in devastating shark attack

    A 17-year-old girl from Bribie Island, just north of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia, died Monday after being bitten by a shark nearly 100 meters offshore, according to reports.

    The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Charlize Zmuda, a member of the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club, was bitten on her arm by a shark while swimming about 100 meters off the beach.

    She was reportedly helped in, Nine News reported, where crews from the Queensland Ambulance Service eventually met her.

    The stretch of beach where Zmuda was injured, Woorim Beach, is an unpatrolled stretch of sand, and crews met her there at about 4:45 p.m. local time. The area is popular with off-road enthusiasts and campers.

    SHARKS: 12 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT THE MARINE FISH 

    FILE – A large white shark looks straight into the camera. Captured in the clear blue waters of South Australia. Three great whites were pinged this week off the coast of the southeast United States, researchers said.  (iStock)

    While paramedics and witnesses tried to save her life, the wounds to her upper body were reportedly so significant that she was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The Queensland Police Department will prepare a report for the coroner, according to the local outlets.

    The publication reported that drumlines are used in the area where the reported attack took place, to attract and catch sharks in an effort to reduce the risk of shark attacks.

    SWIMMING IN A SHARK’S HOME: TIPS FROM AN EXPERT FOR AVOIDING AND SURVIVING AN ATTACK

    A map pinpointing Bribie Island in Queensland

    A map pinpointing Bribie Island in Queensland where a teenager reportedly died after being bitten by a shark. (Google Maps)

    It was not immediately clear if the drumlines were baited when Zmuda was attacked.

    Fox News Digital has reached out to the Bribie Island Surf Life Saving Club for more information about Zmuda as well as the types of sharks that typically come through the waters, though the club did not respond.

    Still, the Premier of Queensland, David Crisafulli, called the attack “devastating.”

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    “What happened on Woorim Beach at Bribie Island late yesterday is devastating,” Crisafulli said in a post on X. “For someone so young to lose their life in a shark attack is an unimaginable tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends and Bribie community. Thank you to our first responders who were on the scene.”

    Greg Wehner is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital.

    Story tips and ideas can be sent to [email protected] and on Twitter @GregWehner.

  • Jannik Sinner wins Australian Open for 2nd straight time

    Jannik Sinner wins Australian Open for 2nd straight time

    Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner defeated German Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win his second consecutive Australian Open title on Sunday, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

    Sinner once again solidified his top ranking in tennis. He’s been No. 1 in the world since June with no signs of stopping. He didn’t face a break point, and had more winners (32-25) and fewer unforced errors (45-27).

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    Jannik Sinner celebrates after defeating Alexander Zverev in the men’s singles final at the Australian Open in Melbourne, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

    Zverev said it himself.

    “You’re the best player in the world, by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today, but you’re just too good. It’s as simple as that,” he said.

    It’s the third Grand Slam title for Sinner. He’s won the Australian Open twice and won the U.S. Open last year. He went as far as the semifinals in the French Open and in Wimbledon. He’s the eighth man in the Open era to start his career 3-0 in Grand Slam finals.

    “It’s amazing to achieve these things,” he said.

    AMERICAN MADISON KEYS WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN, UPSETS NO. 1-RANKED ARYNA SABALENKA

    Jannik Sinner thumbs up

    Jannik Sinner carries the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup after defeating Alexander Zverev at the Australian Open, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

    Sinner came into the tournament with a massive spotlight on him. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice last March but blamed it on an accidental exposure involving two members of his team. He was cleared in a ruling that was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

    He was initially exonerated in August, but WADA’s appeal is set for April.

    Tennis stars such as Nick Kyrgios have spoken up about the doping violations of players like Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who accepted a suspension in November.

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    Jannik Sinner reaches

    Jannik Sinner plays a forehand to Alexander Zverev during the men’s singles final at the Australian Open, Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

    “Two world No.1s both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look,” the Aussie star said last month. “Tennis integrity right now, and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it, it’s awful.”

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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    Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

  • Australia Day 2025: PM Anthony Albanese, Other Leaders Extend Greetings to Citizens on Australian National Day, India’s S Jaishankar Also Sends Warm Wishes

    Australia Day 2025: PM Anthony Albanese, Other Leaders Extend Greetings to Citizens on Australian National Day, India’s S Jaishankar Also Sends Warm Wishes

    Australia Day 2025, observed on January 26, celebrates the nation’s history, diversity, and achievements. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese extended warm greetings to Australians, calling for unity and reflecting on the country’s journey. Other leaders joined in acknowledging the contributions of citizens while encouraging discussions on past injustices toward Indigenous Australians. Events organised by the Australia Day Council highlighted national accomplishments, cultural diversity, and reconciliation efforts. Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also sent heartfelt wishes, underscoring strong ties between India and Australia. The day, which marks the 1788 landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove, continues to be a moment for both celebration and reflection, fostering a deeper understanding of Australia’s evolving identity. Australia Day 2025 Date, History and Significance: Everything To Know About the Day That Marks the Landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Harbour.

    Australia Day 2025

    S Jaishankar Sends Warm Wishes on Australia Day 2025

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  • Aryna Sabalenka slams, throws racket after being upset by Madison Keys in Australian Open final

    Aryna Sabalenka slams, throws racket after being upset by Madison Keys in Australian Open final

    A thriller at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne saw American Madison Keys upset No. 1-ranked women’s singles player Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open on Saturday. 

    After shaking hands with the victor, Sabalenka let out her emotions on her racket. 

    Sabalenka, who was looking to become the first player since Martina Hingis to win three straight Australian Opens, fell to Keys, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5, in the match, which gave her opponent her first-ever Grand Slam title. 

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    Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts after the women’s singles final against Madison Keys of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)

    Sabalenka shook Keys’ hand at the net, followed by the chair umpire, but she was seen slamming her racket and throwing it at the bench once the niceties were finished. 

    Sabalenka then covered her face in a towel before storming off into the locker room. 

    The heat of competition not going your way in the end can be tough to swallow in the moment, and Sabalenka said as much during his post-match press conference. 

    AUSTRALIAN TENNIS STAR ANNOUNCES DIVORCE FROM HUSBAND, TEASES ONLYFANS PAGE

    “There definitely was a bit of frustration, because I was so close to achieve something crazy,” she said, per The New York Post. “When you’re out there, you’re fighting, but it seems like everything (is not) going the way you really want (it) to go.”

    Sabalenka added that she “just needed to throw those negative emotions at the end,” and she did so literally to her Wilson racket. She said she needed to do that “so I could give a speech (and) not stand there being disrespectful.”

    “I was just trying to let it go and be a good person,” Sabalenka said. 

    Getting the raw emotion out appeared to work, as Sabalenka was seen joking with her team after the loss. 

    Aryna Sabalenka reacts during interview

    Melbourne, Victoria, Australia: Aryna Sabalenka interviews after her match against Paula Badosa of Spain in the semifinals of the women’s singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. (Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

    “As always, that’s your fault guys,” she said, laughing. “I don’t wanna see you for the next week. I really hate you. No thank you for everything you are doing for me and blah, blah, blah.”

    Sabalenka got back to a serious note, though, addressing Keys. 

    “I think we did our best,” Sabalenka said. “Just Madison was playing incredible. I just couldn’t do anything in this match. Next time I play against Madison, I bring better tennis.” 

    As for Keys, she also showed love to Sabalenka, saying it was “unbelievable playing” on her part. She also noted, at age 29, that she never thought she’d win a Grand Slam despite coming close in the past. 

    “From a pretty young age, I felt like if I never won a Grand Slam, then I wouldn’t have lived up to what people thought I should have been. That was a pretty heavy burden to kind of carry around,” Keys said. 

    Aryna Sabalenka looks up on tennis court

    Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during the women’s singles final against Madison Keys of the U.S. at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

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    “So, I finally got to the point where I was proud of myself and proud of my career, with or without a Grand Slam. I finally got to the point where I was OK if it didn’t happen. I didn’t need it, to feel like I had a good career or that I deserved to be talked about as a great tennis player.

    Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

    Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

  • American Madison Keys wins Australian Open, upsets No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka

    American Madison Keys wins Australian Open, upsets No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka

    American tennis star Madison Keys upset No. 1-ranked Aryna Sabalenka to win the Australian Open on Saturday.

    Keys, 29, won 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 in the tightly contested match to win her first-ever Grand Slam tournament. 

    Keys finished with just one more point won than Sabalenka overall, winning 92 points, compared to Sabalenka’s 91. 

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    Madison Keys, center, of the U.S. reacts as she receives the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from Evonne Goolagong Cawley after defeating Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.  (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan)

    Sabalenka was seeking to win her third consecutive Australian Open, something that was last achieved — by Martina Hingis — from 1997 through 1999. 

    This was the second time in Keys’ career that she had a chance at a major title, her last being a 6-3, 6-0 loss to fellow countrywoman Sloane Stephens in the 2017 US Open. 

    Keys had high expectations for herself in her tennis career, but began to accept the fact that she might never win a Grand Slam title. 

    “From a pretty young age, I felt like if I never won a Grand Slam, then I wouldn’t have lived up to what people thought I should have been. That was a pretty heavy burden to kind of carry around,” Keys said. 

    NOVAK DJOKOVIC BOOED AFTER RETIRING FROM AUSTRALIAN OPEN SEMIFINAL MATCH WITH INJURY

    Madison Keys reacts

    Madison Keys of the U.S. reacts during her women’s singles final match against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.  (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

    “So I finally got to the point where I was proud of myself and proud of my career, with or without a Grand Slam. I finally got to the point where I was OK if it didn’t happen. I didn’t need it to feel like I had a good career or that I deserved to be talked about as a great tennis player.

    “I feel like finally letting go of that kind of internal talk that I had just gave me the ability to actually go out and play some really good tennis to actually win a Grand Slam.”

    Not only did Keys upset the No.1 ranked Sabalenka, but she also took down No. 2 ranked Iga Świątek in the semifinals en route to her Australian Open title victory.

    Keys was the first woman since Serena Williams in 2005 to defeat both of the WTA’s top two players at Melbourne Park. She said that beating Swiatek gave her the confidence she could win against Sabalenka.

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    Madison Keys speaks

    Madison Keys of the U.S. speaks during a press conference after defeating Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis championship to win the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup, in Melbourne, Australia, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025.  (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

    “Winning that match the other night against Iga was really kind of a big hurdle,” Keys said. “I always believed that I could do it, but to do it that way — really I thought to myself after the match that I can absolutely win on Saturday.”

    This was Keys 46th Slam appearance, the third most before winning a women’s major title, being only Flavia Pennetta’s 49 and Marion Bartoli’s 47 appearances before they won. 

    “I didn’t always believe that I could get back to this point. But to be able to do it and win, it means the world to me.”

    The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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    Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

  • Trump names Australian pro basketball team owner as New Zealand, Samoa ambassador

    Trump names Australian pro basketball team owner as New Zealand, Samoa ambassador

    close
    Video

    Veterans to march in DC in support of Hegseth nomination

    Hudson River Swim founder and retired Navy SEAL Bill Brown joins ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to discuss the plan to gather veterans in Washington for Tuesday’s secretary of defense confirmation hearing.

    President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Australian basketball Illawarra Hawks majority owner Jared Novelly will serve as the next U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa.

    Trump described Novelly as a “highly respected philanthropist” in an announcement on Truth Social.

    TRUMP NOMINATES PENNY SCHWINN FOR DEPUTY SECRETARY OF US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

    Jared Novelly

    Illawarra Hawks owner Jared Novelly is seen in the crowd during the round five NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Illawarra Hawks at Cairns Convention Centre, in Cairns, Australia. (Emily Barker/Getty Images)

    Novelly serves as chairman of Crest Sports and Entertainment and Crest Management.

    WHO IS SEAN CURRAN? HEAD OF TRUMP’S PERSONAL DETAIL TO BE NOMINATED FOR SECRET SERVICE DIRECTOR

    He is also an East Asia Superleague Basketball shareholder, according to his LinkedIn profile.

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    “He will fight hard to protect our Nation’s interests in the Indo-Pacific, and always put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations Jared!”

    Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.

  • Novak Djokovic booed after retiring from Australian Open semifinal match with injury

    Novak Djokovic booed after retiring from Australian Open semifinal match with injury

    The Melbourne, Austrailia, crowd was not kind to Novak Djokovic early Friday morning.

    In his quest to extend his record with a 25th grand slam, Djokovic only managed to play one set, withdrawing from his Australian Open semifinal match after tearing a muscle in his left leg.

    The withdrawal sent Alexander Zverev to Sunday’s final against Jannick Sinner, and it left the crowd disappointed.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Serbia’s Novak Djokovic packs his bags after retiring from his men’s singles semi-final match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 24, 2025. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

    After he conceded the match to Zverev, who won the set, fans booed him as he walked off toward the locker room.

    Djokovic stopped, turned around and responded by giving two thumbs-up.

    Zverev made his disappointment with the crowd known.

    “Don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury. I know that everybody paid for tickets and everybody wants to see a great five-set match, but you gotta understand Novak Djokovic is somebody that has given this sport for the past 20 years absolutely everything of his life,” Zverev said in his on-court interview.

    Novak thumbs up

    Novak Djokovic of Serbia exits after his match against Alexander Zverev of Germany in the semifinals of the men’s singles at the 2025 Australian Open at Melbourne Park. (Mike Frey-Imagn Images)

    “He has won this tournament with an abdominal tear. He has won this tournament with a hamstring tear. If he can’t continue a tennis match, it really means he can’t continue a tennis match. So, please be respectful.”

    AMERICAN TENNIS STAR BEN SHELTON PUTS AUSTRALIAN OPEN TV INTERVIEWERS ON BLAST OVER TREATMENT OF PLAYERS

    John McEnroe added on the call, “They can’t possibly be booing him. Please! He’s won this 10 times, for god’s sakes. Unreal…

    “I mean, clearly something was up. The guy is a battler. I mean, him and Rafa [Nadal] have dug deeper than any two players I have seen. So to do that because he decided that he couldn’t go on after what he’s done here I thought was absolutely ludicrous, honestly. That was almost as depressing as seeing the end of the match.”

    Djokovic suffered the injury during his five-set classic with Carlos Alcaraz in the quarterfinal, but he said the pain was getting “worse and worse.”

    “Towards the end of that first set, I just started feeling more and more pain, and it was too much to handle for me at the moment. So, yeah, unfortunate ending, but I tried,” Djokovic said.

    “I knew even if I won the first set, it was going to be a huge uphill battle for me.”

    He withdrew from last year’s French Open before the quarterfinals after tearing the meniscus in his right knee during a match.

    Djokovic had surgery a couple of days later and immediately reached the final at the following major, Wimbledon, then won a gold medal for Serbia at the Paris Olympics.

    Novak tired

    Serbia’s Novak Djokovic reacts on a point against Germany’s Alexander Zverev during their men’s singles semi-final match on day 13 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on Jan. 24, 2025. (WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

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    This will be Zverev’s first final at the Australian Open and the third final of his career. He also made last year’s French Open final as well as the 2020 U.S. Open.

    The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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  • Australian tennis star announces divorce from husband, teases OnlyFans page

    Australian tennis star announces divorce from husband, teases OnlyFans page

    Australian tennis star Arina Rodionova and former Australian Football League star Ty Vickery announced their divorce in a video posted to her social media on Wednesday.

    Rodionova said the two had been separated for about a year after nine years of marriage. Vickery, who was eating a banana, said they wished “each other the best” and thanked their friends, family and followers for their support.

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    Arina Rodionova celebrates a point in her match against Giuliana Olmos during the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier tie between Australia and Mexico at Pat Rafter Arena on April 12, 2024 in Brisbane, Australia. (Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

    Rodionova then went to shake Vickey’s hand. The AFL player decided to try to give her the banana instead.

    “Life happens. We have lots of love for each other but sometimes it’s just not enough,” she wrote in the caption of the video, which was posted to Instagram.

    The New York Post noted that the divorce came nearly two weeks after Rodionova announced the launch of her OnlyFans account.

    “Good news for everyone who was asking. My OnlyFans account was confirmed, so here we go. Let’s do this,” she said in a previous Instagram Post.

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    A day after the divorce announcement, she wrote in her Instagram Stories that now would be a good time to start with some risqué posts from her trip to the Maldives.

    “With all these articles going around… this seems like a good time to start posting all those bikini photos from the Maldives… on my OnlyFans account obviously.”

    Arina Rodionova vs Xinyu Wang

    Arina Rodionova, pictured here, hits a forehand against Xinyu Wang in a women’s singles match on day two of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City on Aug. 27, 2024. (Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

    Rodionova played the Australian Open this year but only made it to the qualifying round on the singles side. She did not participate in the doubles side. 

    As a singles competitor, she has 552 wins. She became the oldest woman to make her WTA top 100 debut at the age of 34 last year. She has one career doubles title and was ranked as high as No. 41 in competition.

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    Vickery played for Richmond and Hawthorn from 2009 to 2017. He finished with 160 goals in 125 career matches.

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    Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.