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Australia tennis schedule: Paolini vs. Bencic brings top 15 matchup to United Cup | WTA United Cu…

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Australia tennis schedule: Paolini vs. Bencic brings top 15 matchup to United Cup

World No. 8 Jasmine Paolini and and No. 11 Belinda Bencic meet in Perth in a group stage rematch from last year's United Cup, while the main draw begins at the Brisbane International on Sunday.

As this 2026 WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz season unfurls, they are two of the most intriguing players based on their past performances — and, going forward, what the future holds.

A stellar match — the best strictly in terms of rankings in group play — sees No. 8 Jasmine Paolini versus No. 11 Belinda Bencic. Paolini is a two-time Grand Slam finalist, while Bencic won the singles gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics.

WTA United Cup Best Bets Including Jasmine Paolini vs Belinda Bencic

The action continues on the third day of the WTA United Cup. The lines are much better today than they were yesterday, and these matches might actually be interesting. There are four matches on the books for today. Here are our best bets for those matches. Please share your thoughts in the comments.

Eva Lys and Suzan Lamens will play for the first time since 2024. Lamens won their only WTA match in the qualifying rounds of WTA Osaka, but Lys won a 2021 ITF match in Johannesburg in three sets. Both matches were played on a hardcourt. Lamens had a very average year in 2025, going 33-31 and winning zero titles. Lys had a slightly better ’25 at 34-25, and she also came up empty for tournament titles.

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Wawrinka opens farewell tour with comeback win at United Cup

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PERTH, Australia — Stan Wawrinka's 40-year-old legs didn't let him down over three-plus hours in his first singles match of a 2026 farewell tour Saturday.

Three-time Grand Slam singles champion Wawrinka beat Arthur Rinderknech of France, who is ranked 29th to Wawrinka's 157th, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5). The match went 3 hours, 16 minutes.

Wawrinka announced in December that this year would be his last on the ATP Tour.

Ahead of his first match, Wawrinka said he hoped to move back into the top 100 before he retires. His highest ranking was No. 3, achieved when he won the Australian Open in 2014.

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January 4, 2026
Marsh, Hardie help Scorchers end Hurricanes’ winning streak at home | Marsh, Hardie return to for…

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Marsh, Hardie help Scorchers end Hurricanes' winning streak at home

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Perth Scorchers 229 for 3 (Marsh 102, Hardie 94*, Ellis 2-44) beat Hobart Hurricanes 189 for 9 (Chaudhary 31, Agar 3-38, Hardie 2-27, Paris 2-36) by 40 runs

Mitchell Marsh blazed the second BBL century of his career while Aaron Hardie delivered with bat and ball to help Perth Scorchers break Hobart Hurricanes' winning run on home turf.

Marsh, Australia's T20I captain, flexed his muscle to smash 102 off 58 balls, hours after the T20 World Cup squad was locked in. Marsh hit 11 fours and five sixes. He shared a 164-run partnership – the highest third-wicket stand in BBL history – with Hardie who also fired with a brutal unbeaten 94 from 43 balls with five sixes.

Hobart Hurricanes v Perth Scorchers: match preview

The Hurricanes and Scorchers round out the BBL's New Year's Day double-header in Hobart

When: Thursday, January 1. Bat flip at 6.30pm AEDT, first ball at 7.15pm AEDT

Listen: ABC, SEN Radio. Listen in standard and real-time with no delay to live play via Cricket Radio on the CA Live app. Find out more here

Highlights, news and reactions after the match: cricket.com.au, the CA Live and Big Bash apps

Officials: Ben Treloar and Donovan Koch (field), Sam Nogajski (third), Simon Burns (fourth), David Johnston and Xavier Doherty (match referees)

Hobart Hurricanes: Rehan Ahmed, Hugo Burdon, Nikhil Chaudhary, Nathan Ellis (c), Rishad Hossain, Chris Jordan, Ben McDermott, Riley Meredith, Mitch Owen, Billy Stanlake, Matthew Wade, Charlie Wakim, Tim Ward, Mac Wright

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January 4, 2026
Cummins considered for Head-like injection at T20 World Cup | Australia will keep door open if Cu…

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Cummins considered for Head-like injection at T20 World Cup

Inspiration from the triumphant 2023 ODI World Cup is fuelling Australia's approach to nursing their superstar paceman into the T20 showpiece

Australia will consider carrying Pat Cummins into the second half of the T20 World Cup if his back injury prohibits him from playing in the first stage of the tournament.

Test skipper Cummins was named in Australia's provisional 15-player squad on Thursday but will be carefully managed as his rehabilitation from a bone stress injury continues.

Cummins' only competitive match since July was the Adelaide Ashes Test in December, where he took three wickets in each innings as he led his side to retaining the urn.

Australia will keep door open if Cummins can be ready for T20 World Cup Super Eights

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Australia have kept the door open for carrying Pat Cummins through the early stages of the T20 World Cup if it allows him to play a role later in the tournament, in a similar manner to how they kept an injured Travis Head part of the 2023 ODI World Cup, which enabled him to have a decisive impact.

Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David were all included in Australia's squad for next month's T20 World Cup provided they prove their fitness. Cummins has been rested since his one-off Ashes appearance in Adelaide having overcome a lumbar stress injury in his back; Hazlewood is recovering from an Achilles injury; David picked up a hamstring problem which has ended his BBL.

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Selectors eye left-field World Cup approach for Cummins

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Pat Cummins is likely to miss the start of Australia's Twenty20 World Cup campaign, as selectors eye a mid-tournament injection similar to Travis Head's in 2023.

Australia remain confident Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Tim David will all be fit for next month's tournament, with the trio included in a 15-man squad named earlier this week.

Chief selector George Bailey also confirmed on Saturday that Glenn Maxwell was a genuine back-up option to keep wicket, if Josh Inglis suffered a minor injury with no reserve in the group.

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January 4, 2026
Strikers name squad for Perth clash as Shamsi joins BBL|15 campaign | Strikers turn to Proteas sp…

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Strikers name squad for Perth clash as Shamsi joins BBL|15 campaign

The Adelaide Strikers have confirmed a 13-man squad for their January 4 showdown with the Perth Scorchers at Optus Stadium, featuring a major new addition.

South African wrist-spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has signed with the Strikers for the remainder of BBL|15 and will travel to Perth with the squad.

He joins as an overseas replacement player, with Luke Wood and Jamie Overton unavailable for finals after being named in England’s T20 World Cup squad.

The 35-year-old left-armer brings a wealth of experience from 70 T20Is and 55 ODIs, including career-best figures of 5/24, and is South Africa’s all-time leading wicket-taker in T20Is.

Strikers turn to Proteas spinner as England duo earn call-up

A double call-up to England’s World T20 Cup squad has thrown an unexpected spanner in the Adelaide Strikers’ potential finals plans

England allrounders Jamie Overton and Luke Wood will be unavailable for a possible Adelaide Strikers BBL|15 finals campaign after being named in England's T20 World Cup squad.

The pair were selected in the 16-man squad just prior to the new year, and have also been picked for England's white-ball tour of Sri Lanka which commences on January 22.

With preparations for both the upcoming Sri Lankan tour and T20 World Cup overlapping with the KFC BBL|15 finals campaign, which runs from January 20-25, it means the Strikers would be without two of their most seasoned white-ball veterans in the hunt for a prospective second BBL title.

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High Court directs CSA to let Shamsi complete ILT20 season

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The Gauteng High Court has ruled against Cricket South Africa (CSA) and in favour of Tabraiz Shamsi in a landmark judgment which will be pored over with interest around the global game for its potential implications for freelance cricketers.

Shamsi, the left-arm wristspinner who has played 127 international matches across formats, withdrew from his contract with MI Cape Town in the SA20 earlier this year in order to take up offers in other T20 leagues overseas, specifically the ILT20 in the UAE, and the Big Bash League in Australia.

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January 4, 2026
Conte meets nemesis Sarri as Napoli faces Lazio | How to watch today’s Lazio vs SSC Napoli Serie …

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Conte meets nemesis Sarri as Napoli faces Lazio

Conte's side the Serie A holder, is currently third in the standings after AC Milan's win over Cagliari, but it could move within one point of the Rossoneri when if it beats Lazio.

However, Conte will have to do something he has never done before if Napoli is to leave with all three points.

Conte has lost both of his Serie A clashes against Maurizio Sarri, with both defeats coming in the 2019-2020 season – 2-1 at home, 2-0 away – when the two managers were in charge of Inter Milan and Juventus respectively.

The current Lazio boss is the only manager against whom Conte has always lost in Europe's big five leagues, when facing him at least twice.

How to watch today's Lazio vs SSC Napoli Serie A game: Live stream, TV channel, and start time

How to watch the Serie A match between Lazio and SSC Napoli, as well as kick-off time and team news

Italian champions Napoli continue their Serie A defence into 2026. Here is where to find English language live streams of the game as GOAL brings you everything you need to know.

If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.

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January 4, 2026
Wawrinka opens farewell tour with comeback win at United Cup | Why Stan Wawrinka’s last dance wil…

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Wawrinka opens farewell tour with comeback win at United Cup

You have reached ESPN's Australian edition. Stay on current site or go to US version.

PERTH, Australia — Stan Wawrinka's 40-year-old legs didn't let him down over three-plus hours in his first singles match of a 2026 farewell tour Saturday.

Three-time Grand Slam singles champion Wawrinka beat Arthur Rinderknech of France, who is ranked 29th to Wawrinka's 157th, 5-7, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5). The match went 3 hours, 16 minutes.

Wawrinka announced in December that this year would be his last on the ATP Tour.

Ahead of his first match, Wawrinka said he hoped to move back into the top 100 before he retires. His highest ranking was No. 3, achieved when he won the Australian Open in 2014.

Retiring Wawrinka winds back the clock with gutsy win

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Stan Wawrinka’s farewell tour has started with a gutsy win, the three-time grand slam champion beating world No.29 Arthur Rinderknech in a three-set thriller at the United Cup in Perth.

Stan Wawrinka of Team Switzerland plays a backhand during Day 2 of the United Cup at RAC Arena.Credit: Getty Images

Wawrinka announced last month that 2026 will be his final year on tour, but he warned he wasn’t planning to go quietly.

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January 4, 2026
Clingan, Avdija Come Through Versus Spurs for Big Blazers Win | Spurs vs. Trail Blazers Predictio…

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Clingan, Avdija Come Through Versus Spurs for Big Blazers Win

The Portland Trail Blazers snatched their second win in two days, holding off the San Antonio Spurs 115-110 in crunch time on Saturday night.

Even with superstar Victor Wembanyama out with a knee injury, these Spurs are no slouches — evidenced by how they handled the Blazers without Wembanyama back in November. Portland, still shorthanded with its own injuries, avenged that loss on Saturday with a big-time team effort.

The Blazers led by as many as 15 early in the second quarter, but the Spurs came back to take their first lead early in the third quarter. Then Portland built up another 13-point lead in the fourth quarter, before hitting enough clutch buckets late to hold off a dangerous Spurs comeback attempt.

Spurs vs. Trail Blazers Prediction, Odds, Picks – Jan. 3

The San Antonio Spurs (25-9) hit the court against the Portland Trail Blazers (15-20) on January 3, 2026 on KUNP and FDSSW. Saturday's game between the Spurs and the Trail Blazers sees the Spurs as a strong, 7.5-point favorite. The point total for the game is set at 234.5.

Check out everything you need to know about the Spurs-Trail Blazers game, from the point spread, moneyline, total Over/Under and expert picks, as well as TV channel and streaming information.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

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January 4, 2026
Voluntary evacuations in Winton, roads closed by heavy rain across outback | BOM warns of cyclone…

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Voluntary evacuations in Winton, roads closed by heavy rain across outback

Voluntary evacuations are being carried out in low-lying parts of Winton, as the town prepares for another flood rise.

McKinlay Shire Mayor Janene Fegan says graziers are preparing to see stock losses in her region.

Isolated falls are expected to continue until at least Monday, the weather bureau says.

An overnight deluge has again fallen on parts of outback Queensland, bringing no reprieve for already flooded regions.

Widespread flooding continues across the north and central west parts of the state, after heavy overnight storms fell between Richmond and Hughenden, north of Julia Creek, and further south in Winton.

Winton Shire Mayor Cathy White said voluntary evacuations were being carried out on Elderslie Street, which included a group of travellers staying at the Boulder Opal motel.

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BOM warns of cyclone risk for drenched North Qld

BOM warns already saturated North Queensland faces another potential deluge as a tropical low threatens to develop into a cyclone from Friday.

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January 4, 2026
Joe Coyd on being Wheels of Steel, Ashes heroics and World Cup prospects | Why England should be …

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Joe Coyd on being Wheels of Steel, Ashes heroics and World Cup prospects

ON Friday, 30th October 2026, for the first time ever, the England men’s, women’s and wheelchair sides all play at the same arena in World Cup matches.

That’s the date when the Wheelchair Rugby League World Cup launches at WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong with Ireland v USA kicking things off at 1pm local time, 11 hours ahead of the UK.

The whole of the Wheelchair World Cup is at the same arena, and straight after this opener, England kick off their defence when they take on Wales (kick-off 3.30pm).

All of this happens behind the goal at WIN Stadium, the beautiful outdoor arena, where England face Samoa in their final Women’s World Cup group stage match at 5.50pm before England v Papua New Guinea men conclude the day at 8.05pm.

Why England should be the priority for 2026 – clubs should recognise that

Rugby League World Cup should be at the top of everything

You know, 12 months when the England side – sorry, Wales, Scotland and Ireland but you are not there – should be the priority.

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But in fact when there is not even a training session in the calendar ahead of flying to Australia.

An early decision is likely to decide whether there should be a change of coach.

However, Shaun Wane’s job prospects should not be the first thing to consider – a new attitude to Test rugby should be.

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Five bold predictions for the 2026 Super League season

JUST round the corner lies the 2026 Super League season and predictions are already coming in thick and fast.

But, what five bold predictions can we make for this year’s campaign?

It’s the first time that Adrian Lam and Leigh Leopards will be going into a new season without a double-figure turnover in terms of players. The fact that the Leopards finished third in 2025 after trying to move on from as many as 13 departures shows just how good of a coach Lam is – and sends a message to the rest of Super League that Leigh are here to stay in the play-offs. The Leopards have been building nicely in recent seasons and 2026 could see them secure another record finish on the ladder. With Hull KR’s attention focused on the World Club Challenge and Las Vegas at the start of the campaign, it paves the way for the Leopards to swoop.

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January 4, 2026
Osaka ‘dealing with some health stuff’ ahead of Australian Open | Sick Osaka hopes to be OK by Au…

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Osaka 'dealing with some health stuff' ahead of Australian Open

Naomi Osaka went down 6-4, 6-2 to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup in Perth. (AAP: Richard Wainwright)

Naomi Osaka says she is battling an illness ahead of the Australian Open.

Osaka struggled in her 6-4, 6-2 loss to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup on Friday night.

The four-time major winner says she began feeling ill over the Christmas period.

Former world number one Naomi Osaka says she is not at full health following her straight-sets loss to Maria Sakkari at the United Cup.

Just over two weeks out from the Australian Open, Osaka was coughing at times during her 6-4, 6-2 defeat to world number 52 Sakkari in Perth on Friday night.

Sick Osaka hopes to be OK by Australian Open

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PERTH, Australia — Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka is feeling under the weather at the United Cup.

After losing her first match for Japan against Greece's Maria Sakkari on Friday, Osaka said she got "really sick" over the holiday period and wasn't operating at 100% during the 6-4, 6-2 loss.

Osaka was coughing at times during the match and appeared to lack energy. She said she likely caught an illness from her 2-year-old daughter Shai.

"I have been dealing with some health stuff, so I'm kind of just happy to be out here right now," Osaka said. "It's not serious, but I'm not operating at the percent that I want to be operating at, which kind of sucks, because I had a really good offseason so I thought I was going to do really well here."

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Coughing Osaka suffers straight-sets United Cup loss

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Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka has revealed she got "really sick" over Christmas and wasn't operating at 100 per cent during her straight-sets loss to world No.52 Maria Sakkari at the United Cup.

World No.16 Osaka was coughing at times during her 6-4 6-2 loss at RAC Arena in Perth on Friday night.

Stefanos Tsitsipas, now ranked 36th in the world following a 2025 campaign ruined by a back injury, wrapped up victory in the tie for Greece over Japan with a 6-3 6-4 win against world No.99 Shintaro Mochizuki.

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January 4, 2026