Former WTA Tour star Nadia Petrova has cast doubt on Novak Djokovic’s ambition to retire after the 2028 Olympic Games, questioning whether the Serbian can physically sustain his level until then.

---

Ongoing Debate Over Djokovic’s Future

Djokovic’s long-term future has been a regular topic of discussion in recent months, particularly with his former ‘Big 3’ rivals, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, already retired.

Now 38, Djokovic has adopted a reduced schedule, playing just 13 tournaments in 2025. He has not won a Grand Slam since 2023, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner emerging as the dominant forces from the start of 2024.

---

Still Competing at the Elite Level

Despite the lighter calendar, Djokovic continues to perform at an elite standard. In 2025, he:

• Finished the season ranked world No. 4

• Won two titles

• Reached the semi-finals of all four Grand Slam tournaments

These results underline his continued competitiveness at the top of the game.

---

Olympic Ambition Remains Clear

Earlier in 2025, Djokovic confirmed that he is targeting the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as the endpoint of his career, having already achieved his long-sought Olympic gold at Paris 2024.

Speaking after winning the Hellenic Championship in Athens in November, Djokovic reiterated his mindset:

“I’ve always had a schedule in my head for a year or more…
Since I’ve achieved absolutely all possible goals, I mentioned the 2028 Olympics. Ending up at the Olympic Games with the Serbian flag — that would be nice.”

Djokovic would be 41 years old by the time of the Los Angeles Games, raising questions about physical sustainability.

---

Petrova Raises Physical Concerns

Petrova, a former world No. 3 in both singles and doubles and a London 2012 Olympic bronze medallist, believes the challenge will only grow tougher.

Speaking to Championat, she said (translated from Russian):

“The next Olympics are still a long way off.
He already won gold, so I don’t see the point in racing for another Olympics.

He had some great matches this season, but physically he was inferior to Alcaraz and Sinner — and it will only get harder with each passing year.”

Petrova added that a final Grand Slam victory would be an ideal ending:

“It would be great if, by some miracle, he wins another Grand Slam next year and ends his career on a high note.
But Novak loves tennis — only he knows how much longer he can play.”

---

Preparing for the 2026 Season

Djokovic is currently deep into pre-season preparations ahead of his 2026 campaign.

• Season opener: Adelaide International (ATP 500) — a tournament he won in 2023

• Next target: Australian Open, where he will chase a record-extending 11th title and a 25th Grand Slam crown

The world No. 2 has returned to the practice court in Dubai, training at the Mouratoglou Tennis Center alongside French No. 5 Alexandre Muller.

---

Sinner’s 2025 Season: Setbacks and Silverware

Despite missing three months of the season due to suspension, Sinner still enjoyed an outstanding 2025 campaign. He captured four major titles and pushed Carlos Alcaraz all the way in the race for the ATP throne, finishing just behind his rival but gaining momentum heading into 2026.

Sinner successfully defended his Australian Open title in January, before being sidelined until May. He returned at the Rome Masters, reaching the final but falling to Alcaraz.

---

Heartbreak in Paris, History at Wimbledon

The Italian faced Alcaraz again in the Roland Garros final, suffering a crushing defeat despite holding three match points. The five-hour, 29-minute battle ended 4-6, 6-7, 6-4, 7-6, 7-6.

Sinner responded in emphatic fashion at Wimbledon, becoming the first Italian to lift the trophy at the All England Club.

---

Late-Season Dominance

Alcaraz got the better of Sinner in both Cincinnati and the US Open, prompting the Italian to refine his game. The response was decisive:

• Titles in Beijing, Vienna, and Paris

• A dominant run at the ATP Finals, where he won all matches in straight sets

• A statement victory over Alcaraz in the final to close the season in style

Sinner later withdrew from the Davis Cup Finals to rest.

---

Back to Work in Dubai

Now refreshed, the San Candido native is back on court in Dubai, fine-tuning his strokes and preparing for another strong Australian swing.

---

Muller’s Breakthrough Year

At 28, Alexandre Muller enjoyed the best season of his career in 2025. He won his first ATP title in Hong Kong, broke into the top 40, and finished the year as France’s fifth-highest ranked player, despite a quieter second half of the season.

On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Wolverhampton Wanderers suffered yet another defeat in a season that’s turned into a nightmare for the club and its supporters. Brentford visited Molineux and left with a 2–0 win, inflicting more pain on a Wolves side struggling for form, confidence, and answers

Scoreline That Tells the Story

Brentford scored twice in the second half to secure a 2–0 victory over Wolves:

• Keane Lewis‑Potter broke the deadlock in the 63rd minute.

• He doubled it in the 83rd minute, effectively sealing the points for the Bees.

The result leaves Wolves still without a Premier League win this season, with their poor run continuing at home — a trend fans find increasingly hard to stomach.

Wolves’ Struggles Deepen

This campaign has been a brutal test for Wolves. Entering the fixture, the club was already struggling near the bottom of the league and desperate for its first three points. Predictions before the game even warned that Wolves’ historic losing streak and terrible home form could cost them heavily.

Fans had hoped that recent tactical tweaks and a late challenge against Arsenal might spark something, but the Brentford result showed just how far Wolves are from turning things around.

Brentford’s Smart Performance

Brentford didn’t just edge this game — they took control when it mattered. After a quiet first half, they came out sharper, exploiting Wolves’ defensive weaknesses and taking their chances clinically. Lewis‑Potter’s brace capped off a strong performance by the visitors.

For the Bees, this win was a welcome boost after a mixed run of form and a tough schedule that included a heavy midweek defeat in the Carabao Cup.

Molineux: Frustration Turns to Anger

Fans inside Molineux — and on social platforms — made their feelings clear. The mood in Wolverhampton has shifted from hope to irritation and disbelief as Wolves repeatedly fail to convert chances and secure points, even against mid‑table opponents like Brentford.

Among the comments in fan threads post‑match, supporters lamented the lack of fight and questioned whether the club’s strategy is paying off — especially after the recent news of executive chairman Jeff Shi stepping back from daily operations amid fan unrest.

What This Means for Wolves

A loss like this does more than just add another defeat to the stats — it chips away at belief. Wolves are now deep in the relegation fight, with every game becoming a must‑win that they continue to lose.

Bottom line:
Brentford left Molineux with all three points, while Wolves’ hopes of a turnaround look bleaker by the week.

Wolverhampton Wanderers executive chairman Jeff Shi has stepped down from his operational role, ending nearly a decade in charge during one of the most turbulent periods in the club’s modern history.

The 48-year-old leaves with Wolves bottom of the Premier League, winless and stranded on just two points, with relegation fears intensifying as the season unravels.

Shi will remain chairman and chief executive of Fosun Sports Group, the club’s parent company, but will no longer be involved in the day-to-day running at Molineux.

Fan Pressure Reaches Breaking Point

Shi’s operational responsibilities will be taken on interim by Nathan Shi, who has worked within the Fosun structure since 2016.

The decision follows months of growing supporter unrest, with frustration spilling from social media onto the terraces as performances declined. Many fans accused the ownership of overseeing a “managed decline,” a sentiment that gained momentum as Wolves slipped 14 points adrift of safety.

Protests peaked during the 4–1 home defeat to Manchester United, when sections of the crowd staged a coordinated boycott of the opening 15 minutes — a stark message aimed directly at the board. Supporters argued that key players were sold without adequate succession planning, dismantling a once-competitive squad.

Shi’s Farewell: ‘My Heart Will Still Roar for This Club’

In an emotional farewell statement, Shi struck a conciliatory tone, expressing gratitude while insisting his bond with Wolves remains strong.

“I took the keys to this chair with humility. Today, I step aside with a heart full of gratitude. It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside our leadership team, players, coaches, staff and – above all – our fans.”

“My seat may change, but my heart will still roar for this club every single game.”

He also pledged full support to the new leadership team as Wolves fight to stabilise their season.

Nathan Shi Faces Uphill Task

Nathan Shi acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting him.

“At this important and challenging moment, I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to build a stronger future. Together, as one pack, we will move forward with belief, pride, ambition and unity.”

From European Nights to Survival Scraps

The contrast with Wolves’ earlier years under Fosun ownership is stark.

After promotion in 2018 under Nuno Espírito Santo, the club enjoyed:

• Back-to-back seventh-place Premier League finishes

• An FA Cup semi-final (2019)

• A Europa League quarter-final (2020)

Those achievements created belief that Wolves had cemented themselves among England’s rising forces. However, that goodwill has since eroded.

Supporters point to the departure of key figures such as Raúl Jiménez, Diogo Jota, João Moutinho, Adama Traoré and Pedro Neto, many of whom left without what fans felt were like-for-like replacements.

Transfer Gamble Backfires

The most recent summer window proved pivotal.

Wolves sanctioned the sales of:

• Matheus Cunha to Manchester United

• Rayan Aït-Nouri to Manchester City

The deals raised a combined £92.5 million, while captain Nelson Semedo departed on a free transfer.

In contrast, six incoming players arrived without Premier League experience, while Jørgen Strand Larsen’s loan was made permanent for £23 million.

Shi Admits Errors in Squad Overhaul

Earlier this season, Shi conceded that the scale of change may have been too drastic.

“Maybe we sold too many players in one window… maybe we changed 40 or 50 per cent of the key players. The Premier League is very tough. If you can’t control the tempo and need longer to rebuild, the games will punish you.”

What Happens Next for Wolves?

With Wolves staring down the threat of relegation, the focus now shifts to whether new leadership can halt the slide — and whether trust between the club and its supporters can be rebuilt before it’s too late.

In a Premier League thriller at St James’ Park on December 20, 2025, Newcastle United and Chelsea played out a dramatic 2–2 draw, but it was VAR controversy that dominated the headlines and social media conversations in the hours after the final whistle. The Sun+1

A Game of Two Halves

Newcastle stormed out of the blocks and took a commanding 2–0 lead inside the first 20 minutes, with Nick Woltemade scoring twice to electrify the home crowd. Chelsea looked out of sorts through much of the first half before finding their footing after the break. The Guardian

Chelsea’s comeback began early in the second half when Reece James struck a stunning long-range free-kick to make it 2–1. Shortly afterward, João Pedro finished calmly to level the score at 2–2. The Sun

VAR Decision Sparks Outrage

Despite the exciting match, fans on both sides — particularly Newcastle supporters — were left incensed by multiple officiating decisions involving VAR:

❌ Denied Penalty for Newcastle

• Newcastle players and fans were convinced they should have been awarded a penalty when Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah appeared to bring down Anthony Gordon in the box.

• Referee and VAR checks eventually ruled there was no foul, sparking furious reactions online, with some supporters labeling the decision a “stonewall penalty” and VAR itself a “joke.” The Sun

⚠️ Technical Issues in Offside Review

• Another moment that drew criticism was when the Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) failed, forcing VAR officials to manually judge whether Newcastle’s early goal should stand.

• While the goal was ultimately given, the unusual manual review added to fans’ frustrations over the consistency and reliability of VAR reviews. Daily Sports

Fan Reaction: Heated and Unfiltered

Reactions from Newcastle supporters on Reddit and other social platforms illustrate just how controversial the referee and VAR performance was perceived:

“Absolutely shocking officiating… get f***ed.” — one fan summed up the mood of many.

Comments ranged from claims of “blatant missed calls” to demands for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe to speak out about the officiating. Reddit

Many supporters acknowledged that Newcastle’s own performance dropped off in the second half — with some pointing to tactical issues — but still felt that official decisions unfairly influenced the result. Reddit

What This Means Going Forward

For Chelsea, the draw rescued a point after a rocky first half and continued their fight for Premier League positions. For Newcastle, however, even though they dominated early, dropping two points from a 2–0 lead left fans feeling frustrated, especially with the belief that key VAR decisions didn’t go their way. The Guardian

One thing is clear: VAR remains one of the most contentious topics in English football, and today’s clash between Newcastle and Chelsea only added fuel to that ongoing debate.

Carlos Alcaraz has parted ways with his long-time coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero, leaving fans and the tennis community asking one big question: why?

A Partnership Built on Success

Alcaraz worked with Ferrero for essentially his entire tennis career. The Spanish coach guided him to all six of his Grand Slam trophies, and Alcaraz himself described Ferrero as his “second father.”

However, professional sports relationships can be complicated. In recent years, Ferrero wasn’t able to travel with Alcaraz as much as before, which led to Samuel Lopez joining the team. The two coaches would split tournaments to ensure Alcaraz always had guidance, sometimes even appearing in the box together.

Now, following the split, Lopez will be the sole coach guiding the ATP world No. 1.

Ferrero Speaks Out

The news came as a surprise to many in the tennis world. Multiple Spanish outlets, however, reported a reason behind the split.

In a statement, Ferrero said:
“We have been an incredible team despite the difficulties, and I am sure you will continue to achieve great success. I wish I could have continued. I am convinced that good memories and good people always find a way to cross paths again.”

This suggests that the split wasn’t initiated by Ferrero himself.

Contract Negotiations as the Turning Point

Spanish journalist Javier de Diego reported on RNE Deportes that the split likely resulted from a disagreement during contract negotiations just two days prior:
“It hasn’t been a heated argument… but it has been sudden. The breakup happened 2 days ago during the negotiation of Ferrero’s contract for next year.”

Differences Between Alcaraz and Ferrero

Although Alcaraz and Ferrero had a highly successful partnership, some of their differences were known publicly. Netflix’s documentary, “Carlos Alcaraz: My Way,” explored these differences:

• Alcaraz wanted more freedom to focus on his personal life and enjoy time off from tennis.

• Ferrero preferred a more structured and focused approach to maximize Alcaraz’s potential.

Kiko Navarro, Alcaraz’s first coach, told RNE Deportes that it likely wasn’t Alcaraz himself who decided to part ways, but someone from his broader team.

What’s Next for Alcaraz?

For now, it’s clear that Alcaraz will not continue working with Ferrero at the start of the 2026 season. One of the first questions he is likely to face when he arrives in Melbourne ahead of the Australian Open will be about this sudden split.

Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento cut a devastated figure as he headed straight down the tunnel after being forced off with injury during Wednesday night’s Carabao Cup clash against Fulham.

The 23-year-old full-back appeared to hurt his knee late in the match and was replaced by substitute Alex Murphy. Visibly upset, Livramento made his way directly down the tunnel, with team-mate Anthony Gordon offering consolation on the touchline.

A Familiar and Distressing Problem

This latest setback comes just months after Livramento was carried off on a stretcher against Arsenal in September with a knee injury described by Eddie Howe as “really distressing.” The defender worked hard to recover and made his return two months later against Manchester City.

However, the scenes against Fulham suggest he may now be facing another serious issue with the same knee.

Post-Match Concerns

Despite Newcastle’s 2–1 victory, sealed by a stoppage-time winner from Lewis Miley, concern quickly shifted to Livramento’s condition.

After the final whistle, the defender limped back onto the pitch wearing heavy strapping on his left knee, further fuelling fears over the severity of the injury.

Howe’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

Livramento’s injury adds to an already growing list of absentees for Eddie Howe, who is dealing with a major defensive crisis heading into the busy festive period.

Current Injury List:

• Lewis Hall
• Dan Burn
• Sven Botman
• Nick Pope

Meanwhile, Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth are not expected back until early January.

With options limited, midfielder Lewis Miley was forced to deputise at right-back against Fulham and may be required to fill in again when Newcastle face Chelsea on Saturday.

Howe’s Reaction

When asked for an update after the match, Howe admitted the outlook was concerning:

“No, but it doesn’t look good going off the way he did. It’s a worrying sign and we’re so stretched in that area already, so it’s a worrying blow.”

World Cup Doubts Loom

With the World Cup less than six months away, the injury also raises doubts over whether Livramento will recover in time to stake a claim for selection under Thomas Tuchel.

Reflecting on the original injury in September, Howe previously said:

“He’s such a big player for us in so many different ways — his versatility, his attitude, his quality. If we’re going to miss that for any length of time, it is going to be a huge blow.”

For Newcastle and Livramento alike, this latest setback could hardly come at a worse time.

Leeds United could be set to add another striker to their ranks in the January transfer window, as the 49ers ownership look to back Daniel Farke with fresh attacking options.

With Farke’s system relying on two centre-forwards, strengthening up front appears a priority — particularly given the injury histories of Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

---

Why Leeds Need Another Striker

Although Noah Okafor impressed when leading the line against Brentford, the 25-year-old is most effective out wide. Leeds cannot afford to use him as a long-term solution through the middle.

Meanwhile, Joel Piroe has struggled for consistent Premier League minutes under Farke, suggesting the manager is still unconvinced about relying on the Dutchman as a regular starter.

---

Leeds Interested in Santiago Gimenez Loan Deal

Leeds have been linked with several attacking players ahead of January, including Sevilla winger Ruben Vargas. However, a striker remains the club’s top focus.

According to Football Insider (17 December), Leeds are exploring a deal to sign AC Milan forward Santiago Gimenez.

The 24-year-old is valued by Milan at £25–30 million, which makes a permanent transfer unlikely. Instead, Leeds are believed to be considering a loan move to bring the Mexican international to Elland Road.

---

Why Gimenez Is Compared to Erling Haaland

Despite not scoring in his nine Serie A appearances this season, data from FBRef suggests Gimenez shares similarities with Manchester City’s Erling Haaland.

Key comparisons include:

• Gimenez averages 3.04 shots per game, compared to Haaland’s 3.74

• Both forwards operate mainly inside the penalty area

  • Gimenez’s average shot distance: 11.8 yards

  • Haaland’s average shot distance: 12.1 yards

• Gimenez averages 2.32 shot-creating actions per 90, outperforming Haaland’s 1.44

FBRef also compares Gimenez to Alexander Isak, underlining the striker’s high ceiling and elite profile.

---

49ers Show Ambition Ahead of January

With the numbers backing up his potential, a move for Gimenez would represent a major statement of intent from the 49ers.

Leeds supporters will now be watching closely to see whether the club can turn this ambitious interest into a deal when the January window opens.

Wolves supporters have been handed a double update, with a key Premier League derby moved for TV coverage and FA Cup ticket details confirmed for the trip to Molineux.

---

Wolves vs Aston Villa Rescheduled for Live TV

Wolves’ Premier League derby against Aston Villa has been moved after being selected for live broadcast.

• New date: Friday, February 27

• Kick-off: 8:00pm

• Venue: Molineux

• TV: Live on Sky Sports

Fixture Could Change Again

The date is still subject to change.
If Aston Villa reach the Europa League quarter-finals, the match will instead be played on:

• Sunday, March 1

• Kick-off: 7:00pm

Fans are advised to keep an eye on updates before making final plans.

---

Wolves vs Nottingham Forest Also Moved

Another Wolves fixture has been adjusted for television coverage.

• Nottingham Forest vs Wolves

• Date: February 11

• New kick-off: 7:30pm (moved forward by 30 minutes)

• TV: Live on TNT Sports

On the same evening, Aston Villa vs Brighton will also kick off at 7:30pm, live on Sky Sports.

---

FA Cup Third Round: Wolves vs Shrewsbury Town

Ticket details have now been confirmed for Wolves’ FA Cup third-round tie at Molineux.

• Date: Saturday, January 10

• Kick-off: 12:15pm

• Venue: Molineux

---

Ticket Allocation

Shrewsbury Town supporters have been allocated 3,010 tickets in the Steve Bull Stand (Lower Tier), including 14 pairs of wheelchair and carer tickets.

⚠️ This fixture is strictly all-ticket.

---

Ticket Sale Dates & Priority

Tickets go on sale starting 10am tomorrow (Thursday, December 18).

All dates subject to change.

---

Ticket Prices (Advance)

• Adult: £10

• Over 65s: £8

• Under-21s: £8

• Under-17s: £5

• Under-14s must be accompanied by an adult

• Valid ID required for concessions

---

Seating Information

In the Steve Bull Lower, rows M, N and P feature barrier seating within a licensed standing area.

Supporters wishing to avoid persistent standing are advised to sit in Row A or JL3–JL10.

---

Travel & Ticket Collection

• Physical tickets only – no QR codes

• Tickets for collection available from Monday, December 29

• Uncollected tickets will be taken to Molineux for matchday collection

• Supporter buses, courtesy of the Away Travel Club, will be available

---

How to Buy Tickets

Tickets can be purchased via:

• Online: shrewstickets.com

• In person at the Croud Meadow ticket office

• By phone: 01743 273943

---

What Fans Need to Know

With fixture dates shifting for TV coverage and FA Cup tickets going on sale imminently, Wolves supporters are advised to double-check kick-off times and secure tickets early to avoid missing out.