Novak Djokovic is "being held captive" in a room guarded by police after arriving in Melbourne for the upcoming Australian Open, the tennis star's father has alleged.
World number one Djokovic announced on Tuesday that he had received a medical exemption to play in the tournament he has won a record nine times.
That medical exemption was expected to allow Djokovic to enter the country, regardless of his vaccination status, which he has yet to formally disclose.
However, the Victorian government reportedly rejected an application from Border Force as a member of Djokovic's support team made an error in requesting a sub-class of visa.
Further doubt was cast over Djokovic's chances of being allowed to contest the first grand slam of the year when Jaala Pulford, the acting sports minister of the state of Victoria, later declared on social media that the Serbian's application will not be supported.
And amid later reports that the 20-time major winner could be forced to fly back home, Djokovic's father Srdjan hit out at authorities for their treatment of his son.
"Novak is currently in a room which no one can enter," he told the B92 internet portal. "In front of the room are two policemen."
Srdjan added to Russian news agency Sputnik: "I have no idea what's going on. My son has been held captive for five hours.
"This is a fight for the libertarian world, not just a fight for Novak, but a fight for the whole world.
"If they don't let him go in half an hour, we will gather on the street, this is a fight for everyone."
The latest twist in the Djokovic saga comes after Australian prime minister Scott Morrison stated that Djokovic "will be on the next plane home" if he fails to prove he merits medical exemption to play in the tournament.
Australian Open director Craig Tiley insisted on Tuesday that Djokovic had not been given a "special favour" to play in the tournament, which is scheduled to run from January 17 until January 30.
Barcelona survived a scare as they came from behind to beat Linares Deportivo 2-1 in the Copa del Rey.
The third-tier side took a shock first-half lead at Linarejos through Hugo Diaz's header.
However, the gulf in quality eventually told after the break as Xavi's side turned the contest around with two goals in the space of five minutes.
Ousmane Dembele equalised when a long-range effort squeezed past Brimah Razak, before Ferran Jutgla's wonderful individual goal booked the visitors' place in the round of 16.
Dani Alves was handed his second Barcelona debut after finally being officially registered by the club.
The 38-year-old was immediately involved as his fifth-minute corner was headed narrowly wide by Ronald Araujo, while Ilias Chakkour was also off target from Nicolas Gonzalez's throughball.
Despite their early pressure, Barca fell behind in the 19th minute as Fran Carnicer's superb deep cross was headed in by the well-placed Diaz.
The visitors enjoyed over 80 per cent of possession during the first half, but could only register one shot on target from eight attempts courtesy of Gonzalez's ambitious long-range drive that Razak held.
Nevertheless, they got their equaliser in the 63rd minute as Dembele's long-range strike found a way past the Linares goalkeeper.
And moments after Lolo Guerrero's header was ruled out for offside at the other end, Jutgla completed the turnaround following a jinking run from the left flank.
Dembele then rattled the crossbar after a solo surge of his own, but the single-goal margin was enough to keep Barca on course for a sixth Copa del Rey triumph in eight years.
Dani Alves was handed his second debut for Barcelona's Copa del Rey clash with Linares Deportivo after being officially registered by the LaLiga club.
The 38-year-old re-joined Barca on a free transfer in November following his departure from Sao Paulo over a contractual dispute.
He featured in a friendly draw with Boca Juniors in Saudi Arabia last month but could not play competitively until the LaLiga registration window opened on Monday.
Barcelona announced on Wednesday that Alves' registration had been sanctioned and he was part of their squad for the round-of-32 contest.
Alves slotted straight into the starting line-up at Estadio de Linarejos in a side that also included fellow experienced players Neto, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Brazil international Alves made 247 appearances for Barca during his first eight-season spell at Camp Nou, the most recent of those games coming in May 2016.
He played his part in 95 clean sheets, had 78 goal involvements (64 assists, 14 goals) and created 377 chances en route to winning 23 trophies, including six LaLiga titles and three Champions League crowns.
Copa del Rey holders Barca named Ousmane Dembele among their substitutes against lower-league opposition Linares after the forward returned a negative coronavirus test.
Sergino Dest, Sergi Roberto, Luuk de Jong, Philippe Coutinho, Pedri, Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite, Ferran Torres, Gavi, Ez Abde and Alejandro Balde were all ruled out of the cup clash.
Novak Djokovic's participation at the Australian Open is reportedly back in doubt due to an issue with his visa.
World number one Djokovic flew into Melbourne on Wednesday, a day after revealing he had been cleared to take part in the tournament after receiving a medical exemption.
The Serbian has not directly addressed whether he has been vaccinated against COVID-19, but players who compete at Melbourne Park either require proof they have been jabbed or an exemption.
He has spoken openly and critically about vaccine mandates, insisting there should be freedom of choice in all walks of life.
Many Australians criticised the decision to welcome Djokovic into the country, but the 34-year-old appears to have hit another stumbling block in his battle to defend the title he has won a record nine times.
Reports from Australia suggested that the Victorian government had rejected an application from Border Force regarding Djokovic's visa as a member of his support team made an error in requesting a sub-class of visa.
And Jaala Pulford, the acting sports minister of the state of Victoria, later declared on social media that Djokovic's application will not be supported.
"The Federal Government has asked if we will support Novak Djokovic's visa application to enter Australia," she posted on Twitter.
"We will not be providing Novak Djokovic with individual visa application support to participate in the 2022 Australian Open Grand Slam.
"We've always been clear on two points: visa approvals are a matter for the Federal Government, and medical exemptions are a matter for doctors."
The latest twist in the Djokovic saga comes after Australian prime minister Scott Morrison stated that Djokovic "will be on the next plane home" if he fails to prove he merits medical exemption to play in the tournament.
Australian Open director Craig Tiley insisted on Tuesday that the 20-time major champion had not been given a "special favour" to play in the tournament, which is scheduled to run from January 17 until January 30.
Milan head coach Stefano Pioli has his sights set on signing a "complete defender" during the January transfer window.
The Rossoneri were rocked when Denmark captain Simon Kjaer was ruled out for the rest of the season after suffering a knee injury at the start of December.
Pioli declared following that major setback that he wanted to sign a replacement for centre-back Kjaer went the transfer market opened this month.
The 56-year-old on Wednesday stated that he will only bring in a player who ticks all the right boxes.
He said during a press conference: "We have clear and shared ideas. Kjaer's injury forces us to have an eye on defence. I have not made any other requests.
"We are looking for a complete defender, it's too important a role.
"We want one who can accept defensive one-v-ones with great timing and to have courage in the defensive phase.
"The defenders have to be the playmakers. They must have the ability to play, make the right choice even in possession of the ball.
"It will not be a roaring market for anyone, but I'm sure we'll find the right player."
Second-placed Milan return to action following the mid-season break with a Serie A clash against Roma at San Siro on Thursday.
They trail Inter by four points but Pioli believes they can mount a strong bid to win the title.
He said: "I don't care much about what they say outside Milanello. I see players who are aware, winning would be an extraordinary feat. But we have to believe in it and I expect a lot from everyone.
"We can do it if we keep the balance. We have pressure because we have been good at creating it with the results, then we'll do the math in the end."
Alphonso Davies has become the latest Bayern Munich player to test positive for coronavirus.
Bayern revealed on Wednesday that Canada left-back Davies had contracted COVID-19
It comes a day after Leroy Sane and Dayot Upamecano tested positive as the Bundesliga leaders prepare to face Borussia Monchengladbach in their first game after the winter break on Friday.
Lucas Hernandez and Tanguy Nianzou also returned positive tests this week.
Manuel Neuer, Kingsley Coman, Corentin Tolisso and Omar Richards were also unable to report for training after they tested positive.
Bayern's assistant coach Dino Toppmoller is another absent due to coronavirus.
The Bavarian giants won seven consecutive games prior to the break and hold a nine-point lead over Borussia Dortmund at the top of the Bundesliga.
Ricardas Berankis will face Rafael Nadal in the second round of the Melbourne Summer Set after beating Marcos Giron on Wednesday.
Nadal made his return after a five-month absence due to injury when he and fellow Spaniard Jaume Munar beat Sebastian Baez and Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3 3-6 10-4 in a doubles match in Melbourne on Tuesday.
The 20-time grand slam champion will be back in singles action against Berankis at Rod Laver Arena on Thursday after the Lithuanian qualifier dispatched American Giron 7-5 6-4.
Fifth seed Benoit Paire was trailing 4-6 6-3 5-2 to Henri Laaksonen when the Frenchman retired from the contest.
Alexei Popyrin and Jordan Thompson advanced on home soil, beating Stefano Travaglia 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 and Christopher O'Connell 1-6 7-5 6-4 respectively.
Munar beat towering South African Kevin Anderson 6-4 6-4, while Emil Ruusuvuori, Alex Molcan and Maxime Cressy also made it through.
Marin Cilic racked up the 550th victory of his career at the Adelaide International 1, defeating Thiago Monteiro 6-4, 7-6 (7-3).
Third seed Cilic will now come up against Laslo Djere, who was level at one set apiece with Corentin Moutet when the Frenchman was disqualified after reportedly swearing at the umpire.
Thanasi Kokkinakis fought back to oust Frances Tiafoe in the final match of the day, the Australian wild card winning 3-6 7-5 6-1.
Alvaro Morata will not be leaving Juventus in the January transfer window but Aaron Ramsey is set to depart, head coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed.
Morata is on loan at Juve from Atletico Madrid but reports in Spain suggested the former Real Madrid striker was poised to join Los Blancos' Clasico rivals Barcelona.
AS reported that a deal was "95 per cent" done for the Spain striker to join on a six-month loan deal with a purchase option included, with Barca coach Xavi reportedly keen to make him the latest addition to their forward ranks after the arrival of Ferran Torres from Manchester City.
However, speaking prior to Thursday's Serie A clash with Napoli, Allegri said he has no intention of letting Morata end his second stay in Turin.
"Alvaro Morata will not leave, he is a [high] performance footballer. The problem with him is that he is given a wrong label," Allegri said.
"He is very important: I talked to him and I told him not to leave. Case closed."
However, Wales midfielder Ramsey – who earns a reported £400,000 a week at Juve - looks increasingly likely to move back to the Premier League.
The 31-year-old has been linked with a return to Arsenal, as well as Newcastle United who have money to spend following their big-money takeover. Everton have also been credited with an interest, while a formal approach by Burney was reportedly rejected by Ramsey.
Allegri added: "Aaron Ramsey is now set to leave Juventus. We're working on it.
"There are no other changes or transfers in our plans, this is 99 per cent sure."
Juventus are fifth in Serie A and 12 points adrift of leaders Inter ahead of the resumption of the league following the mid-season break.
Dani Alves has been cleared to play in Barcelona's Copa del Rey tie at Linares Deportivo on Wednesday and Ousmane Dembele is back in the squad.
Alves agreed a surprise return to Barca in November and featured in a friendly draw with Boca Juniors in Saudi Arabia last month.
The 38-year-old Brazil full-back's registration has now been sanctioned and he has been included in the squad for the round-of-32 match.
Dembele was also given the green light to travel to Andalusia after testing negative for coronavirus.
Barca have suffered a COVID-19 outbreak in the camp, with Alves having also tested positive, but Dembele is back in contention.
Clement Lenglet also returned a positive test last week and the defender remains sidelined after Barca revealed he and Samuel Umtiti are suffering with a stomach bug.
Sergino Dest, Sergi Roberto, Philippe Coutinho, Pedri, Memphis Depay, Ansu Fati, Martin Braithwaite, Ferran Torres, Gavi, Ez Abde and Alejandro Balde are all ruled out of the cup clash.
The holders are also without suspended striker Luuk de Jong.
Novak Djokovic should clear up any doubts over the reasons for his medical exemption to play at the Australian Open, says Toni Nadal.
Tournament organisers have faced a backlash after it was announced this week that men's world number one Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to play in the first grand slam of the year.
Protocols in Australia require proof that competitors and staff have been jabbed or have a medical exemption to compete at Melbourne Park. Djokovic has thus far refused to state whether he has been vaccinated.
Australian prime minister Scott Morrison said on Wednesday that Djokovic would be on the "next plane home" if he fails to prove he is medically exempt, though tournament organiser Craig Tiley insisted the 20-time major champion had not been given a "special favour" to play.
Nadal, the uncle of Djokovic's long-term rival and also 20-time major victor Rafael Nadal, has now weighed in, expressing surprise the Serbian did not pull out of the tournament and urging him to clarify his situation.
In his column for El Pais, Nadal wrote: "I must admit that, until Tuesday's announcement, I thought that the Serbian player would give up participating in the tournament or that he would get the vaccine.
"The way I understand it, if you have requested and received an exemption then it's because you must not have been administered any of the authorised [vaccines].
"There are almost six million people who have lost their lives due to this damn virus and many other millions who have received the vaccine.
"I want to think that Novak is no stranger to all this and that he will clear up the doubts as a sign of human sensitivity and understanding."
The Australian Open begins on January 17.
The first leg of Liverpool's EFL Cup semi-final tie with Arsenal on Thursday has been postponed.
Liverpool asked for the postponement amid a COVID-19 outbreak and they confirmed that request had approved on Wednesday.
The game had been thrown into further doubt after Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders returned a suspected positive COVID-19 test.
Lijnders was poised to take charge of the Reds at the Emirates Stadium with manager Jurgen Klopp still isolating after his own positive test.
But Lijnders will now join the German in isolation and the news conference he was poised to lead was cancelled prior to official confirmation of the match's postponement.
The update comes a day after Liverpool formally requested for the first leg to be called off after confirming an "escalating number" of suspected COVID-19 cases, which led to the cancellation of training.
Liverpool will now host the rescheduled semi-final first leg on Thursday January 13, with the second leg to be played at the Emirates a week later on Thursday January 20.
Ash Barty produced an impressive comeback to defeat Coco Gauff in her first singles match since the US Open.
World number one Barty moved into the quarter-finals of the Adelaide International with a battling 4-6 7-5 6-1 triumph.
The home hope, who is favourite to win the Australian Open when it starts later this month, was a set and a break down against the American wonderkid before ultimately progressing in two hours and 12 minutes.
Exhausted after a six-month road trip that included Wimbledon glory last year, Barty took a break from the WTA Tour after her third-round exit at Flushing Meadows on September 5.
Her return came in a marquee matchup at the WTA 500 event which did not disappoint, as Barty battled to win 11 of the last 13 games and prevail.
The victor stemmed the early errors she was making on the forehand side, with Gauff paying the price for only converting three of her 15 break-point opportunities.
It was only the second meeting between Barty and Gauff, with the Australian having to retire with an arm injury while leading their first encounter in Rome last year.
"I felt like I played a pretty good quality match considering it was my first match in a few months," said Barty.
"In the first set I was able to create opportunities but just was a little bit slack on the execution, rusty in the sense of stringing quality points together.
"Midway through the second set I was able to find my rhythm a little bit better on serve and just continued to be aggressive on my forehand. I just found execution a little bit more.
"Coco played great and forced me to hit a lot of balls. I felt I got better and better as the match went on. It was nice to get some court time."
An intriguing last-eight tie lies in wait for Barty. She will either play former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin or compatriot Ajla Tomljanovic.
And there was more good news for Barty as two of her main rivals for glory were eliminated.
Second seed Aryna Sabalenka was surprisingly beaten as Kaja Juvan, the world number 100, prevailed 7-6 (8-6) 6-1.
Maria Sakkari, the third seed, also crashed out, beaten in three sets by Shelby Rogers, the player who knocked Barty out of the US Open the last time the Australian was on court.
There are two other tournaments taking place this week, both at WTA 250 level.
At Melbourne Summer Set 1, second seed Simona Halep joined Naomi Osaka in round two with a routine 6-4 6-2 win over Destanee Aiava.
The field is not as strong at Melbourne Summer Set 2, where the highest seed remaining, Daria Kasatkina, progressed after opponent Anna Kalinskaya, having already lost the first set, withdrew through injury.
David Warner insists he relishes his Ashes battles with Stuart Broad despite being dismissed by the England bowler for the 13th time in Test cricket.
The Australia batter, who has twice come close to a century amid a dominant series for the hosts, was removed for 30 by the returning Broad on day one of the fourth Test.
Australia, who lead 3-0, closed on 126-3 at the SCG after only 46.5 overs of play were possible due to rain.
Broad had been left out of two of the first three matches and this week expressed his frustration over England's failure given he has "not really done anything" and missed the chance to play on favourable pitches.
Another veteran England bowler, James Anderson, who missed the first Test earlier in the series, also struck on Wednesday, removing Marcus Harris for 38.
And Warner suggested Australia are glad to be up against two of the world's top bowlers.
"I really enjoy giving you guys a good story, which is fantastic and it builds up the game," Warner said of his duels with Broad, who had him caught by Zak Crawley.
"Me and Broady love it when we're out there. It's good fun, good funny banter.
"I tried to drive the ball too straight, that was my disappointment, but it's awesome to see Broady back out there.
"He's a world-class bowler. Him and Jimmy Anderson bowling at us is great.
"Obviously, they would have been disappointed with some of these Test matches, not playing together, but that's for their selection panel.
"It's great to come up against the world's best from England."
Mark Wood removed Marnus Labuschagne (28) before the close as Australia struggled to build on a strong start that had seen them reach 111-1.
It means Steve Smith (6 not out) and Usman Khawaja (4no) will be under pressure when they return to the crease on Thursday.
England are looking to avoid a 5-0 whitewash, a fate they have suffered twice in Australia since the turn of the century.
Amid their struggles, former England batsman Rob Key cannot comprehend why Broad has not been a regular.
He told Sky Sports: "You absolutely have bogey bowlers. I had about 18!
"For David Warner, it is Broad - which makes it even more ridiculous that Broad did not play that first Test in Brisbane.
"Warner would have been sat there thinking, 'I could really do without facing this bloke'.
"All Warner's preparation would have been about how he was going to combat and defeat Broad and score runs against him – and then England don't pick him! This just shows how poor a decision that was.
"Now Broad has ended up playing on the two pitches so far with the least amount of movement and missed out on the two pitches that would have done a lot for him."
Novak Djokovic will be on the "next plane home" if he fails to prove he merits a medical exemption to play in the Australian Open.
Tournament organisers have faced a backlash after it was announced this week that Djokovic has been granted a medical exemption to play in the first grand slam of the year.
The Serbian has refused to state whether he has been vaccinated, but protocols in Australia require proof that competitors and staff have been jabbed or have a medical exemption to compete at Melbourne Park.
Tournament director Craig Tiley insisted that the 20-time major champion had not been given a "special favour" to play in the tournament.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Wednesday stated that Djokovic will not defend his title if he fails to show that he is exempt.
He told reporters: "We await his presentation and what evidence he provides us to support that.
"If that evidence is insufficient, then he won't be treated any different to anyone else and he'll be on the next plane home. There should be no special rules for Novak Djokovic at all. None whatsoever."
Tiley told The Today Show on Tuesday: "There's been no special favour. There's been no special opportunity granted to Novak.
"As an organisation and as a sport, we've done what everyone else does and would do if they wanted to come to Australia and under certain conditions.
"And we have abided by those conditions and I know Australia's had the most comprehensive response to COVID of any nation in the world. And our governments have done everything they humanly possibly can to keep us safe.
"It's ultimately the decision of the medical experts and we follow that accordingly. In this case, Novak made that application.
"And like others, there's been 26 athletes and their primary support staff that have made applications and a handful of those have been granted by the panel.
"The conditions in which any tennis player comes in, no matter who they are, are conditions that have been put on tennis and put on anyone coming into Australia by the Australian government."
The Australian Open begins on January 17.
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