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• Raducanu raring to go in 2025 as she takes pride in 'unheard of' achievement

  Emma Raducanu is already excited to get going in 2025 after reflecting positively on the past 12 months.

  The 22-year-old impressed for Great Britain in their Billie Jean King Cup victories over Germany and Canada last week.

  Raducanu has struggled with regular injury issues since her remarkable 2021 US Open triumph, but she believes some perspective is needed.

  "My assessment is, I think sometimes I need reminding," she told the WTA's official website of her 2024 campaign. 

  "I'm top 60 in the world and I have played less than 15 events, which is pretty unheard of, in a way.

  "I have to pat myself on the back for that. I know I'm a dangerous player. I know no-one wants to pull my name in the draw. 

  "I take pride in that, and I'm looking forward to hopefully staying on court longer next year."

  Raducanu, ranked number 58 in the world, is returning to action in Malaga after two months out with a foot injury.

  She will have a part to play when Britain take on Slovenia in Wednesday's semi-finals as she looks to extend her season further.

  And a bullish Raducanu intends to work hard on the court heading into the New Year, with the Australian Open fast approaching.

  "I think traditionally you'd probably have a bit of a break and take a holiday or something," Raducanu said. 

  "But I feel like I have had four, five weeks off tennis, and I don't really need any more time off.

  "If anything, I'm excited and just itching to get on the practice court, and of course seeing some of my performances this week, it just incentivises me to do more work.

  "I'm really pleased with how I've fought and how I'm faring up against these top girls. I feel like I'm in a pretty good spot with my tennis right now."

• Barbadian sensation Chelsea Tuach cop silver at Pro World Surf League (WSL) 3000 Series

  Highly decorated Barbadian surfer Chelsea Tuach added more silverware to her collection as she produced an impressive performance to secure second position at the inaugural 2024 La Marginal Surfing Pro World Surf League (WSL) 3000 Series in Puerto Rico on Sunday.

  Tuach, who locked horns with Costa Rica’s Leilani McGonagle in the final round of comptition, recovered from a slow start to get the better of her opponent in the opening exchanges.

  After trading the lead on a number of occasions, Tuach maintained a slight edge over McGonagle, with a score of 5.67, heading into the back half of the final.

  However, another massive exchange unfolded in the closing five minutes, as McGonagle unleashed her forehand attack to overtake the lead from Tuach with a heat-best score of 7.83.

  Tuach found an opportunity and tried her best to rally, but fell just shy of topping the podium with a total score of 11.04. McGonagle won with a total of 12.76.

  It was Tuach’s third podium finish in the 3000 Series in the Caribbean, having won the Martinique Surf Pro in 2019 and the Barbados Surf Pro in 2022. Her second-place finish propelled her up to eighth place on the North American Qualifying Series ranking.

  Tuach, who comes from a surfing family and started surfing at age 8, is one of Barbados' Sports Tourism Ambassadors.

• Olympic medalist Zharnel Hughes and Jamaican girlfriend Shenel Francis announce they are expecting their first child

  Great Britain’s Olympic medalist Zharnel Hughes and his Jamaican girlfriend Shenel Francis are set to become parents, as the couple revealed their exciting news on Instagram. On Sunday, Shenel shared a photo of her advanced baby bump, confirming that the pair are eagerly expecting their first child together.

  Shenel, a dental hygienist and entrepreneur, has been by Hughes' side throughout much of his record-breaking career. The couple has been together since at least 2018, though they only went public with their relationship in September 2022. Earlier this year, they took their relationship to the next level, moving in together in early March 2024.

  Shenel, who graduated with honours in 2021 from the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica, is not only a dental professional but also a businesswoman. She launched her own luxury hand-poured scented candle brand, Esenek.co Candles, in 2021. The couple’s bond has been a strong source of support for Hughes, who has continued to achieve major milestones in his athletic career, including breaking the long-standing British 200m record in 2023.

  Hughes, a silver medalist at the Tokyo Olympics as part of Team GB's 4x100m relay squad, has often spoken of Shenel's influence on his life. In a 2023 interview with GQ, Hughes mentioned how Shenel was present as he meditated before one of his historic races where he surpassed John Regis' 200m record, setting a new British mark of 19.73 seconds.

  Before his relationship with Shenel, Hughes was linked to European sprint champion Dina Asher-Smith. However, his relationship with Shenel has flourished, with both supporting each other's professional and personal endeavors.

  Even though he is a resident of Great Britain, Hughes, who attended Kingston College in Jamaica, purchased a home in Jamaica earlier this year.