Women's Hockey India League 2024-25 Highlights: Charlotte Engelbert's Hat-Trick Sends Soorma Hockey Club Into Final With 4-2 Win

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'Thank God It's Friday' serving us up with Novak Djokovic vs Alexander Zverev semi-final.

LeBron James is extending his All-Star records. The NBA revealed the starters — some of them, anyway — for the revamped All-Star Game on Thursday night, and there wasn’t much in the way of surprises. James is now officially an All-Star for the 21st year. (AP)

Samoa Women Under-19 have won the toss and opted to field first.

Djokovic has faced Zverev only once in the Australian Open. In the quarterfinal match of the 2021 edition of the Aus Open, Novak secured a 6-7, 6-2, 6-4, 7-6 win over the Tokyo Olympics gold medallist.

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2023 ATP Masters 1000 Cincinnati Semifinal): Djokovic beats Zverev 7-6 (5), 7-5

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2021 Nitto ATP Finals Semifinal): Zverev beats Djokovic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2021 US Open Semifinal): Djokovic beats Zverev 4-6, 6-2, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2021 Tokyo Olympics Semifinal): Zverev beats Djokovic 1-6, 6-3, 6-1

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2021 ATP Cup Round Robin): Djokovic beats Zverev 6-7(3), 6-2, 7-5

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2021 Australian Open Quarterfinal): Djokovic beats Zverev 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-4, 7-6(6)

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2020 Nitto ATP Finals Round Robin): Djokovic beats Zverev 6-3, 7-6(4)

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2019 French Open Quarterfinal): Djokovic beats Zverev 7-5, 6-2, 6-2

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2018 Nitto ATP Finals Final): Zverev beats Novak 6-4, 6-3

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2018 Nitto ATP Finals Round Robin): Novak beats Zverev 6-4, 6-1

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2018 ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai Semifinal): Djokovic beats Zverev 6-2, 6-1

Novak Djokovic Vs Alexander Zverev (2017 ATP Masters 1000 Rome Final): Zverev beats Djokovic 6-4, 6-3

Olivia Gadecki and John Peers of Australia are the mixed doubles champions after defeating compatriots Kimberly Birrell and John-Patrick Smith in the final at the Australian Open 2025.

Serbian legend Novak Djokovic takes on German world number 2 Alexander Zverev, and Jannik Sinner meets Ben Shelton at the Australian Open men's singles semi-finals. The 1st semi-final coming up shortly.

In 12 matches between Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev, the Serb has managed to win 8 times, and on four occasions, Zverev has got the better of the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

Well, everything has been said. Every superlative has been added. Can Djokovic make yet another final in Melbourne? Or will Zverev beat the 10-time champion? This should be a cracking contest as both start their routine warm-ups.

It's got a big match written all over it. The conditions are perfect. The court is warm. Not super hot. Zverev has won the toss and has opted to receive.

A 27-shot rally. A perfect example of what we are going to see a lot in this match. Djokovic targetting the Zverev forehand. Classic Novak all-over so far, and as expected takes the first game of the semi-final on serve.

One game all, and it is a tactical hold for Alexander Zverev. The German has started off serving big and has plenty of intent on the forehand. Especially after changing his racket.

Novak Djokovic's first serve has not come to the party yet. Looks like he is clearly struggling a bit. However, a few forehand errors from Zverev sees the Serbian hold a tough service game. 2-1.

Another indication why Novak Djokovic is Novak Djokovic. He just makes you do extra with almost every point and draw errors. Zverev, however, is up for the challenge and holds his service game. 2-2.

Forehand not where it needs to be for Alexander Zverev, but Novak Djokovic is surely happy to be ahead in the first set. Positive holds for the World No.7, concerns for the German with his shot selection.

That's some service game from Sascha Zverev. And he will hope for the floodgates to open for these kind of first serves. 37 minutes into the first set, it remains 3-3.

And there's the genius of the man. Another top hold from Djokovic from that end. The Serbian was under a bit of pressure at 40-40, but comes through with ease.

Some big serves sees Zverev hold his service game comfortably and he seems fired up. Good to have those serves under your sleeve during the big moments. 56 minutes in, it remains 4-4.

Despite Djokovic not fully comfortable with his first serve, he somehow has found a solution to hold his service games without much trouble. Can Zverev back it up serving to stay in the set?

And boy he does. What a service hold. The first one to love of the semi-final. Zverev with a fist pump and a glance towards his box. 5-5 in the first on Rod Laver and you can slowly start to feel the tension.

11 games in, and the world No.7 leads by six games to five. Top service hold by the Serbian superstar. It has been a very tight first set and it could go anywhere.

Zverev at his absolute best, and we are in for a tie-break to decide who takes the first. Djokovic just did not look happy with how he moved in the last few points and we sure will know more about it as the matches progresses.

Risk, reward, and the first set to Alexander Zverev. 1 hour and 21 minutes. Can you believe it? Novak Djokovic has retired. Shocking turn of events. The Rod Laver Arena has been stunned. Pin drop silence. Zverev is through to the final.

There were a lot of boos for Novak Djokovic has he waved goodbye to a place he has mastered beyond belief. Not what you want to see. Will he return next year? We will never know. If Djokovic does a Djokovic, he will. That sort of a mentality monster.

“Please guys don’t boo a player when he goes out with injury. I know everyone paid for tickets, but Novak has given everything of his life to the sport the last 20 years."

“There라이브 바카라 no guy on tour I respect more than Novak. He라이브 바카라 been one of my closest friends. Whenever I struggled, I could always call him. I have nothing but respect for him."

Alexander Zverev previews the second semi-final between Jannik Sinner and Ben Shelton.

“What a gonna happen in that one?” Zverev: “Ben is gonna serve at 240 km/h. Jannik is gonna return that serve like it라이브 바카라 coming at you like a butterfly”

"Look, it라이브 바카라 a muscle tear. Two years ago, you know, I have managed it better. On the court it didn't bother me as much. This time that wasn't the case."

“I don't know. We both were disappointed with what just happened, so we didn't talk about future steps. I think we both need to cool off a bit & then we'll have a chat.”

“I wish Sascha all the best. You know, he deserves his first slam. I'll be cheering for him. Hopefully he can get it here.”

World No.1 Jannik Sinner will be taking on United States' Ben Shelton on Rod Laver Arena at 2:00 PM IST. The winner will face Alexander Zverev for the title on Sunday, January 26.

Sinner leads 4-1 score against the American player. The duo last met at the ATP Masters 1000 Shanghai event that saw Sinner win the game comfortably.

Jannik Sinner has won the toss and will serve first on Rod Laver Arena. A semi-final of a major. Big day for both these. Europe V USA. Will the new hope beat the favourite?

A stunning banana forehand and a break in the very first game of the semi-final. Benjamin Shelton has arrived early. However, can he consolidate? Jannik Sinner, however, will not be very happy with the start of how he's served.

Ben Shelton consolidates, and how. He was under pressure for a bit, but the mighty serve of his has come to the rescue. Shelton leads 2-0.

Jannik Sinner is up and running in the semi-final after a good service hold, and the world No.1 will be relieved. 20 minutes into the match, and this match-up is already delivering.

The world No.1 is back doing his thing, and after four games, we are back level at 2-2. The American will be disappointed after a strong start.

Sinner doing Sinner things now. The defensive game is off the charts, and that drives Shelton to make mistakes. This match has lived upto the hype thus far. Who will drop their level first?

Cut from a different cliff is the world No.1 but Ben Shelton is up for the challenge. What a point, what a game. That's a hold and a half from the American. After six games, it is three all.

Not at the top of his serving game yet, but Jannik Sinner leads the second semi-final 4-3 on Rod Laver Arena after 40 minutes.

With the first set hanging in the balance, Shelton steps up under pressure, needing to hold serve to stay in the contest. Showing no signs of nerves, the American delivers a flawless service game, securing a love-hold to make it 5-5.

Shelton turns the tide in a crucial rally, outlasting Sinner despite the Italian라이브 바카라 dominance from the baseline. A forehand error from Sinner follows, putting him down 0-30, though he briefly recovers as Shelton nets a forehand.

However, Shelton capitalizes on Sinner라이브 바카라 uncharacteristic unforced errors to earn two break points, and he converts.

The American secures the break and will now serve for the first set when play resumes.

Shelton steps up to serve, starting strong with a slick wide delivery. Sinner, unfazed, levels at 15-15, calmly letting an overhead bounce before smashing it away. When Shelton dares to approach the net, the Italian responds with a cheeky forehand down the line, smooth as you like.

But Shelton isn’t backing down. A fantastic body serve hands him his first set point, only for Sinner to deny it as the American nets a forehand under pressure.

Then comes the magic, a delicate forehand dropshot-approach gives Shelton another set point, but nerves creep in, and he sends the forehand long.

Just as things heat up, Sinner gets a chance to break. He misses the first opportunity but doesn’t have to wait long to pounce on his second. Boom! Break secured.

Tie-break time, grab your popcorn, folks!

Sinner storms to a 3-0 lead in the tiebreak, helped by a couple of wayward Shelton forehands. Those missed set points seem to be lingering in the American's mind. Shelton finally gets on the board at 5-1, adding another point to make it 5-2, but the damage is already done.

With the chance to serve out the set, Sinner delivers, wrapping it up 7-2.

The world No. 1 shows exactly why he holds the top spot, turning things around after a slow start. Set two promises to be a thriller.

A tough start to the second set for Shelton. He races to a 40-15 lead, but Sinner fights his way back to deuce. The Italian keeps forcing errors from Shelton, who runs out of answers in the end of a demanding game.

Shelton fights back from 40-15 down to reach deuce and even gets a break-point opportunity. He seemed poised to win the point, dominating from the baseline, but his forehand drifts wide at the crucial moment.

Both players are engaged in a fierce battle, each showing incredible physicality in their game.

The Italian holds to love.

Shelton appears like a changed player compared to the first set, showing a completely different level of play.

Shelton starts strong, going 30-0 up, but then hits two double faults. He follows up with a massive first serve to reach 40-30, but Sinner forces an error, bringing it back to deuce.

Shelton then fires a scorching forehand down the line that Sinner can't return, and the American finally gets on the board in the second set, closing out the game.

Sinner holds comfortably to 15, showing his dominance on serve in this second set, in stark contrast to the first.

Shelton, on the other hand, appears to have lost the sharpness that troubled the Italian early on, with his earlier spark now seemingly gone.

Sinner serves out the game to clinch the second set 6-2. While the Italian has raised his game, there's no denying Shelton's level has dipped.

Sinner has been flawless across many aspects, winning 94 percent of points behind his first serve. Remarkably, he lost just one point on his first serve in the second set.

After receiving treatment from the physio at the end of the second set, Shelton holds to 15. The American appears more energized than he did at the close of the previous set, which is definitely a positive sign!

helton takes the opening point by forcing a backhand error from Sinner. The American shows plenty of emotion as he moves to 30-15, then 40-15, whipping up the crowd with a beautiful angled forehand.

The atmosphere is electric, with fans on their feet, and the game has become incredibly exciting now.

Like Shelton at the end of the second set, Sinner had the trainer come out during the break to massage both quad muscles. The revitalized Italian storms to a 40-0 lead and wraps up the game with a brilliant backhand winner

Jannik Sinner has reached the Australian Open final for the second consecutive year, keeping his title defense alive. With a quick shake of his fists, the Italian shares a hug with Ben Shelton at the net.

And that's the story! Jannik Sinner will go head-to-head with Alexander Zverev in Sunday라이브 바카라 final. It라이브 바카라 shaping up to be an epic battle between the World No. 1 and No. 2.

The players are lining up, and the energy in the air is absolutely electric. It라이브 바카라 time for the virtual semi-final, and you can feel the excitement building. The national anthem is about to kick off, and we’re all set for an epic showdown. Let라이브 바카라 go.

Soorma Hockey Club are on fire, leading the Bengal Tigers just 43 seconds in. What a whirlwind start! The Tigers were pressing, but a sloppy pass completely turned things around.

That loose ball rolled straight into Charlotte Engelbert라이브 바카라 path, and with a quick move, she slams it home! Soorma wasted no time at all – they’re off to a blistering start! You couldn’t have asked for a more thrilling opening.

Wow, just wow, Hina Bano has put on a show! She picked up the ball on the right, glided past defenders like they were cones, and then slotted it coolly past Grace O'Hanlon.

That was pure magic! Soorma are absolutely cruising, and with this early strike, it feels like they're already booking their ticket to the final. What a start to this game—talk about taking control early.

Bengal just can’t catch a break! They’re still fumbling those simple passes, and this time Sonam라이브 바카라 shot sails way over the goal. It라이브 바카라 like they’re playing a different game out here—so much wasted potential.

Soorma lead by two, but can the Tigers find a spark to turn this around? The first quarter was all Soorma, while the Tigers looked flat and lacking energy. It라이브 바카라 been all one-way traffic so far.

Soorma have put this game to bed. What a strike from Charlotte Engelbert! A powerful backhand shot from inside the circle flew into the net with force. Bengal Tigers are in complete disarray, and their final hopes are crumbling before them.

What a shot from Hina Bano, but it라이브 바카라 just wide! SOORMA HOCKEY CLUB 3-0 BENGAL TIGERS Soorma aren’t slowing down for a second! Hina unleashed a rocket of a backhand, but it zipped just past the post! This game is flying, especially with how fast Soorma are playing, every second is a rush.

What a first half from Soorma Hockey Club! They’re looking strong and have put themselves in a great spot to claim that second finalist spot. Bengal really struggled at the start, and it wasn’t until they were 3-0 down that they found their rhythm. But hey, in sports, anything can happen.

One quick goal, and it could all change. Bengal definitely won’t throw in the towel just yet. We’ll be back in ten minutes for the second half – don’t go anywhere.

Soorma launch a lightning-fast counter-attack. Sharmila Devi bursts down the right wing and spots Stapenhorst up ahead. But just as they seemed poised for another great chance, Rarh라이브 바카라 defense stepped up big, shutting down the move and snuffing out the danger.

Soorma Hockey Clubs continue to apply relentless pressure on the Bengal Tigers' defense. They’re looking dangerous, taking shots from the edge of the circle and maintaining a full press. Quick runs and solid support are making it tough for the Tigers to cope.

Natalia Salvador steps up with two crucial saves to keep the score at 3-0! Bengal Tigers mounted a serious attack, charging into Soorma라이브 바카라 penalty circle and firing two fierce shots on target.

But Natalia was unbeatable, diving to her left and right to deny both attempts and keep the Tigers scoreless.

The fourth quarter is looking exciting with plenty of action! 47' Charlotte Engelbert completes her hat-trick with a calm penalty stroke conversion, adding another goal for Soorma as they extend their lead. Vidyashree had no chance on the right side.

Just a minute later, in the 48th, Vandana Katariya strikes for the Warriors, opening their scoreline with a brilliant goal.

Bengal Tigers earn their first penalty corner after Vaishnavi fouls Mullan, and Shilpi Dabas delivers a powerful drag-flick, pulling one back for the Tigers! With just under two minutes left, it feels like a bit too little, too late for the Tigers to make a comeback.

Soorma Hockey Club are heading to the final of the inaugural WHIL after a first-half blitz! The match was practically decided by halftime, as Soorma stormed ahead with three goals and added a fourth from the penalty spot.

Charlotte Englebert was on fire, completing a fantastic hat-trick, while Hina Bano dazzled with a brilliant solo goal. Bengal Tigers didn't give up though, finding their stride in the final quarter with goals from Vandana Kataria and Shilpi Dabas.

But with time running out, it was just a bit too late for a full comeback. Soorma will now take on Odisha Warriors in the final – it라이브 바카라 all set up for an exciting showdown!

With this win Soorma Hockey Club are heading to the final of the inaugural Women's Hockey India League 2024-25. They will take on Odisha Warriors in the final on 26 January.

That's all from today's sports news. We'll be back tomorrow with another live blog. Until then, good night and goodbye.