The growth of the Australian Open, however, would not be the same without its core product – the players.
Going back a few decades, many European and American stars would not travel to Melbourne because of the distance and a general feeling it lacked prestige.
That has changed considerably – not least because Tiley introduced a travel grant for the players.
“A lot of players are happy to escape the European winter and see the other players again and catch up in the New Year,” Federer said.
“People are incredibly excited and pumped up about the Australian Open. The players can feel that. The vibe is incredibly happy.”
Particular emphasis is placed on high-quality player facilities.
A hi-tech racquet lab provides personalised strings and grips, while a health suite offers physiotherapy, massage therapy and plunge pools.
Specialist medical treatment – an ophthalmologist, dermatologist, podiatrist and orthopaedist – is available, as are nutritionists and hydrationists, while chefs rustle up home comforts from every corner of the globe.
A beauty salon, including barbers, pedicurists and manicurists, is also on hand, along with a laundry service and dry cleaners.
There is even an on-site bank.
“We have a complete tourism service. We provide pretty much anything you can think of to service an athlete,” Tiley said in a recent interview with Forbes magazine.
Carlos Alcaraz has rewritten tennis history by becoming the youngest man to complete the career Grand Slam with his victory over the great Novak Djokovic in the final of the Australian Open 2026 in Melbourne.
Alcaraz, 22, overcame a first-set loss to complete a 2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5 triumph over the 24-time Grand Slam champion at the Rod Laver Arena on Sunday. In the process, he denied the 38-year-old a chance to become the only player with 25 Slam titles.
While the world number one later admitted his “legs were shaking” as he served for the title, he seemed to have the upper hand as the match wore on and finished after three hours and two minutes.
The top seed now has an Australian Open trophy to add to his two French Open, Wimbledon and US Open titles each, also making him the youngest to garner seven Slams.
Djokovic, from Serbia and a 10-time champion in Australia, was the quicker of the two out of the blocks and broke his younger rival twice to swiftly claim the opening set.
But Alcaraz, of Spain, didn’t waste time in pulling back and claiming the second set with the same scoreline in a display of speed, power and finesse.
In breaking the career Slam record, Alcaraz surpassed his idol and compatriot Rafael Nadal – who watched from the stands and who was two years older when he did the same.
It was a first defeat for Djokovic in a Melbourne final after he won all 10 previously, leaving him still searching for a landmark 25th major to better Australia’s Margaret Court, who was also watching on.
Tennis champion Carlos Alcaraz celebrates his victory at the Australian Open [Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)
Gladiatorial contest
Both men battled through five long sets in their semifinals, Alcaraz against Alexander Zverev and Djokovic against Jannik Sinner, and recovery was always going to be key after their physical struggles.
But they showed few signs of fatigue in another gladiatorial contest.
They both opened with comfortable holds before a double fault and netted forehand presented the first break point chance for Djokovic at 2-1.
Alcaraz saved it, but the aggressive fourth seed kept pressing and converted on his third, then consolidated for a 4-1 lead.
Djokovic was reading Alcaraz’s serve well, and once he got in the rallies, he was authoritative, with a sensational forehand winner earning him two set points.
He claimed the set in a statement 33 minutes after a ninth unforced error from the top seed, having dominated the big moments.
It was vintage Djokovic, but Alcaraz came storming back, upping the tempo to break for 2-1 in the second set, pumping his fist when he saved a break point and held in the next game.
Djokovic put drops to his eyes and began rubbing them, unable to tame a now rampant Alcaraz, who broke again for 5-2.
There were some sensational rallies that had the crowd on their feet in set three, which went with serve until Djokovic slapped a forehand wide under pressure to slip 2-3 behind.
He gamely saved four set points at 3-5, but, with his energy level dropping, was unable to save a fifth as the Spaniard took control.
On the back foot, Djokovic then saved six break points in an 11-minute opening service game in set four to stay alive and kept fighting hard.
But Alcaraz ground him down and pounced as Djokovic served to stay in the match to seal a maiden Australian championship.
It ensured he remained world number one and Sinner two, with Djokovic moving up a place to three ahead of Zverev.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic played some incredible points during the final [Kelly Defina/Getty Images]
Australian Open win ‘means the world’ to Alcaraz
Despite his heartbreaking loss, Djokovic was gracious in defeat as he walked around the net to congratulate Alcaraz on his side of the court.
Plenty of pats on the back and smiles were exchanged in a passing-of-the-baton moment between the two tennis icons.
Afterwards, Alcaraz told the host broadcasters that his legs were shaking as he served for the championship.
“I was telling myself, at least put it [the serve] in and then let’s see what happens,” the champion said with a laugh.
The man from Murcia, southeastern Spain, said the elusive win in Australia was something he had been working hard for.
“It means the world to me and shows that all the hard work paid off,” he said.
Alcaraz’s seventh Slam put him alongside John McEnroe and Mats Wilander and one behind Andre Agassi, Jimmy Connors and Ivan Lendl.
However, the young champion was quick to dismiss talk of overtaking his heroes Nadal and Djokovic, and said 22 or 24 titles were “too far away” at the moment.
“I know how difficult it is to win a Grand Slam,” he said. “I know what it takes, so I just want to enjoy each one because I don’t know if it’s going to be my last one.
“I want to keep going and working hard to feel this emotion again.”
Meanwhile, Djokovic did not make any explicit statements on his career but did admit he’s not sure whether he will return to Melbourne for next year’s Australian Open.
“I tried to give it back with good tennis over the years. This is my 22nd year coming to Australia,” he said at the presentation ceremony.
The Serb said he didn’t think he’d be “standing on a Grand Slam final podium again”.
“God knows what happens tomorrow, let alone in six or 12 months,” the 2023 champion said.
“It has been a great ride, and I love you guys.”
Novak Djokovic embraces Carlos Alcaraz after the end of their tennis match [Edgar Su/Reuters]
Laura Fernandez, President Rodrigo Chaves’s protege and former chief of staff, is a frontrunner and could avoid an April 5 run-off.
Published On 1 Feb 20261 Feb 2026
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Polls have opened in the Costa Rica general election as the centre-right populist government seeks to extend its mandate and secure control of the Legislative Assembly at a time when drug-fuelled violence has gripped the country.
Voting stations opened at 6am local time (12:00 GMT) on Sunday and will remain open until 6pm (24:00 GMT), with early trends likely within hours.
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Laura Fernandez, President Rodrigo Chaves’s protege and former chief of staff, is leading in the polls with more than 40 percent, enough to win outright and avoid an April 5 run-off. She has pledged to continue Chaves’s tough security policies and anti-establishment message.
Her closest rivals in the 20-candidate field are Alvaro Ramos, a centrist economist representing Costa Rica’s oldest political party, and Claudia Dobles, an architect representing a progressive coalition and a former first lady whose husband, Carlos Alvarado, served as president from 2018 to 2022.
Both are polling in the single digits but are seen as the two most likely to compete in a possible run-off if Fernandez falls short of 40 percent.
Fernandez has also urged voters to hand her 40 seats in the country’s 57-seat Legislative Assembly, a supermajority that would allow her to pursue constitutional reforms. The current government holds just eight seats and has blamed congressional gridlock for blocking its agenda.
Polls show about a quarter of the 3.7 million voters remain undecided, with the largest group being between the ages of 18 and 34 and from the coastal provinces of Guanacaste, Puntarenas and Limon.
“People are tired of promises from all the governments, including this one, even though the government has said things that are true, like needing stronger laws to restore order,” said Yheison Ugarte, a 26-year-old deliveryman from downtown Limon, a Caribbean port city that has been the hardest hit by drug violence.
Despite homicides surging to an all-time high during his term and multiple corruption investigations, Chaves remains deeply popular, with a 58 percent approval rating, according to the University of Costa Rica’s CIEP polling.
While consecutive re-election is not allowed in Costa Rica, Fernandez has pledged to include Chaves in her government and positioned herself as the continuity of his mandate.
MELBOURNE — Elena Rybakina finally won her second Grand Slam title with a victory over top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka at the Australian Open on Saturday, and it was something of a testament to quiet achievers.
After some tumult at the start of 2025, including the suspension of her coach, Rybakina finished off last year with a title at the WTA Finals in November. And now she has started the new year with a major championship.
Her low-key celebration was symbolic of her understated run through the tournament: a small fist pump, a quick embrace with Sabalenka, a handshake with the chair umpire, a smile, and a few hand claps on the strings of her racket and a wave to acknowledge the crowd.
It happened quickly after Rybakina closed with an ace to cap a third-set comeback and a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over a regular rival who beat her in the final here in 2023.
“The heart rate was definitely beating too fast. Even maybe [my] face didn’t show, but inside it was a lot of emotions,” the 26-year-old Rybakina, who was born in Moscow but represents Kazakhstan, said of her calm and clinical finish.
She knew she had to capitalize quickly this time, after she acknowledged getting tight and needing almost a half-hour from her first match point to her match-winning point in a semifinal win over Jessica Pegula.
Elena Rybakina plays a backhand return during the women’s singles final at the Australian Open on Saturday.
(Dita Alangkara / Associated Press)
Three years ago, Rybakina won the first set of the Australian Open final but lost the match in three.
This time, after breaking in the first game and taking the first set, she rallied after losing the second set and going down 3-0 in the third. She won five straight games to regain control.
“It gives me a kind of relief,” she said, “also, a lot of confidence for sure for the rest of the season.”
It was a second major title for fifth-seeded Rybakina, who won Wimbledon in 2022 and entered that Australian final three years ago as the only major winner in the contest.
While Sabalenka went on to win another three majors, including back-to-back triumphs in Australia and the 2024 and ’25 victories at the U.S. Open, Rybakina’s results dipped and she didn’t reach another major final until this tournament.
Career change
A win over Sabalenka at the season-ending WTA Finals has changed her career trajectory. She has the most match wins on tour since Wimbledon, and is now on a roll of 20 wins in 21 matches.
“Last year I didn’t start so well,” she said. “I qualified for the [WTA] Finals late. I just hope I can carry this momentum. Do a good job with the team and continue this way.”
Rybakina is 10-0 in her last 10 matches against top-10 players, and she’ll return to No. 3 in the rankings.
Kazakhstan’s flag was unfurled on the court at Rod Laver Arena after Rybakina had paraded the trophy around and posed for photos with her team.
Coaching team
She paid tribute to her coach, Stefano Vukov, who spent time under suspension last year by the women’s tour. Vukov received a silver plate from the tournament organizers for being the champion’s coach.
“Of course I would like to thank my team,” she said. “Without you it wouldn’t have been possible. Really. We had a lot of things going on [last year]. Thank you to all of you, and hopefully we can keep on going strong this year.
“It’s a win for all the team, all the people who support me,” she said. “I just hope that I can carry this moment throughout the whole season and keep on improving.”
She said she’d been working with Vukov since 2019 and she finds it helpful to hear the constant stream of technical and tactical advice he conveys from his seat beside the court. The more, the better, she said, because eventually she listens.
“We won many titles together,” Rybakina said. “And even last year in Ningbo, WTA Finals, and now this trophy I felt just, again, proud and thankful to my team for the work.”
Win some, lose some
Aryna Sabalenka reacts after winning a point against Elena Rybakina in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open on Saturday.
(Dita Alangkara / Associated Press)
For Sabalenka, it’s back-to-back losses in the final in Australia after going down in an upset last year to Madison Keys.
“Of course, I have regrets. When you lead 3-love and then it felt like in few seconds it was 3-4, and I was down with a break — it was very fast,” she said. “Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me.
“But as I say, today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’m a winner. Hopefully I’ll be more of a winner this season than a loser. Hoping right now and praying.”
Rybakina went on the attack from the start and her serve was strong, with six aces and — apart from the two breaks at the end of the second set and the start of the third — she fended off six of the breakpoint chances she faced.
While Sabalenka’s emotions intensified, Rybakina maintained a determined quietness throughout.
Watch Elena Rybakina inflict further Grand Slam final heartbreak on world number one Aryna Sabalenka with a dramatic third-set fightback to win her first Australian Open title.
Following back-to-back Australian Open wins, Aryna Sabalenka has now lost two consecutive finals with Elena Rybakina defeat.
Published On 31 Jan 202631 Jan 2026
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Following two years of triumph at the Australian Open, Aryna Sabalenka is now processing another two years of pain – and a series of missed chances in Melbourne that have left her “really upset”.
A year on from losing the final in three sets to American Madison Keys, Sabalenka fell 6-4 4-6 6-4 to Elena Rybakina on Saturday, the Russia-born Kazakh turning the tables on the Belarusian who beat her for the 2023 title.
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“I was really upset with myself, I would say, because once again I had opportunities,” Sabalenka said.
“I played great until a certain point, and then I couldn’t resist that aggression that she had on court.”
While the Keys shock left Sabalenka inconsolable and her racket in pieces, defeat to fifth seed Rybakina had its own unique sting.
The world number one held a 3-0 lead in the third set and had all the running before former Wimbledon champion Rybakina broke back in the fifth game and stormed to her second Grand Slam trophy.
“She made some winners. I made a couple of unforced errors,” Sabalenka continued.
“Of course, I have regrets. You know, when you lead 3-0 and then it felt like in a few seconds it was 3-4 and I was down with a break. So it was very fast.
“Great tennis from her. Maybe not so smart for me but, as I say, today I’m a loser, maybe tomorrow I’m a winner, maybe again a loser. Hopefully not. We’ll see.”
It was Sabalenka’s second significant loss to Rybakina in a few months, having been beaten for the season-ending WTA Finals crown.
More alarmingly, it was her third loss in her last four major finals, with Coco Gauff flooring her at last year’s French Open.
Sabalenka did not lose a set coming into the Melbourne final and had won 46 of her 48 previous matches at hardcourt Grand Slams.
Now Rybakina, one of the few players able to match her for power, has dealt Sabalenka’s aura a heavy blow.
Sabalenka laughed ruefully and shrugged through her post-match news conference but was honest enough to admit she had been despondent outside the room.
On court, she draped a white towel over her head to conceal her anguish before gathering herself to deliver gracious congratulations to Rybakina, her most frequent opponent on tour.
She consoled herself that, barring a few errors in the final set, Rybakina had simply wrested the trophy from her grip with the quality of her tennis.
“Even in this final, I feel like I played great. I was fighting. I did my best, and today she was a better player,” said Sabalenka.
“So I don’t know. We’ll speak with the team. Now they try to avoid and escape me because they see that it’s not really healthy to be around me right now.”
Who: Carlos Alcaraz vs Novak Djokovic What: Men’s singles final – Australian Open 2026 When: Sunday, February 1 at 19:30 (08:30 GMT) Where: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia How to follow: Al Jazeera’s live text and photo stream gets under way at 05:30 GMT
Novak Djokovic stands one step away from cementing his place as the greatest tennis player of all time. In his way, though, is Carlos Alcaraz – a modern adversary seeking a career milestone of his own.
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Tennis history will be rewritten when the pair meet in the men’s singles final of the Australian Open 2026 on Sunday.
Djokovic is seeking his 25th major title to go past Margaret Court in the all-time Grand Slam winners’ list in the Open Era, while Alcaraz – 16 years his junior – is looking to become the youngest player to complete a Career Grand Slam by winning the only one eluding his trophy cabinet.
At 38 years old, the Serb is already the oldest man to have qualified for a Grand Slam final, but he will be looking to make the most of his appearance in Sunday’s blockbuster final to seal a record-extending 25th men’s title.
Meanwhile, Alcaraz, who was the last man to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon 2024, will aim to convert his debut final at the Australian Open into a night when he seals a career Slam.
Both men enter the match on the back of epic semifinal wins on Rod Laver Arena on Friday, with top seed and world number one Alcaraz having a slightly longer recovery period than fourth-seeded Djokovic.
What’s the Alcaraz-Djokovic tennis rivalry?
In the five years since his first appearance in the main round of a Grand Slam, Alcaraz has swiftly become the face of men’s tennis, and his brief history with the iconic Djokovic is often seen as a passing-of-the-baton inter-generational rivalry.
Alcaraz is known for his speed and power, while Djokovic relies on his experience, consistency and resilience to fend off the next generation of tennis talents.
The young Spaniard’s first meeting against Djokovic came at the Madrid Open in 2022, where the home favourite beat the veteran in straight sets.
Since then, the pair have met in Grand Slam settings on five occasions, with Alcaraz winning both finals but Djokovic emerging victorious at the Olympics to complete his Career Super Slam.
Overall, the Serb edges his rival by five wins to four in their nine meetings.
Their last encounter was in the semifinals of the US Open 2025, where eventual champion Alcaraz was too strong for the four-time winner Djokovic.
The match ended 6-4, 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 in Alcaraz’s favour.
How did Alcaraz reach the Australian Open 2026 final?
An ailing Alcaraz battled past Alexander Zverev in a five-set epic to reach his first Australian Open final in a match lasting five hours and 27 minutes. The world number one outlasted the German third seed in hot conditions with a cramping body.
Road to the final:
First round: Beat Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6(7-2), 6-2
Second round: Beat Yannick Hanfmann 7-6(7-4), 6-3, 6-2
How did Djokovic reach the Australian Open 2026 final?
Djokovic stunned reigning champion Jannik Sinner early on Saturday, with the veteran turning back the clock to upset the Italian in a gruelling four-hour-nine-minute match.
Road to the final:
First round: Beat Pedro Martinez 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Second round: Beat Francesco Maestrelli 6-3, 6-2, 6-2
Third round: Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(7-4)
Fourth round: Beat Jakub Mensik via walkover
Quarterfinal: Beat Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 3-6, 3-1 retired
What’s being said about the Djokovic-Alcaraz Australian Open final?
Tennis experts, fans and former champions have been weighing in on what promises to be a modern epic.
Rafael Nadal: “I think the favourite is Carlos. He’s young, he has the energy and he’s in his prime. But I mean, Novak is Novak. He’s a very special player. I think it’s a positive example of commitment, of resilience. Novak, for obvious reasons, is not at his prime, but he is still very, very competitive at an age that is difficult to be very competitive. So full respect.”
Andy Roddick: “Man regrets inspiring child.”
How much is the prize money for the Australian Open champion?
The men’s singles champion and runner-up will receive $2.9m and $1.5m, respectively, from the total tournament prize money of $78.1m.
How to stream and follow the Australian Open 2026 final?
Al Jazeera’s build-up to the final will begin at 05:30 GMT, before the live score, photo and text commentary stream from 08:30 GMT.
In a meeting between two of the biggest hitters on the women’s tour, Rybakina neutralised Sabalenka’s trademark power with clean ball-striking and clutch serving, before digging deep in the deciding set.
Sabalenka has spent 75 weeks at the top of the rankings and remains the dominant player in the women’s game – particularly on hard courts, with this her seventh consecutive major final on the surface.
But Rybakina has emerged as the Belarusian’s kryptonite after winning seven of their past nine hard court encounters.
Having appeared on course for an impressive comeback win, Sabalenka sat with her towel over her head as she contemplated that yet another final had slipped from her grasp.
Rybakina, meanwhile, was able to celebrate a hugely impressive run to the title, having also overpowered world number two Iga Swiatek and sixth seed Jessica Pegula on her way to the final.
She has now won her past 10 matches against fellow top-10 players and is the first player to claim the title by defeating three top-10 players in each round from the quarter-finals onwards since Naomi Osaka in 2019.
Rybakina is undoubtedly the form player on the WTA Tour, boasting more wins than anyone else since the end of Wimbledon last year (38) and losing just once in her past 21 matches.
Fifth seed Elena Rybakina wins the Australian Open tennis final beating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Melbourne.
Published On 31 Jan 202631 Jan 2026
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Elena Rybakina produced a thunderous display to dismantle Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 4-6 6-4 on Saturday and capture a maiden Australian Open title, turning the tables on the world number one in their Melbourne Park final rematch from three years ago.
Rybakina returned to the site of her heartbreak in 2023 to complete an impressive victory and earn her second major trophy after Wimbledon 2022, underlining her credentials as the player best equipped to puncture Sabalenka’s hardcourt aura.
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The 26-year-old capped a fortnight of relentless efficiency while largely flying under the radar, adding the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup to a resume that also includes the 2025 WTA Finals crown where she downed Sabalenka.
“It’s hard to find words now but I want to congratulate Aryna for her amazing results in the last couple of years. I hope we’re going to play many more finals together,” Kazakh Rybakina said.
“I want to say thank you to you guys (fans). Thank you so much to Kazakhstan. I felt the support from that corner a lot. It’s really a Happy Slam and I always enjoy coming here and playing in front of you guys.”
Aryna Sabalenka was seeking a third Australian Open title at Melbourne Park [Phil Walter/Getty Images]
In the first Grand Slam final since 2008 featuring players yet to drop a set, it was top seed Sabalenka who blinked first under the Rod Laver Arena roof as Rybakina came out all guns blazing to break in the opening game and wrest control.
The Kazakh fifth seed’s huge ball-striking caused all sorts of problems for twice champion Sabalenka, as she comfortably got to set point in the 10th game and finished it off to send alarm bells ringing in her opponent’s dugout.
Having arrived with 46 hardcourt Grand Slam match wins from the last 48, four-time major winner Sabalenka found her groove and started the second set more positively, but Rybakina saved three breakpoints to hold for 1-1.
A wayward forehand from Rybakina handed Sabalenka the chance to level at one set apiece, and the Belarusian gleefully took it to turn the final set into a shootout destined to be decided by whichever player held their nerves.
Having beaten Rybakina from a similar situation in the 2023 title clash, Sabalenka unleashed a flurry of winners to go ahead 3-0, but the Kazakh erased the deficit and broke for 4-3 before securing victory to add to her All England club triumph.
Elena Rybakina celebrates a point in the Women’s Singles Final against Aryna Sabalenka [Phil Walter/Getty Images]
The knockout blow was a huge ace, after which the typically restrained Rybakina walked forward, smiled and pumped her fist before celebrating with her team.
Sabalenka, denied an Australian Open “three-peat” by American outsider Madison Keys in last year’s final, endured heartbreak again as she retreated to her chair and draped a white towel over her head to conceal her anguish.
“I’m really speechless right now,” she said, before turning to her victorious opponent and the fans.
“I want to congratulate you on an incredible run and incredible tennis. Such an incredible achievement. I love being here, love playing in front of you all. You guys are incredible support. Let’s hope next year is going to be a better year.”
England’s Justin Rose shot a seven-under-par 65 to extend his lead to four shots at the Farmers Insurance Open while returning Brooks Koepka made the cut in San Diego.
The 45-year-old, who leads Ireland’s Seamus Power, sits on 17 under after breaking his own 36-hole record at the tournament.
Rose shot the round of the day on Friday at the more challenging South Course with an eagle, six birdies and just one bogey.
“I feel like in my career I’ve won on tough golf courses generally, so that’s my M.O., I would say,” said 2025 Masters runner-up Rose, who led by a shot after an opening-round 62.
“It’s the kind of a place I enjoy. It’s one of my favourite tournaments on Tour, just the whole area, the whole atmosphere, the whole vibe.”
Meanwhile, Koepka continued his return to the PGA Tour with a second-round 68 to make the cut on three under.
Five-time major winner Koepka, who agreed a release from his LIV Golf contract at the end of 2025, struggled on the South Course on Thursday, shooting a round of 73.
But on the North Course he found his form in his first PGA Tour event in four years, sinking an eagle putt on the 17th.
“I think [Thursday] I was excited to play, nervous, and kind of didn’t know what to expect, but today felt more normal, I guess,” Koepka said.
“But yeah, I mean, don’t get me wrong, I definitely still got antsy, but I guess maybe a little bit of nerves, just trying to figure it out and test – see where my game’s at too, right? I feel like I’m playing really well. It’s just been a long layoff.”
Xander Schauffele’s streak of making consecutive cuts – the longest active on tour at 72 – came to an end, while Patrick Cantlay, Gary Woodland, Will Zalatoris, JJ Spaun, Max Homa and Ludvig Aberg also all missed the cut.
Eva Longoria, John Leguizamo and Xochitl Gomez are among the 100-plus Latino actors, artists and creatives who have signed an open letter calling for accountability in Hollywood — citing longtime discrimination in casting and storytelling.
The public statement follows the controversy surrounding Odessa A’zion, who dropped her role as a Latina character in Sean Durkin’s “Deep Cuts,” following online backlash over the actor herself not being Latina.
“Recent casting decisions around the character Zoe Gutierrez in A24’s ‘Deep Cuts’ have exposed a troubling pattern,” the letter states. “We acknowledge and commend Odessa A’zion for listening, reflecting and deciding to exit the project and become an ally. Yet how did this happen?”
Earlier this week, the Wrap revealed that the “I Love L.A.” and “Marty Supreme” breakout star was cast as Zoe Gutierrez in the A24 film adaptation of Holly Brickley’s music-filled coming-of-age novel. The character’s identity plays an important role in the book, as she is written as a half-Mexican and half-Jewish lesbian.
Though the 25-year-old announced Wednesday night that she had dropped the role — admitting through her Instagram stories that she had not yet read the book, nor learned of all the character’s traits — the incident has unearthed questions about Latino representation in Hollywood.
“This isn’t about Odessa,” said Xochitl Gomez to The Times on Friday. “It’s about the executives, the producers and the whole system at the top. They thought it was OK to not even audition Latinas for the role in the first place. Latinas were pitched, including me, but we were told that there was an actress with an exclusive offer. This role never showed up on the casting grid because it was already gone.”
Xochitl Gomez attends “REBBECA” LA Premiere on November 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by JC Olivera/Getty Images for State of the Art)
(JC Olivera / Getty Images for State of the Art)
According to UCLA’s 2025 Hollywood Diversity Report, Latinos were cast in only 1% of the leading roles in the top 104 English-language films released theatrically in 2024, despite constituting roughly 20% of the total U.S. population.
In TV, representation is just as stark. Latinos are cast in only 6% of all roles across the top U.S. broadcast series, as per a recent study by ¡Pa’lante! — a Latino representation initiative from the USC Norman Lear Center — which also found that 1 in 4 Latino characters are depicted as career criminals.
“The absence of Latina audition opportunities, and the choice to replace a clearly Latina character with a non-Latina actress, signals a broader, ongoing erasure of our community from the stories that define our culture,” the letter continues. “This is not about any one actor or project. It is about a system that repeatedly overlooks qualified Latino talent even as our identities, histories, and experiences fuel the most enduring stories.”
The signatories request that Latino actors be hired for a diverse range of roles, including non-stereotypical leads. There is also a demand for more Latino executives to be involved in green-lighting projects and the inclusion of Latino consultants, writers and producers from the earliest stages of development. Finally, there is a call on Hollywood to create mentorship, scholarships and opportunities that expand access on all levels of the ecosystem.
This plea by marginalized creatives is not the first pushback — nor likely the last — against a stagnant Hollywood machine.
As early as the 1920s, the portrayal of Latinos was so negative that the Mexican government, and even Woodrow Wilson reportedly told Hollywood producers to “please be a little kinder to the Mexicans.”
In 1999, the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) and the National Assn. for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) called for the boycott of broadcast networks’ 26 new fall series because they did not feature a non-white lead, sparking dialogue over the diversity of Hollywood at the time.
Comedian Chris Rock blasted the industry in a 2014 essay for its omission of Mexicans in Los Angeles, where nearly half of the population is Latino: “You’re in L.A., you’ve got to try not to hire Mexicans.”
Rep. Joaquin Castro (D-Texas) — who in recent years has nominated several Latino-focused films to the Library of Congress National Film Registry — also penned a 2020 column in Variety, underscoring the dearth representation of Latinos in entertainment and the consequences of omission. “Prejudice has existed in the United States for generations, but the image of our community created by film and television has done little to counter bigoted views, and too often has amplified them.”
Another letter published in October 2020 with over 270 showrunners, creators, television and film writers signatures — including Lin-Manuel Miranda and “One Day at a Time” co-creator Gloria Calderón Kellett — called for systemic change in the industry. “We are tired,” they wrote.
The pushback continued in 2022, when actor Leguizamo penned an open letter in The Times about the history of Latino representation and the co-option of Latino stories — including that of Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata, who was portrayed by a brownface Marlon Brando in the 1952 film “Viva Zapata!,” and Al Pacino, who played the fictional Cuban character Tony Montana in the 1983 film “Scarface.”
Wrote Leguizamo, “There’s a fix for this: Cast more Latinos!”
Read the full open letter below.
Dear Casting Directors, Creative Executives, Writers, Producers, and Hollywood Leaders,
We write to you with urgency, because storytelling is humanity’s compass and Hollywood wields all the power. The stories you choose to tell, and how you tell them, shape public perception, cultural understanding, and who gets to see themselves reflected on screen. In these challenging moments that power comes with real responsibility.
Recent casting decisions around the character Zoe Gutierrez in A 24’s Deep Cuts have exposed a troubling pattern. We acknowledge and commend Odessa A’zion for listening, reflecting and deciding to exit the project and become an ally. Yet how did this happen? The absence of Latina audition opportunities, and the choice to replace a clearly Latina character with a non-Latina actress, signals a broader, ongoing erasure of our community from the stories that define our culture. This is not about any one actor or project. It is about a system that repeatedly overlooks qualified Latino talent even as our identities, histories, and experiences fuel the most enduring stories.
Latino communities are already underrepresented and misrepresented in ways that distort reality and harm real people. Casting decisions carry real weight: they influence who is seen as worthy of authentic storytelling and who gets to tell those stories with care, nuance, and authority.
We are calling for accountability, intentionality, and equity in casting and storytelling. Authentic representation means more than casting a performer who looks like the character; it means involving the communities being portrayed not just in front of the camera, but in the decisions that shape these stories from their inception. Our stories deserve to be shaped with the input, guidance, and leadership of Latino creators, consultants, writers, and performers at every stage.
We implore you to join us in concrete action:
Audition and hire more Latino actors for a diverse range of roles, including non-stereotypical leads
Hire Latino executives in your greenlighting rooms
Include Latino voices as consultants, writers, and producers from the earliest stages of development
Create and support pipelines: mentoring, scholarships, and opportunities that expand access all levels of the ecosystem
Novak Djokovic stuns reigning two-time champion Jannik Sinner to set up Australian Open final against Carlos Alcaraz.
Published On 30 Jan 202630 Jan 2026
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Novak Djokovic channelled his halcyon days in a five-set classic to dethrone Jannik Sinner and become the oldest man to reach the Australian Open final in the professional era at a rocking Rod Laver Arena.
Four months before his 39th birthday, Djokovic showed he remains unbeatable on his day as he sent the double defending champion packing with a 3-6 6-3 4-6 6-4 6-4 win in a 1:32am finish early on Saturday in Melbourne (14:32 GMT on Friday).
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“It feels surreal to be honest, playing over four hours,” Djokovic said on court.
“I was reminiscing in 2012 when I played Rafa [Nadal] in the final, that was six hours almost.
“The level of intensity and quality was high [against Sinner], and that was the only way to have a chance to win.
“He won the last five matches against me, he had my mobile number, so I had to change my number tonight.
“Jokes aside I said at the net: ‘Thanks for allowing me at least one’. Tremendous respect, an incredible player. He pushed me to the limit, so he deserves applause for his performance.”
Novak Djokovic of Serbia plays a forehand against Jannik Sinner of Italy [Quinn Rooney/Getty Images]
Djokovic will meet world number one Carlos Alcaraz in Sunday’s decider, the Spaniard having fought off Alexander Zverev in the longest Australian Open semifinal.
Eighteen years after his first Melbourne crown, Djokovic will strive for a record-extending 11th against Alcaraz and the unprecedented 25th Grand Slam title that has eluded him.
Djokovic needed incredible fortune to reach the semifinals, with his quarterfinal opponent, Lorenzo Musetti, retiring injured after taking the first two sets.
The Serb enjoyed a walkover in the fourth round as well, when Jakub Mensik pulled out.
But it was hard work and mental toughness that got Djokovic over the line against Sinner, a player who had beaten him in their previous five matches.
Jannik Sinner of Italy plays a forehand in the Men’s Singles semifinal at Melbourne Park[Phil Walter/Getty Images]
Victory came grudgingly.
He had to save a slew of break points in the decisive set before finally getting a look at Sinner’s serve at 3-3.
Flooring the Italian in three punishing rallies, the Serb broke him to lead 4-3, raised one fist and threw an icy stare at his player’s box.
Djokovic had to save another three break points in the next service game, but sent Serbian fans into delirium when he survived them all and held with an ace.
Serving for the match at 5-4, Djokovic summoned the grit and champion spirit of 20 years at the top, setting up two match points with a forehand winner down the line.
Sinner saved both, but finally fired a backhand wide to concede, leaving Djokovic to throw away his racket, get down on his knees and cross his chest.
After what was undoubtedly one of the greatest performances of his 20-year career, Djokovic thanked all who had stayed until late into the night to provide support – including Australian great Margaret Court, with whom he shares the overall Grand Slam record at 24.
A staggering success was founded in near-perfect ball striking in key moments, but defined by the remarkable resilience he showed to twice level the match against world number two Sinner, saving eight break points in the fifth set as he battled to victory after four hours and nine minutes.
Having looked physically fatigued as he conceded the third set, Djokovic appeared only to grow in strength and refused to fold under sustained pressure as another thrilling conclusion unfolded on Rod Laver Arena.
A 10-time winner in Melbourne, Djokovic produced a remarkable recovery from 0-40 down to move a game from victory after striking the first blow for a 4-3 lead, eventually ending Sinner’s resistance with a fourth match point to become the oldest man in the Open era to reach the Australian Open final.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz beat Germany’s Alexander Zverev over five hours but the latter is upset by officiating of injury.
Published On 30 Jan 202630 Jan 2026
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Alexander Zverev condemned officials for allowing Carlos Alcaraz a medical timeout for a leg problem after falling in an epic five-setter to the Spaniard in the Australian Open’s longest semifinal.
World number one Alcaraz was struggling to move at 4-4 in the third set on Friday and was allowed treatment on his right thigh at the change of ends, leaving the German incensed.
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While Alcaraz said post-match that he worried he may have strained an adductor muscle, Zverev was adamant the Spaniard’s problem was cramp, which is out of bounds for medical timeouts.
Alcaraz dropped the next two sets but was back running at full pelt in the fifth to close out an epic 6-4 7-6(5) 6-7(3) 6-7(4) 7-5 win in five hours and 27 minutes.
“Yeah, I mean, he was cramping, so normally you can’t take a medical timeout for cramping,” third seed Zverev said at his post-match news conference.
“What can I do? It’s not my decision. I didn’t like it, but it’s not my decision.”
On court, Zverev lashed out at a match supervisor in profanity-laden German as Alcaraz underwent treatment.
“I just said it was b******t, basically,” he said later of the exchange, noting that Alcaraz finished full of running.
“He took like an hour and a half off where he wasn’t moving almost at all.
“So again, maybe I should have used that better in a way. Maybe I should have won the games and won the sets a bit quicker. Then moving into the fifth, maybe he wouldn’t have had so much time to recover. But the fifth set, the way he was moving, was incredible again.”
Carlos Alcaraz, left, of Spain, and Alexander Zverev, right, of Germany, react after the former’s victory in the Men’s Singles semifinal [Clive Brunskill/Getty Images]
Alcaraz admits his body could be better ahead of Australian Open final
When asked whether he was injured, Alcaraz equivocated.
“Well, obviously I feel tired. You know, obviously my body could be better, to be honest, but I think that’s normal after five hours and a half.”
Runner-up to Jannik Sinner last year, Zverev was serving for the match at 5-4 in the fifth set of Friday’s semifinal but Alcaraz won the next three games to leave the German with another near-miss at the Grand Slams.
Still chasing an elusive first major title, Zverev said he had more regrets about dropping the second set than his surrender in the fifth.
“I was hanging on for dear life, to be honest. I was exhausted,” he said, rating the match as probably the toughest physically of his career.
“I think we both went to our absolute limits, so somewhat I’m also proud of myself, the way I was hanging on and came back from two sets to love.
“Of course it’s disappointing but this is the start of the year, so if I continue playing that way, if I continue training the way I train, if I continue working on the things that I’ve been working in the offseason, I do believe it’s going to be a good year for me.”
Carlos Alcaraz becomes the youngest man to reach all four slam finals and can now become youngest to win all four.
Carlos Alcaraz overcame cramps and injury to fend off Alexander Zverev in an epic, momentum-swinging five-setter to become the youngest man in the Open era to reach the finals of all four Grand Slam events.
At 22, he’s aiming to be the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam.
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He reached his first Australian Open final the hard way, winning 6-4, 7-6 (5), 6-7 (3), 6-7 (4), 7-5 in 5 hours, 27 minutes on Friday.
That’s despite being two points away in the third set from a semifinal victory in a tournament where he hadn’t dropped a set through five rounds.
He was behind in the fifth set after dropping the first game and didn’t break back until Zverev was serving for the match in the 10th.
Alcaraz will next face either two-time defending champion Jannik Sinner or 10-time Australian Open titlist Novak Djokovic, who is bidding for an unprecedented 25th Grand Slam singles title. The long afternoon match delayed the start of the night’s semifinal.
The top-ranked Alcaraz was leading by two sets and appeared to be in the kind of form that won him the US Open last year and has helped him evenly split the last eight majors with Sinner.
But in the ninth game of the third, he started limping and appeared to be struggling with an upper right leg problem. After holding for 5-4, he took a medical timeout in the changeover. It may have been cramp, but he rubbed the inside of his right thigh and called for the trainer, who also massaged the same area.
Zverev was demonstrably upset, talking with a tournament official, when his rival was given the three-minute break for treatment.
Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz receives medical attention during his semifinal match against Germany’s Alexander Zverev [Jaimi Joy/Reuters]
Even with his limited footwork, Alcaraz was able to hit winners and get to 6-5 before the trainer returned in the changeover to massage the area again.
When he went back out, the crowd gave him rousing support. Zverev served a double-fault to open the next game, and Alcaraz lobbed and then slapped a forehand winner down the line to get to 0-30. But Zverev won four straight points to force the tiebreaker and then win it.
No 3 Zverev, the 2025 runner-up, retained his composure despite Alcaraz’s obvious discomfort on the other side of the net, and the crowd on Rod Laver Arena firmly behind the Spaniard.
He was in front for the entire fourth set, but Alcaraz stayed with him, until Zverev again took charge in the tiebreaker. More than four hours had elapsed when the match went to a fifth set, the first five-setter on the centre court in the 2026 tournament.
Alcaraz dropped serve in the opening game of the fifth set but hung with Zverev, getting five breakpoint chances without being able to convert.
The drama lifted in the sixth game, when Alcaraz sprinted across court to track down a drop shot and slid at full pace for an angled forehand winner. The crowd went crazy.
Alcaraz finally converted the break when Zverev was serving for the match at 5-4 in the fifth set.
He held for 6-5 and converted his first match point when Zverev was serving to stay in the match.
SPANISH theme park PortAventura is home to the fastest rollercoaster in Europe – and it’s gearing up for two exciting additions.
PortAventura is not just a theme park, as it also has a huge waterpark, Caribe Aquatic Park, and Ferrari World.
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PortAventura is opening two new attractions in summer 2026Credit: AlamyThe first will be an outdoor adventure trail with rope ladders and tall walkways
It’s one of the most popular amusement parks in Europe and sees between three to five million visitors each year.
The first new addition will be inside the Polynesia area of PortAventura’s main park.
It will be a new outdoor adventure trail and visitors can explore the ‘heart of the jungle’ on its elevated walkways and rope bridges above the park.
The second will be inside Caribe Aquatic Park which is a 6,000 m² family area inspired by pirates called ‘Coral Bay The Lost Legend’.
The new zone will have a family water coaster, an adventure pool with a one-of-a-kind aquatic obstacle course.
It will also have new water slides and a new food and drink outlet.
Fernando Aldecoa, CEO of PortAventura World, commented: “At PortAventura World, we continue to evolve our offer to deliver increasingly memorable experiences.
“We listen closely to our guests, and the new attractions launching in 2026 reflect our commitment to surprising them and creating unique experiences for visitors of all ages.”
PortAventura is one of Europe‘s biggest theme parks with over 40 rides and attractions in its main park.
There are smaller rides the little ones like the carousel, bumper cars, and tea cups.
Or those who want more thrills, there’s roller coasters like Shambhala which is the park’s tallest hypercoaster at 249 feet.
The neighbouring waterpark, Caribe Aquatic Park, has waterfalls, huge pools, racing slides all surrounded by tropical plants and palm trees.
Caribe Aquatic Park will get a new family-friendly water coaster
Meanwhile, Ferrari Land has 16 attractions and games – all with a racing theme of course.
One of the most popular rides is Red Force in Ferrari Land – the record-breaking launch coaster that goes from 0 to 112 mph in five seconds.
Guests wanting to stay overnight can do in one of the 10 hotels which start from €67 (£58.10).
For Brits, it’s not hard to get to either as the park is just a couple of hours away on Spain’s Costa Daurada – an hour away from Barcelona.
The closest airport is Reus which is just a 14-minute drive from the theme park.
The park has closed for the season but will reopen on February 28, 2026 and on select days afterwards.
It will fully open every day of the week from March 30, 2026.
Tickets start from €50 (£43.35) for adults and €44 (£38.15) for children and seniors.
Hear what one writer got up to when she visited the Spanish theme park…
“The theme park is celebrating its 30th birthday this year but, judging from the spine-tingling ride I’d just been on, the park is far from slowing down. In fact, it is positively thirty and thriving.
“The park is not just bold, it’s also beautiful, with lush landscaping across the six themed lands of Mexico, Polynesia, China, Far West, Mediterranea and SesamoAventura, where we could recover from the adrenaline rush and soaring temperatures.”
A HUGE new food, drink and music venue is coming to Leeds – after success in another major city.
Freight Island has announced it’s opening a new site in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre and will welcome new food stalls and lots of entertainment.
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Freight Island will open in Trinity Leeds shopping centreCredit: Freight IslandPanoramic view of Leeds City Centre, showing the Victorian QuarterCredit: Alamy
The new venue is part of a £15million expansion at the Trinity Kitchen food court in the Trinity Leeds shopping centre.
It will be huge too as the space will more than double in size from 30,000 square feet to 63,000.
Inside will be street-style food stalls, independent bars, and live entertainment.
The plans also include a new outdoor terrace which will look over City Square.
Construction is set to start in late spring 2026 – and Trinity Kitchen will remain open throughout the entire time.
Dan Morris, Managing Director of Freight Island, said: “Trinity Kitchen is an iconic Leeds destination with a decade-long reputation for championing independent food traders and creating a genuinely social dining experience.”
He added: “Food will remain at the heart of the venue, with menus driven by independent chefs and operators, alongside a programme of DJs, sports, performances, cultural and family events, all with a strong focus on showcasing and supporting local Leeds talent.”
There are three other cities with Freight Islands already in the UK.
The first to open its doors was in Manchester – it opened in July 2020 as part of the Depot Mayfield development.
There are bars, restaurants, food trucks, shops and even a bike park.
There’s also a New York inspired-roller disco, and a karaoke spot called Queen Samantha’s where visitors can sing their hearts out.
Throughout the year it holds free entertainment too like screenings of the Six NationsBingo and Drink, Dance, Dine sessions.
The third Freight Island will open in Newcastle later this year
Freight Brixton has a tequila-led bar called Casa Amigos and another called Hotel Milano which is inspired by Northern Italy.
Aryna Sabalenka kept her cool to storm past Elina Svitolina and reach a fourth Australian Open final in a row.
World number one Sabalenka overcame fluctuations in form and a hindrance call against her in the fourth game of the match to thrash Svitolina 6-2 6-3.
Ukraine’s 12th seed Svitolina had beaten two top-10 players to reach the semi-finals but was no match for Sabalenka’s powerful hitting.
Sabalenka has yet to drop a set this year and is now on an 11-match winning streak.
She will face either Elena Rybakina or Jessica Pegula on Saturday as she bids for a fifth Grand Slam singles title and a third here.
The 27-year-old will also be searching for some redemption after last year’s final, when she felt she was “not brave enough” in a three-set loss to Madison Keys.
“I cannot believe that,” Sabalenka said of reaching another Melbourne final.
“It is an incredible achievement but the job is not done yet.”
Britain will also have two representatives in the semi-finals of the men’s doubles event.
Sixth seeds Neal Skupski and American Christian Harrison won 6-2 6-3 against Czech pair Petr Nouza and Patrik Rikl.
Luke Johnson and Polish partner Jan Zielinski were 7-6 (7-5) 6-2 winners over fourth seeds Marcelo Arevalo, of El Salvador, and Croatia’s Mate Pavic.
Skupski and Harrison will play third seeds Marcel Granollers of Spain and Argentina Horacio Zeballos for a final place, with Johnson and Zielinski taking on Australian wildcards Jason Kubler and Marc Polmans in the other half of the draw.
Andy Lapthorne and Gregory Slade were beaten in their respective quad singles first-round matches.
Lapthorne lost 6-4 7-5 to Turkish fourth seed Ahmet Kaplan, while Slade was beaten 6-1 6-3 by Brazilian qualifier Leandro Pena.
However, Lapthorne progressed to the quad doubles semi-finals alongside Australian Heath Davidson, achieving a 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 win against Chile’s Francisco Cayulef and Argentine Gonzalo Enrique Lazarte.
Iga Swiatek’s bid to complete the career Grand Slam at this year’s Australian Open was ended by Kazakh fifth seed Elena Rybakina in the quarter-finals.
Reigning Wimbledon champion Swiatek lost 7-5 6-1 as Rybakina used her power to devastating effect.
Swiatek, 24, can already be ranked among the greats, having won six major titles across all three different surfaces.
Mastering the Wimbledon grass last year – a surface considered her weakest – opened the door to attempting in Melbourne to become only the sixth woman in the Open era to win all four Grand Slam events.
Before the tournament, Swiatek acknowledged the achievement would be a “dream come true” but insisted she was blocking out the outside noise about what was at stake.
On the evidence of what she had showed over the opening four rounds, it never truly felt that she would complete the clean sweep this year.
Swiatek’s service game had not been solid, while the quicker courts at Melbourne Park have historically led to problems against aggressive opponents.
That always promised to be a bad combination against 2022 Wimbledon champion Rybakina, who ruthlessly took advantage in Wednesday’s contest.
Rybakina, 26, could not find rhythm with her serve in a first set which started with the pair exchanging breaks.
A low first-serve percentage of 41% was uncharacteristic, but she had enough pace and aggression in her groundstrokes to rush Swiatek.
That was demonstrated in the crucial 12th game. Rybakina fought back from 0-30 with deep returning – drawing loose sprays from Swiatek – and explosive winners to take the opener.
Momentum stayed with Rybakina as she immediately took control of the second set.
In perfect 22C sunny conditions following Tuesday’s heatwave, her groundstrokes continued to fly through the court and Swiatek was unable to solve the problem facing her.
