UK

The esteemed manager of Liverpool , Jurgen Klopp, has declared his intention to step down from his role at the conclusion of the current season, citing a depletion of energy as the primary factor. The 56-year-old, who took the helm in October 2015 with a contract initially set to extend until 2026, has been instrumental in Liverpool’s recent successes. Klopp secured the Champions League in 2019 and led Liverpool to their first league title in 30 years during the 2019-20 season. Despite the club’s current position at the top of the Premier League, Klopp revealed that he informed the club of his decision in November. Expressing his deep affection for every aspect of the club, the city, the supporters, the team, and the staff, Klopp emphasized that the decision, though undoubtedly surprising to many, is rooted in his realization that he is running low on the necessary energy to continue in his role. Klopp’s love for Liverpool remains unwavering, yet he is convinced that stepping down is the right and necessary course.

In a stunning upset at the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic experienced his first defeat since 2018, yielding to Italian fourth seed Jannik Sinner, who secured a spot in his inaugural Grand Slam final. Djokovic, the 36-year-old Serbian, succumbed 6-1 6-2 6-7 (6-8) 6-3, with Sinner rebounding after missing a match point in the tie-break.

This loss dashes Djokovic’s aspirations for an unprecedented 11th title and a 25th major, which would have placed him ahead of Margaret Court. Sinner, a 22-year-old Italian, now advances to face Daniil Medvedev in the final. Medvedev, the Russian third seed, staged a remarkable comeback against Alexander Zverev, winning 5-7 3-6 7-6 (7-4) 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 in a marathon second semi-final that concluded at 00:06 local time.

Sinner’s triumph not only ends Djokovic’s remarkable 33-match winning streak in Melbourne but also guarantees a new name on the Australian Open men’s singles trophy. Djokovic’s last defeat in Melbourne dated back six years to a loss against South Korea’s Chung Hyeon in the fourth round.

Reflecting on his historic achievement, Sinner expressed the challenges of the match and sensed Djokovic’s struggle, stating, “It was very, very tough. I felt like [Djokovic] wasn’t feeling that great so I kept pushing. I just tried to be ready for the fourth set, which I started off really, really well.”