RECORD SEASON DONE: NOVAK DJOKOVIC RETREATS TO AMANYARA'S SANCTUARY
After a historic 2025 season, Novak Djokovic is recharging at the exclusive Amanyara resort in Turks and Caicos. The tennis legend is enjoying a wellness-focused break as the Global Ambassador for the Aman brand.
After another historic season, Novak Djokovic has escaped to a distant paradise. The 38-year-old tennis star chose Amanyara, an exclusive resort in Turks and Caicos known for its beautiful nature and privacy.
Djokovic picked this retreat to recharge after a season where he pushed the limits of what's possible in tennis.
In 2025, he won two ATP titles, passing 100 ATP trophies and finishing the season in the top four despite his age and physical condition.
Now, he is ready for a rest before the next season. Amanyara, located on the shores of an 18,000-acre nature reserve, offers balance, calm, and wellness.
Its tropical pavilions, half-mile of white sand, and turquoise waters give him what he needs for his off-season reset.
Djokovic's connection with the resort is more than just a vacation. In 2024, the 24-time Grand Slam champion became a global ambassador and wellness advisor for Aman.
This started a long-term partnership that fits with his fitness and mental wellness approach. He now shares his knowledge with the brand's guest experience.
This week, the eight-time year-end number one player is enjoying the quiet side of the partnership—downtime from competition and the ATP schedule.
Even though he chooses his schedule and only enters events when ready to compete, Djokovic still needs to rest after the challenges of the year, especially with issues in his right shoulder.
He reached all four major semi-finals. He also competed in the Miami Open final and won two ATP 250 titles in Geneva and Athens.
His most recent title in Greece was special, as he won it in front of friends and family. After adding to his greatness, Djokovic gets to relax and prepare for the 2026 season.
He chose a suitable resort, and while he enjoys the calm of Turks and Caicos, we know that rest only makes him stronger.
WHY ARYNA SABALENKA’S CLINICAL DEMOLITION OF MUCHOVA MAKES HER THE MELBOURNE FAVORITE
Aryna Sabalenka beats Muchova to reach her third straight Brisbane final. She faces giant-killer Marta Kostyuk for the 2026 title.
Aryna Sabalenka powered past Karolina Muchova in straight sets on Saturday, booking her spot in the Brisbane International final for the third year in a row—just a week out from the Australian Open.
Sabalenka looked sharp. Muchova, who’s had the upper hand in their last three matches and actually holds a winning record against the world number one, came in as a real threat. But Sabalenka didn’t care about history. She broke Muchova once in each set, kept her foot on the gas, and closed out the semifinal 6-3, 6-4 in 89 minutes. Now, she’ll face Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in Sunday’s final.
On the men’s side, Daniil Medvedev, the former world number one, gets unseeded American Brandon Nakashima in the final.
“I’ve struggled against her before,” Sabalenka said about Muchova. “But today, I stayed focused from the start, played some great tennis, put her under pressure, and I’m happy to get it done in straight sets.”
The 27-year-old from Belarus feels her game is clicking more with every match in Brisbane—she hasn’t dropped a set yet. With seven of the world’s top ten in the draw, she says this is perfect prep for Melbourne, where the Australian Open starts January 18. Sabalenka’s eyeing her third Australian Open title in four years.
“Honestly, compared to my first match here, I can feel my level going up,” she said. “That’s huge before Melbourne. It’s about building form, playing tough matches, and getting ready for what’s next. I’m really happy with how it’s going and can’t wait for the final.”
Kostyuk, ranked 26th, absolutely steamrolled world number six Jessica Pegula, 6-0, 6-3, in just 55 minutes—a masterclass in power and aggression. That’s three top-ten wins in a row for her. Before Pegula, she took out world number three Amanda Anisimova in the third round, then ninth-ranked Mirra Andreeva in the quarters.
“Today was just one of those days where everything goes right,” Kostyuk said, grinning. “Honestly, I haven’t had many matches like this, especially against top-10 players. It’s a huge bonus, especially in these tough Brisbane conditions—hot and humid.”
Kostyuk has never beaten Sabalenka in four tries, but she’s not feeling the pressure.
“All the pressure’s on her. I just want to go out, play well, and give the crowd a good show,” she said. “I’ve got nothing to lose.”
In the men’s semifinals, Medvedev beat American Alex Michelsen 6-4, 6-2, and Nakashima knocked out another American, Aleksandar Kovacevic, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4.
FOUR IN A ROW? THE RECORD-BREAKING STAT COCO GAUFF JUST SET AGAINST IGA SWIATEK
Coco Gauff dominates Iga Swiatek at the United Cup. Poland advances to the final as Swiatek opts for private Australian Open prep.
Coco Gauff handed Iga Swiatek a tough loss in the United Cup semi-final, stopping Swiatek’s unbeaten run at the tournament. Gauff took control early and never really let go, winning 6-4, 6-2. That win kept the United States alive after Taylor Fritz lost to Hubert Hurkacz in the first match.
Swiatek hadn’t dropped a singles match at the United Cup before running into Gauff, who now has Swiatek’s number—four straight wins. After the match, Swiatek went online to share how she felt about her first loss of the season.
Even with Swiatek losing, Poland still clinched a spot in the final thanks to Katarzyna Kawa and Jan Zieliński, who beat Gauff and Christian Harrison in doubles. Next up for Poland: a showdown with Switzerland. Swiatek is set to face Belinda Bencic in singles.
On Instagram, Swiatek admitted the loss stung but tried to keep things positive. “Challenging day for me today, but some important lessons to be learned. I’m super grateful for my team and their passion,” she wrote. She also praised her teammates for fighting through and getting Poland to the final: “What a fight tonight! See you in the final tomorrow with another chance.”
Before Gauff stopped her, Swiatek had beaten Eva Lys, Maya Jantchou, and Suzan Lamens in singles at the United Cup.
So, what’s next for Swiatek before the Australian Open? There’s a week between the United Cup and the start of the tournament, but she’s not playing any warm-up events. While other top players are heading to Adelaide or Hobart, Swiatek has decided to train in private instead.
She’s made it clear before that she isn’t a fan of the crowded WTA schedule and doesn’t mind taking a sanction if it means skipping some tournaments. So, it’s not really shocking she’s sitting out before Melbourne.
Historically, the Australian Open hasn’t been her best Grand Slam—she’s never won it, and her deepest run was the semi-finals. The last time she got that far, Madison Keys knocked her out before going on to win the whole thing in 2025. Now, Swiatek’s looking for another shot at the title that’s eluded her.