Sydney officials are sweating on the severity of champion midfielder Josh Kennedy’s potentially season-ending hamstring strain suffered in the VFL on Sunday morning.
Kennedy hurt his left hamstring lunging towards North Melbourne’s Tarryn Thomas as the Kangaroo burst out of the center in the second quarter at Arden Street Oval.
The Swans are referring to the 34-year-old’s setback as a strain but remain unsure of how serious it is. He won 10 disposals before limping from the field.
Kennedy’s injury coincided with Kangaroos star Ben Cunnington playing his first game in 379 days since being diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Cunnington, who won the first center clearance of the match, finished with 18 disposals and three tackles before calling it a day at three-quarter time.
Kennedy’s hopes of forcing his way back into the Swans’ senior side for finals now hang by a thread.
He was Sydney’s medical substitute last week but has otherwise played at second-tier level for the past month since missing eight weeks recovering from a serious right hamstring tendon injury against Carlton in May.
Swans coach John Longmire has consistently praised Kennedy’s attitude and leadership this season while he adjusts to going from an all-time club great to being a fringe member of the squad.
Kennedy is yet to indicate publicly whether he plans to continue into a 17th AFL season next year that would give him the chance to bring up his 300-game milestone.
The former co-captain has appeared only 11 times at senior level this season, which would be the lowest in his 13 seasons in Sydney after crossing from Hawthorn.
Kennedy’s honor roll includes playing in the Swans’ 2012 premiership, winning three Bob Skilton Medals as the club’s best and fairest and being a triple All-Australian.
He has won the most contested possessions (4006) of any AFL footballer since the statistic was recorded.
When Michael Hooper withdrew less than 48 hours before the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship opener in Argentina, it shocked the world.
An outpouring of support was issued across the globe from Will Carling to Karmichael Hunt, as it was revealed that Hooper’s “mindset” was not right and he would miss the Test and fly home.
Yet for those closer to the situation, it was not as surprising.
RECAP: Wallabies’ stunning, bonus-point victory as Quade ruled out for the year
Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43
Hooper has been pushed to the point of breaking for some time, with few others afforded time in the saddle in his position despite the emergence of talented players like Fraser McReight.
Instead, with precious victories and coaching living by results, the Wallabies – and Super Rugby franchises, perhaps with the exception of the Brumbies and recently the Waratahs – have rolled out their premier players for fear of failure.
A talismanic leader, Hooper had not only been holding the Wallabies together on and off the field for years, he had been putting his head in few places dare go.
The second youngest Wallabies captain of all time, Hooper was the youngest player of all time to play 100 Tests.
Last year, he surpassed George Gregan’s (59) record of Tests captained last year, and he is just 18 shy of the 1999 World Cup-winner’s national record of 139.
Michael Hooper withdrew less than 48 hours before the Wallabies’ Rugby Championship opener. (Photo by May Bailey/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
All this at the tender age of 30, where he has been handed the captaincy by the past three Wallabies coaches after first being capped by another, Robbie Deans, in 2012.
At some point, age, or at least the sheer minutes he had spent on the playing field, he was going to catch up with him.
Of Hooper’s 121 Tests, he has started in 115 of them and gone the full distance in 95 of those Tests. He has missed just 11 Tests, including the weekend’s 41-26 victory over Michael Cheika’s Argentina, since his debut against Scotland off the bench in Newcastle.
By comparison, Richie McCaw, who started in 141 of his 148 Tests, missed 37 Tests during his decorated career.
Interestingly, in the four years before he retired following the World Cup final in 2015, McCaw started 44 of 45 Tests during the period but only played the full 80 minutes in 33 of those Tests.
But, as age, his durability and the weight of captaining the All Blacks for so many years caught up to him, he missed nine Tests during that golden period.
New Zealand Rugby also afforded him a sabbatical in late 2012 and saw him make his comeback in mid-2013. He didn’t play, but rather cooled his heels.
In May, Hooper laughed off suggestions he could make it through to the home World Cup in 2027 by saying he was more likely to be having a “beer” in the stands at that point.
Fans FALL as Leichhardt stand collapses | 00:22
But it’s not just the home World Cup that feels like an eternity away for Hooper, it’s the 2025 British and Irish Lions series and, indeed, next year’s World Cup too.
It’s believed after years bouncing back up on a Sunday, the heavy knocks are starting to take their toll.
Recently, Hooper played in Brisbane against England despite being struck down by the flu during the week.
When he copped an early hit after being bounced by Ellis Genge, there was an element of concern around whether he had taken another head knock.
A week later, with the Wallabies’ injury toll stretching to double figures, he backed up for the series decider despite having a crook back.
Earlier in the year, Hooper copped a high tackle from a replacement Crusaders forward, which drew a red card, and he spent two weeks on the sidelines.
Privately the Waratahs and Australian officials were filthy because the culprit, Hamish Dalzell, had also been penalized for a high shot moments earlier that didn’t earn any further punishment.
Concussion is something Hooper is particularly cognizant of.
It’s also understood the Wallabies are being belted on the training field.
It is unclear when Hooper will next play. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
Numerous sources, including at Rugby Australia, have also raised questions about the strength and conditioning methods being used under Dean Benton.
Questions have arisen after a number of players have suffered injuries at training in recent months.
There is a belief that the current group needs to be whipped into shape because they are not up to Test match standards.
For now Hooper, who arrived back in Australia on Sunday, is expected to rest and spend time with his family.
No timeframe has been given when the No.7 will next play.
Sources believe he will miss the home Tests against the Springboks.
Fortunately the Wallabies have discovered they can play without Hooper and succeed.
But they might have learned too that humans are not machines.
Dave Rennie’s team is full of character. That much is certain.
The Wallabies have once again won a Test they had every right not to.
After losing their best back Samu Kerevi, they lost their consistent hooker Dave Porecki throughout the week and their talismanic captain Michael Hooper 24 hours out from kick off.
Then, compounding the issues, they lost their quarterback and most experienced back Quade Cooper, who was forced off and might not play for the Wallabies again. This was a devastating blow, and his loss from him could be felt hardest next year if, indeed, the extraordinary playmaker does not recover in time to play at his third World Cup.
Making their 41-26 come-from-behind victory all the more extraordinary was that they trailed 19-10 at half-time and 26-17 midway through the second half.
Yet on the back of a fabulous second half, where the Wallabies went back to basics and did a number of Argentina’s set-piece, particularly at the maul (well done Dan McKellar), but the Wallabies won and earned a bonus point with the last play of the game.
Players like Jed Holloway and Fraser McReight, who were quiet in the first-half and gave penalties away too, had second halves to remember as they played their role in doing it for ‘Hoops’.
Here are our player ratings from the 15-point win, which saw the Wallabies move to the top of The Rugby Championship standings.
READ MORE
Quade’s RWC dream in doubt after devastating injury blow leaves No.10 jersey wide open
Wallabies’ stunning, bonus-point victory comes at a giant cost as Quade ruled out for the year
The Wallabies celebrate after defeating Argentina in Mendoza. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Tom Wright- 8
There’s something beautiful about watching Wright play in the outside backs. He’s such a gifted runner and playmaker that he looks like he could do something with every touch of the ball.
Importantly the mistakes have largely been cut out and the Brumbies back should be named in the No.15 jersey again after an excellent first start in the role.
Wright’s running play was again a feature and was first on display at the 24th minute.
Later, in the 43rd minute, he combined spectacularly with Cooper from a quick lineout, dummied, ran and sent Jordan Petaia away and got the ball back before slinging it back in the field where Holloway almost scored.
His clearing kick in the 55th minute, however, was something to learn from. Kicking has to be done with purpose and rather than see the man open and unmarked in the middle of the field, Wright under pressure smashed it down field and Argentina countered and scored. It was excellent running rugby, but Wright was gassed on the other side of the field as his efforts were in vain.
Regardless, this was a good first-up showing from the new fullback.
Jordan Petaia – 7
Did little wrong, but was a little quiet – in large part because of the new, clunky combinations at 9-10-12.
But Petaia scored after running a good line off Cooper.
His slips catch, break and kick to a barnstorming Nick Frost in the 84th minute also set-up the Wallabies’ bonus point fifth try.
Physically Petaia stood up to the test, too.
Len Ikitau – 6.5
Strong on either side of the ball, Ikitau showed up in lights when he scored.
But before then he had a couple of good runs, including a flick out the back door to the ever-impressive Rob Valetini, and defensively was strong.
Wallabies bag late, late bonus point try | 00:43
Hunter Paisami – 7
In the absence of Kerevi, Paisami had a reasonable showing.
The chunkiness of the backline at times became from the new combinations, as well as the change from Cooper to Reece Hodge.
But Paisami regularly challenged the line, including his last second linebreak and pinpoint pass to Ikitau to score.
Earlier, in the sixth minute, he overtracked in defense when Pablo Matera scored but that was because his forwards had left a gaping hole around the ruck near their own goal line/A couple of good show and goes late in the second half.
Marika Koroibete – 6.5
Busy as always and showing a good awareness of the laws of the game (clear release and go), Koroibete hardly put a foot wrong against Argentina.
He did, however, get pinged for an extra roll in the 30th minute, but that was likely in an attempt to buy some more time for his teammates after Wright’s inside ball.
Quade Cooper suffered a devastating injury against Argentina in his comeback match. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Quad Cooper – 6.5
Forced off in the 48th minute due to a severe Achilles injury, Cooper’s season is over in the most devastating circumstances.
There was the good: his beautiful ball to Petaia to score, the linebreak through the middle and the twinkle feet.
There was the bad: the offload in contact in the opening minute after Nic White’s box kick was charged down.
But there was also voice, direction and purpose in what was his first game in months.
Cooper showed some physicality in defense too, while he was pinged at the breakdown once, but he was engaged and ever present.
Nick White – 6.5
Charged down in the opening minute, it looked like it could be a long day early for the Wallabies.
White’s kicking game was a feature and twice the halfback managed to get incredible angle from his clearing kicks past halfway.
Rob Valetini – 9
The engine behind the Wallabies’ win, Valetini was everywhere.
Valetini was strong carrying and regularly powered the Wallabies over the advantage line.
It started from the outset too, with storming runs in the eighth minute, which allowed Cooper to slot an early three points.
Some poor hands in the 25th minute hurt, but otherwise Valetini was the Wallabies’ best ball-runner.
Australia’s Rob Valetini (C) was one of the Wallabies’ best. Photo: AFPSource: AFP
Fraser McReight – 7.5
Stepping in at the last moment for Hooper, McReight showed how capable he is in his first Test start.
After a frustrating first-half, which included not being passed the ball after Cooper’s linebreak and was pinged at the breakdown for side entry, McReight had a second half to remember.
He scored a try from a lineout move and regularly got his hands on the ball, too. Physicality McReight stood up.
From a balance perspective, McReight seemed to compliment Valetini and Jed Holloway very well.
Jed Holloway – 6
By his own admission, Holloway had an unfortunate first half but got better as the game went on.
He was pinged a couple of times for penalties – jumping across the lineout in the fifth minute, hick tackle in 36rd and landing on the lifter in the 40th – even though the latter was unfortunate and he won the ball.
But Holloway’s second half was excellent and included some incredible hands on the deck, dragging McReight over the try line and some physicality in defense too.
Matt Philip – 6.5
A strong lineout steal in the 31st minute, Philip’s lineout work was strong.
His missed tackle on Marcos Kremer in the 51st minute came back not to haunt him fortunately, as the Pumas No.10 dropped it cold with the line in sight.
Darcy Swain and Fraser McReight had days to remember at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Darcy Swain – 9.5
The Wallaby’s best game.
Swain was brilliant at the lineout, in the maul, in contact, and even allowed space to open up for Cooper to run into.
The returning lock even got on the ball in the 17th minute to win a breakdown penalty.
Allan Alaalatoa – 6
Penalized once again the scrum for walking the scrum around
Alaalatoa managed some grunt and put the foundations in place for Tupou to then explode into.
Folau Fainga’a enjoyed his best performance in the Wallabies jersey. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
Folau Fainga’a – 9
The Force-bound hooker doesn’t always get a rap for his lineout work, but Fainga’a’s throw was excellent all day and his attention to detail was evident.
The Wallabies’ lineout was a weapon and Fainga’a was at the epicenter of it, scoring a try, contributing to a penalty try and another to McReight.
James Slipper – 7.5
The Wallabies captain didn’t necessarily take the game by storm, but he gets another point for his leadership and ability to keep the squad focused following Hooper’s late withdrawal.
The scrum largely operated well with him on, while defensively he was strong.
Slipper’s decision making on when to take the points and when to go to the lineout also paid off.
James Slipper receives The Puma Trophy after winning The Rugby Championship against the Argentina Pumas at Estadio Malvinas Argentinas on August 06, 2022 in Mendoza. Photo: Getty ImagesSource: Getty Images
BOOK
Lachlan Lonergan – N/A
Came on late in the 72nd minute, Lonergan was busy and did little wrong.
Matt Gibbon – N/A
On debut, Gibbon replaced Slipper at the death.
He was pinged for in the 75th minute at the scrum.
Taniela Tupou – 7.5
A couple of brilliant runs in defense and some great scrummaging, Tupou had a massive influence on the game after coming after 53 minutes.
Nick Frost – 6.5
A real player for the future What about the pace to reel in Petaia’s kick in the 85th minute?
Rob Leota – N/A
Another to come on late. Leota had a strong carry.
Pete Samu – 6
Played his part in the second half as the Wallabies made the most of their momentum.
Jake Gordon – N/A
Gordon came on in the final 10 minutes but got away with a flat ball to Paisami, who sent Ikitau in.
Reece Hodge – 7.5
Kicked his goals, was composed with and without the ball. Job done.
But did the forward pass to Koroibete in the 67th minute show his playmaker shortcomings? His body shape of him was interesting to observe.
Either way, Hodge once again showed how important he is to the Wallabies squad.
Fox Footy pundits have called for those at the Adelaide Football Club responsible for the infamous 2018 pre-season camp to take accountability for the wrongdoings, saying the “cover-up is the issue” and the misuse of players’ personal information is “harrowing. ”
Shocking new details of the pre-season camp emerged this week in Eddie Betts’ recently released biography, while fellow former Crows Josh Jenkins and Bryce Gibbs also spoke out on their distressing experiences.
While Crows CEO Tim Silvers, who wasn’t at Adelaide in 2018, apologized to Betts, five-time All-Australian Nick Riewoldt believes current club bosses shouldn’t necessarily wear the brunt of the criticism given many weren’t at West Lakes at the time.
Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Jenkins full statement on infamous camp | 15:39
“I don’t know if it’s necessarily about punishing the Adelaide Crows. Because a lot of the people who were at the Adelaide Crows at the time have moved on. So is it fair to punish the Crows?” I have posed.
“I think the responsible people need to put their hand up and actually show some accountability. There were people saying in the aftermath, ‘we laugh at the some of the things we hear about the noise around the camp.’ Well it clearly wasn’t a laughing matter, it was a really, really serious matter.
“Those that were responsible for the investigation and actions need to be held accountable.
“I think actually putting your hand up and being on record and explaining why and how. And why the cover up? Why has it taken four years for this to happen and reach the point that it is.”
Collingwood legend Nathan Buckley agreed that concealing the details of what happened is most damning and concerned players were pressured into staying silent.
“The cover-up is the issue, because I’ve got no doubt the leadership of the Adelaide Football Club didn’t think they were going to undermine the fabric of the organisation,” he said.
“When you hear the anecdotes of the players and the way that information was used, it’s harrowing.
“It seemed to me the way the exit was planned, saying, ‘this is how you should talk about this,’ that there was an element of keeping that in the same little (group).
“Collective Minds, who were the outside facilitators, they’ve been quite litigious with this. They’ve slapped, rigged and tried to quiet this down. I’ve got no doubt it’s been very difficult for the Adelaide Football Club to be fully transparent in some ways, because of the litigious nature of the third party, and that makes it pretty tough for them.”
“Our game betrayed him” Robbo on Betts | 01:02
Triple-premiership winning Lion Jonathan Brown says it highlights the risks of bringing “outside facilitators” into a footy club.
“At the end of the day if that’s the player’s experience and that’s the way they perceived what happened, you have to take those things on face value,” the ex-Brisbane skipper said.
“It’s a great lesson, you need to get on the front foot and you need to apologize and own up to your mistakes, because people make mistakes all the time.
“I’m not sure about outside facilitators, you’ve got to be careful you bring outside facilitators into your football club. You’ve certainly got to check their CV and make sure what their reputation is and experience, because that was a bad decision for the club to bring them in.”
The AFLPA (Players Association) this week indicated it would effectively reopen its investigation into the pre-season event and contact all players for a “better understanding” of what occurred, saying it would’ve taken more immediate action had it known all the information from the outlet.
However Riewoldt questioned why the players union didn’t probe the incident more thoroughly four years ago.
“Why wasn’t it investigated properly? The people who represent the players — the Players Association — why didn’t they fight the fight properly for the players back then?” I have posed.
“Aren’t we resilient enough?” | 02:00
“They’re all questions that need answering… a lot of people have let them (the players) down. But if the Players Association don’t exist to fight for the players in situations like this to protect the players then what do they exist for?”
Former Adelaide coach and current Swans assistant Don Pyke also apologized for the 2018 pre-season camp amid growing scrutiny for his role in it.
Pyke departed the Crows at the end of 2019 and has been linked to several coaching vacancies amid praise for his impact at the Swans, admitting the idea of being a senior boss again was enticing.
Asked if it hurts his future coaching aspirations, Brown said: “It does at the moment, whether it does in years down the track.”
Buckley agreed that “in some ways it does” affect Pyke’s chances in the short term, but pointed out that other coaches have previously pushed the boundaries with programs.
“You think back to legendary coaches of the past, I reckon if you got the worst things they’d done… there’s probably been some pretty average things players have been exposed to in the view of building resilience and being tougher and drawing the group together,” he said.
The Bulldogs lodged the quickest captain’s challenge in NRL history and earned a dream start against the Cowboys.
That led to the first try in the opening set of the game and Matt Burton crossed for the Dogs’ second.
But the Cowboys hit back just before the break with quick-fire tries to Griffin Neame and Chad Townsend to make 10-10 at halftime.
MATCH CENTER: Bulldogs v Cowboys, stats, teams, videos
North Queensland kicked off the match and the touch judge ruled it to bounce out, but Braidon Burns said he got a hand to it with his foot planted out.
The Dogs challenged and replays proved Burns correct, giving Canterbury a penalty on halfway which led to the first try.
Burton put through a grubber and Peta Hiku hesitated just long enough for Josh Addo-Carr to swoop through and score in the third minute.
Burton then turned scorer when he proved too strong from close range off the back off a scrum move in the 18th minute.
The Cowboys were finally rewarded for their sustained pressure when forward Griffin Neame barged over from close range in the 31st minute.
North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend made it two tries in three minutes when he put his head down and burrowed over in the corner.
34TH MINUTE
North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend put his head down and burrowed his way over in the corner.
31ST MINUTES
The Cowboys were finally rewarded for their sustained pressure when forward Griffin Neame barged over from close range.
18TH MINUTE
Bulldogs five-eighth Matt Burton proved too strong from close range to finish off the back off a scrum move.
3RD MINUTE
Matt Burton put through a grubber and Peta Hiku hesitated just long enough for Josh Addo-Carr to swoop through and score.
“Hiku thought the fullback Scott Drinkwater was going to come in and attack the ball and the Foxx is right there on the sport,” Steve Roach said on Fox League.
FOLLOW THE ACTION IN THE BLOG BELOW. CAN’T SEE IT? CLICK HERE.
MATCH PREVIEW
The Bulldogs have brought Raymond Faitala-Mariner into their starting side at lock to face the Cowboys, with Tevita Pangai Junior moving to the bench.
Canterbury look like a new side under Mick Potter and the Dogs are chasing a third straight win in what would be their biggest scalp of the season.
North Queensland have won six of their past seven and are looking to solidify a second spot on the ladder.
The Cowboys are 1-17 on side coach Todd Payten named on Tuesday.
Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow takes Kyle Feldt’s place after it was confirmed he would miss two games with a hamstring injury. Jake Granville slots onto the bench.
The F1’s silly season has well and truly arrived, with the retirement of Sebastian Vettel last week sparking mid-season musical chairs as Fernando Alonso signed with Aston Martin.
Now widespread reports suggest McLaren will snap up rising Australian star Oscar Piastri, leaving fellow countryman Daniel Ricciardo without a seat for next year.
It leaves Alpine on the lookout for a driver to replace Alonso and Ricciardo shaped as the most logical option, having previously worked together when the team was called Renault.
Lamonato: Likely to see Piastri in F1 | 06:01
But there could be a twist which opens up another alternative for Alphine, should they opt to go in a different direction.
A report back in June from RacingNews365claimed that AlphaTauri’s Pierre Gasly has a clause in his contract that would allow him to join a rival team in 2023 — with one condition.
That is that the team is placed higher than AlphaTauri on the standings and Alpine, currently sitting in fourth in the constructors’ championship, would fit that bill.
Now that report has been shared around again given it takes on even more relevance with Alonso’s shock exit.
Gasly’s path back to Red Bull is seemingly blocked after Sergio Perez re-signed until at least the end of 2024 and the Frenchman had been linked to McLaren earlier in the year.
But with Piastri seemingly on his way to McLaren, there would be an opportunity at Alpine should that be of interest to both parties.
MORE F1 NEWS
2023 GRID: How surprise twist could keep Ricciardo’s career alive after Piastri shock
‘DONE DIRTY’: F1 world stunned as ‘brutal’ Ricciardo sacking looms
AlphaTauri’s French driver Pierre Gasly could hold the key. (Photo by Jure Makovec / AFP)Source: AFP
Speaking back in June, Gasly said he was in “ongoing conversations” with Red Bull’s motorsport advisor Helmut Marko about his future.
“Well, at the moment, it is not a question of looking outside [Red Bull] or looking anywhere,” Gasly told media, per RacingNews365.com.
“I think my contract situation is pretty clear with Red Bull.
“It’s just ongoing conversation with Helmut and the management to know what’s best for all of us. But, as I said, it’s been very logical that they signed Sergio.
“He’s been competitive since the start of the year, so yeah, no surprise on that side. Obviously, it impacts what’s going to happen for my career in the coming years and, based on that, we just need to have normal conversation on what’s best going forward.”
Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios, seeking his first title in three years, advanced to the men’s final at the ATP and WTA Washington Open with a tight victory over Sweden’s Mikael Ymer.
Australia’s 63rd-ranked Kyrgios edged 115th-ranked Ymer 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 and will play for the crown Sunday against the later winner between top seed Andrey Rublev and Japan’s 96th-ranked Yoshihito Nishioka.
Kyrgios, who won the most recent of his six ATP titles at Washington in 2019, has a 2-1 career mark against Rublev and a 3-0 record against Nishioka.
Watch Tennis Live with beIN SPORTS on Kayo. Live Coverage of ATP + WTA Tour Tournaments including Every Finals Match. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Nick Kyrgios celebrates victory. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)Source: Getty Images
“I didn’t get to sleep until 4.50am, I just had so much adrenaline after (the Tiafoe win),” Kyrgios said.
“I got some treatment and my body was just so sore after last night. It was an epic battle.
“I didn’t really do much today but I felt like my energy was a little flat early on today and it’s understandable, I’m only human.
“My adrenaline for the final is going to be right there and I’m super excited for it. I’ve got doubles tonight, work on my returns a little bit. I returned pretty poorly tonight I’m not going to lie, so hopefully I can turn it up a little tonight.”
Kyrgios then backed it up to book a spot in the final doubles shortly after alongside American Jack Sock, making it two victories in the space of around five hours.
Estonia’s Kaia Kanepi, trying to end a nine-year WTA title drought at age 37, and 60th-ranked Liudmila Samsonova will meet in the women’s final at the US Open tuneup.
World number 37 Kanepi eliminated Australia’s Daria Saville 6-3, 6-1 in 73 minutes while Samsonova routed China’s Wang Xiyu 6-1, 6-1 in 67 minutes.
Kyrgios won the last three points in the first-set tiebreaker, Ymer sending a forehand long to end an intense rally before Kyrgios added a service winner and overhead smash.
Ymer, who lost his only ATP final last August in Winston-Salem, botched a forehand volley in the third game of the second set to miss a chance to grab a break point.
Kyrgios earned the first break points of the match in the eighth game and took advantage on his third chance with a passing forehand winner to break for a 5-3 edge, then held to claim the match after 94 minutes on his 10th ace.
The Aussie fired 28 winners with only 15 unforced errors and dropped only four points on his second serve.
Nick Kyrgios returns a shot. Patrick Smith/Getty Images/AFPSource: AFP
Rublev seeks his 12th career crown and fourth title of the season after Marseille, Dubai and Belgrade, hoping to match Spaniards Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz for the most ATP trophies this year.
Nishioka, in his first ATP semi-final since 2020 at Delray Beach, won his only ATP title in 2018 at Shenzhen.
Nishioka and Rublev split two prior meetings, Nishioka winning at Sydney in 2019 and Rublev at last year’s ATP Cup.
Kanepi seeks her fifth career WTA title but her first since the 2013 Brussels Open. She won her only WTA hardcourt title at Brisbane in 2012.
Into her first WTA final since a 2021 Australian Open tuneup at Melbourne, Kanepi dominated Saville’s first WTA semi-final since 2018 at Acapulco.
“I played my best match,” Kanepi said. “Everything was very smooth for me. I hit a lot of lines.”
Kyrgios wins hearts with gift for fan | 00:37
Kanepi reached her first Grand Slam quarter-final since 2017 at this year’s Australian Open and credited that for a confidence boost crucial to her success this year.
“It was amazing,” she said. “I never thought I would make quarters in Australia. I thought it’s not just my place. But I played really well, and then I continued playing well. I didn’t actually put any pressure on myself to achieve something special.”
Samsonova, 23, won her only meeting with Kanepi in last year’s first round at Wimbledon. Samsonova is into her first WTA hardcourt final, having won her only prior tour final at last year’s German Open.
Former Port Adelaide star Kane Cornes has accused Sydney Swans forward Lance Franklin of selfishness, suggesting the eight-time All-Australian’s contract saga is distracting his teammates ahead of the finals.
Earlier this week, Nine journalist Michael Atkinson reported that Franklin was considering turning his back on the Swans for a deal with the Brisbane Lions.
Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
But on Saturday, Franklin’s management released a statement confirming the 35-year-old was still “undecided” about his future in the sport, officially putting contract talks on hold and hinting at a possible retirement.
“At this stage conversations have been paused around my contract so I can put all my focus on playing footy,” Franklin said.
“No further comment will be made until the season is done and I have decided about my future.
“I am still undecided and need time after the season to make a family decision about whether I continue to play next year.”
Speaking on Channel 9’s AFL Sunday Footy ShowCornes argued that Franklin’s “very strange” statement didn’t stop speculation about his future in the sport, but rather fanned the flames.
“It was a very ‘me, me, me’ thing to do, I thought, from Buddy Franklin when the Sydney Swans are flying,” he said on Sunday morning.
“They’d paid him $10 million over nine years… I’m not sure you need to release a statement prior to the game.
“What was the point of Buddy doing that?
“It didn’t alleviate any of the talk. It made the talk fester more.
“The day before a game to release a statement like that, I thought it was very strange.”
Franklin has been in excellent form this season, kicking 41 goals in 17 games for Swans. However, the ongoing contract drama has become a significant distraction for John Longmire’s side as they approach September.
Lions coach Chris Fagan believes that if Franklin is considering a move to Queensland it would be more likely to be for retirement rather than continuing his football career.
“I would have thought if they are moving to Queensland, that’s perhaps an indication that Bud’s going to retire from AFL football,” he said on Friday.
“If it came to pass down the track that they do move here, and. someone reaches out from his camp and suggests that he still wants to play, then we would be remiss as a footy club not to go and have a conversation with him.
“As far I’m concerned he’s a Sydney Swans player, and if any of that was going to happen, it would happen when the season’s all over.
“My latest communication with him was a text message I sent to him when he kicked his 1000th (AFL) goal which was four months ago.
“I don’t know what will play out in the future but the way I see it right now is if he is moving to Queensland to live, I would suggest that he’s going to retire.”
Franklin joined the Swans from the Hawthorn Hawks in 2014 on a nine-year, $10 million deal.
While he has been injured prone in recent years, the scenes of fans flooding onto the SCG when he kicked his 1000th career goal showed he is still one of the sport’s biggest drawcards.
The Swans will face North Melbourne at Marvel Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with the first bounce scheduled for 1.10pm AEST.
NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo has confirmed an investigation will be launched into Ricky Stuart’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers young gun Jaeman Salmon — as details of the history between the pair has been revealed.
Speaking on the Big Sports Breakfast, Abdo said the NRL Integrity Unit would be looking into the matter, and The Daily Telegraph’s Buzz Rothfield also explained ARLC chairman Peter V’landys is “aware of the full background”.
The bad-blood reportedly stems from Salmon’s time in the Cronulla Sharks junior system 12-years-ago and an incident with Stuart’s son, who played in the same team, according to the SMH.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Stuart’s son was reportedly reduced to tears following an incident with Salmon in 2010.
Stuart then made comments which saw Salmon’s father get involved.
The dads then had a heated exchange and had to be separated.
“Not pleasant, I spoke to Ricky late last night and I have spoken to him again this morning,” Rothfield said on the Big Sports Breakfast.
“He knows that this happened a long long time ago, involving junior football and his son and I think that is common knowledge.
“But Ricky last night chose the wrong platform to speak out about it, and his choice of words were probably inappropriate.”
Sims distract after Tracey KO | 00:37
Rothfield also called for all parties to sit down and mediate the situation which has “lingered on for a long time”.
“I think they (NRL) will have to (investigate), I think there has been quite a significant public outrage over Ricky’s choice of words and again the platform of a press conference,” Rothfield said.
“They will certainly investigate it.
“I would like to see them do it properly and maybe get all parties involved, because it has obviously lingered on for a long time and it is not good for the game when things like that blow up like it did last night.”
MORE NRL NEWS
‘WEAK GUTTED DOG’: Ricky’s stunning spray aimed at Panthers star over low blow
‘OPTICS DON’T LOOK GREAT’: Stuart under fire over ‘very personal’ outburst
BIG HITS: Brave Edwards leads Panthers to victory as Raiders’ finals hopes fade
GONE: Dragons shock call to sack NRL great as coaching clean out continues
Stuart labeled the Panthers playmaker a “weak gutted dog” in his post-match press conference, referencing his previous run-ins with Salmon.
The 23-year-old was placed on report for kicking out at Canberra dummy-half Tom Starling in a tackle.
“But where Salmon kicked Tommy (Starling), it ain’t on,” Stuart said.
Canberra Raiders press conference | 06:28
“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well.
“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary chose not to respond to Stuart’s comments, and Rothfield explained the Raiders coach’s biggest problem is his inability to control his emotions.
“I am very close to Ricky and we know how emotional he gets,” Rothfield said.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
“Ricky’s biggest problem as a football coach and even when he was a player, he is one of those guys that gets so emotionally worked up.
“He has never been good at controlling those emotions, and you can say it wasn’t in the heat of battle, but after you have lost an important game you are still worked up.
“You aren’t thinking as clearly.
“I am not defending him at all, but it is a difficult one for the NRL to manage, I know Peter V’landys is aware of the full background so it is going to be an important story.”
St Kilda legend Nick Riewoldt has described his former club’s decision to trade away Ben McEvoy to Hawthorn as “mind-boggling.”
McEvoy, who played his 250th AFL game in Saturday’s win over Gold Coast, was dealt to the Hawks at the end of 2013 and has been an invaluable addition, winning two premierships and getting appointed captain in 2021.
Speaking on Fox Footy’s Best on GroundRiewoldt, who was Saints skipper at the time of the trade — which saw the club acquire Shane Savage and a first-round pick (Luke Dunstan) — says McEvoy was pushed out.
Watch every blockbuster AFL match this weekend Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Suns succumb to Hawks hot streak | 02:07
“He didn’t leave, the club traded him. At the time it felt like the people in charge making those decisions were saying, ‘look how clever we are. Let’s trade this bloke and this bloke and we’ll get in some picks, we’ll show how clever we are with recruiting’,” Riewoldt said.
“You’ve got to get your picks right, and they didn’t… it was mind boggling, and still is.
“He’s been a superstar and it was still at St Kilda — a bit of a void of leadership is the criticism at times — he would’ve been perfect.
“But good luck to him, he’s gone on to great things.”
McEvoy was carried off after his milestone match and embraced by Hawks fans and teammates with his kids on the ground in great scenes.
Fellow Saints great Leigh Montagna also praised his former teammate post-game — a match that ended in the tough ruckman’s head bandaged after a knock.
McEvoy carried off after his 250th match (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS
“Congratulations to Benny McEvoy, big contested mark in that last minute, the headband, he’s everything we’ve seen from him over 250 games,” he said on Fox Footy.
Hawks star Jack Gunston said of McEvoy: “You always love a good that you want to follow, and Ben is that guy. Headband today, of course he did. He’s just such a genuine good block, but such a competitor as well.
“It’s not an easy gig playing in the ruck I wouldn’t have thought, he’s just a good fella and I’m glad we got the win for him.”
McEvoy gave a shout out post-match to Dylan Moore playing in his 50th match in true selfless McEvoy style.
“It wasn’t pretty today, but sometimes you’ve got to win ugly. So pleased to get a result in mine and Moorey’s 300th.”
