For casual sports fans, tennis usually takes a backseat at this time of year. Then it roars back into frame when the world’s best grace our shores for the Australian Open.

But it’s definitely worth keeping your eye on Alex de Minaur over the next few weeks.

Overnight, he secured his place in the end of year ATP Finals for the second consecutive year with a Round of 16 victory at the Paris Masters over Karen Khachanov.

The ATP Finals is men’s tennis’ season-ending championship, featuring the top eight players in the world competing for the year’s final title. This year it starts on 9 November.

As the player with the most wins on hard court this season (42), could the Demon be on the verge of going from Mr. Consistent to Mr. Big Time?

Watch this space.

🏏 Australia has been knocked out of the Women’s Cricket World Cup after losing to India by five wickets in the semi-final. The Aussies batted first and set a solid total of 338 before India pulled off a record run chase to stun the visitors and reigning champions. Jemimah Rodrigues starred for India with 127 runs from 134 balls, helping her side reach Australia’s total with five wickets in hand and nine balls remaining. India will now take on South Africa in the final on Sunday at 8:30pm (AEDT). Both teams will be playing to win their first ODI World Cup.

🏉 The Jillaroos, Australia’s women’s rugby league side, will be without superstar fullback Tamika Upton for Sunday’s Pacific Championships Test against New Zealand after she was ruled out with a calf injury. The two-time Dally M medallist picked up the strain at training earlier in the week, with coach Jess Skinner confirming the side is taking a cautious approach ahead of the final on 9 November. Parramatta’s Abbi Church will debut at fullback in Auckland, while reserve forward Makenzie Weale is also out with a pelvis injury. The match will kick off at 1:35pm on Sunday and will be shown on Channel 9, Foxtel, and Kayo.

🎮 The IOC and Saudi Arabia have ended their 12-year agreement to host the Esports Olympics in Riyadh. The partnership, seen as a key part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 sports push, was cancelled after delays and disagreements over gaming titles. A statement from the IOC read: “Recently, the two parties and the Esports World Cup Foundation sat down again and reviewed this initiative. They mutually agreed that they will end their cooperation on the Olympic Esports Games. At the same time, both parties are committed to pursuing their own esports ambitions on separate paths.”

Grand finale season can’t afford to be taken out by a cold

Whether you’re playing, coaching, or cheering from the sidelines, staying well is non-negotiable. The Blackmores Immune Rapi-Melt is packed with nutrients like vitamin C, zinc and selenium to support immune system health – no pills, no water, just a quick citrus-flavoured melt that fits into your day. 

Take it in the car, on the field, or during your warm-up. It’s a simple way to help your immune system stay ready when it matters most.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. 

Talking points: In the final round of the AFLW regular season, Carlton (5th) and West Coast (7th) will meet in Perth in a do-or-die match that will likely determine which of the two teams plays in the finals. A win for the Eagles tonight would see them qualify for their first-ever AFLW finals series. A win for Carlton would secure their place in the finals, while a loss would put their fate in the hands of other results across the weekend. The last and only time these two teams have met was back in 2023, a match which Carlton won 77-24. Both teams come into the match with patchy form, having each lost two of their last three matches. 

How to watch: The match kicks off at 9:15pm tonight (AEDT). You can watch the match on Foxtel or Kayo. 

Talking points: The rugby league Ashes resume this weekend in Liverpool as England look for redemption after last week’s 26-6 defeat to the Kangaroos. Australian coach Kevin Walters has named hooker Harry Grant as the team’s captain in the absence of Isaah Yeo, who will miss the match after a concussion last week. In Yeo’s absence, Panthers forward Lindsay Smith will join the matchday squad. If the Kangaroos win this match, they will take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and retain the rugby league Ashes. 

How to watch: The match kicks off at 1:30am on Sunday. You can watch it on Channel 9, Kayo, or Foxtel. 

Talking points: The second match of the Wallabies spring tour will see them return to Twickenham in London to take on England. The last time these two teams played each other was in November last year at the same venue, where the Wallabies claimed a 42-37 victory courtesy of a try from winger Max Jorgensen after the 80th minute. Coach Joe Schmidt has named a team with eight changes from the starting side that beat Japan in Tokyo last week. Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, Max Jorgensen, and Taniela Tupou all return to the side after being rested, while Harry Wilson will resume his role as captain. 

How to watch: The match kicks off at 2:00am on Sunday. You can watch it on Stan Sport.

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