DJOKOVIC LEADS COUP FOR NEW PLAYER COUNCIL

NEW YORK: World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is trying to form a new body to represent players and has resigned from his position as the president of the players council of the Association of Tennis Professionals, the New York Times said on Saturday.

Canadian Vasek Pospisil, a member of the Djokovic-led council, said he had also resigned from his position after serving for two years as the player representative for the 51-100 ranking positions.

The new body will be called the Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA) and a document detailing plans and objectives has been distributed to players, seeking signatures.

OSAKA PULLS OUT OF CINCINNATI FINAL

NEW YORK: Naomi Osaka pulled out of the Western & Southern Open final on Saturday because of a left hamstring injury, giving the title to Victoria Azarenka in a walkover.

“I just hope I’m giving myself the opportunity and the chance to have enough time” to recover ahead of the US Open starting Monday, Osaka said.

Meanwhile, Djokovic overcame a sore neck to defeat Spain’s Roberto Bautista Agut 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(0) and set up a final with Canadian Milos Raonic.

LIMITED GATHERING FOR SPORTS GETS NOD NEWDELHI:THE Union Home Ministry on Saturday allowed sports gathering of up to 100 people with effect from September 21 in its Unlock-4 guidelines.

In the new set of guidelines, the ministry lifted the total ban on sports activities, which was put in place till August 31.

However, such gatherings can only be held with the mandatory wearing of face masks, social distancing, provision for thermal scanning and hand wash or sanitizer, the guidelines said.