Emma Raducanu has sadly had to retire from the ASB Classic in New Zealand after suffering yet another injury with the Australian Open just 11 days away. Absolute gutter.
The 20-year-old Brit was forced to pull out of her only warm-up games ahead of the first grand slam of the season, despite having kicked off her round of 16 match with an unstoppable 6-0 opening set and fighting hard against Viktória Kužmová, who took the second set 5-7.
However, Raducanu ultimately had to call it quits after rolling her left ankle and a lengthy medical break ended in the clearly emotional world no. 78 leaving the court in tears. We really feel for her.
This comes just two days after she grabbed her first win of 2023 in the Auckland series, declaring that she feels “stronger and better” than ever, with her New Year’s resolution being nothing more than staying fitter and healthier for longer. Heartbreaking.
The official ASB account took to Twitter to share their condolences with Radu, thanking her for her “incredible play” in the opening two rounds of the tournament.
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Though it still remains unclear at this stage, it seems highly unlikely she’ll recover again in time for the opening major of the calendar year.
Adding this latest setback to her already long list of injuries, the young sports star has now had to withdraw from various competitions on six different occasions since making her debut on the WTA Tour back in June 2021.
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Speaking before the match began, former Swedish tennis player and world number one Mats Wilander told Eurosport that while he believes she is “unbelievable” and can become “one of the best players in the world, she has to find an identity”, insisting that the right coach that can bring the X factor out of her.
Mats Wilander is backing Emma Raducanu to get back to the top of tennis 📈
Raducanu is now on her fifth trainer in just over a year, having appointed German coach Sebastian Sachs back in December. It seems keeping her fit will be the primary task for now.
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Danny Jones -
5th January 2023 
