Sports News from Friday, January 23rd, 2026

India captain Suryakumar Yadav regained form ahead of the team's title defence at next month's World Cup as he and Ishan Kishan smashed rapid fifties to secure their seven-wicket victory over New Zealand in the second Twenty20 International in Raipur on Friday.

Patrick Reed produced a flawless round of 66 to take a one-shot lead at the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic.

American 18-year-old Iva Jovic pulled off the biggest upset of her young career when she stunned Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini 6-2 7-6(3) at the Australian Open on Friday to earn her first Grand Slam last-16 appearance.

Daniil Medvedev clawed his way back from two sets down to beat Fabian Marozsan 6-7(5) 4-6 7-5 6-0 6-3 at the Australian Open on Friday to set up a last-16 tie against Learner Tien, the young American who knocked him out in the second round last year.

Carlos Alcaraz turned on the style as he raced into the Australian Open fourth round on Friday with a highlight-laden 6-2 6-4 6-1 clinic against France's own trick-shot maestro Corentin Moutet.

Aston Villa has secured a spot in the Europa League last 16 on Thursday as Jadon Sancho's header earned a 1-0 win at Fenerbahce, with SC Freiburg and Olympique Lyonnais also booking their places in the knockout stage.

World number one Aryna Sabalenka has passed her first major test of the Australian Open on Friday, fending off a serious challenge from Anastasia Potapova to reach the fourth round with a tense 7-6(4) 7-6(7) win.