Layden: Despite lack of familiar names, track and field surging forward on wings of today's stars
There's no denying the absences felt in track and field -- both in the stands and on the starting blocks. But the athletes in Tokyo this year are breathing life into track and field with new remarkable feats of athleticism and altruism.
Djokovic: "makes my heart full" to see Aussie Open crowd
Serbia's Novak Djokovic celebrates after defeating France's Jeremy Chardy during their first round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Monday, Feb. 8, 2021. I really, really appreciate your support in coming out tonight." 7 Aryna Sabalenka, two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, French Open winner Iga Swiatek and 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu, returning from 15 months on the sidelines. Playing in her 21st Australian Open, the elder Williams beat Kirsten Flipkens 7-5, 6-2. Two weeks in hard lockdown didn't help 2016 Australian Open winner Angelique Kerber, who lost to Bernarda Pera.