Sports
Emma Raducanu to Lose Almost Half of Australian Open Prize Money
British number one Emma Raducanu suffered a dramatic shock exit from the Australian Open in the early hours of Tuesday morning, and she has already lost almost half of her prize money from the event.
The 23-year-old exited the tournament following a straight-set defeat to Austria’s Anastasia Potapova in Melbourne. She succumbed to a second round defeat, losing 7-6 6-2 at the hands of the unseeded Potapova in a disappointing start to the year for the former 2021 US Open winner.
Raducanu began brightly in the match, breaking early. However, she missed out when serving for the first set and her challenge crumbled soon after against the world number 55.
Emma Raducanu Explains Why She Struggled at Australian Open
In the wake of her exit, Raducanu pointed to a lack of match practice after having to overcome another injury setback, this time a foot injury prior to the first major Grand Slam of the year. “I would say 1st of Jan when I came out here, I hadn’t moved, I hadn’t even done a two-cross, one-line drill.
“I hadn’t moved from my half of the court. So if you had told me I would have played, you know, four matches, five matches in Australia regardless of how they went, I think from a physical perspective, it would have been, you know, like, pretty surprising.” Raducanu stated.
The road to recovery following light bone bruising to Raducanu’s right foot during the off-season meant that preparations for the Australian Open were less than ideal. Practice pre-tournament consisted of mostly gym work and static hitting, while competing in only one match at the United Cup and two matches in Hobart leading into the Grand Slam first round in which Raducanu beat Thailand’s Mananchaya Sawangkaew in straight sets.
In addition to her recovery, Raducanu also cited the conditions in Melbourne as unfavourable in her quest to advance to the third round. Raducanu went on to say: “I think, you know, playing at different times is also another challenge. You know, playing at night compared to day, the conditions are very different. Yeah, I just hadn’t really played in these kinds of conditions in a minute, so didn’t deal with it very well today.”
Why Emma Raducanu Will Lose Huge Chunk of Australian Open Prize Money
With Australian Open prize money at record levels this year, even players who go out in the early rounds are making six figures. However, Raducanu won’t receive anywhere close to her full $225,000 (£167,000) prize money for reaching the second round.
Her Australian Open prize money alone is above the threshold to pay additional rate tax in the UK (£125,140), meaning that she will pay tax on her prize money at 45%. As a result, she would be liable for £75,150 in income tax, before a 2% deduction for Class Four National Insurance of £3,340.
The above means that Raducanu would take home just over half of her winnings (£88,510). This figure is before any deductible expenses such as travel and accommodation costs and coaching fees. These will be deducted from Raducanu’s taxable income and reduce her overall tax bill.
Raducanu is expected to resume her path towards the season’s next Grand Slam, the French Open in May, by competing at the WTA 250 event in Cluj, Romania. It is a tournament that holds special significance for the British ace, as she went on to reveal:
“Right now, I’m signed up to play in Cluj, so hopefully I make it there. That will be good to return to my dad’s home country. I haven’t been back in a few years, so that will be a nice opportunity if I get it.”
Sports
Man Utd Eye Lille Forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo for Summer Transfer
Manchester United are looking to strengthen their attacking options as we head towards the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils are certainly in the market to sign midfielders this summer, but they could also look to strengthen in other areas.
It’s an incredibly important summer transfer window for United as they look to build a squad capable of competing in the Champions League.
The Red Devils were without European football during the 2025/26 season, which made it easier for them to finish in the top four due to the lack of distractions.
Michael Carrick’s side will now be playing twice a week for large parts of the season, so they’ll need a deeper and more competitive squad.
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Manchester United might face a problem in the transfer race for one midfield target this summer.
Man Utd Eyeing Forward Reinforcements
According to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas, Manchester United have working on Lille forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 21-year-old is set to compete at the World Cup with Belgium, and United are showing an interest as a potential forward option.
Despite his age, Fernandez-Pardo made 29 appearances for Lille in Ligue 1 last season, providing 13 goals and assists combined.
The Belgian forward, who has made two appearances for his country so far, predominantly plays as a centre forward but can also play on either wing.
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Versatile Forward Could be Smart for Man Utd
Signing a versatile forward in the summer transfer window could be an ideal move for United ahead of the 2026/2027 season.
Bringing in a player capable of playing in multiple positions in the forward line would be hugely beneficial, especially when Carrick looks to rotate his squad across different competitions.
Fernandez-Pardo, described as ‘one of the most promising forwards in Europe’, should receive a significant amount of game time if he were to make the move to Old Trafford due to their European qualification.
Whether he’d be keen on a move to United remains to be seen, and it doesn’t appear to be any more than just interest as it stands.
Sports
Tottenham In Talks to Sign Joao Palhinha After Savinho and Van Hecke
Tottenham Hotspur are in talks to sign Savinho and Jan Paul van Hecke as their summer business shows no signs of slowing down, but they are also negotiating terms to sign another player for Roberto De Zerbi, according to TEAMtalk.
Tottenham chiefs knew that they had to make sweeping changes to their squad over the summer break following successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League, and the early signs are that they mean business.
Spurs might end the summer being the busiest Premier League club in the market if their early moves are anything to go by, with Andy Robertson already through the door at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on a free transfer.
Marcos Senesi is set to be announced on a similar deal after he left Bournemouth following the expiry of his contract, but the north Londoners are nowhere near being done.
De Zerbi wants to add a third new defender to his squad in Van Hecke, who he worked with during his spell as Brighton boss, which would suggest we could see a high-profile exit at the heart of the Spurs defence.
Cristian Romero looks the most likely candidate given the amount of talk there has been around his future in 2026, but the only changes won’t be restricted to defence and attack.
Tottenham Re-Negotiating Joao Palhinha Terms
It was a rollercoaster season-long loan spell for Joao Palhinha at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Bayern Munich man started well, and it looked as though Spurs would be activating their £26m option to sign the Portugal international on a permanent basis.
However, a mid-season dip threw that into doubt, before his rejuvenation at the end of the season under De Zerbi changed minds again, with the Italian making it clear he wanted to sign the 30-year-old on a full-time basis. He has labelled him as ‘one of the best’ players to work with.
Tottenham are in talks to renegotiate the terms of the deal with Bayern as they look to get a deal over the line, according to TEAMtalk, with the hope of agreeing a reduced fee with the Bundesliga champions.
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World Cup History Quiz
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Joao Palhinha Wants Tottenham Move Despite Reports
Fabrizio Romano reported last week that despite reports from his home country that Tottenham had pulled out of the race for his signature as he was prioritising a move back to his homeland, it wasn’t actually the case.
Romano claims that the 30-year-old is actually giving priority to staying at Spurs permanently because of his relationship with De Zerbi.
The Italian journalist does say that Sporting Lisbon are waiting in the wings if the north Londoners can’t reach an agreement with Bayern however.
Tottenham chiefs appear to be spinning many plates at the same time right now in terms of transfers, but landing Palhinha could be one of their most important signings of the summer.
De Zerbi clearly loves the Portuguese star’s experience, and despite his deeper midfield position, Palhinha showed his character and threat in the final third with two crucial goals against Wolves and Everton during the run-in as they staved off relegation from the Premier League.
Sports
Man City Bid £120m for Man Utd Target Elliot Anderson
Manchester City have reportedly made a £120 million bid to sign a Manchester United target ahead of the summer transfer window, according to David Ornstein.
City are preparing to enter a new era after Pep Guardiola left the club following the conclusion of the 2025/2026 season. It’s certainly an interesting period for the Manchester club, who are so used to having Guardiola in charge.
GIVEMESPORT understands that Enzo Maresca is set to take charge of Man City, although they are yet to officially confirm his appointment.
Some clubs will be looking to get some business out of the way before the World Cup, when players’ prices often rise after strong tournaments.
It now appears that Man City are looking to do just that.
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Liverpool are closing in on a deal to sign the midfielder at the end of this month
Man City Bid £120m for Midfielder
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester City have submitted a verbal proposal to Nottingham Forest for Elliot Anderson. The deal is believed to be over £120 million, but Forest wants a British record fee guaranteed, not after bonuses.
Anderson is also a target for Manchester United, but it remains to be seen whether they will make an offer.
The Nottingham Forest midfielder is currently away with England ahead of the World Cup as they prepare for their first game against Croatia next week.
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Man City Aren’t Messing Around
It’s certainly a huge move for Man City to offer such a big fee for Anderson, and it remains to be seen whether United will now enter the race concretely.
It’s also a brave move from Forest to reject such an offer, but it’s admirable that they are willing to stick to their guns and wait for their desired fee.
Forest clearly know that a strong World Cup for Anderson, who has a big chance of starting for England, could see his value go through the roof, so they are happy to play the waiting game.
The Midlands club will certainly be hoping that United now submit their own offer, meaning they can drive the price up for Anderson.
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