I Dig Sports
American Emma Navarro became only the fifth player this century to win a WTA final 6-0 6-0 with victory over Emiliana Arango at the Merida Open in Mexico.
World number eight and top seed Navarro, who did not drop a set during the tournament, saw off the Colombian world number 133 in only 55 minutes to claim the second title of her career.
Navarro, 23, is the first player to record a 'double bagel' scoreline in a final since Iga Swiatek beat Karolina Pliskova at the 2021 Italian Open.
The other women to have achieved the feat since 2000 are Simona Halep, Agnieszka Radwanska and Marion Bartoli.
Navarro, the top seed in Merida, did not face a break point and won 76% of points on her first serve.
Elsewhere, world number four Jessica Pegula beat fellow American McCartney Kessler 7-5 6-2 on Sunday to win the ATX Open final in Austin, Texas, for her seventh singles title.
Djokovic, ranked seventh in the world, hopes to play both Indian Wells and Miami for the first time in six years.
The carrot is the chance of creating more history - at each event - by becoming the outright holder of the most men's titles.
Djokovic has won a joint-record five Indian Wells titles alongside Roger Federer, while in Miami he has won six titles - a record shared with Andre Agassi.
The former world number one has not won either tournament since 2016.
The two events were not held in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, while Djokovic pulled out when they returned in 2021.
In 2022 and 2023, Djokovic was unable to play because he was not allowed into the United States unvaccinated.
The former world number one made his Indian Wells return last year, suffering a shock defeat by Italian lucky loser Luca Nardi, before deciding to miss the Miami Open for "personal and professional" scheduling reasons.
Britain's Emma Raducanu will play world number three Coco Gauff in the second round at Indian Wells - if she can beat Japan's Moyuka Uchijima in the first round.
Raducanu is scheduled to play world number 52 Uchijima on the tournament's opening day on Wednesday.
It will be the British number two's first tournament since a stalking ordeal at the Dubai Tennis Championships last week.
The former US Open champion was shaken after a man "exhibited fixated behaviour" during her second-round match.
The man was later detained and given a restraining order, Dubai Police said.
Raducanu was deliberating whether to travel to the United States for the hard-court event following the incident, but has decided to compete.
In the men's draw, Novak Djokovic's second-round opponent could be Australian Nick Kyrgios.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is also projected to meet Carlos Alcaraz in the last eight, in a repeat of their Australian Open quarter-final.
Andy Murray has flown to the United States to continue his coaching role with Djokovic, with the pair having worked together on a trial basis at January's Australian Open.
Pegula flies Austin finalists to Indian Wells on private jet
After competing in the finals of the ATX Open on Sunday, McCartney Kessler, Zhang Shuai, Yue Yuan and Anna Blinkova faced a lengthy trip to their next event in Indian Wells - until Jessica Pegula stepped in.
American Pegula, who beat compatriot Kessler 75 62 in the singles final in Austin, offered the four players use of her private jet to fly straight from Texas to California.
The world number four even waited until after the doubles final - which saw Yue and Blinkova beat Kessler and Shuai 3-6, 6-1 10-4 - to ensure everyone could make the 1,263-mile trip.
The players would have otherwise faced a stopover in Los Angeles or trips to airports in Dallas and Houston, leaving little time to prepare for Indian Wells, which begins on Wednesday.
"She could have left right after her singles final, but she is such a selfless and generous girl," China's Zhang posted on Instagram.
"This message is not to show I took the jet, [I] just wanted to appreciate and transfer the love."
Russian Blinkova and China's Yue shared Zhang's story on Instagram and also thanked 31-year-old Pegula, whose billionaire parents own NFL's Buffalo Bills and the NHL's Buffalo Sabres.
Blinkova has been drawn to play Kessler in the first round at Indian Wells, while Yue will play Ukraine's Dayana Yastremska.
Pegula, seeded fourth, has been given a first-round bye. Zhang will enter the doubles event later in the tournament.
Forwards: Ewan Ashman, Jamie Bhatti, Gregor Brown, Dave Cherry, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey, Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, Euan Ferrie, Grant Gilchrist, Jonny Gray, Patrick Harrison, Cameron Henderson, Will Hurd, Ewan Johnson, Nathan McBeth, Ben Muncaster, D'Arcy Rae, Jamie Ritchie, Pierre Schoeman, Sam Skinner, Rory Sutherland, Marshall Sykes.
Backs: Fergus Burke, Matt Currie, Jamie Dobie, Darcy Graham, George Horne, Rory Hutchinson, Huw Jones, Tom Jordan, Blair Kinghorn, Stafford McDowall, Cameron Redpath, Arron Reed, Finn Russell, Kyle Rowe, Ollie Smith, Duhan van der Merwe, Ben White.
Former Ireland international Donncha O'Callaghan believes Garry Ringrose's Six Nations red card against Wales "holds a massive mirror" up to rugby's disciplinary processes.
Ireland centre Ringrose was dismissed for a high tackle on Ben Thomas in the Principality Stadium last month but will sit out just one championship game, his side's hosting of France in Dublin on Saturday.
"If we're going to give the bans, we need to stand by them. Otherwise we're undermining all our officials," said O'Callaghan on Rugby Union Weekly.
"We [Ireland] are incredibly lucky to have Garry back on the pitch so soon.
"Nothing towards him. He's an incredible player, not a bit dirty, an incredible guy, but that went wrong.
"To see the way the citing went is disappointing."
Ringrose's three-game ban came after the mid-range entry point of a six week/match suspension was reduced by 50% taking into account his guilty plea and previous disciplinary record.
A further game will be taken off should Ringrose complete World Rugby's Coaching Intervention Programme.
The 30-year-old was also able to serve the first game of the suspension during Leinster's United Rugby Championship victory over Cardiff on Saturday, meaning he could return against Italy in the Six Nations' final weekend.
New Wales boss Lynn names extended Six Nations training squad
Forwards: Gwenllian Pyrs, Maisie Davies, Abbey Constable, Stella Orin, Allie Watkins, Meg Lewis, Kelsey Jones, Carys Phillips, Rosie Carr, Molly Reardon, Donna Rose, Jenni Scoble, Cadi-Lois Davies, Abbie Fleming, Robyn Davies, Georgia Evans, Natalia John, Alaw Pyrs, Gwen Crabb, Lily Terry, Alex Callender, Alisha Butchers, Kate Williams, Bethan Lewis, Gwennan Hopkins, Lucy Isaac, Bryonie King
Backs: Keira Bevan, Sian Jones, Meg Davies, Ffion Lewis, Seren Singleton, Lleucu George, Kayleigh Powell, Robyn Wilkins, Courtney Keight, Hannah Jones (capt), Carys Cox, Kerin Lake, Hannah Bluck, Meg Webb, Savannah Picton-Powell, Nel Metcalfe, Catherine Richards, Lisa Neumann, Jasmine Joyce, Jenny Hesketh, Niamh Terry
England scrum renaissance puts Stuart in Lions frame
There have been some big characters among England's biggest men in recent years, with Joe Marler, who retired in the autumn, the most notable. Vice-captain Ellis Genge speaks his mind to those inside and outside the camp, while former skipper Jamie George is still a key leader. Even Cole has his own podcast.
Stuart, who will end the Six Nations on 50 caps if he plays against Italy and Wales, prefers a lower profile.
"I am pretty awful," he smiles. "How can I put this? I am not the most sociable person, I am a bit of a hermit.
"I live in a little village outside of Bath and it is very quiet, which is my set-up and how I like it."
It is getting difficult for him to escape the hubbub though.
His form, and Ireland tight-head Tadhg Furlong's injury run, has put him firmly into Lions contention.
Stuart would be a first-time tourist - his Lions memories don't stretch as far back as his books.
He remembers watching the 2013 trip to Australia at school and then, after turning professional, hearing Bath team-mate Jamie Roberts recount his experiences on repeat.
"He was always reminding everyone that he was the Lions man of the tour in 2009, he wouldn't stop going on about it," Stuart jokes. "I think he made us watch his clips.
"I haven't really thought about it. After the last summer I just needed to knuckle down, game by game, and play well. I am just trying to stay along those lines."
Reading up on the past, while not reading too far into the future, has kept him well on course so far.
Wales wing Josh Adams has been ruled out of the Six Nations trip to face Scotland in Murrayfield on Saturday.
Cardiff wing Adams, 29, missed the 27-18 loss to Ireland in Cardiff with a hamstring problem and has not recovered in time for this weekend.
Gloucester fly-half Gareth Anscombe has recovered from a head knock suffered against Ireland and is available for selection.
Ospreys hooker Dewi Lake is also in contention for a return after missing the first three Six Nations defeats because of an arm injury.
Wales have lost a record 15 Test matches in a row with interim head coach Matt Sherratt taking over from Warren Gatland before the Ireland defeat.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season begins this weekend at the annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Floridas Gainesville Raceway.
Reigning Funny Car champion Austin Prock leads the way in the category with John Force Racing as he looks to continue his winning edge that burst onto the circuit last year.
There was plenty of movement during the offseason, which led to there being some new faces in new places.
Heres a look at each team in Funny Car and whos driving for them full time this season:
John Force Racing
- Austin Prock (Cornwell Tools Chevrolet)
Prock returns to the same car his father and brother (Jimmy and Thomas Prock) tuned to a whopping eight victories in 20 races last season. He also snagged a record-breaking 15 No. 1 qualifiers along the way.
Hell be the odds-on favorite once again until proven otherwise.
- Jack Beckman (Peak Chevrolet)
In place of a recovering John Force for the full season is 2012 champion Jack Beckman. In eight events last year, Beckman scored two victories, including the season finale at the NHRA World Finals in Pomona, Calif.
Beckman wheeled his Peak Chevrolet to a runner-up finish in the standings with the addition of Forces points from previous races. With a full season to challenge for a title, Beckman may be Procks biggest threat.
Tasca Racing
- Bob Tasca III (Motorcraft/QuickLane Ford)
On the strength of three victories, Bob Tasca III again is a threat for a title aboard his own Funny Car.
The driver who traveled better than 341 mph during last years PRO Superstar Shootout is still searching for his first title. Tasca finished fifth in standings last year.
SCAG Racing
- Daniel Wilkerson (SCAG Power Equipment Ford)
In his first full-time NHRA season after countless years of waiting, Daniel Wilkerson showed plenty of promise last season.
Finishing seventh in the standings, Wilkerson had one final round appearance during the Four-Wide Nationals In Charlotte, N.C.
Now with a full season under his belt and countless support from SCAG Power Equipment, Wilkerson may be a threat for more consistency this season.
- Dave Richards (Bluebird Turf Ford)
Under the SCAG Racing banner, Dave Richards embarked on his first full season of NHRA Funny Car competition in 2024.
While he was unable to reach the finals in an event , consistency may be in Richards favor this year as the team was able to move its operations to Indianapolis and build race cars brand new to his liking.
Thats something Richards didnt have the luxury of last year.
Kalitta Motorsports
- J.R. Todd (DHL Toyota)
Aside from his victory at the Gatornationals, 2024 was a tumultuous season for J.R. Todd. Three #2Fast2Tasty Challenge wins were a highlight, however, he finished eighth in the standings.
There may be positive change on the horizon for Todd this year as former championship-winning crew chief Dickie Venables joined the Kalitta operation during the offseason from Tony Stewart Racing.
Chad Green Motorsports
- Chad Green (Bond-Coat, Inc. Ford)
Two semifinal appearances were at the top of Chad Greens highlights last season. Green also finished ninth in the standings, a drop-off of his placement of fifth in 2023.
However, expect Green to contend as he has plenty of firepower alongside him with the additions of Blake Alexander and part-time driver Hunter Green, Chads son.
- Blake Alexander (Pronto/Schaeffler Ford)
Chad Greens team as a whole may be in for a step-up in performance as it welcomes one of the series top stars in Blake Alexander. The 36-year-old joins CGM after competing with Jim Head Racing.
Often known to be a dark-horse threat, Alexander snagged a win in Brainerd (Minn.) Intl Raceway last August.
Tony Stewart Racing
- Matt Hagan (DodgeSRT/Direct Connection Dodge)
On the strength of three victories and a monumental 50th career win earlier in the year, Matt Hagan is looking for perhaps a bounce-back season.
Hagan finished 2024 fourth in the standings, however, stated in November that the team rested on our laurels, coming off a title in 2023.
With a full offseason to reset and retune, expect Hagan and TSR to push JFR mightily throughout the season.
Ron Capps Motorsports
- Ron Capps (NAPA Auto Parts Toyota)
Three-time Funny Car champion Ron Capps had a bit of an odd season. The team elected to fine-tune and look at the big picture during the season, which set them back prior to the Countdown.
However, he and tuner Dean Guido Antonelli found a rhythm as they reached the final round three times between the late summer and fall. While they were unable to win, this year may be different.
The team made an early statement during Februarys PRO Superstar Shootout after taking down the Funny Car field en route to victory.
Cruz Pedregon Racing
- Cruz Pedregon (Snap-On Dodge)
Two-time Funny Car champion Cruz Peregon continues his storied career racing for himself in this years title chase.
While his winless streak stands at over two years, Pedregons consistent advancement into the quarterfinals in seven events last year may be a sign of new life entering this season.
He finished 10th in the standings.
Paul Lee Racing
- Paul Lee (McLeod/FTI/SST Dodge)
Paul Lee is another x-factor in the Funny Car field that can play spoiler any given weekend. Last season, Lee reached his first of two final round appearances in the division at the Seattles Pacific Raceways.
Hed later return to the finals in Las Vegas. Lee also scored a victory in the All-Star Callout at the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis.
With another year under his belt, Lee may be in for a breakthrough victory this year.
JCM Racing
- Alexis DeJoria (Bandero Café Dodge)
Longtime NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria embarks on a new adventure as she joined JCM Racing full time for this season.
She joins Ida Zetterström (Top Fuel) to make up NHRAs first all-female driver lineup. DeJoria previously competed for Del Worsham and DC Motorsports for four seasons.
While its admittedly been a struggle for DeJoria the past handful of seasons, she may be in for a resurgence with a fresh slate.
Jim Dunn Racing
- Buddy Hull (Jim Dunn Racing/Lesecure Dodge)
In his first full-time actin last year, Buddy Hull made significant strides with Jim Dunn Racing.
Throughout the 2024 campaign were plenty of milestones, including his first quarterfinal appearance at the U.S. Nationals. Hell look to improve on a career-best speed of 320.51 mph and ET (4.01) this year.
Jim Head Racing
- Spencer Hyde (Head Inc. Ford)
After a stellar Pro Mod career, Spencer Hyde got the call to contest the full NHRA season with Jim Head during the offseason.
Hyde won the Drag Illustrated World Series of Pro Mod in 2023 and most recently competed with PDRA.
While hell face a steep learning curve, Heads often eye-popping speed tuning may be put on display again this year sooner rather than later.
Other Notables
- Bobby Bode III (Bobby Bode Racing, DC Motorsports)
22-year-old Bobby Bode III will have quite the opportunity this season in limited action as hell compete with DC Motorsports for at least the Gatornationals.
Bode also competed with the team at the Superstar Shootout in Bradenton, Fla.
- Terry Haddock (Terry Haddock Racing)
In 10 events last season, Terry Haddock qualified for seven events. Among the highlights was a quarterfinal appearance at the NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, Calif.
Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: 
Email: 
