Who is popular today?

Novak Djokovic will play compatriot Miomir Kecmanovic in the opening round of the Australian Open, after he was included in the draw which took place in the early hours of this morning. However, the world number one could still face deportation from Australia, with immigration minister Alex Hawke yet to make a decision over whether or not to cancel the Serbian’s visa. Djokovic yesterday admitted to not isolating after returning a positive Covid-19 test, and blamed his agent for a mistake on his paperwork when arriving in Melbourne. Lawyers in Serbia have said Djokovic could face a fine or even prison for breaking the country’s isolation rules - however community service would be more likely. Hawke’s decision over Djokovic’s visa is now expected on Friday, and when asked about it Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison said: “Where fully-vaccinated eligible visa holders could travel to Australia without needing to apply for a travel exemption and enter those states, allowing them to enter quarantine-free, the individual has to show they are double vaccinated or must provide acceptable proof that they can’t be vaccinated for medical reasons. That’s the policy, which hasn’t changed. We would expect authorities to be implementing the policy of the government when it comes to those matters.”
Chelsea are safely into the final of the League Cup after they beat Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 last night, winning the semi-final clash 3-0 on aggregate. Thomas Tuchel’s side effectively ended the tie in the 18th minute thanks to Antonio Rudiger’s header, with Spurs having two penalties decisions correctly overturned and a goal disallowed by VAR. Tonight Liverpool host Arsenal in the first leg of their semi-final clash, a week after it was postponed due to Covid-19 cases in the Liverpool camp (kick-off 7.45pm). Elsewhere last night West Ham moved into the top four of the Premier League after a Jarrod Bowen double gave them a 2-0 win over basement side Norwich City. In Saudi Arabia, Federico Valverde’s 98th minute winner gave Real Madrid an extra-time victory over Barcelona in the first semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup - they will meet Atletico Madrid or Athletic Bilbao in the final.
In her column this morning Sonia O’Sullivan has given her thoughts on the Djokovic controversy and she suggests that in his heart the Serbian, “believes he has done no wrong”. She writes: “When you are an athlete of such stature and competitiveness, it’s just one more hurdle you are determined to clear and fight through. Not just a fighter on the tennis court, Djokovic was also willing to fight his corner in court and retain his invitation to Australia in the belief that he had fulfilled all criteria to be allowed an exemption to travel and play.”
Elsewhere in his column this morning Ciarán Murphy has paid tribute to the Connacht GAA air-dome in Ballyhaunis - the largest in the world - which could make attending pre-season games fashionable. He writes: “What’s left is an absolutely perfect playing surface, a windless, no-excuses, top-of-the-ground experience for all concerned. But it has the potential to revolutionise the viewing experience as well. My previous attitude to attending such pre-season events is that they are mostly the reserve of the clinically insane, but that it might, in some exceptional circumstances - for instance a travel distance of less than five miles - be deemed acceptable.”
And Dublin’s footballers got their year up and running with a 3-19 to 1-10 thrashing of Louth in the O’Byrne Cup last night, Cormac Costello helping himself to 2-5 as Louth boss Mickey Harte made 12 changes at half-time. In the McGrath Cup Kerry were ruthless 1-23 to 0-5 winners over Tipperary.