Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu moved into the main draw of the Australian Open after American Lauren Davis pulled out of the Grand Slam with a shoulder injury, organisers said on Wednesday.
Raducanu, who beat Elena-Gabriela Ruse at the Auckland Classic on Tuesday in her return to action following wrist and ankle surgeries, has slipped to number 301 in the world and her protected ranking was not good enough for direct entry to the Melbourne Park Grand Slam.
The 21-year-old Briton was also overlooked for a wildcard and was set to take a similar path as her 2021 Flushing Meadows run when she became the first player in the Open Era to win a major after starting out in the qualifying rounds.
However, the exit of Davis, which followed withdrawals by Karolina Muchova, Petra Kvitova, Irina-Camelia Begu and Caty McNally, opened up a spot for Raducanu in the main draw of the January 14-28 major.
Captains will be the only ones allowed to speak to the referee and discuss a decision during matches at the upcoming European Championship in a bid to facilitate clearer communication.
Substitute Jhon Duran scored two late goals as Aston Villa fought back to salvage a 3-3 home draw with Liverpool on Monday and take a significant step towards a place in the Champions League next season.
Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.
UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.