From Ali to Hatton, the ring produces icons shaped by struggle, solidarity and the realities of class, writes JOHN WIGHT
ROGER FEDERER prefers to think of Rafael Nadal or Novak Djokovic as the favourites for the Australian Open title, which begins to, despite entering as defending champion and having a worry-free preparation.
"I play down my chances just because I don't think a 36-year-old should be a favourite of a tournament," Federer said today on the eve of the year's first grand slam tournament. "It should not be the case.
"That's why I see things more relaxed, you know, at a later stage of my career."
Tennis icon set to become oldest singles competitor at Flushing Meadows since 1981 after receiving wild-card entry — yet another historic moment in a career already filled with them, writes HOWARD FENDRICH
Difficult run ahead for world number four on collision course with Djokovic and Sinner
Norwegian’s French Open struggle lays bare brutal truth in elite game — playing in pain isn’t the exception, it’s the expectation, writes HOWARD FENDRICH



