The 2023 professional tennis season promises to be an intriguing one for a host of different reasons. The biggest talking point over the next 12 months, however, may not be Novak Djokovic's attempt to win the most number of grand slams in the history of the men's game. 

Djokovic making waves both on and off the court

Djokovic looks like a nailed-on certainty to end the year with the most grand slams as the latest tennis odds have the Serb at just 11/10 to win Wimbledon while also being priced at a mere 11/8 to go all the way at Flushing Meadows during the US Open.

Read Also: Novak Djokovic withdraws from Masters Event in US due to unvaccinated status

Yes, this looks like the year where Djokovic may rewrite the history books but it is his role as founder of the Professional Tennis Players Association that may ultimately be what the Serb is remembered for in 2023.

To understand why, let's take a look at what has happened in professional golf over the last 12 months.

LIV Golf changes professional golf in its entirety 

Taking on the PGA Tour seemed to be a futile idea and one that would surely end in failure but that didn't stop the think tank behind LIV Golf from doing exactly that in 2022.

Indeed, the new rebel league backed by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia was prepared to suffer catastrophic financial losses – to the tune of £784 million, in order to achieve its overall objective of disrupting golf.

To do this, LIV Golf had to go head to head with the PGA Tour, an organization that had not had any genuine competition for six decades.

Fast forward almost a year and, in many respects, the brains behind LIV Golf have been successful in creating a new professional tour after recruiting some of the game's biggest names as members. 

See you soon Tucson ✌️#LIVGolf pic.twitter.com/2BabpaKOU0

— LIV Golf (@livgolf_league) March 3, 2023

So, what does this have to do with Djokovic and tennis you might ask? The answer is everything. 

Will the winds of change blow in tennis?

Essentially, professional tennis is ripe for a LIV-style takeover given the disharmony among the seven stakeholders who govern the game as we know it. They are, of course, the four grand slams, two tours, and the International Tennis Federation.

As things stand, there is widespread fallout among most of those parties, and recent history has taught that when there is division, there is always a chance to provide those who are disgruntled with a new vision of what an exciting future might look like.

Step forward Djokovic and the breakaway PTPA movement that he founded in 2019.

All professional tennis players should be able to earn a living competing on tour.

We've heard many of you ask what the PTPA is doing to make this a reality.

Here are our four main areas of focus for improving the sport's economics for ALL players… 🧵 pic.twitter.com/ZrAEi4Ltq2

— Professional Tennis Players Association (@ptpaplayers) February 27, 2023

As things stand, the PTPA is, for all intents and purposes, still trying to figure out what it wants to achieve as a group but there is no doubt that above all, this is an organization that wants widespread reform in tennis. This ultimately means that the PTPA can be the vehicle that is used for radical change.

In other words, if a sovereign wealth fund approached the Djokovic-run PTPA in a bid to partner with them in trying to change professional tennis, as was done in golf when LIV first spoke to Phil Mickelson, then they would in all likelihood, not be averse to listening to the proposal.

Read Also: Kenya Open 2023 Golf: From winning Junior Golf Championships to winning her fourth LET title Aditi Ashok ends five-year drought

The question remains, could tennis really be taken over with a new world order drawn up? The first thing to point out is no one can say for certain. However, if the long-established PGA Tour can be successfully challenged, then the chances of tennis' fractured professional community being open to change are quite high. 

Also, we have seen that the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is increasingly on the lookout for new opportunities. This can be noted with their venture into golf, the purchase of Newcastle United, and their new partnership with Formula One. In short, don't takes your eyes off the world of tennis as this is a sport that is long overdue for a change of direction.

As touched on, there are many compelling storylines set to dominate professional tennis in 2023 but most may not revolve around anything that's actually happened on the court. 

The FIFA World Cup 2026, which is set to be the biggest with a record 48 teams, is just one year away. After the huge success of FIFA World Cup 2022, where the world saw an outstanding final between winners Argentina and runners-up France, the next edition is gearing up to break more records. 

But, even though the number of countries participating in the World Cup would increase, there is a chance that a few well-known footballing nations might miss the flight to the FIFA World Cup 2026, in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Today, we will talk about those countries which can miss the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

7. Austria

Austria under Ralf Rangnick surprised everyone with their high pressing game, beating teams like the Netherlands and Poland in Euro 2024. However, their high-pressing game might not give them great results in the USA. Moreover, their Bundesliga talents are also above their peak age. 

Austria have not started their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign at the moment, and Bosnia-Herzegovina have already taken a 6-point lead in the Group H points table. So, it might be tough for them if they make any silly mistakes during the qualifiers. 

6. Croatia

Although Luka Modric and company surprised everyone with a runners-up finish at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and a third-place finish in 2022, the former Real Madrid great would be 40 during the World Cup. So, we can not expect Modric to take his team over the line alone. 

Although they have a defender like Josko Gvardiol, the entire squad is getting aged, and they are already six points behind teams like the Czech Republic and Montenegro, even before starting their FIFA World Cup Qualifiers campaign.

So, they also have very little room for any mistakes. 

5. Chile

Chile were once considered one of the toughest South American teams with Copa America victories in 2015 and 2016. But those times are gone now for them. 

They still depend on veteran stars like Arturo Vidal and Alexis Sanchez, who are at the fag end of their careers. With just two wins in 14 South American qualifiers and a paltry nine goals scored, Chile are currently bottom of the points table. 

With Chile being five points adrift of a play-off spot, they might not make it to the FIFA World Cup 2026.

4. Qatar

The 2022 FIFA World Cup hosts created history by losing all three group games, becoming the first host nation to do so. However, after back-to-back Asian Cup victories, they were well on track to qualify for the 2026 World Cup on merit.

But, after winning only three of the eight third-round Asian qualifiers matches, they are now behind Iran and Uzbekistan in the group. 

Although there is a fourth round of safety for them, it is not guaranteed that they will qualify from there.  

3. Senegal

Senegal, the African football giants, struggled a bit after the departure of coach Aliou Cisse. They had shown great determination during the FIFA World Cup 2022, but after Cisse's departure, they seem to be fading. 

Their senior stars, Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, now play in the Saudi Pro League and are not at their prime as well. It will be up to their youngsters, like Pape Sarr and Nicolas Jackson, to take them home.

Read Also | 10 most successful African Players with most goals in the UEFA Champions League

But they are now behind DR Congo by a point in qualifying. So, any mistake from them could sweep away the dreams of the FIFA World Cup 2026. 

2. Cameroon

Cameroon are Africa's most frequent World Cup participants and has always brought a great flair to the World Cups. But, despite having talents like Andre Onana and Bryan Mbeumo, they have dropped points against Libya, Angola, and Eswatini.

They are currently one point behind Cape Verde in the Group D points table of CAF qualifiers. 

1. Nigeria

It would be a shame if a team with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface as their attacking trio does not qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. However, despite having a good side, they have underperformed and won only six matches, trailing South Africa by six points in Group C.

India got off to a stellar start to their campaign at the Asian Athletics Championships 2025 in Bangkok on Tuesday with national record holder Gulveer Singh taking the lead by winning the country's first gold medal in the men's 10,000m event. Earlier in the day, Servin Sebastian opened India's medal account by winning bronze in the men's 20km walk.

Also Read: List of athletes to participate in Neeraj Chopra Classic

Gulveer brings third gold for the country

Gulveer, the 26-year-old 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist, produced a composed performance to top the 10,000m. He won the gold medal in a race that lasted the last few laps, clocking 28 minutes 38.63 seconds. 

Though his time was well short of the national record of 27:00.22 he set earlier this year, the win marked a major achievement for Indian long-distance running on the continental stage.

This is India's third gold in the men's 10,000m race at the Asian Athletics Championships, after Hari Chand (1975) and Govindan Lakshmanan (2017).

Suzuki of Japan got silver

Mebuki Suzuki of Japan won the silver medal with a time of 28:43.84, while Albert Kibichi Rop of Bahrain won the bronze medal with a time of 28:46.82. With a brilliant acceleration in the final 800m, Gulveer overtook Suzuki and Rop.

Sebastian gave a tough fight

On the other hand, Sebastian gave a tough fight in the fiercely contested men's 20km walk and won India's first medal (bronze) in the event in his personal best timing of 1 hour 21 minutes and 13.60 seconds. His earlier best timing (1:21:23) came when he won the gold medal at the Uttarakhand National Games in February this year.

Wang Zhaozhao of China won the gold medal with a time of 1:20:36.90, while Kento Yoshikawa of Japan won the silver medal with a time of 1:20:44.90. Sebastian stayed in the leading group for most of the race and managed to hold off a late challenge from the chasing group to finish on the podium. 

Amit Khatri, the other Indian in the event, finished fifth with a time of 1:22:14.30, out of medal contention but still a solid performance.

Annu Rani disappointed in women's javelin throw

Meanwhile, Asian Games gold medallist Annu Rani disappointed in the women's javelin throw final and finished fourth out of twelve athletes. Annu's best throw was 58.30 metres, falling short of a podium finish by 64 centimetres. Annu's performance was well below her personal best and national record of 63.82m.

Su Lingdan of China won the gold medal with a personal best performance of 63.29 metres, while Momone Ueda of Japan won the silver with a throw of 59.39 metres. Japan's Sae Takemoto won the bronze with 58.94m. 

Also Read: Khelo India Youth Games 2025 Full Schedule

India sent a 58-member team

India has sent a 58-member contingent to the Asian Athletics Championships this year, aiming to add to its haul of 27 medals won in the last edition. Gulveer and Sebastian put up a stellar performance on day one, which has now raised expectations as the rest of the Indian team will look to add to the medal tally in the days to come.

The championship will continue till Saturday, with India eyeing strong performances across all categories in track, field and mixed relay events.

The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.

Also Read: Players with the most champions league titles

Golden Boot: Rules

The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.

The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.

Historical Overview

Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.

Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.

Most Golden Boots win

Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).

Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.

Also Read: Manchester United Trophy Cabinet

Most Golden Boots win in football history (All Time)

1. Lionel Messi | 6 Times

2. Cristiano Ronaldo | 4 Times

3. Luis Suárez | 2 Times

4. Thierry Henry | 2 Times

5. Robert Lewandowski | 2 Times

IPL 2025 got an additional layer of drama to the tournament with all the heated moments that took place. Some were just mere arguments, while some broke the internet with their intensity.

From arguments to fiery debates or controversial flashpoints, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. You can also watch the YouTube video for the list. 

Anyways, if you like to read, here is the list. 

1. Abhishek Sharma & Digvesh Rathi (SRH vs LSG)

IPL 2025 saw a fiery clash between the SRH opener, Abhishek Sharma, and LSG spinner, Digvesh Rathi. The point arrived in the eighth over of SRH's chase, when Abhishek got dismissed by Rathi, after an explosive knock of 59 runs (20 balls).

The moment occurred when Digvesh, who is known for his exclusive 'notebook' celebration, continued with the same after the dismissal. This gesture provoked Sharma, who was walking back to the dugout, and turned around with an angry reaction to it.

The entire team and the Umpires had to intervene to stop the verbal exchange between them. Both players were fined, with Rathi receiving a suspension.

The intensity of a must-win clash! 🔥#DigveshRathi dismisses the dangerous #AbhishekSharma, & things get heated right after! 🗣️💢

Is this the breakthrough #LSG needed to turn things around? 🏏

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/qihxZlIhqW #IPLRace2Playoffs 👉 #LSGvSRH |… pic.twitter.com/TG6LXWNiVa

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 19, 2025

Post-match Handshake

During the post-match handshake, Sharma and Rathi were seen having a conversation and shaking hands, displaying true sportsmanship.

Read Also: Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move

2. Hardik Pandya & Sai Kishore (MI vs GT)

A heated exchange occurred between the former teammates, Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore, during a match between MI and GT. This was during the second innings when MI had to chase down a huge total set by GT.

After a dot ball, Sai Kishore gave Pandya and intense stare to build pressure, while Pandya did not back down and returned the glare with the same intensity. Pandya was also seen saying "f*** off" in response.

Umpires quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. Kishore answered in a post-match interview saying "Inside the field it should be like that, but we don't take things personally."

GAME 🔛

Hardik Pandya ⚔ Sai Kishore - teammates then, rivals now! 👀🔥

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/VU1zRx9cWp #IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, & JioHotstar pic.twitter.com/2p1SMHQdqc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 29, 2025

Post-match Handshake

Both players hugged it out during the post-match handshakes, clearing out all the ongoing heat and confusion.

Read Also: Most times defending 200+ totals in IPL history

3. Jasprit Bumrah & Karun Nair (MI vs DC)

A rare sight of Jasprit Bumrah being agitated was seen during a match between MI and DC in IPL 2025. It occurred when Karun Nair was having a phenomenal time with the bat for DC and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in a single over.

The argument began when Nair collided with Bumrah while completing a second run between the wickets. He instantly apologised, but Bumrah was visibly angry and exchanged heated words.

The average Delhi vs Mumbai debate in comments section 🫣

Don't miss @ImRo45 's reaction at the end 😁

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/QAuja88phU#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvMI | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/FPt0XeYaqS

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 13, 2025

Post-match Handshake

Fans were pleased to see both players sorting things out during the post-match handshake. The official page of Delhi Capitals also posted the moment captured on camera, captioning "Sab theek hai bhai."

Sab theek hai bhai 🫂 pic.twitter.com/8pi2zFkh1w

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 14, 2025

4. Virat Kohli & KL Rahul (RCB vs DC)

While the friendly banter about KL Rahul's "Kantara" style celebration went viral, a sight of clear heated conversation was also seen in the match between RCB and DC. 

This happened in the first innings, when Virat Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping behind the stumps. The exact words still remain unclear, but Kohli seemed frustrated with DC for delaying while setting up the field during the overs.

Things are heating up in Delhi! 🔥#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB. 💪

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/2H6bmSltQD#IPLonJioStar 👉 #DCvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star… pic.twitter.com/Oy2SPOjApz

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) April 27, 2025

Read Also: Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet: Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025

Post-match Handshake

DC secured a win against RCB in their first encounter where the heated exchange took place. KL Rahul, who was brilliant with the bat, was seen carrying out a "This is my ground" celebration.

However, things got better after both teams met for the second time, where Kohli mimicked Rahul's celebration after defeating DC, and both of them shared a good laugh.

That “achha hua out ho gaya” from KL 🤣💙 pic.twitter.com/OGFB4AQ4Lx

— Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) April 28, 2025

5. Glenn Maxwell & Travis Head (PBKS vs SRH)

IPL 2025 saw a surprising clash between the Aussie teammates, Travis Head (SRH) and Glenn Maxwell. The incident took place during SRH's massive run-chase, when Head smashed Maxwell for two consecutive sixes.

It was followed by a dot ball in that over, when Maxwell aggressively threw the ball back towards Head. Both teammates reacted sharply after that incident, increasing the tension between them.

Their fellow Aussie teammate, Marcus Stoinis, stepped in with a disappointed look, along with the Umpires, to intervene and resolve the matter.

Watch the clip on: reddit.com

6. Shubman Gill & Umpires (GT vs SRH)

Shubman Gill was at the centre of two heated moments involving umpires in IPL 2025.

The first one occurred when Gill (batting on 76) was given out via a controversial run-out decision. He was furious to be sent back, while the footage was unclear whether SRH's wicket-keeper, Klassen, had dislodged the bails with the ball or his gloves.

What's your take? 👇✍🏻#ShubmanGill seen having a word with the umpire after being given out by the third umpire on a tight call! 👀

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/RucOdyBVUf#IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvSRH | LIVE NOW on SS-1, SS- 1 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/TPiALXJu8O

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

Things escalated in the second innings when captain Gill openly disagreed with an LBW decision for the SRH batter Abhishek Sharma, which went against his team. 

Chaos at the centre! 😳#ShubmanGill and #AbhishekSharma in discussion with the umpires!
A review going #SRH’s way has sparked some serious drama! 🧐

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/RucOdyBo4H#IPLonJioStar 👉 #GTvSRH | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, &… pic.twitter.com/KX68eec2ZB

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 2, 2025

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

7. Virat Kohli & CSK Pacers (RCB vs CSK)

This incident ignited when CSK's pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, bowled a sharp bouncer to Virat Kohli, and then followed through intensely with a stare. Khaleel got closer to him, while Kohli seemed to maintain the eye-contact and take this as a low-key disrespect.

The drama followed during the post-match handshakes where Kohli had a chat with Khaleel, tauntingly saying "ab tu aa," referring to their second encounter. As a result, Kohli smashed 3 sixes in Khaleel's over, when the teams met for the second time in IPL 2025. 

KING REMEMBERS! 😁

Come for Virat 🆚 MSD, stay for Virat 🆚 Khaleel too! 🍿

Watch the LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/dl97nUeINj #IPLonJioStar 👉 #RCBvCSK | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 Hindi & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/khdozY9jMg

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 3, 2025

Additionally, Kohli also had an instance with CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, where he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer. Kohli immediately responded with a six and a four, while giving back a look.

1st ball – 😮‍💨
2nd ball – 6️⃣

That’s what it’s like facing the GEN GOLD! ❤

Classy counter from #ViratKohli! 🙌🏻

Watch LIVE action ➡ https://t.co/MOqwTBm0TB#IPLonJioStar 👉 #CSKvRCB | LIVE NOW on Star Sports 1, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 3 & JioHotstar! pic.twitter.com/MzSQTD1zQc

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) March 28, 2025

While the spotlight always shines on the top performers of the IPL, every season also sees a team finish at the bottom of the points table. Some have a record of never ending at the bottom, while some have appeared the most times.

Explore the teams to finish last in IPL points table every season and track the count for each team.

Team with the most last-places finishes

Delhi Capitals (formerly Delhi Daredevils) stands out with most last-place finishes in IPL history. Despite having a good reputation of finishing at the top in the years like 2009 and 2012, along with reaching the finals in 2020, they still has the highest number of bottom finish record.

The franchise have finished last 4 times in IPL points table, in the following years:

• 2011: lost 9 out of 14 matches
• 2013: lost 13 out of 16 matches
• 2014: lost 12 out of 14 matches
• 2018: lost 9 out of 14 matches

Read Also: IPL Playoffs: Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

Teams with fewest last-place finishes

Chennai Super Kings finished last in points table for the first time in IPL history in 2025. They joined hands with Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, both having one last-place finish each.

• CSK: in IPL 2025 season 
• KKR: in IPL 2009 season 
• RR: in IPL 2020 season

Beyond the current active teams, 2 former franchises, Deccan Chargers and Pune Warriors India, also registered only one last-place finish during their respective IPL tenures.

Read Also: Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times?

Teams with no last-place finish ever

Only the newer franchises, Gujarat Titans and Lucknow Super Giants, introduced in 2022, have never finished last in IPL points table.

GT has turned out to be very successful since their inaugral season. They won the title in 2022, and qualified for the playoffs 3 out of 4 times in their IPL seasons so far.

Read Also: Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed

Teams to finish last in IPL Points Table (2008-2025)