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We are excited to kick off 2025 with a refreshed approach to our sports newsletter. This new format seamlessly combines relevant news and sports scores, delivering the updates you need in a concise and easily digestible style. Our goal remains the same: to provide you with engaging, bite-sized content for your convenience.

• NFL playoff picture set after todays huge results

• Tennis results from lead up tournaments ahead of Australian Open

• Test cricket series comes to an end

NFL 🏈

The playoff picture is officially set following a day of pivotal games that marked the conclusion of the regular season. Despite a narrow 19-17 victory over the Steelers yesterday, Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals have been eliminated from playoff contention. The Bengals required losses by both the Dolphins and the Broncos this morning to secure the final AFC wild card spot. However, with Kansas City resting Patrick Mahomes and other key starters after clinching the AFC’s top seed, Bo Nix and the Denver Broncos capitalised on the opportunity, delivering a dominant 38-0 win to keep their season alive.

In another key matchup, the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions faced off with identical 14-2 records, each vying for the NFC’s top seed and a first-round bye. The Lions were in complete control from start to finish, dismantling the Vikings 31-9 behind an exceptional performance from running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who recorded 23 carries for 139 yards and 3 touchdowns - plus 5 receptions, 31 yards and 1 touchdown on the receiving front.

Week 18 - Notable Scores

Tennis 🎾

United Cup
Coco Gauff and Taylor Fritz delivered standout performances to lead Team USA to victory in the United Cup final, securing a 2-0 win over Poland in Sydney and claiming the prestigious title.

Gauff set the tone with an impressive 6-4, 6-4 victory over world No. 2 Iga Świątek, signalling her intent ahead of the upcoming Australian Open. Fritz followed up with a dramatic finish in the men's singles, edging Hubert Hurkacz 6-4, 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) in a nail-biting match to seal the championship for the tournament’s top seeds.

Brisbane International
Aryna Sabalenka faced a stern challenge but found her champion’s form when it mattered most, overcoming a spirited effort from world No. 107 Polina Kudermetova in a hard-fought battle.

The two-time defending Australian Open champion rallied to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory in 1 hour and 46 minutes. Kudermetova, a 21-year-old qualifier, defied expectations with her fearless performance, pushing the world No. 1 to dig deep and showcasing her potential on the big stage.

While Sabalenka ultimately prevailed, the match served as a reminder that her quest for a third Australian Open title at Melbourne Park later this month will demand further refinement and resilience.

Cricket 🏏

Australia reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time in a decade with a commanding six-wicket victory over India in the fifth and final Test of their series.

Chasing a modest target of 162, the hosts held their composure on the third day in Sydney, sealing the win shortly after lunch to spark jubilant celebrations in their camp. The victory not only secured the series but also confirmed Australia’s place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord’s this June.

Travis Head (34*) and debutant Beau Webster (39*) guided Australia across the finish line, ensuring a memorable end to the series and setting the stage for even greater challenges ahead.