Due to an ongoing arm injury, British No. 1 Jack Draper will not compete in the Australian Open next month.
The 24-year-old has only played singles matches since Wimbledon in the summer, but he hoped to make it to Melbourne for his first Grand Slam of the year.
However, Draper claimed in a video posted on X that his 2025 campaign was one of the most challenging and complicated of his career.
He said, “Unfortunately, my team and I have chosen not to visit Australia this year.” It was a very difficult choice, according to the author.
World No. 10 Draper also pulled out of the UTS grand final in London in early December, out of frustration with not being “quite ready.”
Draper initially complained of pain in his upper left serving arm during the spring clay-court season, and he attempted to play alongside Jessica Pegula in the mixed doubles in the US Open in late August, but he was unable to play because of the discomfort.
With Australia being a Grand Slam, it’s unquestionably one of the biggest tournaments in our sport, he continued.
“I’ve been suffering from this injury for a long time, though. It seems foolish for me and my tennis to take a backseat to the court in the very, very end of the [recovery] process right now because I’m at the very end of it.
“I’ve obviously had a lot of setbacks, but this one is by far the most challenging, the most challenging, and the most complex one I’ve ever had.”
Due to an ongoing arm injury, British No. 1 Jack Draper will not compete in the Australian Open next month.
The 24-year-old has only played singles matches since Wimbledon in the summer, but he hoped to make it to Melbourne for his first Grand Slam of the year.
However, Draper claimed in a video posted on X that his 2025 campaign was one of the most challenging and complicated of his career.
He said, “Unfortunately, my team and I have chosen not to visit Australia this year.” It was a very difficult choice, according to the author.
World No. 10 Draper also pulled out of the UTS grand final in London in early December, out of frustration with not being “quite ready.”
Draper initially complained of pain in his upper left serving arm during the spring clay-court season, and he attempted to play alongside Jessica Pegula in the mixed doubles in the US Open in late August, but he was unable to play because of the discomfort.
With Australia being a Grand Slam, it’s unquestionably one of the biggest tournaments in our sport, he continued.
“I’ve been suffering from this injury for a long time, though. It seems foolish for me and my tennis to take a backseat to the court in the very, very end of the [recovery] process right now because I’m at the very end of it.
“I’ve obviously had a lot of setbacks, but this one is by far the most challenging, the most challenging, and the most complex one I’ve ever had.”
According to sources, Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu, the two Strictly Come Dancing professional actors’ friendship is beyond repair.
Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor, Daniel Bird
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Nancy and Carlos were once the closest of friends(Image: Instagram)
There is “no way of coming back” between two rival Strictly Come Dancing stars. When it became clear that Carlos Gu and Lioness Karen Carney had won the series, Nancy Xu was unimpressed.
Since last year, the 34-year-old has been at the center of a dispute with Carlos, 32, over claims that the pair have split. Everyone else appeared content for Carlos because he had won the show, with the exception of Nancy, who he looked overjoyed with.
According to sources, the pair, who were childhood friends, are now facing a “no coming back”. However, Carlos has insisted that there has never been a conflict between them and that “friends argue” instead.
A source told The Sun that it was painfully obvious that Nancy was the only person who wasn’t completely enthralled by Carlos’ victory. Everyone was hoping the pair had put their problems behind them, but the conflict is now more potent than ever. She was incredibly unable to fake happiness.
The only thing I’m worried about is whether that reaction will be reversed, and the conflict between them will only grow. The two dancers unfollowed one another on social media last year, and there were rumors that they had been unable to contact one another.
While Nancy was focusing on Shayne Ward, Carlos was said to be angry that he didn’t find a partner for the 2024 season of Strictly. However, Carlos refrained from speculating and said, “We’re fine. Friends and I have been friends since we were young, but they constantly argue that we are too close and like brother and sister.
However, Nancy was the one who missed out on a celebrity partner this year. Later, she later admitted to being “delighted” by the news. She said in a statement on social media that she felt disappointed and upset when the messages were first rolled out to me.
All I wanted when I arrived in this country from China was to realize my dream. I can use Strictly to showcase my talent and skills on such a large platform. I was obviously excluded this year, but I’m still good. because I’m still a member of the Strictly family.
Because I’ll be devoted to helping my Strictly family, I may have my voice louder than ever this year. I’ll be cheering for them there. You can also find me on Morning Live and It Takes Two, which are both good things.
Carlos also made an appearance this year, stating that he had been “self-centred” prior to joining Karen. He continued to say that because of this, he wasn’t grateful to have a partner last year.
They felt it unfair that Carlos said that when everyone knew it was only up to the producers and the celebrities in a series, if you ended up with someone, because she fully believed she deserved a partner, and they do, too, according to a source who spoke to the media. They continued to claim that Carlos’ comments sounded like a compliment to his former flame.
And Nancy’s apparent rant against Carlos last week wasn’t unnoticed on social media either. Could Nancy even try to hide her dislike of Carlos, a fan asked? “A second penned: “If you don’t like him, stay away from the camera and express your feelings.”
The Mirror has approached Nancy’s spokesperson for comment.
Strictly Come Dancing professional stars Nancy Xu and Carlos Gu are said to be locked in a very bitter feud, with sources now saying their friendship is beyond repair
Daniel Bird Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor
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Nancy and Carlos were once the closest of friends(Image: Instagram)
Two feuding Strictly Come Dancing stars have “no way of coming back.” Nancy Xu was seen looking far from impressed last weekend when it emerged that Carlos Gu had won the series with Lioness Karen Carney.
The 34-year-old who once classed Carlos, 32, as a lifelong friend has been at the centre of a feud with him since last year amid claims that the pair had fallen out. But as Carlos looked overjoyed, having won the show, everybody seemed happy for him – apart from Nancy.
Now, sources claim that there is “no coming back” for the pair, who were childhood friends. But in the past, Carlos has insisted that there has been no feud between them; instead, he stated that “friends argue”.
“It was painfully obvious that Nancy was the only person not completely elated about Carlos’s win,” a source told The Sun. They went on to add: “Everybody was hoping the pair had put their issues behind them, but the feud is more potent than ever. It’s a real shame she couldn’t even feign happiness.
“The fear is that there will be no coming back from that reaction, and the divide between them will just continue to grow.” Last year, the two dancers unfollowed one another on social media, and there were reports that they had refused to speak to one another.
Carlos was said to be gutted he didn’t get a partner for the 2024 series of Strictly, while Nancy was focusing on her partner, Shayne Ward. But Carlos dismissed the speculation, saying: “We’re fine. We’ve been friends since childhood, and friends argue, we’re too close and are like brother and sister to completely fall out.”
This year, however, it was Nancy who missed out on a celeb partner. She later told fans she was “disappointed” by the news. Speaking on social media, she said: “In the very, very beginning, when I just received the messages, it did upset me, and I did feel disappointed.
“Coming from China, arriving in this country, all I wanted was to achieve my dream. Strictly has given me such a big platform to allow me to show my skills, show my talent. Of course, I [felt left out] this year, but I’m good. Because I’m still part of the Strictly family.
“This year, you will possibly hear my voice more than ever because I will give all my energy to supporting my Strictly family. I will be there cheering for them. Also, you will see me on It Takes Two, Morning Live – those are good things.”
Meanwhile, Carlos opened up this year, explaining that he had been “self-centred” before being partnered with Karen. He went on to explain that he wasn’t grateful to have a partner last year due to this.
“Nancy fully believes she deserved a partner, and so does everyone else, so they thought it was unfair that Carlos said that when everyone knows it’s just up to the producers and the celebs that series if you end up with someone,” a source said. They went on to claim that Carlos’ comments appeared to be a dig towards his former friend.
And Nancy’s apparent swipe at Carlos last week didn’t go unnoticed on social media either. One fan said: “Could Nancy even attempt to hide her dislike for Carlos?” A second penned: “If you don’t like him then stay out of camera shot and keep your feelings to yourself.”
The Mirror has approached Nancy’s spokesperson for comment.
The successful completion of Phase 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, Section 2 of the $ 1.26bn financing deal, according to President Bola Tinubu, is hailed as a significant boost to Nigeria’s infrastructure drive.
The Federal Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Works, and the Debt Management Office all worked together to secure the funding, according to a statement from the President on Friday.
Onanuga emphasized the road’s transformative potential and noted that the milestone would guarantee the project’s unbroken progress.
One of President Bola Tinubu’s best gifts to Nigeria is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway. When the Tinubu administration completes the road, “those who have condemned this historic project will be ashamed of themselves,” said Onanuga.
FG Temporarily Opens Section 1 of Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway
Tinubu emphasized that the highway is still at the forefront of the government’s economic and infrastructure agenda and that the financing milestone demonstrated his administration’s commitment to exploring novel funding options for significant national projects. Eleko in Lekki and Ode-Omi are connected through Phase 1, Section 2, which is roughly 55.7 kilometers long.
The Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway will continue uninterrupted as a result of closing this transaction.
The President said, “Our administration will continue to look for available funding opportunities to carry out significant economic and priority infrastructure projects across the country.”
Eleko in Lekki and Ode-Omi, two important economic corridors anticipated to improve national trade efficiency and logistics connectivity, are connected by Phase 1, Section 2 of the highway, which extends for about 55.7 kilometers.
The project’s scaleability and appeal to international financiers are strengthened by the funding, which follows an earlier $747 million secured for Phase 1, Section 1.
First Abu Dhabi Bank and Afreximbank provided the financing, which also had a portion of the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) to support the partially mitigated risk.
Rumoured as a favourite to host Strictly, the family money is already on Zoe Ball says dad Johnny. But could the presenter – who has just left her radio show on BBC Radio 2 – be about to return to our TV screens?
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Zoe Ball addresses ‘tough year’ despite being ‘in the frame’ for Strictly job.(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC/Ray Burmiston)
She’s stepped down from hosting her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show and is being replaced on the airwaves by Emma Willis, could 2026 be the year when Zoe Ball returns to telly?
Coming third as a Strictly contestant in 2005, she then hosted the spin-off show It Takes Two from 2011 until 2021, giving her the perfect pedigree for the job according to dad Johnny, who confirmed: “She’s in the mix.”
Remaining tight-lipped about her prospects, Zoe is happier to disclose her inside track on motherhood – as she reveals her role at her kids’ recent birthday parties.
Nelly turned 16, while Woody turned 25 earlier this month. And, deemed “cool enough” to go along early to Nell’s 16th drinks, she says: “I was allowed to pop in to the ‘prinks’ – the pre drinks. Nell deemed me important enough.”
Quite glad not to stay for the whole do, she says she could “feel Nell’s nerves.” After checking everything was in place, she left, safe in the knowledge that she would be kept informed of any mishaps.
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“She had a sign which read ‘holy sh*t…you’re 16,’” laughs Zoe, confessing: “I was sent updates, because my friends were all hiding upstairs. And then Woody arrived and he had to hide upstairs.” As well as Nell’s dad, Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) taking a turn as DJ, Zoe says: “Her boyfriend, Jacoby DJ-ed and Nell even played some tunes as well. It all wrapped up at 11.30pm and no one threw up. Hoorah!”
Zoe does say Woody was worse for wear, as he went clubbing afterwards. “The energy of that boy!” she remarks. “He came in about 4.30am looking for antihistamines.” But Zoe decided against cramping his style at his 25th. “He had a party where they’re all wearing suits and they’re going old school,” she says. “I was invited. I was like, ‘No son, you go and enjoy yourself.’”
Now 55, age is clearly preying on Zoe’s mind, as she opens up on the Dig It podcast, which she hosts with Jo Whiley. Speaking about her changing body at the menopause, Zoe, who earlier this month stepped down from her BBC Radio 2 Saturday show, says: I think your shape changes slightly as you get older.
“It’s sort of around the boobage area, around your shoulders. Okay, and your arms. You sort of think, ‘oh, have I really filled out?’ The good thing is we have our girls, and they are always happy to receive our offcuts!”
Private about her personal life after high-profile splits from Norman Cook and, more recently in 2023 from carpenter Michael Reed, she is awestruck by celebrity power couples. She cites Fleabag writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Oscar winning playright and director Martin McDonagh. She says of Waller-Bridge: “I saw her in the street with her fabulous partner, Martin McDonough. What a power couple they are, because he directed The Banshees of Inisherin.” Pausing, she adds: “Something about amazing power couples.”
In a contemplative mood, as the year ends and she looks ahead to 2026, Zoe reflects on friends who have had difficulties this year. “I know lots of my friends have had a really tough year this year. Lots of people worrying about money, people worrying about jobs,” she says. “I’m so grateful we’re all there for each other.”
And she wonders if she will ever develop the care free attitude rumoured to come with age – something she has been reading articles about. She ponders: “As you get older, do you become a bit more, f*ck it, do you stop worrying about things? I’ve been thinking about it. I don’t know if that’s true, because you might care less about some of the daft stuff that you used to worry about. But, actually, there’s loads of other stuff to worry about.”
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Citing the fact “you never stop worrying about your kids” as an example, she adds: “I guess, as you come through menopause, I’m hoping there’s a bit the other side where you’re like, ‘ah, f*ck it. I don’t care.’ But there is always still so much to worry about. I’m looking forward to that f*ck it era. Will it come in my 80s?
“Life is a bit like Indiana Jones sometimes, isn’t it? Like when the massive ball is running down the hill, you’re like, ‘for f*ck’s sake’ just trying to deal with this.”
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