* Serena Williams has described the new changes to the 'Special Ranking' rule introduced by the WTA for 2019 as "great" and believes the move will encourage more players to take a break from the tour to have children then come back to resume their careers.
* The mayor of Milan said on Dec 27 he was ashamed of the racist chants directed at Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly during Wednesday's Serie A match between Inter and Napoli at the San Siro. Giuseppe Sala also asked the Napoli player for forgiveness on behalf of the city of Milan.
* Brazilian right-back Rafinha has hinted that he will leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season, telling SporTV that he is "at the end of the cycle" with the German champions. The 33-year-old, who has played four times for his country, wants to return to Brazil.
* Supermaxi Wild Oats XI won its ninth line honours in the Sydney to Hobart ocean race on Friday (Dec 28) to become the most successful yacht in the history of the gruelling competition.
* Arsenal manager Unai Emery has been charged with improper conduct after he kicked a bottle at a Brighton & Hove Albion supporter, the Football Association (FA) said on Thursday. The Spanish coach immediately apologised to the fan following the incident during the closing moments of Arsenal's 1-1 Premier League draw at the Amex Stadium on Wednesday.
