Features Writer at Tennis365 since April. Have a keen interest in the WTA Tour, historical content, and facts & stats. Formerly of Beat Media Group.
Articles by Oli Dickson Jefford
Carlos Alcaraz reveals key to rediscovering ‘joy’ on court after US Open exit
Alcaraz has not lost a singles match since his shock US Open second round loss.
Jannik Sinner’s failed drugs test: Former top-10 star alleges ‘double standards’ in doping case
"Are there double standards? I would say yes."
Iga Swiatek’s new coach: Who could world No 1 choose for her ‘next step’?
Swiatek is searching for a new coach - but what are the options available for her?
Emma Navarro suffers WTA Finals qualification blow as Zheng Qinwen handed huge chance
Navarro is at risk of being bumped out of the automatic qualification places by Qinwen.
Novak Djokovic’s 7 incredible Shanghai Masters records – and one he could break in 2024
The Shanghai Masters has proven to be one of the most successful tournaments of Djokovic's career.
Carlos Alcaraz claims ‘tennis is different’ as he discusses ‘weird’ Jannik Sinner plane journey
Alcaraz and Sinner travelled to Shanghai together just hours after their epic China Open final.
Novak Djokovic makes big scheduling decision in ATP Finals qualification quest
Djokovic has made a big scheduling decision as he looks to finish his 2024 season on a high.
Naomi Osaka: Patrick Mouratoglou delivers ‘proud’ message after first tournament together
Osaka reached the fourth round of her first event with Mouratoglou before being struck down by injury.
‘Special human being’ Novak Djokovic’s ‘drive’ hailed by former world No 1
"Practising when you are his age and when you have won as much as him, it's an absolute pleasure."
Naomi Osaka fires back after apparent ‘fluke’ criticism
The former world No 1 said she had seen someone describe her as a "fluke" - and was quick to fire back.
Shanghai Masters: Can Carlos Alcaraz match Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray Asian swing feat?
Alcaraz is looking to become just the third man to achieve a rare double.
Key Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal difference highlighted by ATP rival
"With Rafa you can fight, you can also hit winners. With Djokovic it is difficult to hit winners."
‘When Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are at their best, there is no way anyone has ever played better tennis’
"I hope Roger, Novak, and Rafa are not listening."
Aryna Sabalenka’s coach answers if she is ‘best’ player in the world
"There are a lot of internal things that maybe five people at most know about. Her ability to reboot, to better return to the match and regain focus."
Coco Gauff earns key rankings boost after overcoming nightmare start in China Open win
Gauff overcame a poor start to reach a second straight semi-final at the China Open.
Simona Halep +251 in WTA Rankings despite brutal Hong Kong defeat
Halep was beaten heavily in her round two match - after winning a match for the first time since 2022 in round one.
Serena Williams: Tennis icon’s 7 greatest rivalries – ranked!
23-time Grand Slam champion Williams had some tough rivals over the years - but who were the greatest?
Zhang Shuai matches Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters feat as Beijing revival continues
Shuai has defied her ranking of world No 595 to reach the last eight in Beijing.
The 4 players to reach world No 1 but never lift a Grand Slam title – ft. Karolina Pliskova, Marcelo Rios
Only four players in ATP and WTA history have been world No 1 without ever winning a major.
Carlos Alcaraz beats Jannik Sinner to Shanghai Masters title as Novak Djokovic surges – our predictions
With main draw action underway on Wednesday, we make our Shanghai Masters predictions.
Daniil Medvedev delivers ‘sympathetic’ verdict on Jannik Sinner doping saga
"it's a tricky situation. I want to say he does what he needs to do. WADA does probably what they need to do."
Mirra Andreeva ‘reminds me of Martina Hingis’, says Grand Slam-winning coach
"She can use any tactic and strength of her opponent well, she understands better how to neutralize them."
Who is Bu Yunchaokete? Chinese rising star +27 in ATP Rankings after booking Jannik Sinner clash
Yunchaokete has made history at the China Open - but who exactly is the Chinese rising star?
Jannik Sinner declared ‘innocent’ by Italian great despite ‘not democratic’ appeal criticism
Sinner could face a two-year suspension after WADA announced an appeal regarding his doping case.
The 6 men to win the Shanghai Masters: Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer with multiple titles
Only six men have won the Shanghai Masters title since the event first launched 15 years ago.
The 7 women with biggest gap between first and last week as world No 1: Serena Williams 14 years, Steffi Graf No 3
Seven women have a gap larger than seven years between their first and last week as No 1.
The 5 players to win first Grand Slam title after reaching world No 1 – ft Ivan Lendl, Kim Clijsters
Five players have managed to win their first Grand Slam title after reaching world No 1.
Holger Rune backed to ‘seize’ Grand Slam chance despite being ‘not as strong as Sinner, Alcaraz’
Rune has struggled at times throughout 2024, failing to reach a Grand Slam quarter-final.
Jannik Sinner ‘surprised’ as world No 1 reacts to WADA doping appeal
News that WADA were appealing the ruling in Sinner's case broke on Saturday.
Simona Halep shares ‘great news’ as comeback begins to gather pace
Halep will be back on court sooner than planned as she looks to kickstart her return from her doping ban.
The 7 men with biggest gap between first and last week as world No 1: Roger Federer 14 years, Rafael Nadal No 3
Seven men have had gaps of over seven years between their first and last weeks as the ATP world No 1.
Jannik Sinner WADA appeal ‘sending shockwaves’ through tennis, claims former No 1
It was confirmed on Saturday that WADA were appealing the initial ruling into Sinner's case
Jannik Sinner could face lengthy doping ban as WADA launch appeal
Sinner's doping case has been brought into the spotlight once again, with the world No 1 facing a potential ban.
Aryna Sabalenka hits two Asian swing milestones and closes in on win-streak record
The world No 2 prevailed in what was her first match since winning the US Open.
The 9 nations to produce both ATP and WTA world No 1 singles players: USA out in front
So far, nine countries have had a play top both the ATP and WTA Rankings.
Jessica Pegula’s hard court prowess highlighted by key stat after China Open win
Pegula beat Diane Parry to win her first match since her run to the US Open final.
Naomi Osaka snaps 22-match streak as China Open resurgence continues
Osaka is now into the third round in Beijing and is approaching a significant rankings milestone.
Carlos Alcaraz clashes with umpire in China Open win – ‘Impossible to play like this’
Alcaraz impressed in Beijing but was not happy after time violations from umpire Raluca Andrei.
The 7 men with shortest reigns as ATP world No 1: Pat Rafter with one week, John Newcombe joint-sixth
We look at the men whose time at the top of the ATP Rankings was short, but sweet.
Former world No 1 ‘trying to enjoy time’ as she opens up on retirement life
Angelique Kerber retired earlier this year after career that saw her win three majors and reach world No 1.
Taylor Fritz doesn’t ‘understand’ exhibition criticism amid tennis scheduling debate
Fritz has become the latest tennis player to have their say in ongoing discussions concerning the tennis calendar.
Coco Gauff reveals ‘focus’ for improvement as she unveils new coach
World No 6 Gauff has unveiled a new coach ahead of her China Open campaign.
Zheng Qinwen makes ‘forget’ Olympic admission as she outlines WTA Finals target
Olympic gold medallist Qinwen looks set to star on home soil this Asian swing.
The 7 women with shortest reigns as WTA world No 1: Venus Williams with 11 weeks, Aryna Sabalenka joint-third
We look at the former WTA world No 1's whose time at the top was short, but sweet.
Stefanos Tsitsipas reveals how Carlos Alcaraz sets ‘an example’ to him
Alcaraz and Tsitsipas joined forces to help Team Europe regain the Laver Cup title in Berlin last weekend.
Daniil Medvedev: ‘When Sinner, Alcaraz play, you know it’s going to be tough’
Medvedev is the third seed at the China Open and may have to face both Sinner and Alcaraz if he wants to win the title.
Jannik Sinner reveals ‘one of my main goals’ for rest of 2024 after blockbuster season
Sinner has won two Grand Slam titles and reached world No 1 in 2024, though the Italian is not resting on his laurels yet.
The 7 men with the best fifth-set win percentage in Open Era: Bjorn Borg 81.8%, Novak Djokovic No 3
All-time greats Borg and Djokovic rank highly in terms of the fifth set win percentage.
Carlos Alcaraz reveals Rafael Nadal Davis Cup wish as retirement rumours grow
Alcaraz and Nadal will both be in action for Spain at the Davis Cup Finals in November.
Maria Sharapova backs Coco Gauff after coaching split – ‘She knows there will be changes’
Gauff has recently split with coach Brad Gilbert - a scenario Sharapova is familiar with.