Articles by Ben Crawford

Sports

Emma Raducanu discovers fate after putting ranking goal at risk by ending season early

Emma Raducanu has ticked off one of her seasonal goals as the WTA Tour campaign wraps up. The British tennis sensation called time on her season early in October due to illness. Raducanu's campaign was a rollercoaster ride. She clinched some impressive victories at Wimbledon and the US Open , reclaiming her title as Britain's No. 1. However, she grappled with fitness issues towards the end, which became evident at the Ningbo Open when she needed medical attention and lost her opening-round match in three sets. Following this and other challenges, she decided to wrap up her season early but confirmed that she would retain coach Francisco Roig for 2026. This decision put a goal she had set for herself, being seeded for the Australian Open , at risk. The 22-year-old pulled out from her last two tournaments of the year ranked 29th, making her target of being in the top 32 in doubt. After withdrawing she couldn't add any more ranking points and had to wait to see if she would achieve this milestone. Now that the season is over, she can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Raducanu has ended the year as world No. 29, which means that unless she has a tough start to the first few events of 2026, she will be seeded in Melbourne. It was in early October that Raducanu set this goal and explained why she wanted to be seeded at the first Grand Slam of the new season. Raducanu said: "My goal for the coming weeks is to try to be seeded at the Australian Open. I will do everything I can to achieve that. The higher my ranking is, the better. "You might have better chances of advancing in the draw, but you can still be seeded and play against the best players quite early in tournaments. There's also an element of luck, but you have to do your best in all situations to increase your chances." The British tennis star also spoke about the importance of being a role model, adding: "It's really nice to remember that you're inspiring younger people to play. "But it's very easy to lose sight of these things because you get too absorbed in your own world. It's a great achievement for me. I want to continue to set an example on the court by having a good attitude. "I know that sometimes other players get angry or lose patience, and it's inevitable that occasionally you won't feel good when you are playing. But I try to present the best image possible. You never know who's watching, and I don't want to set a bad example for younger generations." Raducanu is currently the only Brit within the top 32 of the WTA rankings, which this year was topped by world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Iga Swiatek was a distant second, with Coco Gauff ranked as world No. 3. Amanda Anisimova rounded off a fantastic season as world No. 4.

Technology

Victoria Beckham changes her name as husband David finally gets his wish

David Beckham will be knighted at Windsor Castle on Tuesday and his wife Victoria is set to embrace a title change. The former England captain's knighthood was revealed in June as part of King Charles ' Birthday Honours list. The Manchester United legend has reportedly been in contention for a knighthood since 2011 and for his numerous contributions to sport and charity he will finally be made a Sir by a member of the Royal Family on Tuesday morning. However, it's not just Beckham who has decided to adopt a new moniker. Following tradition his wife, ex-Spice Girl and fashion mogul Victoria , has also embraced a different title. Victoria will now be recognised as 'Lady Beckham. ' This is the designation given to a woman married to a man holding the title of 'Sir' and whilst it's an optional official change, the 51-year-old has welcomed it. When Beckham's honour was announced in June, his partner shared an emotional tribute on Instagram . She wrote alongside a photo of her embracing her husband: "You've always been my knight in shining armour, but now it's official. Sir David Beckham! "What an honour, I couldn't be prouder of you. Your dedication to the things that matter most - your country, your work, your passion, and most of all, your family - has never wavered. "The way you've touched so many lives over the years with kindness and humility speaks volumes about the man you are and continues to inspire us every day. But above all else, I'm so, so proud to call you mine. I love you so much." Beckham was equally moved when the news broke and he revealed to PA: "Growing up in east London with parents and grandparents who were so patriotic and proud to be British, I never could have imagined I would receive such a truly humbling honour. "To have played for and captained my country was the greatest privilege of my career and literally a boyhood dream come true. Off the pitch I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to represent Britain around the world and work with incredible organisations that are supporting communities in need and inspiring the next generation. "I'm so lucky to be able to do the work that I do and I'm grateful to be recognised for work that gives me so much fulfilment," he added. "It will take a little while for the news to sink in but I'm immensely proud and it's such an emotional moment for me to share with my family." The former England captain had been widely tipped for the accolade and was reportedly poised to receive his knighthood in 2022 but leaked emails from 2017 in which he purportedly criticised the honours system and its panel scuppered those plans. It's claimed that Beckham labelled the committee as "unappreciative c***s" and stated he didn't "care about being knighted." Representatives for Beckham hit back at these reports, branding them misleading and accusing them of twisting the truth.