Cricket

The Women's Big Bash League has entered a crucial phase with the scrap for the top four heating up. The Sydney Sixers are still the team to beat as they top the standings thanks to their inspirational captain Ellyse Perry.

The Australia all-rounder notched up an unbeaten 80 during the Sixers' win over the Perth Scorchers and in the process set a new record for most runs scored in a single WBBL season.

Australia captain Meg Lanning held the previous record of 560, but Perry has become the first player to hit 600 runs in a season and she is not done yet as there are still a couple of round-robin matches  and the finals to go.

The Sydney Thunder, Brisbane Heat, Melbourne Renegades and Perth Scorchers are the other teams in the running for the semi-final spots.

Golf

World No 1 Ariya Jutanugarn has hired a new caddie as Daniel Taylor will be on her bag when she kicks off her 2019 season at the Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions.

It means there is a bit of a merry-go-round as Pernilla Lindberg had to appoint a new caddie herself following her fiance Taylor's departure.

Lindberg has turned to Roy Clarke, who previously caddied for Se Ri Pak, Jenny Shin and Sandra Gal.

The season-opening Diamond Resorts Tournament of Champions takes place from January 16-20 in Orlando, Florida, and the likes of Brooke Henderson, Stacy Lewis, Lexi Thompson, Brittany Lincicome and Lydia Ko will also be in action.

And in case you missed this one at the backend of last year, the Ladies European Golf Tour has received a big boost after Discovery GolfTV added the Tour to its roster.

It includes "live rights to all Ladies European Tour events, as well as the next two Solheim Cups in 25 countries in Europe".

Football

The United States women's national team's 26-player training squad for the friendlies against France and Spain have been confirmed.

Chicago Red Stars midfielder Morgan Brian, Portland Thorns forward Tobin Heath, Utah Royals FC defender Kelley O’Hara and Utah Royals FC forward Christen Press are back after missing the trip to Europe in November.

The likes of Sky Blue FC's Carli Lloyd, Orlando Pride's Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe from Seattle Reign are also included.

Over in England, Arsenal made it 10 wins from 11 matches this season as they extended their lead at the top of the Women's Super League with a come-from-behind win over West Ham United.

Dutch midfielder Danielle van de Donk grabbed a double in the 4-2 win and, with second-placed Manchester City being held 1-1 by Bristol City, it means the Gunners have a two-point cushion at the top of the league having played one game less than Man City.

Tennis

The 2019 tennis season is up and running with most of the big stars now Down Under ahead of the Australian Open.

Perth produced one for the ages where GOAT faced GOAT as Serena Williams and Roger Federer met in a competitive match for the first time in their careers.

Playing in the Hopman Cup mixed doubles, Williams partnered Frances Tiafoe to represent the United States while Federer played alongside Belinda Bencic as part of Team Switzerland.

Switzerland came out on top, but it was loads of fun and Serena and Roger even took a selfie after the match.

MORE: Serena Williams and Roger Federer react to playing each other for the first time

In Sydney, Karolina Pliskova battled to her first title of the year as she came from a set down to beat Lesia Tsurenko 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 and lift the Sydney International trophy.

Over in Auckland, Julia Goerges successfully defended her ASB Classic title, but the tournament will likely be remembered for 18-year-old Bianca Andreescu’s remarkable run to the final.

Words by Shahida Jacobs, editor of Tennis365