National Sports

MONTREAL — Bianca Andreescu won't play in next month's Australian Open because of a nagging back injury. The 2019 U.S. Open champion from Mississauga, Ont., has been dealing with a stress fracture in her back since the summer.

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — Canadian quarterback Kurtis Rourke has transferred to Indiana University for his final year of college eligibility. Rourke, from Oakville, Ont.

Forge FC coach Bobby Smyrniotis has one thought when it comes to hosting Mexico's Chivas Guadalajara in February at Hamilton's Tim Hortons Field. "To be honest, the colder the better," he said cheerfully.

MONTREAL — Canadian athletes who hope to make their Olympic debuts in Paris 2024 are getting a taste of the spotlight they'll face when they compete on one of the world's biggest sporting stages.

POINTE-CLAIRE, Que. — The Quebec Major Junior Hockey League is changing its name to better represent its sizable contingent of Maritime-based teams.

Valour FC selected University of Cape Breton winger Owen Sheppard first overall in Thursday's CPL-U Sports draft. Sheppard, a native of St. John's, becomes the first player drafted from Newfoundland by a CPL team.

LONDON (AP) — Novak Djokovic and Aryna Sabalenka were honored as the International Tennis Federation’s 2023 ITF World Champions on Thursday after being the only singles players to reach at least the semifinals at all four Grand Slam tournaments this

TORONTO — The Toronto Raptors are a naturally quiet group off the court. Speaking up, especially on defence, will be an important part of turning around their season.

TORONTO — A trio of sponsors are backing Hockey Canada once more, after pulling support for the organization when it was embroiled in scandal last year. Fast food chain Tim Hortons, telecommunications firm Telus Corp.

TORONTO — The CFL will kick off its 2024 schedule with a Grey Cup rematch. The Grey Cup-champion Montreal Alouettes will open the campaign visiting the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on June 6, the CFL announced Thursday.