Ben Smith
@bensmith94.bsky.social
All-rounder for The West Australian's sport team, but mainly football (⚽) & rugby. Devin Booker, Tugay & emo night enthusiast. Views are sadly, my own. News tips: [email protected]
Yet another lengthy night of United Cup action at RAC Arena as Stefanos Tsitsipas held off a mighty effort from Billy Harris, before Maria Sakkari outlasted Emma Raducanu in a pulsating encounter.
Tstisipas’ Great British escape as Greece taste victory
Greece have joined USA and Switzerland in the United Cup quarter-finals in Perth after Stefanos Tsitsipas and Maria Sakkari won out in three set-thrillers at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 6, 2026 at 12:15 AM
Yet another lengthy night of United Cup action at RAC Arena as Stefanos Tsitsipas held off a mighty effort from Billy Harris, before Maria Sakkari outlasted Emma Raducanu in a pulsating encounter.
Coco Gauff hit just one ace, was broken nine times, including her first five and final three service games, had had 14 double-faults and it took her until the 18th time of asking to win a point on her second serve in a stunning three-set upset loss.
Gauff off her best as serve eludes US star in upset defeat
USA’s world No.4 Coco Gauff has stumbled after a stunningly sub-par serving performance led to an emphatic three-set upset defeat to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 5, 2026 at 4:54 AM
Coco Gauff hit just one ace, was broken nine times, including her first five and final three service games, had had 14 double-faults and it took her until the 18th time of asking to win a point on her second serve in a stunning three-set upset loss.
Another wonderful Swtizerland win at the United Cup - and yet another Stan Wawrinka three-set epic. Yes, he fell to Flavio Cobolli on Sunday night, but if this is a preview of the remainder of Wawrinka’s retirement tour, it will be appointment viewing.
Cobolli brings down The Stanimal in three-set epic
Italian Flavio Cobolli has outlasted Stan Wawrinka in an incredible three-setter at RAC Arena as the Swiss great found himself involved in an instant classic for the second straight day.
thewest.com.au
January 4, 2026 at 11:38 PM
Another wonderful Swtizerland win at the United Cup - and yet another Stan Wawrinka three-set epic. Yes, he fell to Flavio Cobolli on Sunday night, but if this is a preview of the remainder of Wawrinka’s retirement tour, it will be appointment viewing.
Tennis szn forever a vibe. Fun match between Belinda Bencic and Jasmine Paolini.
January 4, 2026 at 11:57 AM
Tennis szn forever a vibe. Fun match between Belinda Bencic and Jasmine Paolini.
Not an ideal start to 'Super Sunday' at the United Cup. thewest.com.au/sport/tennis...
United Cup blow as star pulls out of marquee match-up
Perth’s blockbuster United Cup tie between former grand slam champions Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu has been dealt a seismic blow after one of the pair pulled out.
thewest.com.au
January 4, 2026 at 2:45 AM
Not an ideal start to 'Super Sunday' at the United Cup. thewest.com.au/sport/tennis...
"Not really where he’s reached. How quickly? Very much so."
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
Circati: the Socceroos’ Mr. Cool, Calm and Collected
In the first of our WA Stars On The Rise in 2026 series, The West Australian takes a look at how 22-year-old Alessandro Circati has gone from Perth Azzurri to captaining the Socceroos.
thewest.com.au
January 4, 2026 at 1:19 AM
"Not really where he’s reached. How quickly? Very much so."
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
As part of The West Australian Sport's 'Six for 2026' series of WA athletes primed for big years: Alessandro Circati will have a lot on his plate for club & country - but handling pressure is what he does.
Men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz admitted his troublesome knee tendinopathy is still causing him issues after being stunned by Argentinian Sebastian Baez at the United Cup in Perth.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
Happy Baez as US star Fritz falls in Perth opener
The United Cup’s run of upsets has continued as men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz was stunned by Argentinian Sebastian Baez in three sets at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 3, 2026 at 11:37 PM
Men’s world No.6 Taylor Fritz admitted his troublesome knee tendinopathy is still causing him issues after being stunned by Argentinian Sebastian Baez at the United Cup in Perth.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
Something to watch in the lead-up the Australian Open.
An under-the-weather Naomi Osaka says she is not overly worried falling in straight sets to Maria Sakkari in her opening United Cup match and first hit-out of the season.
Down with the sickness, but Osaka not disturbed by defeat
Maria Sakkari has stunned Naomi Osaka in straight sets and reminded the WTA tour of her own class as she put Greece in command of their United Cup tie with Japan at RAC Arena.
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 11:38 PM
An under-the-weather Naomi Osaka says she is not overly worried falling in straight sets to Maria Sakkari in her opening United Cup match and first hit-out of the season.
Great Britain star Emma Raducanu is once again feeling positive about her trajectory — and the former US Open champion is eager to build on the performances which steered her back into the top 30.
Raducanu’s radical optimism after rebound season
Great Britain star Emma Raducanu is once again feeling positive about her trajectory - and the former US Open champion is eager to build on the performances which steered her back into the top 30.
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 7:55 AM
Great Britain star Emma Raducanu is once again feeling positive about her trajectory — and the former US Open champion is eager to build on the performances which steered her back into the top 30.
Osaka vs Raducanu undoubtedly the pick of the match-ups in Perth as the United Cup gets underway today - but it is not the only one of interest.
Five to watch: The can’t-miss United Cup ties in Perth
The United Cup roars into action on Friday with yet another star-studded line-up descending upon Perth. But what are the top five singles matches to watch for at RAC Arena?
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 4:33 AM
Osaka vs Raducanu undoubtedly the pick of the match-ups in Perth as the United Cup gets underway today - but it is not the only one of interest.
A raw Stefanos Tsitsipas spoke yesterday about the lengths to which his back injury haunted him throughout 2025, revealing he could not walk after his US Open exit in August and admitting he questioned his future.
Back from the brink: Greek star hopes for year of redemption
A raw Stefanos Tsitsipas has spoken about the lengths to which his back injury haunted him throughout 2025, revealing he could not walk after his US Open exit in August and admitting he questioned his...
thewest.com.au
January 2, 2026 at 1:56 AM
A raw Stefanos Tsitsipas spoke yesterday about the lengths to which his back injury haunted him throughout 2025, revealing he could not walk after his US Open exit in August and admitting he questioned his future.
Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka believes motherhood has evolved her career and shifted her mindset for the better - but admits there is still a balancing act between being a parent and a professional as she aims to build on last year’s renaissance.
Mum’s the word: four-time major winner Osaka’s mindset shift
Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka has opened up about the positive impact of motherhood on her career as she aims to build on last year’s renaissance - starting with the United Cup in Perth.
thewest.com.au
January 1, 2026 at 6:56 AM
Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka believes motherhood has evolved her career and shifted her mindset for the better - but admits there is still a balancing act between being a parent and a professional as she aims to build on last year’s renaissance.
My top 20 favourite albums for the year 2025, ranked.
December 31, 2025 at 7:52 AM
My top 20 favourite albums for the year 2025, ranked.
Perth’s United Cup marks the beginning of the end for Stan Wawrinka - but the 2014 Australian Open champion and three-time major winner is at peace with his decision to call it a day and determined to make the most of his final year on the tour.
Stan the man not done yet ahead of Perth bow
Three-time grand slam champion Stan Wawrinka is at peace with his decision to call it a day — but determined to make the most of his final year on the tour.
thewest.com.au
December 29, 2025 at 6:34 AM
Perth’s United Cup marks the beginning of the end for Stan Wawrinka - but the 2014 Australian Open champion and three-time major winner is at peace with his decision to call it a day and determined to make the most of his final year on the tour.
Some Western Australians, a Welshman, and a couple of hundred Englishmen and women from @englandsbarmyarmy.bsky.social walked into a Melbourne stadium on Sunday night - and created one of the most memorable away days in Perth Glory history.
Glory fans celebrate Barmy night in Melbourne
Some Western Australians, a Welshman, and a couple of hundred Englishmen and women walked into a Melbourne stadium on Sunday night — and created one of the most memorable away days in Perth Glory hist...
thewest.com.au
December 29, 2025 at 5:14 AM
Some Western Australians, a Welshman, and a couple of hundred Englishmen and women from @englandsbarmyarmy.bsky.social walked into a Melbourne stadium on Sunday night - and created one of the most memorable away days in Perth Glory history.
Ben Donaldson's overarching goal is to be the Wallabies' fly-half at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But after an inconsistent year, he's learning to focus on the present to write his own future.
Great chat with the Western Force star.
But after an inconsistent year, he's learning to focus on the present to write his own future.
Great chat with the Western Force star.
After inconsistent 2025, Donaldson eyes gift of presence
Ben Donaldson started 2025 as one of the main favourites for the Wallabies fly-half jersey; it did not pan out the way he wanted, but the Western Force star is eager to build on the lessons learned in...
thewest.com.au
December 27, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Ben Donaldson's overarching goal is to be the Wallabies' fly-half at the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
But after an inconsistent year, he's learning to focus on the present to write his own future.
Great chat with the Western Force star.
But after an inconsistent year, he's learning to focus on the present to write his own future.
Great chat with the Western Force star.
Spoke to Tim Henman last week about Emma Raducanu's growth over the last year and his hopes for Jack Draper ahead of the United Cup in a fortnight.
Henman relishing Raducanu’s re-emergence ahead of United Cup
British tennis great Tim Henman believes young gun Emma Raducanu will soon cement herself in the top 20, declaring the 21-year-old better mentally prepared now than in her remarkable US Open triumph i...
thewest.com.au
December 22, 2025 at 3:11 AM
Spoke to Tim Henman last week about Emma Raducanu's growth over the last year and his hopes for Jack Draper ahead of the United Cup in a fortnight.
I guess this all but confirms Bazball was indeed, to borrow a phrase, built upon a towering silo of nuclear-strength bullshit.
December 21, 2025 at 4:16 AM
I guess this all but confirms Bazball was indeed, to borrow a phrase, built upon a towering silo of nuclear-strength bullshit.
"Even if people think they’re normal, they’re not normal. Normally, the normal ones are the unique ones."
Sat down with Adam Griffiths to chat about football and life.
No goats or lions were harmed in the writing of this article.
Sat down with Adam Griffiths to chat about football and life.
No goats or lions were harmed in the writing of this article.
The new Glory coach who just wants to be himself
He went viral for his mountain goats and lions press conference - but there is more than just quips to new Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths.
thewest.com.au
December 20, 2025 at 5:25 AM
"Even if people think they’re normal, they’re not normal. Normally, the normal ones are the unique ones."
Sat down with Adam Griffiths to chat about football and life.
No goats or lions were harmed in the writing of this article.
Sat down with Adam Griffiths to chat about football and life.
No goats or lions were harmed in the writing of this article.
Somehow, Perth Glory escaped with a win last night. The second time in as many visits to Perth Bev Priestman has watched her team concede an Olympico. Weird it happened twice huh?
Inglorious streak over as ‘Olimpico’ proves the difference
A Susan Phonsongkham ‘Olimpico’ goal has helped Perth Glory snap a four-game losing streak and a three-game goalscoring drought with a win over Wellington Phoenix at Sam Kerr Football Centre.
thewest.com.au
December 12, 2025 at 11:08 PM
Somehow, Perth Glory escaped with a win last night. The second time in as many visits to Perth Bev Priestman has watched her team concede an Olympico. Weird it happened twice huh?
No goats or mountain lion talk from Adam Griffiths today - but the interim coach confirmed he's in negotiations to take the role full-time.
Griffiths ‘excited’ as full-time Glory role beckons
Adam Griffiths has confirmed he is in negotiations to become Perth’s Glory’s full-time coach but does not have an exact timeline on his impending promotion.
thewest.com.au
December 11, 2025 at 6:15 AM
No goats or mountain lion talk from Adam Griffiths today - but the interim coach confirmed he's in negotiations to take the role full-time.
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow has declared ticket sales are tracking ahead of last year, while Jason Kubler and Maddison Inglis are excited as they begin preparations for the 2026 tournament.
No Demon, no worries for United Cup ticket sales
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow has declared ticket sales are tracking ahead of last year with less than a month until the opening serve of Perth’s annual tennis extravaganza.
thewest.com.au
December 11, 2025 at 3:24 AM
United Cup tournament director Stephen Farrow has declared ticket sales are tracking ahead of last year, while Jason Kubler and Maddison Inglis are excited as they begin preparations for the 2026 tournament.
Can reveal Perth Glory's home game against Sydney FC on Saturday night will be Adam Griffiths' first as the club's permanent head coach. Glory set to officially confirm his appointment this week.
REVEALED: Glory make call on new coach
Perth Glory have made their decision on who will be the club’s new permanent coach, The West Australian can reveal.
thewest.com.au
December 8, 2025 at 1:49 AM
Can reveal Perth Glory's home game against Sydney FC on Saturday night will be Adam Griffiths' first as the club's permanent head coach. Glory set to officially confirm his appointment this week.
ANALYSIS: Despite this being the weakest group by average FIFA world ranking the Socceroos have faced over their past five World Cups, don't expect anything out of the ordinary when Popaball gets it global launch.
Popaball global launch to face sturdy, not absurd, tests
On the surface, this is the kindest FIFA World Cup group Australia have faced. But do not expect a philosophical change in the way the Socceroos set up against the USA, Paraguay and a European qualifi...
thewest.com.au
December 6, 2025 at 7:39 AM
ANALYSIS: Despite this being the weakest group by average FIFA world ranking the Socceroos have faced over their past five World Cups, don't expect anything out of the ordinary when Popaball gets it global launch.
Adam Griffiths spoke really well about Glory's response after going down to 10 men.
But nothing was more interesting than his mosaic of a monologue about mountain goats and a lion.
1/3 Eric Cantona 1/3 Brett Kirk 1/3 Charlie Sheen.
But nothing was more interesting than his mosaic of a monologue about mountain goats and a lion.
1/3 Eric Cantona 1/3 Brett Kirk 1/3 Charlie Sheen.
Griffiths a ‘mountain goat, lion’ as he eyes full-time gig
Interim Perth Glory coach Adam Griffiths has compared himself to a mountain goat, before instead labeling himself a lion as his case to take the full-time role appears close to a reality after another...
thewest.com.au
December 6, 2025 at 4:06 AM
Adam Griffiths spoke really well about Glory's response after going down to 10 men.
But nothing was more interesting than his mosaic of a monologue about mountain goats and a lion.
1/3 Eric Cantona 1/3 Brett Kirk 1/3 Charlie Sheen.
But nothing was more interesting than his mosaic of a monologue about mountain goats and a lion.
1/3 Eric Cantona 1/3 Brett Kirk 1/3 Charlie Sheen.