Sports News Roundup: Brazil's Medina wins second world title and Pipe Masters; Hamilton and Mercedes shift from fourth to fifth

Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.

Yeareneder: Djokovic back on top as old guard refuse to let go

Young German Alexander Zverev's breakthrough title at the ATP Finals in London last month brought the future into focus but the year ended with men's tennis in the grip of a block of 30 somethings led by a resurgent Novak Djokovic. Serbian Djokovic, 31, needed elbow surgery in February to cure a problem that surfaced in 2017, but after some jarring defeats he returned to the kind of domination he achieved in 2015, winning Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.

Surfing: Brazil's Medina wins second world title and Pipe Masters

Gabriel Medina won the men's World Surf League championship for the second time when he advanced to the final of the Billabong Pipe Masters in Oahu, Hawaii, then went on to clinch his first win of the event on Monday. The Brazilian, who was also world champion in 2014, ensured he would end the two-year reign of Hawaiian John John Florence by beating South African Jordy Smith in the semi-finals.

WTA increases rankings protection for returning mothers

The Women's Tennis Association (WTA) will offer greater rankings protection to mothers returning to the tour after giving birth and introduce a modernized dress rule as part of new rules announced on Monday for next season. The changes address issues that came up in 2018 when former world number one Serena Williams, who returned to action after giving birth, was unseeded for some events and caused an uproar with a black, skin-tight bodysuit she wore at the French Open.

NFL notebook: Foles to start again for Eagles

Nick Foles will make another start for the Philadelphia Eagles after leading a 30-23 upset of the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night, coach Doug Pederson announced Monday. Carson Wentz remains out with a back injury but will not yet be placed on injured reserve, Pederson said of the Eagles' approach to Week 16 against the Houston Texans.

MLB notebook: Machado kicks off free-agent tour

Manny Machado plans to visit the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Phillies this week with additional teams lining up for weekend appointments. On Monday, Machado met with the Chicago White Sox and toured Guaranteed Rate Field. Machado's agent said his client will next be at Yankee Stadium on Wednesday and Citizens Bank Park with the Phillies on Thursday.

FLM All-32: Team-by-team NFL notes

AFC EAST Buffalo Bills: While his team sits at 5-9 and he continues to rely on young players who bring little fanfare, coach Sean McDermott actually believes such reliance is proof his plan is working. "It's really the type of culture we're trying to build where I can walk into the team meeting room on Wednesday morning and say, 'Hey, Player X has earned the right to be brought up to the active roster,'" McDermott said during his Monday news conference, noting he played six undrafted rookies Sunday. "And the players, I think they really get a lot of motivation out of that and take pride in that because they know what type of culture we're trying to build and that you've got to earn things here."

Kings coach Joerger: 'No veiled shots' at his own front office

A day after he complimented Dallas Mavericks standout rookie Luka Doncic, Sacramento Kings coach Dave Joerger on Monday addressed the comments to clarify that he was not taking any shots at his own organization. Before the Kings' 120-113 road victory over the Mavs on Sunday, Joerger told the media that as good as Doncic is now, he has plenty of room for improvement.

NBA notebook: Dolan reportedly open to selling Knicks

James Dolan is selling the New York Liberty and the owner of the New York Knicks and Rangers would listen if bidders wanted to make a run at his NBA and NHL franchises. Dolan, 63, serves as chairman of Madison Square Garden and told ESPN of recent feelers from suitors for the Knicks' franchise exceeded $5 billion. However, he said no one has come through with what he described as "a bona-fide offer."

Yeareneder: New Tiger's still the man to watch, if not the man to beat

The most memorable scene in golf in 2018 was not the conclusion to a major championship, but rather the sight of a frenzied gallery swarming over the final fairway as a familiar figure stood on the brink of a win some doubted would ever come. Tiger Woods had gone more than five years without a victory when he rolled into Atlanta for the Tour Championship, the September season-ender on the PGA Tour that often ranks as one of the most boring events on the schedule.

Yearender: Hamilton and Mercedes shift from fourth to fifth

Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes won their fifth Formula One championships in 2018 but, even if nothing actually changed at the top, the season at least added an exciting twist to the same old story. Yes, the top three -- the 'Silver Arrows' along with Ferrari and Red Bull -- again won all the races, just as they have for the past five years.

(With inputs from Reuters)