DUBAI: Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri continued his surprise run at the Dubai Championships by beating Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach the last four.
The 34-year-old wildcard will next face third seed Roberto Bautista Agut, who beat Croatian Borna Coric 7-6, 6-4, in the semifinals
Jaziri overcame a second-set blip to see off qualifier Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 and reach the third semifinal of his career.
Jaziri, who began his week by knocking out world No.4 Grigor Dimitrov in the first round, is the first Arab player to get this far in Dubai since Moroccan Younes El-Aynaoui in 2002, who reached the final before losing to France’s Fabrice Santoro.
The world number 117 is now just one win away from reaching his first-ever ATP Tour final.
“It was a big fight today, not that easy at all,” Jaziri said.
“I finished very late yesterday. I think I was in bed at 2:30, so I didn’t sleep a lot.
“I tried to recover the most, I had to get ready today. It wasn’t easy, i had less than 17 hours.
“I was up and down little bit today. But I’m happy to win this match.”
Even before the match Jaziri said his shock run in Dubai had struck a blow for tennis across the Arab world.
“I was hearing the cheers from a lot of young Arab kids and after I won I saw how happy they all were for me,” he told Sport360 after his victory over top seed Dimitrov.
“I hope that this can show them that us Arabs can compete with and defeat the best players in the world, as long we work hard for it.”
Ranked 117 in the world, Jaziri has been given a wildcard for the tournament at The Aviation Club for the past six years and, as a result, usually faces one of the world’s big guns in the opening round. In 2013 he managed to take a set off the great Roger Federer.
“I feel so good here in Dubai,” he said. “They gave me a lot of opportunities in the past, like with wildcards. I got a lot of experience, playing top guys here in Dubai. I played last year against Andy Murray, the year before Novak Djokovic, five years ago I played Roger Federer as well. In Dubai, I only played top seeds. I knew one day it would happen (and I would get the win).”
Arab ace Malek Jaziri continues surprise run to march into Dubai semifinals
Arab ace Malek Jaziri continues surprise run to march into Dubai semifinals
Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem
- FIA president’s visit highlights mobility innovation and motorsport growth
DUBAI: An official visit to Japan by FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has reaffirmed the ties between the organization and one of the world’s most influential nations in motorsport and mobility.
Hosted by the Japan Automobile Federation and President Masayoshi Sakaguchi, the visit highlighted the country’s investment in smart infrastructure and the evolving role of cities as arenas for both mobility innovation and sporting events.
As motorsport’s international governing body and federation for mobility organizations, the FIA is committed to building partnerships that drive innovation, safety and sustainability.
During his official visit, Ben Sulayem met with key figures including Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency Koji Murofushi, and Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Hiromasa Nakano.
“This has been an important milestone for the FIA as we deepen our relationship with Japan, a country that continues to lead by example in both mobility innovation and motorsport development,” said Ben Sulayem.
“It was a personal honor to meet with Prime Minister Ishiba and leading ministers, and to witness firsthand the energy and commitment driving progress across the sector.”
Discussions focused on common challenges and opportunities from advancing cleaner technologies and enhancing road safety to expanding access to motorsport and preparing for the future of urban mobility.
“From transformative government policies to world-class sporting activities including four FIA World Championship events, Japan shows how integrated approaches to mobility and sport can serve society,” added Ben Sulayem.
“The JAF’s dual role as a sport and mobility leader, representing more than 20 million members and hosting our championships, is truly remarkable and I am grateful for their hospitality and support.”
JAF President Masayoshi Sakaguchi said: “We were honored to welcome FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem on this significant visit. As proud members of the FIA, we are part of a truly global community united by a shared commitment to advancing mobility and motorsport.
“Our collaboration is essential to driving innovation, safety and sustainability in these fields. I am confident that our partnership will continue to grow stronger and deliver lasting impact worldwide.”
Ben Sulayem also highlighted the significance of having Akio Toyoda, the chairman of Toyota, as an active member of the FIA Senate, symbolizing the close relationship between Japan’s automotive leaders and the FIA’s global mission.
The visit comes at a time of growth and renewed momentum for Japan’s motorsport and mobility sectors. JAF now reports over 200,000 licensed racing drivers — a 20 percent increase over the past five years — while the 2025 Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix in April recorded its highest attendance since 2006.
Ben Sulayem is now in Macau for the 2025 FIA Extraordinary General Assembly and Annual Conference. The event starts on Tuesday and will welcome more than 500 senior FIA mobility and motorsport delegates from 149 countries.
Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings
- Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final
PARIS: Italy’s Jannik Sinner extended his lead at the top of the ATP world rankings on Monday despite his defeat to second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open final.
Sinner, who lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals last year, gained 500 points for reaching this year’s final.
Spaniard Alcaraz lifted the title for the second straight year, gained no points and remained second.
Germany’s Alexander Zverev remained third despite his quarter-final elimination to Novak Djokovic.
At 38, Serb Djokovic, who was unable to take a set from Sinner in the semifinals despite a strong fight, climbed one place to fifth, still behind Jack Draper.
The Briton also climbed one place to a career-high fourth after his memorable loss in the round of 16 to Alexander Bublik.
The latter, who was then swept aside by Sinner, jumped 19 places to 43rd.
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, forced to retire against Alcaraz in the semifinal, continued his ascent with another place gain to reach world number six for the first time.
Taylor Fritz, eliminated in the first round, dropped three places to seven with fellow American Tommy Paul climbing to eighth, his best ranking ever.
Casper Ruud, a two-time French Open finalist, dropped eight places to No. 16 in the ATP rankings after losing in the second round this year.
ATP rankings:
1. Jannik Sinner (ITA) 10,880 pts
2. Carlos Alcaraz (ESP) 8,850
3. Alexander Zverev (GER) 6,385
4. Jack Draper (GBR) 4,800 (+1)
5. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 4,630 (+1)
6. Lorenzo Musetti (ITA) 4,560 (+1)
7. Taylor Fritz (USA) 4,485 (-3)
8. Tommy Paul (USA) 3,510 (+4)
9. Holger Rune (DEN) 3,440 (+1)
10. Alex De Minaur (AUS) 3,285 (-1)
11. Daniil Medvedev (RUS) 3,100
12. Ben Shelton (USA) 3,080 (+1)
13. Frances Tiafoe (USA) 3,015 (+3)
14. Arthur Fils (FRA) 2,935
15. Andrey Rublev (RUS) 2,920
16. Casper Ruud (NOR) 2,905 (-8)
17. Jakub Mensik (CZE) 2,322 (+2)
18. Francisco Cerundolo (ARG) 2,285
19. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,205 (-2)
20. Ugo Humbert (FRA) 2,195 (+1)
Bangkok set to host Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Boxing Championships
- Event will see bouts take place across a range of weight divisions in men’s, women’s categories at Stadium Huamark
DUBAI: Asian Boxing, the first continental confederation established under World Boxing, has said the Asian Boxing U19 & U22 Boxing Championships will take place from July 30 to Aug. 12 at the Indoor Stadium Huamark in Bangkok, Thailand.
The continental event, organized in collaboration with World Boxing and the Thailand Boxing Association, will feature both male and female athletes in two age divisions: U-19 (born in 2007 or 2008) and U-22 (born between 2004 and 2006).
The championship is looking to build on the success of Asian Boxing’s inaugural continental event held in Amman, Jordan — the Asian Boxing U15 & U17 Championships in April 2025 — which featured more than 400 boxers from 18 countries.
Both age group competitions will include the following weight categories:
Men: 47–50 kg, 55 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg, 85 kg, 90 kg and +90 kg.
Women: 45–48 kg, 51 kg, 54 kg, 57 kg, 60 kg, 65 kg, 70 kg, 75 kg, 80 kg and +80 kg.
City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club Academy announce talent development program
- The groundbreaking partnership will help provide a path to professional football for young players in the UAE
ABU DHABI: City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club Academy have announced a landmark collaboration that will see talented players in the UAE helped on a professional pathway from the age of 6 years old.
From the start of next season, City Football Schools will deliver coaching for the Al-Jazira Club Academy’s foundation phase for 6- to 9-year-olds.
With more than a decade of coaching in the UAE, built on the philosophy and training program of the Manchester City Academy, City Football Schools will supply the coaches, all of whom hold a minimum UEFA B qualification and have undergone Manchester City’s in-house coach education.
They will coach and develop Al-Jazira’s young players, introducing them to a structured methodology designed to create elite players, one that is used globally across all City Football Group clubs. This will be combined with the principles of a safe, creative and positive space, with player happiness and welfare at the forefront of the learning environment.
The move will allow players who have demonstrated talent and aptitude for the game to flourish in a professional club and work through different age groups, with the ultimate aim of signing a professional first-team contract in the future.
For those behind this partnership, this not only offers the opportunity to help produce the stars of tomorrow for Al-Jazira Club, but it will also contribute to the wider development of football in the UAE.
Simon Hewitt, City Football Group’s head of football operations in the Middle East and North Africa, said: “This is a revolutionary partnership that will provide young players an incredible footballing opportunity for years to come. Early sports and football fundamentals are so important for a player’s development. We will look for the best 6- to 9-year-olds in Abu Dhabi and give them an incredible start to their football journey. Everything from coaching to facilities and wider pastoral care will be best in class with the goal of harnessing their skills and supporting them to reach the next level.”
The new partnership will complement the market-leading City Football Schools program that coaches over 2,500 players, both male and female, who train with City coaches on a weekly basis across eight venues in the UAE.
“The pathway being created between City Football Schools and Al-Jazira Club hasn’t been seen before in the UAE and will benefit players, the club, and the wider football ecosystem in the country,” added Hewitt.
Scott Sellars, sporting director of Al-Jazira Club, said: “We are delighted to partner with City Football Schools on such an exciting and visionary initiative. As the Pride of Abu Dhabi, we want to be able to offer young players the opportunity to excel and go as far as possible in the world of football. We are excited that some of the players who join us next season might be those running out with not only our first team, but also the UAE national team in the future.”
Open trials for young players born in 2017, 2018, or 2019 will take place on Saturday, June 21, at Active Al-Maryah Dome, Al-Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
Robert Lewandowski says he’ll no longer play for Poland while Michal Probierz is coach
- The 36-year-old Poland captain has played a record 158 games for his country and is the leading scorer with 85 goals
WARSAW: Robert Lewandowski will no longer play for Poland while Michał Probierz remains head coach, the Barcelona striker said.
The 36-year-old Lewandowski, who has played a record 158 games for his country and is the leading scorer with 85 goals, cited tiredness from a La Liga title-winning season with Barcelona for pulling out of last Friday’s 2-0 friendly win over Moldova and Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against Finland.
Probierz subsequently named Inter Milan midfielder Piotr Zieliński as the new captain.
The Polish football association said: “Piotr Zieliński has been named the new captain of the national team by head coach Michał Probierz. The coach personally informed Robert Lewandowski, the entire team and the coaching staff of his decision.”
Lewandowski replied with a post on X: “Taking into account the circumstances and the loss of trust in the head coach of the Polish national team, I have decided to step down from playing for the national team for as long as he remains in charge. I hope I will still have the chance to play again for the best fans in the world.”
Lewandowski suffered an injury to his left thigh on April 19 in a La Liga match against Celta Vigo and was sidelined for two weeks. He missed four games, including a thrilling 3-3 Champions League semifinal first leg against Inter in Barcelona.
He recovered in time for the second leg and was used as substitute in a 4-3 defeat that sent Inter to the final.
Poland leads World Cup Group G qualifying with two wins from two games.
