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Five things to look out for at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

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Updated 03 February 2025
Reem Abulleil
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Five things to look out for at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

Updated 03 February 2025
Reem Abulleil

ABU DHABI: The Women’s Tennis Association’s Middle East swing kicks off its three-week stint in the Gulf on Monday with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Defending champion and top seed Elena Rybakina headlines a stellar field at Zayed Sports City that also includes Tunisian fan favorite Ons Jabeur, recent Australian Open semi-finalist Paula Badosa, last year’s Abu Dhabi finalist Daria Kasatkina, and British wildcard Emma Raducanu.

Here are the main talking points surrounding the action in the UAE capital this week:

Rybakina debuts new coaching partnership

After parting ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic post-Australian Open, World No.5 Rybakina has a new figure in her corner in Abu Dhabi in the form of ex-Association of Tennis Professionals player Davide Sanguinetti.

Stefano Vukov is still part of Team Rybakina but is currently provisionally suspended pending an investigation for an alleged breach of the WTA Code of Conduct. This means he cannot be credentialed at any sanctioned tournament.

Rybakina lost to eventual champion Madison Keys in the Australian Open fourth round last month and says she suffered a back problem during her time in Melbourne.

The Kazakhstani big hitter went straight to Dubai after the opening Grand Slam of the season and underwent treatment for her back before a week’s training with Sanguinetti and Vukov.

“It's really nice to be back,” she told Arab News in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “I feel like it’s really like a second home for me, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, it’s really nice. I always spend my preparation here and I spend a lot of time here. I’m just really happy to be back and I’m looking forward to start(ing) here.”

Rybakina has a bye in the first round and awaits one of two qualifiers — Sonay Kartal or Katie Volynets.

 

 

Blockbuster openers

The draw revealed several juicy opening matchups with three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur taking on former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, seeded No.7 in Abu Dhabi.

In a clash between two Grand Slam winners, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu will square off with 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who have both accepted wildcards into the tournament.

Other exciting first rounds include a meeting between recent Australian Open quarterfinalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who made her way through qualifying to claim a place in the main draw.

Jabeur took four months off at the end of 2024 to recover from a shoulder injury and returned to action in Australia in January. She made the quarterfinals in Brisbane and the third round in Melbourne and is pleased with her competitive level this early in her comeback.

“It was nice to have a long break. I think mentally and physically it helped me a lot to be back to normal, to have the motivation back, the pleasure of playing tennis back. I feel like, surprisingly, the level was good. I’m not very good at taking long breaks and come back stronger. So it was nice to see that the level is back,” said the 30-year-old.

 

 

Badosa out to build on strong start

Spanish No.2 seed Badosa reached a maiden Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne last month and is hoping to keep up the momentum that has propelled her back into the top 10 for the first time since October 2022.

After almost retiring last year due to a stress fracture in her back, the 27-year-old has made a remarkable recovery and has won 30 of her last 39 matches on tour.

Speaking of her biggest takeaways from Australia, Badosa said: “I think emotionally how I handled everything, how I managed the pressure, the expectations also, because I think I was coming from a very good preseason, a very good end of the season, so you always have big expectations, I had big expectations of myself. So dealing with all that. I think also the level I gave there, I’m really happy with it and hopefully I can continue that momentum.”

Badosa has a bye in the opening round and will commence her Abu Dhabi journey against Magdalena Frech or Linda Noskova.

 

 

Former champ back from maternity leave

Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic lifted the Abu Dhabi trophy two years ago then walked away from the tour seven months later when she became pregnant.

She gave birth to daughter Bella in April 2024 and returned to competitive tennis last October, playing some lower-level tournaments.

Bencic competed in her first WTA-level event post-maternity leave at the United Cup last month and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open shortly after.

Still climbing back up the rankings, Bencic is currently 157th in the world. She will hope to capitalize on her fond memories in Abu Dhabi from two years ago when she faces Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia in her first round on Tuesday.

Japanese teen set for tour-level debut

Barely 10 days ago, 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe became the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open girls’ singles title and just the second to win a Grand Slam junior singles crown.

This past weekend, she accepted a wildcard into the qualifying draw of the WTA 500 in Abu Dhabi and posted two impressive victories over Hailey Baptiste and Cristina Bucsa to claim a spot in the main draw.

The talented lefty will now make her WTA main draw debut when she takes on China’s Yuan Yue in the opening round on Monday.

 

Topics: tennis Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

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Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova

Updated 10 June 2025
Reuters
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Italy struggle but give sacked Spalletti winning send-off against Moldova

  • Italy’s first threat came when defender Luca Ranieri, making his international debut, hit the crossbar with a header, and they found the breakthrough five minutes before the break
Updated 10 June 2025
Reuters

ITALY: Sacked Italy manager Luciano Spalletti bowed out with a victory after his side labored to an uninspired 2-0 home win over Moldova in their World Cup qualification match on Monday thanks to goals from Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso.
Spalletti announced his own dismissal on Sunday following Italy’s 3-0 loss in Norway in their opening group game on Friday, but took charge for one final time where again the performance showed why a change of leadership was required.
Norway, who won 1-0 in Estonia with Erling Haaland netting the winner, top Group I on 12 points from four games, with Israel on six points after three matches while Italy are third with three points from their two games.
“I asked the guys to let me go out with a victory,” Spalletti told Sky Sport shortly before kickoff.
While his players duly obliged, it was perhaps a fitting end to Spalletti’s time on the bench as another lacklustre showing failed to light up a far from full Stadio Citta del Tricolore.
With Italy’s slow, predictable build-up play failing to break through the visitors’ rearguard, the hosts were given an early wake-up call when Ion Nicolaescu found the net only for his goal to be ruled out for offside.
Italy’s first threat came when defender Luca Ranieri, making his international debut, hit the crossbar with a header, and they found the breakthrough five minutes before the break.
A headed clearance fell to Raspadori in the box who struck first time into the bottom corner but Moldova almost levelled before halftime when Oleg Reabciuk’s shot from distance was parried away by Gianluigi Donnarumma.
Artur Ionita’s follow-up effort went wide of the far post and Daniel Dumbravanu’s header from a corner was cleared off the line by Federico Dimarco as Italy hung onto their lead.
Italy doubled their lead five minutes into the second half when substitute Riccardo Orsolini sent a low cross into the area which Davide Frattesi knocked on to Cambiaso who fired past keeper Cristian Avram.
The two-goal cushion failed to inspire Italy. Frattesi was sent through on goal from a ball over the top by Alessandro Bastoni but he sent his shot straight at the keeper and Moldova continued to create chances of their own.
“We struggled again tonight,” Spalletti told Rai Sport.
“When you are the coach of the national team you cannot have alibis because he chooses the players and if they don’t do well he can change them.”
Spalletti’s name was booed by large sections of the crowd when read out before kickoff, and the game failed to improve the mood, and Italian fans will hope for better when a replacement, rumored to be Claudio Ranieri, is installed.

Topics: FIFA World Cup qualifier Italy Moldova Luciano Spalletti

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De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller

Updated 10 June 2025
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De Bruyne secures Belgium win over Wales in seven-goal thriller

  • De Bruyne’s shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal
Updated 10 June 2025
AFP

BRUSSELS, Belgium: Kevin De Bruyne spared Belgium’s blushes after blowing a 3-0 lead to beat Wales 4-3 and kickstart the Red Devils’ 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign on Monday.
Goals from Romelu Lukaku, Youri Tielemans and Jeremy Doku inside half an hour had given Belgium a dream start.
Wales, though, rallied through a Harry Wilson penalty, Sorba Thomas and Brennan Johnson to stun the side ranked eighth in the world.
But De Bruyne rode to his nation’s rescue, as he has so often in a stellar career, by steering in Tielemans’ perfect cross in the 88th minute.
Defeat was Craig Bellamy’s first as Wales manager as they fell just short of a national record of 10 matches unbeaten.
However, there remains plenty of positives for Wales’ hopes of reaching next year’s World Cup.
They sit second in Group J, one point behind North Macedonia, and three in front of Belgium, who have two games in hand.
Only one side will automatically qualify with second earning a place in the play-offs.
After a 1-1 draw at North Macedonia on Friday to begin their qualifying campaign, Rudi Garcia recalled three of his Premier League stars in Leandro Trossard, Amadou Onana and Tielemans and Belgium clicked into gear.
De Bruyne’s shot struck the arm of Johnson inside the area to give Lukaku the chance to open the scoring from the penalty spot for his 89th international goal.
Tielemans rounded off a brilliant team move for the home side’s second moments later as he turned in Maxime De Cuyper’s low cross.
A dazzling solo effort from Doku compounded Wales’ woes as they seemed set for a second half of damage limitation.
However, Harry Wilson’s penalty reduced the visitors’ deficit in first half stoppage time after Matz Sels was controversially penalized for a clash with Chris Mepham.
Bellamy’s men were right back in the game when Wilson brilliantly picked out Thomas to slot home Wales’ second six minutes into the second period.
Johnson’s header completed the comeback 21 minutes from time, but the visitors were unable to hold out against Belgium’s superior firepower.
Lukaku had a second goal controversially ruled out for the ball being out of play in the build-up after a lengthy VAR review.
That proved to be a mere reprieve for Wales as moments later Tielemans’ cross picked out the unmarked De Bruyne to volley in at the back post.

Topics: FIFA World Cup qualifier Belgium Wales Kevin De Bruyne

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Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia

Updated 10 June 2025
SALEH FAREED
Khaled Al-Arafah
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Saudi Arabia coach Herve Renard confident ahead of crucial World Cup qualifier against Australia

  • Green Falcons are guaranteed at least a play-off spot but could still secure automatic qualification, though it would take a 5-goal victory
Updated 10 June 2025
SALEH FAREED Khaled Al-Arafah

JEDDAH: On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s crucial closing match against Australia in the third round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers, head coach Herve Renard expressed confidence in the readiness of his squad and stressed the importance of victory, despite the heavy odds against securing automatic qualification for the finals in North America next year.

Speaking during the prematch press conference at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah on Monday, alongside striker Abdulrahman Al-Aboud, Renard said: “We are in third place, and while 99 percent believe we are headed to the play-offs, we still have a chance (of automatic qualification).

“We have nothing to lose and are doing everything we can to make our fans happy. The most important thing for us is to win.

“We’re excited for this match. Some think we’re already in the play-offs but we still have hope. It’s very important to win (on Tuesday).”

Australia, led by coach Tony Popovic, sit in second place in Group C on 16 points, three ahead of the Saudis, and their superior goal difference means they need only avoid a five-goal defeat to confirm their seventh-consecutive appearance at the World Cup.

Japan top the group and have already secured qualification. Saudi Arabia and fourth-place Indonesia are guaranteed places in the play-offs, in which six teams will fight it out for the last three qualification spots.

Renard emphasized the need for focus and preparation ahead of Tuesday’s game.

“We have to approach the Australia game like any other, showing determination and being fully prepared,” he said. “I’ll do my best to select the best 11 players and the most effective approach heading into the match.”

The Green Falcons completed their preparations with a training session on Monday evening at the reserve pitch at King Abdullah Sports City.

Images released by the national team on social media showed Saudi Sports Minister Prince Abdul Aziz bin Turki Al-Faisal talking to players at the session. 

The Green Falcons take on Australia at Al-Inma Stadium in King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, and fans were invited to take up the offer of free entry to the match.

Topics: football soccer Saudi Arabia Australia FIFA World Cup 2026 FIFA World Cup

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Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem

Updated 09 June 2025
Arab News
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Japan and FIA united in global goals, says Ben Sulayem

  • FIA president’s visit highlights mobility innovation and motorsport growth
Updated 09 June 2025
Arab News

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.

Topics: Japan Automobile Federation

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Beaten Sinner extends lead on Alcaraz at top of ATP rankings

Updated 09 June 2025
AFP
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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
Updated 09 June 2025
AFP

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)

Topics: ATP Sinner

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