Aryna Sabalenka battles into semi-finals in bid for first French Open crown
World number one Aryna Sabalenka remains on course for a maiden French Open title after battling past Qinwen Zheng to reach the semi-finals.
French Open Sport News
Aryna Sabalenka: TikTok dance was key to thawing relationship with Iga Swiatek
Aryna Sabalenka has revealed how her frosty relationship with Iga Swiatek thawed over a TikTok dance.
England coach Tuchel expects players to suffer in World Cup heat
LONDON: England coach Thomas Tuchel will attend FIFA’s Club World Cup starting this month to observe how players cope with the expected hot and humid weather conditions. Next year’s World Cup, taking place in the United States, Canada and Mexico, could be one of the hottest in the tournament’s history. “It is important to see matches now in America, and in Miami at three in the afternoon,” Tuchel said as he prepared his team for their World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Barcelona. “I will see that. How it looks, and we need to understand how to cool the players down, to drink.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG combines vision with victory on World Bicycle Day
ABU DHABI: UAE Team Emirates-XRG celebrated more than just race wins on World Bicycle Day on Tuesday.
Qatar fighting to keep World Cup dreams alive, says Lopetegui
Qatar are within “touching distance” of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will go all out against Iran and Uzbekistan over the next week to keep their dream alive, says new coach Julen Lopetegui. Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup but have never reached the tournament via the qualification route, cannot finish in the top two in Group A to earn an automatic berth in 2027 but can still secure a spot in the playoffs for teams finishing third and fourth. The Gulf side are currently fourth on 10 points, four ahead of Kyrgyzstan. Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui takes charge of Qatar for the first time when they face group leaders Iran in Doha on Thursday before they close out the third round by visiting second-placed Uzbekistan on June 10. “Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it’s a dream we’re determined to fight for,” Lopetegui told FIFA’s website in an interview published on Tuesday. “It’s within touching distance. We’ve got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession. “However, despite all the difficulties, we’re determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October.” Qatar have enjoyed considerable continental success in recent years, winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles, but Lopetegui said they are in a transitional phase and still finding their feet. “There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup,” added the Spaniard, who was appointed coach in May. “However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat.
FIFA’s inaugural Club World Cup set to kick off in the US amid challenges
NEW YORK: FIFA’s billion-dollar gamble to revolutionize club football begins a week on Sunday with plenty of cash up for grabs but questionable enthusiasm as 32 teams prepare to contest the expanded Club World Cup in 12 stadiums across the United States.
Djokovic, Sinner into French Open quarters as No.361 Boisson springs upset
PARIS: Novak Djokovic sailed into a record 19th French Open quarter-final on Monday, while world number one Jannik Sinner dismantled Andrey Rublev in straight sets.
Unseeded Frenchwoman Boisson stuns Pegula and joins No. 2 Gauff in the quarterfinals
PARIS: Lois Boisson had never even played at the French Open before, let alone in the biggest arena at Roland-Garros, and now the unseeded 21-year-old Frenchwoman is through to the quarterfinals.