Mideast, North Africa tennis revolution is reshaping global game

Mideast, North Africa tennis revolution is reshaping global game
Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian trailblazer, is a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the tour’s most popular players. (FILE/AFP)
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Updated 30 January 2025
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Mideast, North Africa tennis revolution is reshaping global game

Mideast, North Africa tennis revolution is reshaping global game
  • Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open continues to champion the evolution of the women’s game, while the WTA Finals in Riyadh marked a turning point
  • Ons Jabeur leads the charge, but a new generation of MENA stars are ready to make their mark on the world stage

ABU DHABI: The landscape of global tennis is shifting, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Long known for its passion for sport, the region has in recent years rapidly evolved into a major player in world tennis, hosting marquee events, attracting top talent, and facilitating the evolution of the sport —particularly in the female game.

As the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open prepares for its third edition from Feb. 1 to 8 at the International Tennis Centre, Zayed Sports City, the tournament is not just another stop on the WTA calendar but a testament to the region’s growing prominence in the sport.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha, and now Riyadh, have become regular hosts of high-profile events, culminating in Saudi Arabia’s historic hosting of the WTA Finals in 2024.

The WTA Finals’ move to Riyadh from November last year represents a milestone moment, reflecting the growing investment and commitment to women’s sports.

The backing of such prestigious events signals a long-term vision to foster elite competition, nurture local talent, and make the region an integral part of the professional tennis circuit.

Within this broader evolution, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open has carved out a unique role. Established in 2023, the tournament has grown into a crucial early-season event that not only attracts top-ranked players but also provides emerging stars with a valuable competitive platform.

The tournament’s impact extends beyond the court. It has become a beacon for the development of women’s tennis, particularly in a region where opportunities for female athletes have historically been limited. This aligns with the broader movement to elevate women’s sports within MENA.

Additionally, there are excellent initiatives such as the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, in which tournaments for aspiring players of all ages (male and female) are held across Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Fujairah.

Prizes include a chance to train at the prestigious Juan Carlos Ferrero Academy in Spain, where Carlos Alcaraz honed his skills. The event is helping to foster a sustainable pipeline of talent in the region.

Perhaps the most inspiring aspect of MENA’s tennis transformation is the emergence of homegrown stars.

Ons Jabeur, the Tunisian trailblazer, is a three-time Grand Slam finalist and one of the tour’s most popular players. Her success has shattered stereotypes and paved the way for younger Arab tennis players.

Jabeur understands her important position and has said: “Being the first Arab woman to achieve worldwide success in tennis, I have become a role model, influencing young athletes all over Tunisia and Africa.”

Jabeur is not alone. Rising talents from Egypt, Morocco and the Gulf are making inroads on the professional circuit, spurred on by the growing visibility of tennis in their home countries.

Born in Texas and representing Lebanon, Hady Habib has made significant strides on the international tennis scene. In 2024, he made history by becoming the first player to represent Lebanon in Olympic tennis, facing world-class opponents including Alcaraz.

Saudi Arabia’s Yara Alhogbani, meanwhile, claimed both singles and doubles titles in her junior career before competing, as a 19-year-old, in the qualifying rounds at last year’s Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Although retired, both Morocco’s Younes El-Aynaoui and Tunisia’s Malek Jaziri remain influential figures in MENA tennis following solid careers, with their respective legacies continuing to motivate aspiring players.

With increased investment in coaching, facilities, and junior development programs, MENA is poised to produce even more competitive players in the years to come.


Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open

Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open
Updated 20 February 2025
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Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open

Alcaraz needs three sets to oust Luca Nardi at Qatar Open
  • Second-seeded Alex de Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal match against fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev
  • Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev beat Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final eight

DOHA: Top-seeded Carlos Alcaraz reached the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open by beating Luca Nardi 6-1, 4-6, 6-3 on Wednesday.

The 21-year-old Spaniard let his guard down in the second set, when his Italian opponent fought back from trailing 1-4 to force a decider.

“My energy levels probably went down a little bit, but credit to him,” said the third-ranked Alcaraz, who will next face Jiri Lehecka.

Also Wednesday, second-seeded Alex de Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp 6-4, 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal match against fifth-seeded Andrey Rublev.

Fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev beat Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1 and will meet Felix Auger-Aliassime in the final eight.

Jack Draper eliminated Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-1. He will next play either Matteo Berrettini, who knocked out Novak Djokovic, or Tallon Griekspoor.


Raducanu says ‘I’ll be OK’ after man removed from stands at Dubai tournament

Raducanu says ‘I’ll be OK’ after man removed from stands at Dubai tournament
Updated 19 February 2025
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Raducanu says ‘I’ll be OK’ after man removed from stands at Dubai tournament

Raducanu says ‘I’ll be OK’ after man removed from stands at Dubai tournament
  • “Thank you for the messages of support. Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed,” Raducanu wrote
  • WTA issued a statement explaining that Raducanu was approached in a public space Monday “by a man who exhibited fixated behavior”

DUBAI: Emma Raducanu said she will be OK after what she called a “difficult experience” related to the presence of a man who had exhibited “fixated behavior” toward her at the Dubai Championships.
The 2021 US Open champion had approached the chair umpire early in her second-round match against 14th-seeded Karolina Muchova on Tuesday night. She was in tears, and the WTA later linked her reaction to the presence of the unidentified man.
On Wednesday, the 22-year-old British player responded with a statement on her Instagram account.
“Thank you for the messages of support. Difficult experience yesterday but I’ll be okay and proud of how I came back and competed despite what happened at the start of the match,” Raducanu wrote. “Thank you to Karolina for being a great sport and best of luck to her for the rest of the tournament.”
Raducanu, who was still a teenager in 2022 when a man in Britain was convicted of stalking her, returned to play after a brief delay at 2-0 down and eventually lost 7-6 (6), 6-4 to Muchova.
Early Wednesday, the WTA issued a statement explaining that Raducanu was approached in a public space Monday “by a man who exhibited fixated behavior” and “this same individual was identified in the first few rows during Emma’s match on Tuesday ... and subsequently ejected.”
“He will be banned from all WTA events pending a threat assessment.”
The chair umpire called tournament organizers immediately when Raducanu reported her concerns in the first set of the night match, and Muchova walked over to console her opponent.
Raducanu then picked up a towel, wiped her face, nodded and continued the match. She didn’t immediately comment on the incident.
The WTA said it was working with Raducanu and her team “to ensure her well-being and provide any necessary support.”
Raducanu rose to fame in 2021 by winning the US Open as a qualifier, one of the most unlikely achievements in tennis. She hasn’t advanced past the third round at a major since then and has spent long stints recovering from injuries.


Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends

Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends
Updated 19 February 2025
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Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends

Sabalenka thrashed in Dubai as Paolini’s title defense ends
  • Sabalenka suffered a second straight premature exit after losing in her opening match in Qatar a week ago
  • Tauson broke Sabalenka’s serve six times and the Dane will go on to play Czech youngster Linda Noskova

DUBAI: World number one Aryna Sabalenka slumped to a 6-3, 6-2 loss against Denmark’s Clara Tauson in the last 16 of the Dubai Championships on Wednesday, as Jasmine Paolini’s title defense came to a painful end.
Sabalenka, who beat the 38th-ranked Tauson on her way to last month’s Australian Open final, suffered a second straight premature exit after losing in her opening match in Qatar a week ago.
Tauson broke Sabalenka’s serve six times and the Dane will go on to play Czech youngster Linda Noskova, who knocked out fifth seed Jessica Pegula in straight sets to reach the quarter-finals.
The 22-year-old Tauson beat Noskova in the first round of the Australian Open. She also won the title in Auckland at the start of January and made the semifinals in Linz earlier this month.
Noskova will have her shot at revenge on Thursday after beating Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (10/8).
Defending champion Paolini suffered an ankle injury and was dumped out by Sofia Kenin as the fourth seed from Italy lost 6-4, 6-0 in just over an hour.
Kenin, the world number 27, raced to a 5-2 lead in the opening set before closing the door on a Paolini fightback.
Any hopes Paolini had of forcing the match to a deciding set were undone when she took a bad fall early in the second set.
Rolling over her right ankle mid-rally she played on, but was obviously suffering, and in tears.
This was Kenin’s first win over a top-five player since her victorious title run at the 2020 Australian Open.
Kenin’s reward for defeating last year’s Wimbledon and French Open finalist was a quarter-final date with Elena Rybakina after the Kazakh sixth seed overcame a tight battle with Paula Badosa 4-6, 7-6 (10/8), 7-6 (7/2).
Paolini’s loss came after a tricky start to her title defense on Tuesday.
She had reached match point before rain forced the players off the court. Over four hours later, the world No.4 returned to win the final point, beating German qualifier Eva Lys 6-2, 7-5.
Olympic champion Zheng Qinwen suffered a similar fate to Paolini, the Chinese seventh seed beaten in three sets by Kenin’s fellow American, Peyton Stearns.
The 23-year-old Stearns, ranked 46 in the world, fought back from a set down against last year’s Australian Open finalist to win the second round tie held over after Tuesday’s rain 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.
After a brief break Stearns returned to face 12th seed Mirra Andreeva in the last 16 where her Dubai run ended, losing 6-1, 6-1 to the young Russian.
Waiting for Andreeva in the quarter-finals is second seed Iga Swiatek.
The Pole, beaten in the Australian Open semifinals last month, won the last eight games to beat Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-0.
American eighth seed Emma Navarro, made it into the last 16 after defeating this month’s Abu Dhabi Open winner Belinda Bencic 7-6 (8/6), 2-6, 6-3.
Earlier Wednesday tennis officials said Emma Raducanu was targeted by “a man who exhibited fixated behavior” after the former US Open champion was reduced to tears on court.
The 22-year-old Briton was down 2-0 in the first set against Karolina Muchova on Tuesday when she approached the umpire, then briefly took refuge behind the umpire’s chair.
Muchova went over to see what was wrong before Raducanu reappeared, wiping away tears with her towel.
The WTA said it would ban the man, who had been sitting in the first few rows of the crowd in Raducanu’s match, after what it called “the security incident in Dubai.”


De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals

De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals
Updated 19 February 2025
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De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals

De Minaur, Medvedev and Rublev advance to Qatar Open quarterfinals
  • Top-seeded player Carlos Alcaraz can join them among the last eight later if he beats Italy’s Luca Nardi

DOHA: Four of the top-seeded players of the Qatar Open advanced on Wednesday to the quarterfinals of the tournament. Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, Daniil Medvedev, and Jack Draper won their matches in straight sets.
Top-seeded player Carlos Alcaraz can join them among the last eight later if he beats Italy’s Luca Nardi.
Second-seeded De Minaur beat Botic van de Zandschulp by a double 6-4. Rublev, the No. 5 seed, will be Australian’s rival in the next stage. He topped Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-4.
Medvedev overcame Zizou Bergs 6-2, 6-1. His next challenger will be Félix Auger-Aliassime, who advanced without having to play Hamad Mededovic.
Draper eliminated Christopher O’Connell 6-2, 6-1. His rival will be either Matteo Berrettini, who knocked out Novak Djokovic, or Tallon Griekspoor.


Who would WTA players choose to coach them from their closest rivals?

Who would WTA players choose to coach them from their closest rivals?
Updated 19 February 2025
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Who would WTA players choose to coach them from their closest rivals?

Who would WTA players choose to coach them from their closest rivals?
  • Swiatek, Jabeur, Gauff, Pegula and more reveal their ideal trainer

DUBAI: Last December, Novak Djokovic shocked the sports world by announcing he had hired his long-time rival and recently retired Andy Murray to be his coach.

The pair played each other 36 times on the professional tour, faced off in seven Grand Slam finals, and represented half of the fabled “Big Four” that dominated tennis headlines for over a decade.

Djokovic said one of the main reasons he chose Murray was because he needed someone in his corner who had gone through the same experiences.

The partnership made its debut in Australia last month and following, his Qatar Open exit in Doha on Tuesday, Djokovic told the ATP Tour’s in-house media channel that Murray will continue to coach him indefinitely.

“It is indefinite in terms of how long we are going to work together, but we agreed most likely in the States and some clay court tournaments. We will see how it goes after that,” said the 24-time Grand Slam champion.

In light of this partnership, Arab News asked players on the Women’s Tennis Association tour at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open and ongoing Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships which of their rivals they would choose as a coach.

Some players chose those possessing a high tennis IQ, others opted for players they struggle to beat, and some said they valued a person’s positivity and energy over tactical nous.

World No.2 Iga Swiatek mentioned retired German player Andrea Petkovic, now a popular commentator, close rival and current No.1 Aryna Sabalenka as another pick.

“Petkovic is not playing anymore but I heard she has a really great eye and I always liked her, so I think we would get along. I don’t know, maybe Aryna. She’s older than me and maybe she’s going to finish earlier (than me) and that would be funny,” said Swiatek.

Meanwhile, former world No.4 Caroline Garcia said: “Ash Barty will not be bad.”

Tunisian three-time major finalist Ons Jabeur was a popular choice, with both Paula Badosa and Emma Raducanu naming her as the rival they’d choose to coach them.

“By far I would pick Ons Jabeur. I think we would connect very well. She knows very good about tennis, but especially emotionally,” said Badosa, the world No.10 and recent Australian Open semifinalist.

“I say that because also we played doubles. And sometimes when you’re playing doubles you have to coach each other. There are some moments that one is playing better than the other, so we do it already, and we feel very comfortable both of us, so I would pick her by far.”

And 2021 US Open champion Raducanu said: “I would want Ons Jabeur to coach me because I think she has an amazing energy. I think she’s a really caring person, really generous person. Funny but has a great eye for the game and is obviously pretty tactical as well with the way she plays and has a lot at her disposal. So maybe one day, Ons.”

Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic chose Liudmila Samsonova, who has a 5-1 head-to-head record against her.

“I want to know what she would do, so I can beat her, because I cannot beat her. I feel like she’s my biggest rival,” said Bencic with a laugh.

World No.3 Coco Gauff noted how reigning Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova was always courtside watching matches and felt she would be a great resource: “She seems like she’s someone that knows the game and very smart and she’s always at the matches, watching them live. So I feel like she would be a pretty decent coach.”

Jabeur reciprocated Badosa’s sentiments and chose the Spaniard as her hypothetical rival-turned-coach: “Now I’m really biased, because I know Paula said me. I feel like, honestly, Paula has a lot of knowledge. Because you can speak with players and know if they’re doing this, doing that, and that really, really helps you. So maybe I would choose Paula.”

World No.5 Jessica Pegula wrestled with the question for quite some time before settling on her choices. She said: “Ooh, that’s a good question. A close rival to coach me … I feel like it’s different because Novak, he’s already accomplished everything there is to accomplish, so I think he just wanted somebody that he could relate to and, like, mix things up. Obviously, he’s searching for something to keep pushing him.”

Following Bencic’s logic of choosing a rival that frequently beats her, Pegula said: “That's actually funny because I haven’t beaten Belinda, so maybe I should pick her. We have the same issue, so we’ll just pick whoever keeps beating us. Yeah, maybe that’ll work. Barty would be a good one. But she retired, so I didn’t think she counted.

“I think IQ-wise, she would be incredible. So maybe her. And then maybe Belinda because I’m 0-4 against her.”

When told other players were asked the same question, Pegula said: “Did I come up? Did someone pick me?”