Djokovic praises Saudi Arabia’s ‘love affair’ with tennis

Djokovic praises Saudi Arabia’s ‘love affair’ with tennis
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Updated 17 October 2024
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Djokovic praises Saudi Arabia’s ‘love affair’ with tennis

Djokovic praises Saudi Arabia’s ‘love affair’ with tennis
  • 24-time Grand Slam winner sees bright future for sport in the region
  • Star speaks to Arab News at Six Kings Slam now underway in Riyadh

RIYADH: Novak Djokovic believes Saudi Arabia’s “love affair” with tennis has the potential to grow the game in the region and globally.

Speaking with Arab News during the Six Kings Slam event currently underway in Riyadh, the 24-time Grand Slam winner reflected on how this type of tournament could inspire the next generation of players.

“We hope to attract attention from the younger audience ... so kids get inspired to grab a tennis racket and start playing,” he said during the Riyadh Season event which started on Wednesday and ends on Oct. 19.

The event is a part of Saudi Arabia’s larger ambition, under its Vision 2030 initiative, to become a key player in the global sports world, having already hosted high-profile events in football, Formula 1, boxing and mixed martial arts.

Djokovic underscored the importance of live events in creating a lasting impact, especially in regions where tennis is still emerging.

The Six Kings Slam also features Daniil Medvedev, Holger Rune, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal, but for Djokovic it is more than just playing matches.

Djokovic views this as a critical moment, where top athletes like himself play a role in building a foundation for tennis in the Middle East. “The Kingdom is hosting some of the greatest sporting events in recent years, and tennis is part of that rise,” he said.

With legends including Nadal nearing the end of their careers and Roger Federer already retired, tennis is in the midst of a generational transition. As one of the sport’s enduring stars, Djokovic sees this as a pivotal period for the next wave of talent.

“The younger players like (20-year-old) Alcaraz and Sinner are already forming exciting rivalries.”

However, Djokovic is not stepping aside just yet. “I’m still fighting to be in the mix,” he added, acknowledging the fierce competition from the likes of Medvedev, Rune, and others.

He said these younger players bring skill and dynamic personalities that keep fans engaged. “The sport needs characters off the court, too,” he emphasized.

The Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, offering record-breaking prize money of $6 million for the winner, represents Saudi Arabia’s bold attempt to further embed itself into the global sports conversation.

Yet for Djokovic, the real victory lies in the sport’s long-term growth. “Tennis is bigger than any one player or generation. It’s about inspiring the next,” he said.

He added: “We all are ambassadors of this sport and we all are in love with this sport that is bigger than anybody. So, you know, of course we want to see it grow. We want to see it develop.

“And, you know, the Kingdom is in love with tennis, having a little love affair. I mean, last year, I played with Alcaraz here in Riyadh for the Riyadh Season. And now we have the Six Kings Slam, which is very promising.”

 


Saudi Arabia crowned inaugural champion of FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League

Saudi Arabia crowned inaugural champion of FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League
Updated 10 December 2024
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Saudi Arabia crowned inaugural champion of FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League

Saudi Arabia crowned inaugural champion of FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League
  • Saudi Arabia triumphs against France in first of 3 FIFAe World Cup finals
  • Next to be decided are FIFAe World Cup featuring eFootball on mobile and console next to be decided

RIYADH: The first FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League concluded with Saudi Arabia being crowned world champions after four days of intense competition.

As players represented their national teams for the first time on the Rocket League scene, the Kingdom claimed victory over France in the final to take the title and life the trophy in Riyadh at the weekend.

The winning team was made up of Rw9, Kiileerrz, trk511 and d7oom-24, whose road to success saw them defeat some of the world’s best players and national teams. Sixteen nations took part in the inaugural tournament at the SEF Arena at BLVD Riyadh City.

Saudi Arabia’s triumph will be seen as further confirmation of its growing influence in the global esports scene, with the country heavily investing in the gaming ecosystem as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.

The FIFAe Finals 2024 features multiple titles under the FIFAe banner for the first time. During the course of the event a total prize pool of $450,000 will be distributed across the three world cups. 

Attention now turns to the FIFAe World Cups featuring eFootball on mobile and console, both which will conclude on Dec. 12.


West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil

West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil
Updated 10 December 2024
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West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil

West Ham beat Wolves after edgy Premier League match and heap more pressure on O’Neil
  • Wolves started the night second to last while the London side was in 14th place, and the pressure and nerves were apparent in an edgy first half that was devoid of class or composure

LONDON: West Ham beat Wolverhampton Wanderers 2-1 in the Premier League and heaped more pressure on beleaguered coach Gary O’Neil on Monday.
Both sides came into the match under a cloud and the game was widely billed as a make-or-break match for O’Neill and West Ham counterpart Julen Lopetegui.
Wolves started the night second to last while the London side was in 14th place, and the pressure and nerves were apparent in an edgy first half that was devoid of class or composure.
Mohammed Kudus and Konstantinos Mavropanos had half chances for West Ham, while at the other end João Gomes shot over from a good position.
Things improved after the break, and West Ham took the lead in the 53rd minutes from a corner kick. Wolves left Tomas Soucek unmarked at the back post and his looping header sailed into the far corner.
Matt Doherty equalized for Wolves in the 69th. However, just three minute later West Ham’s talismanic captain Jarrod Bowen found time and space in the box to slot home with his left foot.
West Ham was without Michail Antonio, its ever-present striker who broke a leg in a car crash on Saturday, and Bowen held up Antonio’s No. 9 shirt to celebrate his goal.
The West Ham players took the field in training tops with Antonio’s name and number on them and the home fans gave him a warm round of applause in the ninth minute.
The result left the Hammers in 14th spot, one point behind Manchester United. It was the third defeat in a row for Wolves, who remain on nine points, equal with third-to-last Ipswich Town.


Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti
Updated 10 December 2024
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Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti

Real Madrid star Vinicius in contention for Atalanta clash, says Ancelotti
  • Madrid face probably the form team in Europe in Atalanta, who on Friday equalled a club record of nine straight wins in Serie A by beating AC Milan

BERGAMO, Italy: Carlo Ancelotti hinted on Monday that Vinicius Junior could make his Real Madrid comeback for his team’s key Champions League clash at red-hot Atalanta.
Vinicius was expected to be out until the Intercontinental Cup final next week after suffering a hamstring injury last month but Ancelotti told reporters that he is in contention to start in Bergamo on Tuesday night.
“Vinicius is in good shape but we’ve got to assess him. I think it’s very important for him how he does in training today,” said Ancelotti.
“But we’ve got Rodrygo back and Bellingham is good. He’s trained well. They’ll all train today and then later we’ll take a decision.”
Federico Valverde is keen to have Vinicius back to help dig Madrid out of the uncomfortable position in which they find themselves in the Champions League.
Madrid might be two points behind leaders Barcelona with a game in hand in La Liga but Ancelotti’s team are 24th in Europe’s top club competition and risk dropping out of the play-off positions for the last 16 in Bergamo.
“It’s always a pleasure to play with Vinicius and also to have him as a friend, as a teammate, to have him close to me,” said Valverde.
“We’ve seen how eager he is to play and come back. Obviously, it’s great for us that he can play tomorrow. Whether he plays or not, that’s a question for Carlo Ancelotti, but he can always offer something.”
Madrid face probably the form team in Europe in Atalanta, who on Friday equalled a club record of nine straight wins in Serie A by beating AC Milan.
That win gave Atalanta top spot in Italy’s top flight, and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side, who sit fifth in the Champions League having only conceded one goal in five matches, have been tipped by some as favorites for Tuesday’s fixture even though they were beaten by Madrid in the European Super Cup.
“It will be a demanding game. Atalanta are in great form and they’ve improved a lot since the Super Cup,” added Ancelotti.
“They’ve won a lot of games. And they compete very well. We’ve got an opportunity to pick up points and we’ve got to take advantage of these three games to qualify.
“The most important thing is qualifying. We’ve got to pick up those points, and that will be difficult. Getting into the top eight looks a bit tricky so maybe we’ll have to go through the play-offs. Unfortunately that’s the way it is.”
Gasperini insisted that his team are not favorites to win and warned against arrogance when facing the 15-times European champions.
“No team can call themselves favorites when they’re playing Real,” he said.
“We’re very happy for where we are but to go from there to say that we’re better than Real Madrid doesn’t help.
“We come into this match on an extremely gratifying run of results and all we can be is happy for what we’ve gifted our supporters.”


PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador
Updated 09 December 2024
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PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador

PIF appoints Matteo Berrettini as tennis ambassador
  • Berrettini competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, showcasing his talent on Saudi soil for the first time

LONDON: Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund on Monday announced the appointment of Italian tennis star Matteo Berrettini as its new tennis ambassador.

The former world No. 6 in the ATP Rankings is celebrated for his impressive achievements, including becoming the first Italian player to reach the quarterfinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments and securing a victory at the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals.

No stranger to Riyadh, Berrettini competed in the Diriyah Tennis Cup in 2022, showcasing his talent on Saudi soil for the first time.

In his new role as PIF tennis ambassador, he will focus on nurturing young talent and working closely with emerging players to shape the future of the sport, a statement said.

A key aspect of Berrettini’s ambassadorship will be promoting inclusivity within tennis, aiming to elevate the game and create opportunities for players of all levels.

The initiative aligns with PIF’s broader commitment to fostering global sports development through investment and inspiring the next generation of athletes.


Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
Updated 09 December 2024
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Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge

Twisted Minds take crown in first ESL Saudi Challenge
  • Group wins grand prize from a $20,000 prize pool

Riyadh: Twisted Minds beat Dragons in the final of the first Electronic Sports League Saudi Challenge, earning them the lion’s share of the $20,000 prize pool for the e-sports tournament.

The groundbreaking tournament provided a platform for local talent to shine and qualify for international competitions, as Saudi Arabia aims to become a key player in the global e-sports scene, according to a statement from the organizers.

The ESL Saudi Challenge provided intense competition and unforgettable moments in Overwatch 2, highlighting the region’s e-sports talent.

In the semifinals, Dragons showed tenacity to win 3-2 in a hard-fought best-of-five series. The grand finals, however, belonged to Twisted Minds, who delivered a commanding performance with an unbeaten 4-0 sweep in the best-of-seven match.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge tournament has been a phenomenal success, showcasing the incredible talent and passion of players from across the region and beyond. This event is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering a vibrant e-sports ecosystem,” said Franck Guignery, senior vice president at ESL FACEIT Group.

Twis Quartz, a player for Twisted Minds, shared his excitement after his team’s victory: “Winning the first-ever ESL Saudi Challenge is an amazing feeling.”

He encouraged Overwatch 2 players in the local community to keep working hard, saying: “The future is bright for all of us.”