Djokovic becomes third man to win 100 ATP titles with Geneva victory

Djokovic becomes third man to win 100 ATP titles with Geneva victory
Serbia’s Novak Djokovic celebrates with the trophy after winning the final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz, Djokovic’s 100th career ATP tour title Tennis — Geneva Open — Tennis Club de Geneve, May 24, 2025. (Reuters)
Short Url
Updated 24 May 2025
Follow

Djokovic becomes third man to win 100 ATP titles with Geneva victory

Djokovic becomes third man to win 100 ATP titles with Geneva victory
  • The 38-year-old recovered from losing the first set to clinch a 5-7, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2) win
  • “I had to work for it, that’s for sure,” said Djokovic, who is the first man to win titles in 20 consecutive years

GENEVA: Novak Djokovic became just the third man to win 100 ATP titles with a typically dramatic comeback victory over Hubert Hurkacz in the final of the Geneva Open on Saturday.

The 38-year-old, playing in Switzerland in a bid to find form ahead of the French Open, recovered from losing the first set to clinch a 5-7, 7-6 (7/2), 7-6 (7/2) win after three hours and five minutes on court.

Djokovic joins Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only players with a century of tour titles.

“I had to work for it, that’s for sure. He was probably closer to the victory the entire match than me,” said Djokovic, who is the first man to win titles in 20 consecutive years.

“I was just trying to hang in there... this is what happens at this level. A few points decide it, an incredible match... and I’m delighted to clinch the 100 here.”

It was the former world number one’s first tournament triumph since clinching his maiden Olympic gold medal against Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Games last summer.

Djokovic had lost both of his previous matches on clay this season prior to the Geneva tournament, against Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi at the Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters respectively.

But he decided to play at the low-key clay-court event in a bid to find form ahead of the start of the year’s second Grand Slam event on Sunday at Roland Garros, where the Serb will be targeting a record-breaking 25th major singles trophy.

It was Djokovic’s first tournament since splitting from coach and old rival Andy Murray, but he showed no ill-effects.

Poland’s former world number six Hurkacz, now ranked 31st, is still waiting for his first title since April 2024.

“It’s really inspiring how you conduct yourself on and off the court,” Hurkacz said to Djokovic.

The three-time Roland Garros champion starts his French Open campaign against American Mackenzie McDonald on either Monday or Tuesday.

After a tight start, Djokovic saw two break points come and go in the fifth game as Hurkacz battled to keep the first set on serve.

The opener appeared to be meandering toward a tie-break until Djokovic cracked in game 12, following a loose forehand at deuce with a double-fault on set point to give Hurkacz a one-set advantage.

Hurkacz dug deep to secure a hard-fought hold to kick off the second set, staving off another break point.

The second set followed a similar pattern to the first, but this time Djokovic was able to hold at 6-5 down to force a tie-break with an ace.

The Serb found his groove in the breaker, reeling off four straight points to send the match into a deciding set.

But Djokovic immediately gave up his serve in the first game of the third set, serving a double-fault when 40-30 up and then blasting a backhand long on break point.

Hurkacz then reeled off three successive holds to love to edge toward the title, only to crumble in the eighth game of the decider with two unforced errors and a double-fault to gift Djokovic a way back into the final.

The Pole gathered himself to secure a deciding tie-break in a tense 12th game.

But he crumbled at the crucial moments with back-to-back errors from 3-2 behind in the breaker, leaving Djokovic to reach yet another milestone in his illustrious career with an ace.


Muhammad Waseem leads UAE in Pearl of Africa T20I Series in Uganda

Muhammad Waseem leads UAE in Pearl of Africa T20I Series in Uganda
Updated 14 July 2025
Follow

Muhammad Waseem leads UAE in Pearl of Africa T20I Series in Uganda

Muhammad Waseem leads UAE in Pearl of Africa T20I Series in Uganda
  • UAE to play Kenya in their opening match on Friday

DUBAI: Opening batter Muhammad Waseem is to lead the 14-member UAE squad in the Pearl of Africa T20I Series at the Entebbe Cricket Oval in Uganda.

The UAE will be playing the hosts Uganda, along with Kenya, and Nigeria, in the series, with six matches in the league stage, two against each opponent.

The team to finish at the top of the table at the end of the league stage will be declared the tournament’s winner, with the UAE playing Kenya in their opening match on Friday.

The UAE’s squad: Muhammad Waseem (captain), Akif Raja, Alishan Sharafu, Aryansh Sharma, Asif Khan, Dhruv Parashar, Ethan D’Souza, Haider Ali, Matiullah Khan, Muhammad Zohaib, Muhammad Zuhaib, Rahul Chopra, Rohid Khan, and Saghir Khan.

The UAE’s matches in the Pearl of Africa T20I Series:

July 18: UAE v Kenya (Entebbe Cricket Oval).

July 19: Uganda v UAE (Entebbe Cricket Oval).

July 21: Nigeria v UAE (Entebbe Cricket Oval).

July 23: Kenya v UAE (Entebbe Cricket Oval).

July 26: UAE v Nigeria (Entebbe Cricket Oval).

July 27: UAE v Uganda (Entebbe Cricket Oval).


Jeddah to host the fourth round of the Formula One powerboat world championship

Jeddah to host the fourth round of the Formula One powerboat world championship
Updated 14 July 2025
Follow

Jeddah to host the fourth round of the Formula One powerboat world championship

Jeddah to host the fourth round of the Formula One powerboat world championship

JEDDAH: As part of the Jeddah Season 2025 programs and activities, Jeddah will host the fourth round of the UIM F1H2O World Championship, which will take place from Nov. 28 to 30.

This was announced by Prince Saud bin Mishal bin Abdulaziz, deputy governor of the Makkah Region and head of the Jeddah Events Calendar Committee.

The event in Jeddah will be the second time the Road World Championships take place in Saudi Arabia after the 2019 edition in Dammam.

The Grand Prix of Jeddah will feature 10 teams from 13 countries competing with 21 boats, driving boats with a top speed of 266 km per hour, challenging the limits of speed.

Commenting on this round, Raimondo di San Germano, CEO of H2O Racing, expressed his delight at Saudi Arabia’s return to hosting the UIM F1H2O World Championship competitions, stating, “We are extremely excited to witness this thrill in Jeddah, the Bride of the Red Sea.”

He also noted that this partnership represents the beginning of a long-term collaboration and development for the championship across various levels.

The UIM F1H2O World Championship, organized by the Union Internationale Motonautique and promoted by H2O Racing, is considered one of the world’s most competitive, dangerous and thrilling sports championships.


Merlier doubles up as Van der Poel denied epic win at Tour de France

Merlier doubles up as Van der Poel denied epic win at Tour de France
Updated 14 July 2025
Follow

Merlier doubles up as Van der Poel denied epic win at Tour de France

Merlier doubles up as Van der Poel denied epic win at Tour de France
  • This was a second Tour win for Soudal Quick-Step sprinter Merlier this year, who was first across the line on stage three at Dunkirk
  • After finishing in the peloton on Sunday, Pogacar was already looking ahead to Monday’s mountainous 165.3km slog

CHATEAU, France: Tim Merlier won stage nine of the Tour de France at Chateauroux on Sunday after a heroic long-range escape from Mathieu van der Poel was caught in the final kilometer.

There was no change atop the overall standings with Tadej Pogacar now holding a 54sec advantage over Remco Evenepoel in second with French starlet Kevin Vauquelin third.

This was a second Tour win for Soudal Quick-Step sprinter Merlier this year, who was first across the line on stage three at Dunkirk.

Merlier was led in by team leader Evenepoel.

“It’s mad, we are supposed to be helping him (Evenepoel) but he’s helping us,” Merlier said.

“I need to make it through the mountains now, I won’t be any use to Remco there, but I want to help him in the other ones,” said the 32-year-old.

On a sun drenched slog from the Chinon vineyards, Van der Poel and a teammate broke early and built up a lead of 5min 30sec on the flat roads to Chateauroux.

Jonas Rickaert won the combativity award for accompanying Van der Poel to within 10km of the line before slumping over his handlebars.

“I’m really happy. That was one of his (Rickaert) dreams, to win the combativity award and that’s why we went,” Van der Poel explained.

“In the end we nearly made it but we hadn’t expected to get that far,” he said of his 173km breakaway at an average speed on 49.9kph.

As with many heroic exploits, their epic escape was ultimately doomed to a gut wrenching narrow failure.

But with his gung-ho all-in style Van der Poel grew his Tour de France legend here despite being caught with 700m to go, the plaudits will be both his and Merlier’s.

“It’s hard to not be able to finish it off, but we put on a good show,” said the Dutch rider.

As Van der Poel was reeled in, it looked as though Jonathan Milan would win a second consecutive stage but Merlier got ahead with 30m remaining as Milan finished second with Arnaud De Lie completing the podium.

Road signs in honor of British cycling great Mark Cavendish had been placed at entry points to Chateauroux — reading Cavendish City — in homage to the now-retired 40-year-old, after he won three stages there in 2008, 2011 and 2021.

Pogacar’s Tour de France defense took a hit Sunday as his key teammate Joao Almeida threw in the towel two days after his nasty fall at the Mur de Bretagne, where he fractured a rib.

“It’s a big loss he was in good shape. He’s our hero. I was suffering today so I understand how he must have felt. Every respect to him,” the Slovenian said.

Stage 10 should shake up the race with eight classified climbs in the Massif Central on the July 14 French national holiday.

After finishing in the peloton on Sunday, Pogacar was already looking ahead to Monday’s mountainous 165.3km slog.

“Visma have a strong team for tomorrow and I think Jonas (Vingegaard) will be ready,” Pogacar said of his great Danish rival.

“There will be attacks from the main contenders, it’s up and down all day.

“I’m pretty confident in my team though. I’m looking forward to the hard stages,” added the 26-year-old three-time champion.


Chelsea boss Maresca hails ‘great triumph’ in winning Club World Cup

Chelsea boss Maresca hails ‘great triumph’ in winning Club World Cup
Updated 14 July 2025
Follow

Chelsea boss Maresca hails ‘great triumph’ in winning Club World Cup

Chelsea boss Maresca hails ‘great triumph’ in winning Club World Cup
  • Maresca: I have the feeling that this competition is going to be as important, if not more important than, the Champions League
  • Maresca only took over at Chelsea a year ago but was previously on the coaching staff under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City when they won the Champions League in 2023

EAST RUTHERFORD, New Jersey: Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca insisted winning the Club World Cup meant as much as winning the Champions League after his side beat Paris Saint-Germain 3-0 in the final of the first edition of FIFA’s new competition on Sunday.

“I have the feeling that this competition is going to be as important, if not more important than, the Champions League,” said Maresca after adding the trophy to the UEFA Conference League title his team won in May.

Maresca only took over at Chelsea a year ago but was previously on the coaching staff under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City when they won the Champions League in 2023.

“I was lucky to be on the coaching staff of a team that won the Champions League a few years ago, but this competition features the best teams in the world and I think we can value it on the same level,” said the Italian.

“It is a great triumph for us and it will allow the Chelsea fans to have that on our shirt for the next four years, so it is a source of pride.”

Maresca said he instructed his players to go out and take the game to PSG from the off — they went on to net all three goals in the first half with Cole Palmer netting a brace before Joao Pedro added his name to the scoresheet.

“The message was to let them understand that we were here to win the game and I think in the first 10 minutes we showed them that,” Maresca said.

“That set the tone of the game, and then the quality of the players was also important.”

England international Palmer was named player of the match after bagging a brace and setting up Joao Pedro’s goal.

The 23-year-old therefore lived up to his superstar billing — his face has appeared on billboards around New York advertising the tournament, alongside the likes of Real Madrid duo Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.

“To score the goals was a great feeling, as was the way the team showed fire out there — the gaffer’s game plan was spot on,” he said.

“I just try to do my job every time I go onto the pitch and hopefully I will continue.

“I have seen the billboards in Times Square and outside Madison Square Garden and it is obviously a nice feeling to be alongside those players,” he added.


Rampant England and France reach Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals

Rampant England and France reach Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals
Updated 14 July 2025
Follow

Rampant England and France reach Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals

Rampant England and France reach Women’s Euro 2025 quarterfinals
  • England will face Sweden in Zurich on Thursday, a repeat of the semifinal at the last Euros three years ago which the Lionesses won 4-0
  • France will take on Germany in Basel in the last quarterfinal on Saturday, and are on the same side of the knockout draw as world champions Spain who face hosts Switzerland on Friday

ST. GALLEN, Switzerland: Holders England reached the quarterfinals of Women’s Euro 2025 on Sunday after thrashing Wales 6-1 and taking second place in Group D behind France, who won 5-2 in a thrilling match with the Netherlands.

Georgia Stanway started England on their way from the penalty spot in the 13th minute and further goals from Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp, Alessia Russo, Beth Mead and Aggie Beever-Jones made sure of passage to the last eight.

England will face Sweden in Zurich on Thursday, a repeat of the semifinal at the last Euros three years ago which the Lionesses won 4-0.

But the Swedes look a tough proposition after topping Group C with a perfect nine points and swatting aside Germany on Saturday.

“We just wanted to be confident and enjoy it and I think we obviously play better football when we do that. I think there was more flow to the game tonight, there was better connections,” said midfielder Keira Walsh.

“(Sweden are) going to be a really tough opposition but we’re just going to keep trying to focus on what we’re doing, keep being confident, playing good football.”

France, meanwhile, will take on Germany in Basel in the last quarterfinal on Saturday, and are on the same side of the knockout draw as world champions Spain who face hosts Switzerland on Friday.

The French finished the group stage three points ahead of England after making it three wins from three thanks to Delphine Cascarino’s decisive double.

San Diego Wave forward Cascarino has been excellent in Switzerland, and she made sure that France would top the group with the key goals in a superb comeback from a goal down.

France, who opened the scoring through Sandie Toletti in the 22nd minute, trailed at the break to a Victoria Pelova strike and Selma Bacha’s clumsy own goal.

But Marie-Antoinette Katoto levelled for France just after the hour and the match was done six minutes later thanks to Cascarino’s fine finishes.

First Cascarino lashed France back ahead with a sumptuous, dipping long-range strike, before rolling in the fourth after Sandy Baltimore watched her shot ricochet off both posts.

Sakina Karchaoui completed the scoring from the penalty spot in stoppage time.

“I’m having a good Euros, and it’s a real pleasure to play in a major tournament. I’m pleased and I hope that we can go a long way,” Cascarino told reporters.

In St. Gallen, England knew a win would be enough to seal a spot in the next round regardless of what happened in Basel, and once Stanway slotted home her penalty after being brought down by Carrie Jones there was no way back for Wales.

Eight minutes later Toone doubled England’s lead after Wales failed to clear and the Manchester United forward tapped home after her initial effort was blocked on the line by Lily Woodham.

Toone then turned provider on the half-hour with a perfect searching cross for Hemp, before Russo rolled home from close range just before half-time to get off the mark for the tournament.

Mead drilled home England’s fifth in the 72nd minute, but Hannah Cain gave Wales fans something to cheer about by lashing a fine consolation goal past Hannah Hampton.

And Beever-Jones completed the rout one minute from the end to send England through on a high.