Qualifier Anna Kalinskaya pulled off a stunning upset by defeating World No3 Coco Gauff in three sets to advance to the semifinals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Kalinskaya's comeback victory sets up a surprising semifinal clash with World No1 Iga Swiatek.
Despite facing a medical timeout and trailing in the first set, Kalinskaya showcased resilience to turn the match around, eventually winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-2. The victory marks her second Top-10 win of the week and first Top-5 win.
Meanwhile, Swiatek, fresh off her title win in Doha, continued her dominant run in the Middle East with a straight-set victory over Zheng. Swiatek's win sets up a semifinal showdown against Kalinskaya.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, continues with both women’s WTA 1000 and men’s ATP 500 events.
Paris St Germain picked up where they left off following last season’s Champions League triumph as they kicked off their new campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a last-gasp goal in stoppage time to lead Arne Slot's men to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday at Anfield.
Pakistan delayed their match against the UAE by an hour on Wednesday after considering a withdrawal from the Asia Cup in protest at a match referee whom they say condoned unsportsmanlike behaviour by India at the weekend.
Portuguese club Benfica are set to name Jose Mourinho as its head coach following the sacking of Bruno Lage in the aftermath of their 3-2 Champions League defeat by Qarabag, Portuguese TV station RTP reported on Wednesday.
Celebrating a history-making year in completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy has confirmed his return to Emirates Golf Club to headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from January 22–25, 2026.