Korda Stops; Khachanov into 1st Australian Open Semifinal

Sebastian Korda (L) of the US and Karen Khachanov (R) of Russia chat at the end of their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2023. (EPA)
Sebastian Korda (L) of the US and Karen Khachanov (R) of Russia chat at the end of their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2023. (EPA)
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Korda Stops; Khachanov into 1st Australian Open Semifinal

Sebastian Korda (L) of the US and Karen Khachanov (R) of Russia chat at the end of their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2023. (EPA)
Sebastian Korda (L) of the US and Karen Khachanov (R) of Russia chat at the end of their quarterfinal match at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, 24 January 2023. (EPA)

Karen Khachanov moved into his first Australian Open semifinal when Sebastian Korda stopped playing in the third set Tuesday because of an injured right wrist.

Khachanov will face either No. 3 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas or unseeded Jiri Lehecka for a berth in the final at Melbourne Park.

The 18th-seeded Khachanov was leading 7-6 (5), 6-3, 3-0 when the 29th-seeded Korda retired from the match.

Korda, 22, who upset 2021 US Open champion and two-time Australian Open runner-up Daniil Medvedev in the third round, received treatment on his wrist from a trainer during the second set Tuesday.

Korda's father, Petr, won the 1998 Australian Open.

The younger Korda was one of three American men to get to the quarterfinals this time, the most for the country at the Australian Open since 2000. The other two, Ben Shelton and Tommy Paul, meet for a berth in the semifinals on Wednesday.

Reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina also reached her first semifinal at Melbourne Park, beating 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4.

Rybakina will play Jessica Pegula or Victoria Azarenka next.



Saudi PIF Partners with FIFA for 2025 Club World Cup

FILE PHOTO: The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 winners trophy is displayed in Times Square ahead of the tournament featuring 32 teams and 63 matches, spread across 12 stadiums in 11 US cities in June and July, in New York City, US, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 winners trophy is displayed in Times Square ahead of the tournament featuring 32 teams and 63 matches, spread across 12 stadiums in 11 US cities in June and July, in New York City, US, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
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Saudi PIF Partners with FIFA for 2025 Club World Cup

FILE PHOTO: The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 winners trophy is displayed in Times Square ahead of the tournament featuring 32 teams and 63 matches, spread across 12 stadiums in 11 US cities in June and July, in New York City, US, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 winners trophy is displayed in Times Square ahead of the tournament featuring 32 teams and 63 matches, spread across 12 stadiums in 11 US cities in June and July, in New York City, US, May 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mike Segar/File Photo

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and world football association FIFA have announced PIF as an official partner of FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will take place in the United States from June 14 to July 13.

The partnership reflects the shared vision of FIFA and PIF to enable greater participation in sports by unlocking new opportunities, fostering innovation, and engaging fans around the world. With a focus on youth, the partnership will provide opportunities for young people, supporting FIFA in its efforts to engage and inspire at a grassroots level.

The new FIFA Club World Cup 2025 marks a fresh chapter for professional club football on the global stage. It will feature 32 of the world’s top football clubs, bringing together champions from all six FIFA confederations for a month-long tournament in 11 cities across the United States.

Football is the most popular sport in Saudi Arabia and globally. The Saudi public will follow the tournament, where Al-Hilal Club participates as a representative of the Asian continent.

“We are delighted to welcome PIF as a partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™,” said FIFA chief business officer Romy Gai. “Together, we look forward to delivering a historic tournament that inspires and unites fans from around the world.”

“The partners of the first-ever 32-team FIFA Club World Cup believe in our vision to make football truly global. Their support of the tournament will not only be integral to its success but will underpin investment in supporting the development of club football everywhere,” Gai said.

PIF head of corporate brand Mohammed AlSayyad said: “PIF is creating a legacy of transformative impact in sports including through its partnerships, delivering positive and lasting results at every level, from players and fans to host communities.”

“PIF is at the forefront of growing football around the world following our CONCACAF partnership announced last year and our continued investment in football. We are unlocking opportunities to drive the growth of the sport around the world,” AlSayyad said.

Football plays a crucial role in the ongoing transformation of Saudi Arabia, and as host of the FIFA World Cup 2034, reinforces the country’s ambition to grow the game globally, create new opportunities for all, and extend its benefits in Saudi Arabia and every part of the world for generations to come.

The FIFA Club World Cup 2025 will be played in 12 stadiums across 11 US host cities. The 63-match tournament will culminate with what promises to be a spectacular final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, just outside of New York City, on July 13, when the FIFA club world champion will be crowned.