Swiatek Storms past Gauff into San Diego Semi-finals

Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States during Day 5 of the San Diego Open, part of the Hologic WTA Tour, at Barnes Tennis Center on October 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States during Day 5 of the San Diego Open, part of the Hologic WTA Tour, at Barnes Tennis Center on October 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Swiatek Storms past Gauff into San Diego Semi-finals

Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States during Day 5 of the San Diego Open, part of the Hologic WTA Tour, at Barnes Tennis Center on October 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP)
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States during Day 5 of the San Diego Open, part of the Hologic WTA Tour, at Barnes Tennis Center on October 14, 2022 in San Diego, California. (Getty Images/AFP)

World number one Iga Swiatek stormed into the semi-finals of the San Diego Open with a 6-0 6-3 thrashing of American Coco Gauff, moving a step closer to claiming an eighth women's title in 2022.

Swiatek delivered a dominant display on Friday, needing just 65 minutes to dismiss the eighth-ranked 18-year-old.

At one stage, a double-bagel exit looked a distinct possibility as Swiatek led 6-0 2-0 and 0-30 on Gauff's serve, before the American managed to hold and stem the flow of points against her.

Gauff held serve two more times but was broken once again as Swiatek progressed to her 11th semi-final of the year.

"I was happy I was able to keep my focus. When it's going well, it's really hard to keep focus and play that same level of tennis," said Swiatek, whose seven titles this year include two grand slams - the French and US Opens.

"I'm feeling better, every day is a new day to get some experience on these courts. The jet lag is getting better, and staying up tonight will help me fight it."

Swiatek next takes on American fourth seed Jessica Pegula, who beat compatriot Madison Keys 6-4 7-5 earlier on Friday.

"I don't have any expectations, I'm just trying to be relaxed and play my game," Swiatek said.

"I'm happy I'm going to face Jessica, because we always play such solid matches with great rallies, really physical."

American Danielle Collins will play Spanish second seed Paula Badosa later on Friday, with the winner going on to face Croatian Donna Vekic in the other semi-final.



Saudi National Team Coach: Our Goal Is to Reach the Final of FIFA Arab Cup

Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA
Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA
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Saudi National Team Coach: Our Goal Is to Reach the Final of FIFA Arab Cup

Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA
Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard - SPA

Saudi national team coach Hervé Renard said that the current phase requires a focus on recovery and proper preparation after qualifying for the semifinals, affirming the players’ readiness for the upcoming match against Jordan, SPA reported.

During a press conference held today in Doha, Renard praised the strong support of Saudi fans, noting their remarkable presence in the previous match, and expressed hope for their continued backing of the team.

He explained that the Jordanian national team is characterized by speed in offensive transitions and strong defensive organization, as demonstrated in its previous matches. He stressed the need for caution while affirming that the Saudi national team possess the necessary capabilities to face the opponent.

The coach reiterated that the match will not be easy and that full focus is directed toward reaching the final of FIFA Arab Cup.

For his part, Saudi national team player Nawaf Boushal affirmed the team’s strong preparations for the upcoming match, noting that they will face a strong and respected opponent.


Van Dijk Wants 'Leader' Salah to Stay at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has scored just four Premier League goals this season © Paul ELLIS / AFP
Mohamed Salah has scored just four Premier League goals this season © Paul ELLIS / AFP
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Van Dijk Wants 'Leader' Salah to Stay at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah has scored just four Premier League goals this season © Paul ELLIS / AFP
Mohamed Salah has scored just four Premier League goals this season © Paul ELLIS / AFP

Virgil van Dijk wants Mohamed Salah to stay at Liverpool despite the Egyptian star's incendiary rant about the club, but the Reds captain admits he does not know what will happen over the next few weeks, AFP reported.

Salah came off the bench against Brighton on Saturday for his first appearance since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club following last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds.

The forward also said in the same interview at Elland Road that he had no relationship with Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who had named him as a substitute for three straight games.

Salah was then omitted from the midweek Champions League trip to Inter Milan, a 1-0 win for Liverpool, but he was back in action as a first-half substitute against Brighton.

The 33-year-old provided an assist for Hugo Ekitike's second goal in a much-needed 2-0 win, but will now jet to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and could be absent for five weeks.

After the match, Slot said there was "no issue to resolve" with his star forward, but speculation continues to rumble over the player's future.

Van Dijk is adamant that he wants Salah to stay and said he had told him so.

"I would love to have him around because he is one of the leaders, but the fact is he is going to AFCON. We will be in contact over the next days and weeks like we always are and let's see," the Dutch defender said.

"I wish him absolutely all the best -- and (to) come back, hopefully. I have no control over that.

"We hope he will be absolutely successful there and we all hope he will be coming back to be important for the rest of the season.

"But, on the other side of it, we all know football and have no idea what is going to happen."

Premier League champions Liverpool ended a tumultuous week by extending their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions.

Van Dijk said it proved the dressing room had not been distracted by the Salah situation.

"As a captain I have to deal with how the boys react to it and they reacted perfectly fine. Mo, in the end, reacted perfectly fine as well," he added.

Van Dijk also praised Slot for dealing with a tumultuous period at Liverpool, whose Premier League title defense has collapsed in recent weeks.

"There is a lot of noise, pressure from the outside world and rightly so as we've not been close to the standard we were showing last season," he said.

"But personally looking at it, and from the conversations we have on a daily basis, I think he has handled it very well.

"This moment of time is a very good moment to see how everyone responds. I think the manager has done perfectly."


Real Sociedad Sack Coach Francisco Amid Slump

Real Sociedad's head coach Sergio Francisco sits on the bench before their Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Girona CF, played at the Reale Arena in Girona, Spain, 12 December 2025.  EPA/Javier Etxezarreta
Real Sociedad's head coach Sergio Francisco sits on the bench before their Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Girona CF, played at the Reale Arena in Girona, Spain, 12 December 2025. EPA/Javier Etxezarreta
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Real Sociedad Sack Coach Francisco Amid Slump

Real Sociedad's head coach Sergio Francisco sits on the bench before their Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Girona CF, played at the Reale Arena in Girona, Spain, 12 December 2025.  EPA/Javier Etxezarreta
Real Sociedad's head coach Sergio Francisco sits on the bench before their Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Real Sociedad and Girona CF, played at the Reale Arena in Girona, Spain, 12 December 2025. EPA/Javier Etxezarreta

Real Sociedad sacked coach Sergio Francisco on Sunday with the team down in 15th in La Liga, just one point above the relegation zone.

The Basque side reached the Europa League last 16 last season and finished in mid-table in the Spanish top flight, with Imanol Alguacil departing at the end of the campaign.

Real Sociedad promoted Francisco from the reserve team Sanse to take his place, but La Real have won only four of 16 league matches during his time at the helm. On Friday they lost 2-1 at home against Girona, 18th, which sealed his fate.

"Current Sanse coach Jon Ansotegi will be in charge of leading, provisionally, the team into the two matches they have before the Christmas break," said Real Sociedad in a statement, according to AFP.

They visit Eldense on Tuesday in the Copa del Rey before a crunch league clash with Levante, 20th, on Saturday.