Saudi Minister of Sports Attends Opening of 15th Arab Sports Games in Algeria

Saudi Minister of Sports Attends Opening of 15th Arab Sports Games in Algeria
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Saudi Minister of Sports Attends Opening of 15th Arab Sports Games in Algeria

Saudi Minister of Sports Attends Opening of 15th Arab Sports Games in Algeria

In the presence of Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sports and President of the Union of Arab National Olympic Committees, the Prime Minister of the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria, Ayman bin Abdulrahman inaugurated on Wednesday, the activities of 15th Arab Sports Games (Algeria 2023), which is being hosted by Algeria until July 15.

During his speech at the opening ceremony, Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki conveyed sincere greetings and appreciation of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, and Prime Minister to Algeria's leadership and people and their best wishes for more success to all Arab youth and athletes.

The opening ceremony was attended by Prince Fahd bin Jalawi bin Abdulaziz bin Musaed, head of the Saudi delegation to the Arab Sports Games, and several senior figures, ministers, and heads of Arab delegations participating in the competitions.

More than 2,200 athletes representing 22 Arab countries participate in the tournament.



Kyrgios’ Return to Grand Slam Tennis Is in Doubt Ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
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Kyrgios’ Return to Grand Slam Tennis Is in Doubt Ahead of the Australian Open

Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)
Nick Kyrgios of Australia and Novak Djokovic of Serbia (not pictured) hit a return against Michael Venus of New Zealand and Nikola Mektic of Croatia during their men's doubles match at the Brisbane International tennis tournament in Brisbane on January 1, 2025. (AFP)

Nick Kyrgios’ planned return to Grand Slam tennis at the Australian Open is in doubt after he sustained an abdominal injury and was forced to withdraw from an exhibition with Novak Djokovic this week.

The 2022 Wimbledon finalist, sidelined with wrist and knee injuries since the 2022 US Open, said in an Instagram post Wednesday that an ultrasound scan had revealed an abdominal strain and "unfortunately (I) won’t be able to play my good friend (Djokovic) this Thursday."

He said he’d be resting and doing everything possible to be ready for the Australian Open, which starts Sunday at Melbourne Park.

The mercurial Australian, who has become a popular commentator during his lengthy stints on the injured list, made his competitive comeback last week at Brisbane, where he played one singles match and partnered with Djokovic in two doubles matches.

Djokovic and Kyrgios won their opening doubles match, a crowd-pleasing, fist-pumping affair by both players at Pat Rafter Arena before a 6-2, 3-6, 10-8 loss to Nikola Mektic of Croatia and New Zealander Michael Venus.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley remained confident Kyrgios would play at the year's first major.

"I think it’s just precautionary, that’s the word we’ve got from him," Tiley said Wednesday, responding to questions about the potential absence of the star Australian. "Nick’s not the only one not doing some of their pre-planned matches over the next few days. There’s no concerns ahead of the Open."