Medvedev Withdraws from Rotterdam Due to Fatigue, Foot Issue 

Russia's Daniil Medvedev speaks during a press conference after defeat against Italy's Jannik Sinner during their men's singles final match on day 15 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2024. (AFP)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev speaks during a press conference after defeat against Italy's Jannik Sinner during their men's singles final match on day 15 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2024. (AFP)
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Medvedev Withdraws from Rotterdam Due to Fatigue, Foot Issue 

Russia's Daniil Medvedev speaks during a press conference after defeat against Italy's Jannik Sinner during their men's singles final match on day 15 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2024. (AFP)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev speaks during a press conference after defeat against Italy's Jannik Sinner during their men's singles final match on day 15 of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 29, 2024. (AFP)

Defending champion Daniil Medvedev has pulled out of the Rotterdam Open due to fatigue and a right foot injury, the Russian world number three said.

The 27-year-old, who lost to Italian Jannik Sinner 3-6 3-6 6-4 6-4 6-3 in the Australian Open final last month, spent a Grand Slam record 24 hours and 17 minutes on court at Melbourne Park.

Medvedev beat Sinner in the Rotterdam final last year.

"Unfortunately, I have to pull out of Rotterdam," the 2021 US Open champion said in a statement on Monday.

"After an incredibly tough and long run in Australia my body (and especially my right foot) is not recovered enough yet to play come and defend my title.

"I love playing in Rotterdam, have a long history with the event, and look forward to coming back in 2025."

World number four Sinner will be the top seed at the hard-court tournament following Medvedev's withdrawal, with Andrey Rublev, Holger Rune and Hubert Hurkacz among the other top-ranked players participating in the ATP 500 event.

The tournament takes place from Feb. 12-18.



Kvaratskhelia in Paris for Medical Ahead of Expected Deal with PSG

Football - Serie A - AC Milan v Napoli - San Siro, Milan, Italy - October 29, 2024 Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)
Football - Serie A - AC Milan v Napoli - San Siro, Milan, Italy - October 29, 2024 Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)
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Kvaratskhelia in Paris for Medical Ahead of Expected Deal with PSG

Football - Serie A - AC Milan v Napoli - San Siro, Milan, Italy - October 29, 2024 Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)
Football - Serie A - AC Milan v Napoli - San Siro, Milan, Italy - October 29, 2024 Napoli's Khvicha Kvaratskhelia celebrates scoring their second goal. (Reuters)

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was set to undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain on Friday ahead of his expected transfer to the 12-time French champions.

French media including L'Equipe and RMC reported that the 23-year-old Georgia forward plans to sign a contract upon completion of the medical.

On Thursday, Kvaratskhelia posted a farewell video to Napoli fans, who had affectionately nicknamed him “Kvaradona” in homage to late Argentina legend Diego Maradona, the club’s greatest-ever player.

Kvaratskhelia starred in Napoli’s Serie A title-winning team in 2023.

Napoli coach Antonio Conte confirmed last Saturday that Kvaratskhelia requested a move.

PSG lost Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid in the offseason and adding a dynamic player like Kvaratskhelia would provide some punch to its attack. He's both a scorer and skillful provider with speed and dribbling ability.

He scored 30 goals in 107 games overall for Napoli and had great chemistry with striker Victor Osimhen during the title-winning campaign — which ended a 33-year wait for the Serie A title, with Maradona starring in that 1990 team.