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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)
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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.

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Qatar Fighting to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive, Says Lopetegui 

Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 
Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 
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Qatar Fighting to Keep World Cup Dreams Alive, Says Lopetegui 

Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 
Julen Lopetegui. (Reuters) 

Qatar are within "touching distance" of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup and will go all out against Iran and Uzbekistan over the next week to keep their dream alive, says new coach Julen Lopetegui.

Qatar, who hosted the 2022 World Cup but have never reached the tournament via the qualification route, cannot finish in the top two in Group A to earn an automatic berth in 2027 but can still secure a spot in the playoffs for teams finishing third and fourth.

The Gulf side are currently fourth on 10 points, four ahead of Kyrgyzstan.

Former Spain and Real Madrid coach Lopetegui takes charge of Qatar for the first time when they face group leaders Iran in Doha on Thursday before they close out the third round by visiting second-placed Uzbekistan on June 10.

"Qatar has never qualified for a World Cup through the qualifiers before, and it's a dream we're determined to fight for," Lopetegui told FIFA's website in an interview published on Tuesday.

"It's within touching distance. We've got two games left to play, both of which will be incredibly difficult, and in quick succession.

"However, despite all the difficulties, we're determined to give it our best shot to earn ourselves another chance of qualifying in October."

Qatar have enjoyed considerable continental success in recent years, winning back-to-back Asian Cup titles, but Lopetegui said they are in a transitional phase and still finding their feet.

"There's no doubt in anyone's mind that this generation has achieved some very impressive things in the Asian Cup," added the Spaniard, who was appointed coach in May.

"However, generations come to an end, and now we need to turn our attention to starting the process again, which will be no mean feat. While we do that, we'll be doing our best to compete, which is the most important thing in the short term."