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.



Saudi Al Hilal Solidifies League Lead with Crushing Victory Over Al Fateh

With the significant victory, Al Hilal increased their points tally to 40. SPA
With the significant victory, Al Hilal increased their points tally to 40. SPA
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Saudi Al Hilal Solidifies League Lead with Crushing Victory Over Al Fateh

With the significant victory, Al Hilal increased their points tally to 40. SPA
With the significant victory, Al Hilal increased their points tally to 40. SPA

Al Hilal bolstered its position at the top of the Saudi Professional League, known as the Roshn League, with a comprehensive 9-0 win over visitors Al Fateh at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh.

Al Hilal ended the first half leading 4-0, with goals from Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly in the 20th minute, Brazilian Renan Lodi in the 39th, and his compatriot Marcos Leonardo from a penalty in the 6th minute of stoppage time. Serbian Sergej Milinković-Savić added another in the 9th minute of extra time.

In the second half, Al Hilal scored five more goals. Leonardo completed his hat trick with goals in the 54th and 65th minutes. Substitute Abdullah Alhamdan scored in the 89th minute, Brazilian Malcom Oliveira added one in the 5th minute of stoppage time, and an own goal by Al Fateh's Faisal Al-Abdulwahid in the 9th minute of added time sealed the rout.

With this significant victory, Al Hilal increased their points tally to 40, maintaining their lead at the top of Roshn League table, while Al Fateh remains at the bottom with just 6 points.