Medvedev Loses to Khachanov in Straight Sets at Monte Carlo Masters

Russia's Daniil Medvedev (C) and Russia's Karen Khachanov (R) leave the court at the end of their Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament round of 16 tennis match on the Rainier III court at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev (C) and Russia's Karen Khachanov (R) leave the court at the end of their Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament round of 16 tennis match on the Rainier III court at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)
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Medvedev Loses to Khachanov in Straight Sets at Monte Carlo Masters

Russia's Daniil Medvedev (C) and Russia's Karen Khachanov (R) leave the court at the end of their Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament round of 16 tennis match on the Rainier III court at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)
Russia's Daniil Medvedev (C) and Russia's Karen Khachanov (R) leave the court at the end of their Monte Carlo ATP Masters Series Tournament round of 16 tennis match on the Rainier III court at the Monte Carlo Country Club on April 11, 2024. (Photo by Valery HACHE / AFP)

Karen Khachanov advanced to the quarterfinals of the Monte Carlo Masters with a 6-3, 7-5 win over fellow Russian Daniil Medvedev on Thursday.
It was only his second win against the fourth-ranked Medvedev.
“I lost a couple of tight matches to him on hard courts,” Khachanov said. “On clay, I have not got a title yet but I have good results. Roland Garros two-time quarterfinals. Always winning matches but not winning the tournament. In a way I think overall my results on clay are better than his, maybe, and mentally he said many times he does not like to play on it.”
Medvedev won his first clay-court tournament last year in Rome but still does not feel completely at ease on the surface. After his title in Italy, he lost in the first round to a qualifier at the French Open last season.
Khachanov will next play either two-time Monte Carlo champion Stefanos Tsitsipas or Alexander Zverev for a spot in the semifinals.
Khachanov hit 11 winners and limited his mistakes to just three unforced errors in the second set to produce his first win over a top 5 player this season.
“First thing is to be consistent. I think lately my results have been better and better,” The Associated Press quoted Khachanov as saying. “Then to think how to beat the top guys and be at the top. These are the things that we have to keep in mind and keep working on. The win today gives extra confidence in my pocket to continue this tournament and to step into the clay swing.”
Medvedev lost his temper near the end of the second set and was handed a point penalty after yelling at the chair umpire at the changeover. Khachanov started his final service game with a 15-0 advantage and concluded with a service winner.



Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 Kicks Off with Over 800 Competitors

Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA
Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA
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Dakar Rally Saudi Arabia 2025 Kicks Off with Over 800 Competitors

Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA
Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17. SPA

The Dakar Rally 2025, the largest and longest race in the world of motorsports, is set to kick off on Friday from Bisha, marking the sixth consecutive year the Kingdom hosts this thrilling event.
Over 800 participants are poised for the fierce competition, which runs until January 17 and is organized by the Saudi Automobile & Motorcycle Federation (SAMF) and supervised by the Ministry of Sport.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki bin Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, emphasized that hosting the rally for the sixth consecutive time showcases the Kingdom's capabilities in organizing major sporting events.
He praised the Saudi leadership's unwavering support and highlighted the sports sector's commitment to implementing various programs and initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.
The minister said this year's rally features a diverse array of stages, with competitors facing off over a total distance of 7,737 km, including 5,129 km of special stages starting in Bisha. Participants will embark on an adventurous journey through the landscapes of Al Hanakiyah, AlUla, Hail, Al Dawadmi, Riyadh, and Haradh before heading to the last stop in Shubaytah.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki extends a warm welcome to all participants, wishing them success and an unforgettable experience in the Kingdom's stunning scenery and vibrant nature.