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For Second Year in Row Diriyah Named Official Sponsor of Diriyah Saudi Super Cup

The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.
The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.
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For Second Year in Row Diriyah Named Official Sponsor of Diriyah Saudi Super Cup

The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.
The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi.

The Saudi Arabian Football Federation, in partnership with SMC as the exclusive commercial partner, signed an agreement with Diriyah Company to sponsor the Saudi Super Cup tournament for the second consecutive year under the name of Diriyah Saudi Super Cup.

The event is scheduled to take place in Abha from August 13 to 17, with the participation of four clubs: Al Hilal, Al Nassr, Al Ahly, and Al Taawoun, SPA reported.
The decision to extend the partnership between the two parties results from the successful collaboration during the last tournament held in Abu Dhabi from April 8 to 11. Al Hilal emerged as the Diriyah Saudi Super Cup champion in that edition.
Diriyah Company Group CEO Jerry Inzerillo emphasized that "the popularity of Saudi football and its top teams was the main motivation behind renewing the partnership with the Saudi Arabian Football Federation to sponsor Diriyah Saudi Super Cup again. He added that Diriyah Company Group seeks to capitalize on the marketing opportunities in sports and the attention it garners, thanks to the presence of several international players and the high level of competition."
Secretary General of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation, Ibrahim Al Kassim, said that renewing the agreement with Diriyah Company indicates the success of the previous Diriyah Saudi Super Cup. The competition featured strong matches between Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, Al Nassr, and Al Wahda. Al Kassim pointed out that this agreement is part of the federation's efforts to create investment and marketing opportunities, increase revenues, and diversify income sources aligned with Saudi Vision 2030's goals.
Al Kassim stated: "We in the Football Association are proud of the ongoing sponsorship, which is instrumental in promoting the key cultural, heritage, and tourism destinations throughout the Kingdom. This initiative not only highlights the historical, cultural, and competitive tourism benefits of the Kingdom but also demonstrates the considerable support and notable advancements being achieved. The partnership reflects the objectives of governmental entities and both public and private sectors in fostering collaborations that improve competitiveness and bolster investment initiatives in alignment with the Kingdom's goals."
SMC CEO Khalid bin Waleed AlKhudair said: "We take pride in renewing our partnership with Diriyah Company, a move that reflects our commitment to enhancing the sports landscape in Saudi Arabia and elevating its status on the international stage in alignment with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030."
AlKhudair added that "the success of the previous edition has strengthened the status of the Saudi Super Cup as one of the most prominent sporting events in the region. Furthermore, our collaboration with Diriyah aligns with our commitment to providing an exceptional sports experience that reflects the significant advancements the Kingdom is achieving across various sectors."

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Sabalenka Apologizes to Gauff for Post-Match Comments After French Open 

Second placed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts with the trophy after the final match of the French Tennis Open against Coco Gauff of the US at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP) 
Second placed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts with the trophy after the final match of the French Tennis Open against Coco Gauff of the US at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP) 
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Sabalenka Apologizes to Gauff for Post-Match Comments After French Open 

Second placed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts with the trophy after the final match of the French Tennis Open against Coco Gauff of the US at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP) 
Second placed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts with the trophy after the final match of the French Tennis Open against Coco Gauff of the US at the Roland-Garros stadium in Paris, Saturday, June 7, 2025. (AP) 

Aryna Sabalenka says she has written to Coco Gauff to apologize for the “unprofessional” comments she made following her loss to her American rival in the final of the French Open.

Speaking to Eurosport Germany, the top-ranked Sabalenka said her remarks after her 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-4 loss to Gauff at Roland-Garros this month were a mistake. In her post-match press conference in Paris, Sabalenka had suggested that the result was more due to her own errors than to Gauff's performance.

“That was just completely unprofessional of me,” Sabalenka said. “I let my emotions get the better of me. I absolutely regret what I said back then. You know, we all make mistakes. I’m just a human being who’s still learning in life. I think we all have those days when we lose control. But what I also want to say is that I wrote to Coco afterward — not immediately, but recently.”

Sabalenka hit 37 winners but finished the final with 70 unforced errors, compared to Gauff’s 30.

She said she wrote to Gauff to apologize and “make sure she knew she absolutely deserved to win the tournament and that I respect her.”

“I never intended to attack her,” Sabalanka added. “I was super emotional and not very smart at that press conference. I’m not necessarily grateful for what I did. It took me a while to go back and think about it, to approach it with open eyes, and to understand. I realized a lot about myself. Why did I lose so many finals?”

Sabalenka, a three-time major champion, also lost to Gauff in the 2023 US Open final, where she also won the first set.

“I kept getting so emotional,” Sabalenka added. “So I learned a lot. Above all, one thing: I’m the one who always treats my opponents with great respect, whether I win or lose. Without that respect, I wouldn’t be where I am today. So it was a tough, but very valuable lesson for me.”