Tchouaméni to Lead France Against Israel in Nations League in Mbappé's Absence

epa11632989 Atletico's forward Anoine Griezmann (C) in action against Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni (R) during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Civitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 29 September 2024.  EPA/J.J. Guillen
epa11632989 Atletico's forward Anoine Griezmann (C) in action against Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni (R) during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Civitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 29 September 2024. EPA/J.J. Guillen
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Tchouaméni to Lead France Against Israel in Nations League in Mbappé's Absence

epa11632989 Atletico's forward Anoine Griezmann (C) in action against Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni (R) during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Civitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 29 September 2024.  EPA/J.J. Guillen
epa11632989 Atletico's forward Anoine Griezmann (C) in action against Real Madrid's Aurélien Tchouaméni (R) during the Spanish LaLiga soccer match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Madrid at Civitas Metropolitano stadium in Madrid, Spain, 29 September 2024. EPA/J.J. Guillen

Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni will captain France in its Nations League game against Israel in the absence of Kylian Mbappé, the French soccer federation said on Wednesday.
Tchouaméni has played 36 matches with France and will bring his experience to a team lacking its biggest star.
Mbappé, France’s usual captain, is nursing a minor thigh injury in Madrid. France is also without vice-captain Antoine Griezmann, who surprisingly announced the end of his international career last month. Together they led France to the 2018 World Cup title and were coach Didier Deschamps’ most influential players in recent years.
Italy has a three-point lead over France and Belgium in their Nations League group after two rounds. France plays Israel on Thursday and travels to Belgium four days later.



Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
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Tien, Fonseca Set for Final Showdown at Next Generation ATP Finals in Jeddah

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)
Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. (SPA)

American Learner Tien and Brazilian João Fonseca advanced on Saturday to the final of the Next Generation ATP Finals.

The event, which will be held at the King Abdullah Sports City Arena in Jeddah on Sunday, is being organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), sponsored by the Public Investment Fund, and held under the supervision of the Ministry of Sport.

Tien secured the first ticket to the final after defeating his compatriot Alex Michelsen in a thrilling five-set match. This was Tien’s first appearance in the final of a professional tournament outside the US.

In the second semifinal, Brazilian João Fonseca earned his spot in the final by defeating France's Luca Van Assche in straight sets. Fonseca remains unbeaten in this edition of the tournament, being the only player with a perfect record.

Following his win, Tien said: "I can't put my feelings into words. I'm very happy with this victory, but I also feel a bit of regret since it came at the expense of Alex, with whom I share a strong bond. Of course, I'm thrilled to have advanced to the final."

Fonseca also reflected on his performance and qualification, saying: "I've never had such an outstanding week on a hard court before. I'm playing at my highest level, and I'm proud of what I've accomplished. I stayed fully focused, with my family and training team by my side, which has been amazing. I hope to keep this momentum and win the title."

The final match is expected to draw a large audience and media presence. It concludes the global tennis season for 2024.

The ATP Next Gen Finals represent a significant milestone for tennis in the Kingdom; it is the first professional tennis tournament hosted by Saudi Arabia, and helps achieve the Saudi Tennis Federation's ambitions, including fostering Saudi champions in the sport.