AC Milan Back to Winning Ways with Slender Victory over Struggling Verona

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders (14) celebrates a goal during an Italian Serie A soccer match against Verona Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Verona, Italy. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders (14) celebrates a goal during an Italian Serie A soccer match against Verona Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Verona, Italy. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
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AC Milan Back to Winning Ways with Slender Victory over Struggling Verona

AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders (14) celebrates a goal during an Italian Serie A soccer match against Verona Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Verona, Italy. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)
AC Milan's Tijjani Reijnders (14) celebrates a goal during an Italian Serie A soccer match against Verona Friday, Dec. 20, 2024, in Verona, Italy. (Paola Garbuio/LaPresse via AP)

Tijjani Reijnders got the only goal and Milan got a much-needed three points in a 1-0 win away at lowly Verona in Serie A on Friday.
The Dutch striker finished superbly after a Youssouf Fofana pass opened the Verona defense early in the second half, The Associated Press reported.
The win was Milan’s eighth consecutive league win against Verona and got it back to winning ways after losing to Atalanta and drawing with Genova.
It should ease some pressure on under-fire coach Paulo Fonseca. His side was up to seventh place in Serie A.
Verona sat a point above the relegation zone.



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.