Four Players Advance to Semi-Finals of Next Generation ATP Finals

The event is organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals - SPA
The event is organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals - SPA
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Four Players Advance to Semi-Finals of Next Generation ATP Finals

The event is organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals - SPA
The event is organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals - SPA

The group stage of the Next Generation ATP Finals concluded at King Abdullah Sports City in Jeddah, the tournament's second edition hosted by Saudi Arabia.
Organized by the Saudi Tennis Federation and the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), the event is supervised by the Ministry of Sports and sponsored by the Public Investment Fund.

According to SPA, the matches drew a significant audience, underscoring the growing popularity of tennis in the Kingdom.
The final day of the group stage confirmed the semi-finalists from the red and blue groups. French player Luca Van Assche secured his spot alongside red group leader Alex Michelsen of the US.

In the blue group, American Learner Tien triumphed over Frenchman Arthur Fils, to claim the runner-up position, joining Brazilian Joao Fonseca, the group leader.
The semi-finals, scheduled for today, feature Alex Michelsen facing Tien in an all-American clash, while Fonseca will take on Van Assche. The winners of these matches will advance to the final, set to take place tomorrow.
The tournament has showcased exceptional talent and reinforced Saudi Arabia's commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.



Zelenskiy Lauds Champion Usyk’s Perseverance in Victory over Fury in Riyadh

 Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
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Zelenskiy Lauds Champion Usyk’s Perseverance in Victory over Fury in Riyadh

 Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)
Boxers Britain's Tyson Fury, right, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Usyk compete during their WBA, WBO, and WBC world heavyweight title fight in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. (AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed Oleksandr Usyk's victory over Tyson Fury to retain the WBA (Super), WBO and WBC world heavyweight titles in Riyadh, saying the boxer embodied the fighting spirit of Ukrainians.

Undefeated Usyk, who took Fury's WBC belt in their first bout in May, beat the British two-time world champion in the rematch by unanimous decision, handing him the second loss of his professional career.

"Victory! So important and so needed by all of us right now," Zelenskiy, who had led Ukraine in its war with Russia since Moscow invaded its neighbor in 2022, wrote on X.

"By defending his championship belt, Oleksandr Usyk proves: we are Ukrainians and we will not give up what is ours! No matter how hard it gets - we will overcome everything.

"Whether it is in the ring, on the battlefield or in the diplomatic arena - we will fight and we will not give up what is ours! Congratulations on your victory, Cossack! Congratulations on your victory, Ukraine!"

Former world champion Wladimir Klitschko, who enlisted in the Ukrainian military reserves before Russia's invasion, was at the Kingdom Arena to witness Usyk's victory.

"Ukraine is fortunate to have you. You're a true standard-bearer of our resilience... glory to Ukraine," Klitschko wrote on X.