Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
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Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo to Return on January 17-18

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA
Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village in AlUla. SPA

Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo, the world’s first organized desert polo tournament, will return to AlUla from January 17 to 18, 2025, offering a spectacular celebration of top-class sport, culture, and equestrian heritage.
Organized by the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) in partnership with the Saudi Polo Federation, Richard Mille AlUla Desert Polo 2025 will take place at AlFursan Equestrian Village within the stunning surroundings of the ancient oasis city.
"This tournament has become a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar, showcasing the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines our region,” said Chief Sports Officer at the RCU Ziad AlSuhaibani.

“We look forward to continuing to inspire, connect, and elevate the global appreciation of equestrian sports, while aligning with the Saudi Vision 2030's goals of enhancing cultural tourism and offering world-class sporting experiences in the Kingdom,” he added.
Richard Mille is returning as the title sponsor of the event, underscoring the brand’s commitment to excellence in sports and events as well as reinforcing its partnership with this one-of-a-kind polo tournament.
The two-day event will feature a blend of world-class polo, history, heritage, and glamour, making it an unmissable occasion on Saudi Arabia’s sports and social calendar.
Some of the top players in global polo are set to participate in the tournament, including Argentine world-famous polo player Adolfo Cambiaso, founder and captain of La Dolfina Polo Team.
Joining Cambiaso in AlUla will be his son Adolfo "Poroto" Cambiaso and his daughter Mia Cambiaso. Other notable players include Nacho Figueras – dubbed the “David Beckham of polo” – and Pablo Mac Donough. Additionally, more professional female players will again participate after their debut at the 2024 tournament.
The event will feature six teams of three players, comprising one professional, one international patron, and one dignitary. Two days of action-packed matches will see the teams battle for the prestigious Desert Polo trophy.



Bencic Inspires Switzerland to United Cup Win over France

 Switzerland's Belinda Bencic celebrates defeating France's Chloe Paquet in their women's singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament on Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on December 28, 2024. (AFP)
Switzerland's Belinda Bencic celebrates defeating France's Chloe Paquet in their women's singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament on Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on December 28, 2024. (AFP)
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Bencic Inspires Switzerland to United Cup Win over France

 Switzerland's Belinda Bencic celebrates defeating France's Chloe Paquet in their women's singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament on Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on December 28, 2024. (AFP)
Switzerland's Belinda Bencic celebrates defeating France's Chloe Paquet in their women's singles match at the United Cup tennis tournament on Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney on December 28, 2024. (AFP)

Former Olympic champion Belinda Bencic sparkled on her return to the elite circuit after her maternity break, leading Switzerland to a 2-1 win over France in the United Cup mixed team tournament on Saturday.

The 27-year-old beat Chloe Paquet 6-3 6-1 in her first WTA Tour level match since giving birth to daughter Bella in April. She later combined with Dominic Stricker to down the pair of Elixane Lechemia and Edouard Roger-Vasselin 6-1 7-6(4).

Bencic, who will compete in the Jan. 12-26 Australian Open with a protected ranking, said she was playing at a higher level than she expected.

"The whole comeback went much faster than I anticipated and expected. It's great," said Bencic, who first returned to action in October and played in the Billie Jean King Cup, apart from lower level tournaments.

"I didn't rush things. I was super careful with starting again. I didn't really want to put time pressure on my comeback. I just wanted to see how it goes every day.

"I think I was ready. There's no point in practicing more. It's boring, right? It's better to play competitive matches."

Ugo Humbert had earlier pulled France level at 1-1 with a 6-3 7-5 win over Stricker in the Group D contest, battling back from 2-5 down in the second set to prevail and force a mixed doubles rubber at the Ken Rosewall Arena.

Canada were also victorious in Group A of the 10 million tournament that features 18 countries, as they defeated Croatia 2-1 in Perth's RAC Arena.

Former US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez overcame Donna Vekic 6-4 6-3 before Felix Auger-Aliassime crashed to a 0-6 6-4 6-4 defeat by Borna Coric.

Fernandez and Auger-Aliassime then saw off Lucija Ciric Bagaric and Ivan Dodig 6-3 6-4 to clinch the tie.

Australia were in action against Argentina in Sydney while Greece meet Spain later in Perth.