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Shelton Tops Tiafoe on Sweltering Night in Washington

Ben Shelton of the United States returns a shot against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during the men's singles match on day 5 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)
Ben Shelton of the United States returns a shot against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during the men's singles match on day 5 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)
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Shelton Tops Tiafoe on Sweltering Night in Washington

Ben Shelton of the United States returns a shot against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during the men's singles match on day 5 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)
Ben Shelton of the United States returns a shot against Frances Tiafoe of the United States during the men's singles match on day 5 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open 2025 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on July 25, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Getty Images/AFP)

Ben Shelton beat fellow American Frances Tiafoe 7-6(2) 6-4 in an electrifying match at the Washington Open on Friday to advance to the semifinals on a day marked by suffocating humidity in the nation's capital.

Shelton blasted an ace on match point to seal the win and avenge his five-set loss to Tiafoe at last year's US Open as the 22-year-old continues to make strides in his breakout season.

Hometown hero Tiafoe had the support of the energized crowd but lost momentum when he was unable to serve out the first set while up 6-5, leading to a tiebreak that Shelton dominated.

The second set hinged on a marathon game at 3-3, where Shelton pocketed a break thanks to a Tiafoe double fault.

Shelton rode his huge lefty serve from there to grab the win and set up a semi-final meeting with either top seed Taylor Fritz or Spaniard Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

"It was a tough one for sure but enjoyable nonetheless," Shelton told Tennis Channel.

"I love playing against Foe. Difficult guy to play against but playing him here in the US, especially being here in DC, it was packed, it was a great atmosphere. I couldn't be happier."

Earlier, tournament lucky loser Corentin Moutet stunned Russia's Daniil Medvedev 6-1 4-6 4-6 in a wild match interrupted by an hour-long delay due to the threat of thunderstorms.

Moutet, leading 5-4 in the final set when they returned to the court, was hobbled by leg cramps but completed the upset in a final game that featured three double faults by Medvedev and a frantic match point.

The Frenchman fell on his back in relief after securing the victory as Medvedev threw his racket and proceeded to take out his frustration on several water bottles, drawing boos from the crowd.

"That is a great way to finish the match," said world number 59 Moutet.

"I was with my coach when we were up 5-4 and I said okay, I have to win the next game because my body cannot handle too much more."

Moutet will face Australian seventh seed Alex de Minaur, who was a 6-4 6-4 winner over Brandon Nakashima.

On the women's side, Canadian Leylah Fernandez and Emma Raducanu both overcame the stifling heat and their opponents to advance to the semifinals, setting up a potential rematch of the 2021 US Open final that was won by the Englishwoman.

For that to happen Raducanu, who beat Maria Sakkari in straight sets on Friday, will have to best Russian Anna Kalinskaya.

Fernandez takes on third seed Elena Rybakina in the semis of the ATP and WTA 500 event on Saturday.

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AlUla Prepares to Launch AlUla Trail Race 2026 With Global Participation

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
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AlUla Prepares to Launch AlUla Trail Race 2026 With Global Participation

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA
The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories - SPA

Fans of running and endurance sports are turning their attention to AlUla Governorate, which will host on Thursday the start of the AlUla Trail Race 2026, an iconic sporting event bringing together participants of different ages and skill levels from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad, running from January 22 to 23, 2026, SPA reported.

The race is part of the global sports events calendar, as AlUla continues to strengthen its position as a preferred destination for runners and challenge-seekers, thanks to its breathtaking landscapes and diverse routes that combine exploration with endurance testing in one of the world’s most prominent running experiences.

The 2026 edition features a range of races catering to various categories, including a 50-kilometer race that passes through the Old Town and distinctive natural trails, and a 100-kilometer race, considered among the toughest endurance challenges for professional runners.

It also includes a 10-kilometer race for the general category, a Sunset Race for age groups 5 to 12, a 1.6-kilometer Kids Race, and a 3-kilometer race for participants aged 13 and above, as well as specialized races for highly experienced runners that require advanced fitness and endurance.

The first day of the race is scheduled to begin tomorrow with the start of the 50-kilometer race, alongside a number of accompanying cultural and community activities, as well as the Kids Race and sports performances.

The following day, the 100-kilometer race will launch at sunrise, followed by the 10-kilometer race, and the day will conclude with the winners’ award ceremony and medal distribution.

The AlUla Trail Race is not limited to athletic competition, but also offers a comprehensive sports and community experience, featuring cultural and entertainment events, musical performances, a variety of food options, and recreational facilities within the race village, creating a festive atmosphere suitable for families and supporters throughout the weekend.

During the race, runners pass several of AlUla’s iconic landmarks, from mountains and desert rock formations to valleys, as well as UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Hegra and Maraya Hall, giving the event a cultural and tourism dimension that reflects the governorate’s growing status on the map of global sporting events.

Sports

Sabalenka Shuts Down Political Talk After Ukrainian’s Ban Call

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
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Sabalenka Shuts Down Political Talk After Ukrainian’s Ban Call

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus celebrates after defeating Bai Zhuoxuan of China in their second round match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026. (AP)

Aryna Sabalenka Wednesday said she "didn't want to talk politics" after Ukraine's Oleksandra Oliynykova called for Belarusian and Russian players to be banned from tennis.

The 25-year-old Oliynykova, whose father is fighting on the front lines in Ukraine, had said on Tuesday that the presence of players from those two countries was "very wrong" while the conflict continued.

Oliynykova, after losing to defending champion Madison Keys on her Slam debut, wore a T-shirt at her press conference emblazoned with: "I need your help to protect Ukrainian women and children but I can't talk about it here."

Under Grand Slam tournament guidelines, players are prohibited from making political statements at competition venues.

But in an interview with Melbourne's The Age newspaper she took aim at Russian and Belarusian players, who are competing under a neutral white flag.

"I think it's very wrong that they are not disqualified in tennis like in other sports," she said.

"Because I know that here is the picture that we are, like all tennis girls playing, but the people don't see the things behind it."

Sabalenka, who is Belarusian, has previously said she believes that sport "is nothing to do with politics" and on Wednesday reiterated her position.

"I have spoken a lot about that before, obviously," said the world number one after powering into the third round.

"I want peace, and if I could change anything, I would definitely do that.

"Other than that, I have nothing else to say."

Pressed on Oliynykova's call for her to be banned, she replied: "I'm here for tennis. It's a tennis event. I have said enough in the past and just don't want to talk politics here."

Belarus is a close ally of Vladimir Putin's Russia.

Oliynykova said she did not speak with Russian and Belarusian players in the locker rooms or on the practice courts.

"I don't communicate with them. But, you know, people are not informed about this and if I need to say it, I will, because I feel (it is) unfair."

- Apartment shook -

Unlike other professional Ukrainian tennis players, Oliynykova still lives and trains in her homeland despite the constant threat of Russian attacks.

Just before she came to Australia, the Kyiv native came close to being hit in one such incursion.

"There was an explosion just near my home and a drone hit the home just across the road," she said. "My apartment was literally shaking because of the explosion."

Fellow Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk has also been outspoken about the war and refuses to shake hands with Russian and Belarusian players, most recently Sabalenka after losing in the Brisbane International final.

Another Ukrainian, Elina Svitolina, said it was important to keep the conflict in the public eye.

"The war has been ongoing for four years. I mean, we talked about it many, many times," the world number 12 said Wednesday after joining Sabalenka in the third round.

"For me, now it's gone, the topic. I mean, the stand has been taken already. A decision has been made by WTA, ATP," she said, referring to Russian and Belarusian players being allowed to compete.

"Right now what we can do is go out there, try to perform well, try to represent our country in the right way, and not forget that we can use our voices to bring the help, to bring the attention to our homeland."

Sports

Liverpool, Barcelona Risk Missing Automatic Qualification to Champions League Round of 16

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)
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Liverpool, Barcelona Risk Missing Automatic Qualification to Champions League Round of 16

Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah talks to Liverpool's French striker #22 Hugo Ekitike during a team training session at their training ground in Kirkby, Liverpool, northwest England on January 20, 2026, on the eve of their UEFA Champions League, league phase football match against Olympique Marseille in Marseille. (AFP)

Liverpool and Barcelona are leaving it late to secure automatic qualification to the Champions League round of 16.

With just two rounds remaining, the defending champions of England and Spain currently sit outside of the top eight spots that will advance automatically.

Teams placed from nine to 24 enter a two-legged playoff to go through to the round of 16.

Liverpool topped the league phase last year, but then faced the daunting task of playing eventual winner Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16. Arne Slot's team is going a different way about it this time around and may have to navigate a playoff to advance.

Liverpool is away to Marseille on Wednesday and could be boosted by the return of Mohamed Salah from the Africa Cup of Nations. He headed off to represent his country last month after a public row with Slot raised doubts about his future.

Salah was unhappy with his lack of game time and aired his views in an explosive interview. He returns to Liverpool at a time when the Merseyside club needs more firepower following injury to record signing Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, who has only recently returned to action.

Barcelona was runner-up to Liverpool during the league phase last year and progressed to the semifinals before losing to Inter Milan.

Now it is playing catch up as it heads to Slavia Prague.

Chelsea's new coach Liam Rosenior takes charge of his first Champions League game with the club at home to Pafos.

Rosenior replaced Club World Cup-winning coach Enzo Maresca this month after leading Chelsea's sister club Strasbourg to the top of the third-tier Conference League standings.
Bayern Munich — one of this season's favorites — hosts Union Saint-Gilloise.