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Teen Sensation Mboko Stuns Osaka to Win Canadian Open

Victoria Mboko, center front, of Canada, poses with the ball crew following her win over Naomi Osaka, of Japan, in final action at the National Bank Open women's tennis tournament in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
Victoria Mboko, center front, of Canada, poses with the ball crew following her win over Naomi Osaka, of Japan, in final action at the National Bank Open women's tennis tournament in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
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Teen Sensation Mboko Stuns Osaka to Win Canadian Open

Victoria Mboko, center front, of Canada, poses with the ball crew following her win over Naomi Osaka, of Japan, in final action at the National Bank Open women's tennis tournament in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)
Victoria Mboko, center front, of Canada, poses with the ball crew following her win over Naomi Osaka, of Japan, in final action at the National Bank Open women's tennis tournament in Montreal, Thursday, Aug. 7, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press via AP)

Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko staged a stunning comeback on Thursday to beat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 2-6 6-4 6-1 and secure her maiden WTA Tour title at the Canadian Open in Montreal.

The 18-year-old wild card rallied after dropping the first set to the Japanese former world number one, who had established a 3-0 lead, and held firm to cap a remarkable fortnight at home.

It was Mboko's fourth win over a Grand Slam champion in the tournament after the world number 85 defeated Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina en route to the final.

"These past two weeks have been insane," said Mboko, who began the year ranked number 333.

"Even getting the wild card to play here ... I was super happy to be playing in Montreal for the first time ever. I just remember feeling nervous, but really taking in the moment as much as I possibly could.

"When I won my first round, I was super happy and super content. I would have never thought that I would have made it to the final let alone win the tournament.

"I have so many emotions going through my head, I can't even express it.

Local favorite Mboko found her rhythm in the second set, breaking serve to establish a 5-2 lead as Osaka struggled with her returns, and she capitalized to level up the contest and force a decider, Reuters reported.

The decisive moment came in the third set, when Mboko took a 3-1 lead after saving four break points in a pivotal fourth game that gave her a firm grip on the match as she went on to claim the title after two hours and four minutes of play.

"I want to thank Naomi from an incredible match," Mboko said on court earlier.

"I've always looked up to her when I was very little. It's always great to play with such an amazing player like you.

"I couldn't be more grateful," she added.

Mboko added that she was looking ahead to the US Open, which begins on August 24, but also tempered expectations.

"I'll be playing it for the first time, so there's a lot of new beginnings for me," she added.

"Although I'm experiencing everything for the first time this year, I think along the way it's obviously going to be an up-and-down journey, but I just want to enjoy the process as much as possible.

"Not everything will go my way or not everything is going to be positive but I'm just really happy to be in this situation... I think it builds character."

For Osaka, who is attempting to revive her career after an inconsistent period following her return from a maternity break, defeat extended her long title drought.

"It's funny, this morning I was very grateful and I don't know why my emotions flipped so quickly," said Osaka, who last lifted a trophy at the 2021 Australian Open.

"I'm happy to have played the final. Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on the court, but she did really amazing."

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Man City Players to Reimburse Traveling Fans After Shock Defeat in Bodo

Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters
Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters
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Man City Players to Reimburse Traveling Fans After Shock Defeat in Bodo

Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters
Soccer Football - UEFA Champions League - Bodo/Glimt v Manchester City - Aspmyra Stadion, Bodo, Norway - January 20, 2026 Manchester City's Erling Haaland and Rico Lewis applaud fans after the match Fredrik Varfjell/NTB via Reuters

Manchester City players will dig into their own pockets to refund travelling fans after a humiliating 3-1 Champions League defeat to Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in Arctic conditions.

The Premier League club suffered the upset on Tuesday as Bodo/Glimt secured a first Champions League victory thanks to Kasper Hogh's quick-fire double and Jens Petter Hauge's stunning solo effort.

City managed a consolation through Rayan Cherki, but the second-half dismissal of 2024 Ballon d'Or winner Rodri sealed a miserable evening in the Norwegian ‌town of ‌Bodo.

In the aftermath, senior City players ‌Bernardo ⁠Silva, Ruben ‌Dias, Rodri and Erling Haaland issued a statement acknowledging the sacrifice of supporters who made the long journey north.

"Our supporters mean everything to us ... it was a lot of traveling for the fans who supported us in the freezing cold throughout a difficult evening for us on the ⁠pitch," they said on Wednesday.

"Covering the cost of these tickets for the ‌fans who traveled to Bodo is ‍the least we can do."

They ‍will reimburse the 374 fans a total of 9,357 ‍pounds ($12,568) after each paid about 25 pounds per ticket.

"The City support has an incredible connection with the players on a matchday, and this gesture is yet another reminder of that relationship - it means a lot to us," said Kevin Parker, speaking on behalf of City's Official ⁠Supporters Club.

"We know that the players are disappointed with the defeat to Bodo, but with our next game at home on Saturday there's a chance to get back to winning ways and our fans will be in full voice, backing the team as they always do."

Pep Guardiola's side, who lost 2-0 in the Premier League at Manchester United on Saturday, host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday.

City sit second in the Premier League with 43 points from 22 ‌matches, seven points behind leaders Arsenal.

Sports

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."