Sabalenka and Rybakina to Clash Again in Miami Semi-final

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Hailey Baptiste of USA during their Women's Quarterfinal match at the 2026 Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 25 March 2026.  EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Hailey Baptiste of USA during their Women's Quarterfinal match at the 2026 Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 25 March 2026. EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
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Sabalenka and Rybakina to Clash Again in Miami Semi-final

Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Hailey Baptiste of USA during their Women's Quarterfinal match at the 2026 Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 25 March 2026.  EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH
Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Hailey Baptiste of USA during their Women's Quarterfinal match at the 2026 Miami Open tennis tournament in Miami, Florida, USA, 25 March 2026. EPA/CRISTOBAL HERRERA-ULASHKEVICH

World number one Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina on Wednesday booked a blockbuster semi-final at the Miami Open in a rerun of their Melbourne Grand Slam decider.

Defending champion Sabalenka held off big-hitting 45th-ranked American Hailey Baptiste 6-4, 6-4.

World number two Rybakina beat fifth-seeded American Jessica Pegula -- runner-up to Sabalenka last year -- 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.

They will return Thursday at Hard Rock Stadium -- home of the NFL's Miami Dolphins -- to fight for a place in the final.

Rybakina beat Sabalenka in a nail-biting Australian Open final in January -- the world number one's only defeat in 2026 -- but the Belarusian avenged it with victory in the Indian Wells final this month.

"We've been playing a lot of matches, recently actually, and all of them have been a battle, all of them been a show," Sabalenka told the Tennis Channel. "I'm super-excited facing her."

Sabalenka is now two wins away from completing the "Sunshine Double" of Indian Wells and Miami.

Baptiste, playing her first WTA 1000 quarter-final, failed to convert three break points in Sabalenka's first two service games.

Sabalenka finally broke Baptiste when the American double-faulted on set point.

Sabalenka gained an early break in the second, but Baptiste broke back and held confidently to level at 4-4.

But as she served at 4-5 to stay in the match, the American opened with three straight double faults. Sabalenka pounced, converting her second match point with a blistering return.

"She really pushed me," AFP quoted Sabalenka as saying.

"The rhythm, the heaviness of her shots is incredible. I'm super happy that I was able to hold the pressure and to get the win."

She'll now face a familiar foe in Rybakina, who shrugged off a slow start to post her fifth straight win over Pegula -- a streak that includes a semi-final victory at the Australian Open and a quarter-final win at Indian Wells.

Pegula, who won last month's WTA title in Dubai, broke twice to jump to a 4-0 lead and took the opening set in 35 minutes.

But Moscow-born Kazakh Rybakina was finding her rhythm and broke for a 4-2 edge on the way to forcing a third set, gaining control of the decider with an opening break.

"She started playing well, and I was a bit rushing and frustrated, but I'm happy that I managed to bounce back and turn it around in the second set," said Rybakina, who is seeded third despite rising to No. 2 in the world for the first time this week.

In the men's draw, 28th-seeded Arthur Fils of France saved four match points on the way to a 6-7 (3/7), 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (8/6) victory over 22nd-seeded American Tommy Paul.

Fils trailed 6-2 in the third-set tiebreaker, saving four straight match points before prevailing in two hours and 49 minutes.

"It was a dog fight and I never back down from a fight," Fils said. "Even if I lose, it's OK, I just fought the best that I could.

"That's the best result I've had in my life so far," the 21-year-old added.

He reached the semi-finals of an ATP Masters 1000 event for the first time, where he'll face 21st-seeded Czech Jiri Lehecka.

Fils beat Lehecka in the quarter-finals in Doha last month.

Lehecka ended the dream run of qualifier Martin Landaluce, beating the 151st-ranked Spaniard 7-6 (7/1), 7-5.



Saudi PIF and ATP Launch Program to Support Rising Talent

The program is aimed at supporting rising talent and widening opportunities for players from the Global South. Photo: PIF
The program is aimed at supporting rising talent and widening opportunities for players from the Global South. Photo: PIF
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Saudi PIF and ATP Launch Program to Support Rising Talent

The program is aimed at supporting rising talent and widening opportunities for players from the Global South. Photo: PIF
The program is aimed at supporting rising talent and widening opportunities for players from the Global South. Photo: PIF

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and the ATP launched the ATP Next Gen Accelerator on Thursday, a program aimed at supporting rising talent and widening opportunities for players from the Global South as they seek to break onto the ATP Tour.

Eligible players will gain access to ATP Tennis IQ Powered by PIF, ⁠an integrated performance technology ⁠platform, along with medical support, structured education and enhanced promotion across ATP platforms.

The initiative seeks to level the playing field for emerging players and provide greater stability ⁠for young professionals.

The launch aligns with PIF’s 2026–2030 strategy, under which the fund plans to focus investment across six key themes as it looks to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy beyond oil.


Inspired by Nadal, Ruud Returns for Madrid Defense

Casper Ruud of Norway in action during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 09 April 2026.  EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
Casper Ruud of Norway in action during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 09 April 2026. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
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Inspired by Nadal, Ruud Returns for Madrid Defense

Casper Ruud of Norway in action during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 09 April 2026.  EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER
Casper Ruud of Norway in action during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada at the ATP Monte Carlo Masters tennis tournament in Roquebrune Cap Martin, France, 09 April 2026. EPA/SEBASTIEN NOGIER

Casper Ruud hoped his short training stint at Rafa Nadal’s academy in Mallorca would reignite his season as the 27-year-old returns from an injury to defend his Madrid Open title this week.

Ruud, who lifted his maiden Masters 1000 title in the Spanish capital last year, sustained a leg injury and was forced to retire from his third-round match at the Monte Carlo Masters against Felix Auger-Aliassime earlier this month.

The Norwegian then ramped up his comeback under the close watch of ⁠22-times Grand Slam ⁠champion Nadal.

"I'm happy to say I'm fully recovered,” Reuters quoted Ruud as saying in Madrid.

"I was a bit worried at first, I thought Madrid would be tough. But I've had good days of recovery. I spent a week in Mallorca, training at Rafa's academy and ⁠working on fitness off the court. I'm really pleased to be here, ready to compete again."

Ruud said he was inspired by the now-retired Nadal’s determination during a glittering playing career that came to an end in 2024.

“If there's one thing you can learn from him, it's determination,” Ruud added.

“He never gave up, and he was able to win many matches without being at his best because he was ⁠so well ⁠prepared physically and mentally.

"There are so many things you can learn from Rafa. This time, we didn't spend much time together on court. He encouraged me to keep going and told me I have plenty to fight for in the coming weeks."

Ruud begins his Madrid campaign against Jaume Munar or Alexander Shevchenko in the second round.

The twice French Open runner-up is eyeing a strong run in the weeks leading up to Roland Garros, which begins on May 24.


Leipzig and Union's Bundesliga Clash Shows Changing Face of Football

Players of RB Leipzig celebrate with their supporters after winning the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig in Frankfurt, Germany, 18 April 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF
Players of RB Leipzig celebrate with their supporters after winning the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig in Frankfurt, Germany, 18 April 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF
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Leipzig and Union's Bundesliga Clash Shows Changing Face of Football

Players of RB Leipzig celebrate with their supporters after winning the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig in Frankfurt, Germany, 18 April 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF
Players of RB Leipzig celebrate with their supporters after winning the German Bundesliga soccer match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig in Frankfurt, Germany, 18 April 2026. EPA/CHRISTOPHER NEUNDORF

RB Leipzig's home Bundesliga clash with Union Berlin on Friday has the two sides chasing different season goals, while showing the changing face of the game.

Third-placed Leipzig can take a massive step towards returning to the Champions League with victory, after missing Europe for the first time this season.

For Union, victory would send the Berliners nine points clear of the relegation playoff spot with three matchdays remaining, all but ensuring they beat the drop for another season.

Coached by Marie-Louise Eta, the first woman to coach a men's side in a major European league, Union face RB Leipzig, whose CEO Tatjana Haenni is the first female club boss in German football history.

The only two top-flight clubs situated in the former East Germany, Leipzig and Union share few other similarities but the hirings reflect a focus on merit and competence, with both Eta and Haenni considered right for the job.

Henni, a former Swiss international with 23 caps who took over the club on January 1, told AFP and other media on Tuesday that Eta's appointment reflected where football -- and society -- were at.

"It's the most popular sport on the planet. It's about quality and it's about the right people at the right place," she said.

"It's a cultural shift which has to happen and it is happening. With me being here and Marie-Louise being the head coach at Union Berlin, it's just happening.

"It's about quality, expertise, trusting people and having the right mindset."

Eta's appointment captured global headlines and the 34-year-old recognised her pioneering role but seemed much more comfortable talking about the game itself.

"It creates a responsibility for me, whether I like it or not," Eta told Germany's Die Zeit on Wednesday.

"My primary goal was never to strengthen the role of women. I have always wanted to convince through performance. I want to be seen as a football coach."

Bayern Munich wrapped up the title last week but there's still plenty to play for at the other end of the table.

Wolfsburg's win over Union last week kept their hopes of avoiding a first relegation alive. Still second last, the victory took Wolfsburg two points behind St Pauli, who are on 26 points in the relegation playoff spot and play at last-placed Heidenheim on Saturday.

Wolfsburg face Borussia Moenchengladbach who are one of four teams locked on 31 points.

One to watch: Jackson Irvine (St Pauli)

Already a cult hero in Hamburg since arriving in 2021, St Pauli captain Jackson Irvine has been a key figure in the club's relegation fight.

Since the Australian reclaimed the captain's armband in February, St Pauli have won three matches -- as many as they had won all year until then -- and only lost three of nine games with him on the pitch.

St Pauli striker Abdoulie Ceesay praised Irvine's leadership in a media roundtable on Tuesday.
"He's a very good leader. He's always there to push us. Sometimes you think he's upset with you and he screams at you, telling you bad words. But afterwards he'll tell you he's doing it to help you, to make you better.

"He's there pushing us every single day to fight for everything and to stay in this league."

RB Leipzig's home Bundesliga clash with Union Berlin on Friday has the two sides chasing different season goals, while showing the changing face of the game.

Third-placed Leipzig can take a massive step towards returning to the Champions League with victory, after missing Europe for the first time this season.

For Union, victory would send the Berliners nine points clear of the relegation playoff spot with three matchdays remaining, all but ensuring they beat the drop for another season.
Coached by Marie-Louise Eta, the first woman to coach a men's side in a major European league, Union face RB Leipzig, whose CEO Tatjana Haenni is the first female club boss in German football history.

The only two top-flight clubs situated in the former East Germany, Leipzig and Union share few other similarities but the hirings reflect a focus on merit and competence, with both Eta and Haenni considered right for the job.

Henni, a former Swiss international with 23 caps who took over the club on January 1, told AFP and other media on Tuesday that Eta's appointment reflected where football -- and society -- were at.

"It's the most popular sport on the planet. It's about quality and it's about the right people at the right place," she said.

"It's a cultural shift which has to happen and it is happening. With me being here and Marie-Louise being the head coach at Union Berlin, it's just happening.

"It's about quality, expertise, trusting people and having the right mindset."

Eta's appointment captured global headlines and the 34-year-old recognised her pioneering role but seemed much more comfortable talking about the game itself.

"It creates a responsibility for me, whether I like it or not," Eta told Germany's Die Zeit on Wednesday.

"My primary goal was never to strengthen the role of women. I have always wanted to convince through performance. I want to be seen as a football coach."

Bayern Munich wrapped up the title last week but there's still plenty to play for at the other end of the table.

Wolfsburg's win over Union last week kept their hopes of avoiding a first relegation alive. Still second last, the victory took Wolfsburg two points behind St Pauli, who are on 26 points in the relegation playoff spot and play at last-placed Heidenheim on Saturday.

Wolfsburg face Borussia Moenchengladbach who are one of four teams locked on 31 points.

One to watch: Jackson Irvine (St Pauli)

Already a cult hero in Hamburg since arriving in 2021, St Pauli captain Jackson Irvine has been a key figure in the club's relegation fight.

Since the Australian reclaimed the captain's armband in February, St Pauli have won three matches -- as many as they had won all year until then -- and only lost three of nine games with him on the pitch.

St Pauli striker Abdoulie Ceesay praised Irvine's leadership in a media roundtable on Tuesday.

"He's a very good leader. He's always there to push us. Sometimes you think he's upset with you and he screams at you, telling you bad words. But afterwards he'll tell you he's doing it to help you, to make you better.

"He's there pushing us every single day to fight for everything and to stay in this league."