Berrettini stuns Djokovic as Medvedev, Rublev advance

DOHA - Crowd favourite and Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic of Serbia on Tuesday fell at the first hurdle when he was beaten by Matteo Berrettini of Italy in straight sets on day two of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open. Berrettini, who lost the 2021 Wimbledon final to Djokovic, on Tuesday looked a better player as he won 7-6, 6-2 to book his place in Round Two of the 32-player tournament. Also on Tuesday, Russian players Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev - both former champions in Doha - posted easy wins to advance at the 500-point event. Medvedev beat defending champion and compatriot Karen Khachanov 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Fifth seed Rublev, the 2020 champion, on Tuesday eased past Alexander Bublik 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic, playing his first match since pulling out of the Australian Open semi-final against Alexander Zverev last month, on Tuesday stretched the game in the first set but once the Serbian fell short in the tie-breaker, Berrettini rolled on to sweep the two-time Qatar Open champion in 1 hour and 34 minutes. A long return on the second match point from Djokovic saw a jubilant Berrettini celebrate with a big smile as a packed Centre Court at the Khalifa International Tennis Stadium looked stunned. “Something I’ve been looking to do for a long time. I’ve played against him in the most important tournaments on tour,” Berrettini, with a wide grin on his face, said after his hard-fought win. “I wish I could have won one of those matches,” the 28-year-old Italian added. “Really happy with my performance,” Berrettini, who wears his cap backwards, said. “Really happy because I enjoyed my time out there, which is the most important thing. A champion like Novak is always ready to come back. You don’t have to think about match point. You have to think about the next point, and that’s what I did,” he added. The opening set remained tight, with neither player breaking serve, ultimately leading to a tiebreak which Berrettini won, conceding just two points on Djokovic’s serve. Berrettini then seized an early advantage in the second set, breaking Djokovic’s serve in game two. The Italian held his serve comfortably throughout the second set. He eventually secured the match on his second match point, though not without some late pressure in the final game. Berrettini fired 13 aces compared to Djokovic’s 9. Medvedev’s win over Khachanov on Tuesday was his first over a top-30 player this season. Champion in Doha in 2023, Medvedev is still trying to end a title drought that dates back to the 2023 Rome Masters. “I thought about this before the match (that) he’s the defending champion, but I won it two years ago and didn’t come back, so (it was) kind of a battle of defending champions,” Medvedev said after the match. “(It was a) tough match, tough start. I think he was playing better than me at one point in the match. Then it was kind of even, and I managed to win the second set. And then in the third set I played better. I am happy that I managed to improve my level during the match, and I think the third set was really great for me, so I am looking forward to the next matches,” he added. Also on Tuesday, Australia’s Alex de Minaur beat Roman Safiullin of Russia 6-1, 7-5 just a day after his 25th birthday. “They’re tough days, these ones,” De Minaur said on Tuesday. “It’s cold, it’s windy, you probably don’t want to get out of bed. But once you step on court, you have to do everything you can to win. Whether it’s ugly or pretty tennis, you just put the ball in the court, and that’s what I did today. Out went any sort of tactics you had for the match and it was all about surviving more than anything,” he added. Djokovic, who is playing doubles in Doha with Spanish veteran Fernando Verdasco, on Tuesday said: “My plan is to try to go as far as I can in doubles, you know. I’m still in the doubles tournament tomorrow with Verdasco, and I look forward to that. So, I’ll stay in Doha at least for one more match, and then we will see.” He added: “I mean, yeah, obviously I was planning to go to Indian Wells and Miami, so I’ll talk with my team after I finish with this tournament.”  

Participating teams arrive for Qatar International Friendship Gymnastics Championship

Doha: The arrival of all participating delegations for the Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship will be completed today, ahead of the tournament set to take place on Friday and Saturday at Aspire Academy. The championship will feature 225 young gymnasts from six countries—Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, Jordan, Lebanon, and Iraq.  With the final delegations arriving this evening, both the judges' meeting and the team meeting will take place, during which all teams will be briefed on the technical and organizational details of the championship. The competition will officially commence tomorrow, Friday, with events spanning five levels from 8 AM to 9 PM. On the final day, Saturday, contests will be held across two levels, and each age category winner will be crowned separately. Additionally, all competitions will adhere to the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) regulations. The Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championships provide an invaluable opportunity for clubs and academies to compete against strong teams, assess their athletes' skill levels, and prepare them for major international competitions. The tournament is being held at Aspire Academy with an anticipated large spectator turnout, giving it an official and prestigious atmosphere. The presence of a competitive setting at this level is significant, as few tournaments exist for this age group, making the event a unique and valuable experience for all participants. The organizing team for this championship is the same team that has successfully managed the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup series for the past 17 years. This reflects the high level of professionalism and organizational excellence that has become a hallmark of sporting events in Doha. The tournament is also seen as a stepping stone toward hosting future competitions for boys' categories and different age groups. The Organizing Committee, led by Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation, has ensured that all organizational and logistical aspects of the championship were completed before the arrival of the teams and the tournament’s kickoff. A meticulous follow-up process was implemented to oversee every detail, reflecting Qatar’s commitment to hosting top-tier sporting events. The championship continues Doha’s legacy of delivering world-class sporting competitions, reinforcing its reputation as a leading destination for international gymnastics events.  

12th edition of CHI Al Shaqab begins today

Doha: The 12th edition of CHI Al Shaqab, Presented by Longines, is all set to kick off today at the Longines Arena of Al Shaqab. This three-day championship will feature some of the world’s best showjumping and dressage riders (five-star classification) and offers a total prize money of over 1.3 million euros, making it one of the most valuable events on the International Equestrian Federation’s (FEI) calendar. This prestigious event has attracted 247 riders from 41 countries, with Qatar represented by 76 riders. Competitions will include showjumping rounds for CSI1*, three-star, and five-star classifications, as well as dressage competitions for one-star and five-star classifications, and para dressage. CHI Al Shaqab is considered one of the most important events on the international equestrian calendar and is one of the championships approved by the FEI worldwide. It serves as a platform for top-ranking local and international equestrian stars to compete in the Olympic disciplines of showjumping, dressage, and para-dressage. First held in 2013, CHI Al Shaqab is one of only five CHI competitions worldwide and the first and only equestrian event of its kind in the Middle East and Asia regions. Addressing the media yesterday, Event Director Mohammed Jaber Al Khayarin said: “CHI Al Shaqab embodies the highest equestrian skills of elite riders and horses in exciting performances that showcase the exceptional levels the championship will present over the next three days. It includes three Olympic disciplines: showjumping, dressage, and para-dressage, confirming Al Shaqab’s position as the cradle of equestrianism in Qatar and a global destination for equestrian sports.” The Event Director explained that CHI Al Shaqab has become a unique event not only in Qatar but globally, as the fifth international equestrian championship – Qatar 2025 – witnesses the participation of an elite group of riders. “The championship reflects Qatar’s ability as a global destination for hosting major sporting events and embodies Al Shaqab’s commitment to achieving its vision of becoming a leading global center for equestrianism. It enhances the love of equestrianism within the Qatari community and contributes to consolidating our pride and appreciation for the long history of equestrianism that characterizes Qatar,” he said. “The total number of horses participating in the championship has reached 445 across all categories. The organising committee has allocated a special area for the public, offering many entertainment facilities, including a variety of food and beverage options, as well as cafes and shops. Additionally, many events will cater to all age groups from every segment of society,” Al Khayarin added. German veteran Marcus Ehning – a CHI Al Shaqab champion in 2022 and 2023 – was excited to return to Al Shaqab, where he said he has “fond memories.” “I am very happy to be back here in Qatar. The weather here is better than in Europe,” he said with a smile. “I have a few fond food memories here in Shaqab. It’s a venue that is close to being my second home. The facilities here are world-class, and they’re brilliant for the horses. I hope I can reclaim my title this weekend,” the 50-year-old added. Dressage rider Dinja van Liere of the Netherlands, who is on her third visit to Al Shaqab, expects tough competition and praised the state-of-the-art facilities. “I would love to win this time. There are lots of good competitors, and it will be a tough decision for the judges to choose a winner. It’s going to be difficult and hard to predict,” she said. “I have a good feeling as my horse is in good shape. My last competition was in Amsterdam, and he did well. It’s a really good venue, and the facilities for the horses are excellent, which helps them perform better,” Liere added. Para dressage silver medalist at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Rext van der Hulst of the Netherlands, said: “The level of competition is so high here, with lots of good riders. It’s a good learning experience for the horses and one of the most beautiful shows in the world.” The first day of the championship will feature 11 rounds, with competitions starting at 9:30 a.m. at the Longines outdoor arena with CSI 3-star showjumping (1.35m). Action at the indoor arena will begin at 10:00 a.m. with CSI1* showjumping, followed by Para Dressage CPEDI 3* at 11am. The CSI showjumping (145cm) will start at 1:00 p.m. at the outdoor arena, followed by the 120cm star competitions and the CSI 5* competitions (1.45m), Two Phases, followed by the 1.05m star category competitions. At 5:30 p.m., the indoor arena will host primary dressage competitions, followed by the Prix St. George classification dressage. The showjumping CSI 5*(1.50m) will take place at the outdoor arena from 7:45 p.m. The opening day will also feature a round for the Future Riders at a height of 60cm. Action on the second day will begin at the outdoor arena at 9:00 a.m. with CSI 3* (1.40m). It will be followed by eight more categories, including CSI 5* (1.45m, 1.50m, and 1.55m with Jump Off). This edition of CHI Al Shaqab will feature the CSI5* “Prix Hermès Sellier” class at a height of 1.55m. Action at the indoor arena will begin at 2:00 p.m. with dressage competitions for the five-star category, followed by dressage competitions for the star category. The sub-fields will also host Future Riders’ competitions at a height of 80cm and Star Classification Showjumping competitions at heights from 1.1m to 1.25m. On the final day, Saturday, the indoor arena will stage the 5-star dressage competitions for the Grand Prix, starting at 10:00 a.m., followed by the Dressage CDI 5* Grand Prix Special, Para-Dressage CPEDI 3* Para GP Freestyle, and Dressage CDI 5* CHI Al Shaqab Freestyle Grand Prix, presented by Longines, with a €100,000 prize. The outdoor arena will feature action from 9:00 a.m. with Jumping CSI 3* (1.4m), followed by the Future Riders (100cm), Jumping CSI 5*(1.45m), Jumping CSICh 60cm/Optimum Time (1.10m), and Jumping CSI 1* (1.15m). The Jumping CSI 3* Grand Prix with Jump-Off (1.50m) for €105,500 will begin at 3:45 p.m., while the CHI Al Shaqab Grand Prix (Two Phases 1.60m), with a prize of €540,000, will start at 7pm.  

Al-Athba leads trap event at Amir Grand Prix for Shotgun

Doha: Qatari shooter Rashid Hamad al-Athba is leading the men’s trap competition at the HH The Amir Grand Prix for Shotgun, which is being held at the Lusail Shooting Complex. The competition has drawn over 250 shooters from 34 countries, including 12 Olympic champions and 42 Qatari national team members. Al-Athba recorded a total of 73 shots in three rounds, tying with Kuwait’s Abdulrahman al-Faihan and Chinese Taipei’s Yang Kan Bi. In the women’s category, Finland’s Nora Antikainen topped the standings with 73 plates, and in the youth categories, Poland’s Alan Lapinski and Kazakhstan’s Milana Babchikina emerged as leaders. The competition will conclude today with two more rounds and a final round for the top six shooters.  

Alcaraz battles past Cilic amid windy conditions

DOHA - Carlos Alcaraz was forced to battle testing conditions at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex on Monday, but the debutant is up and running at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2025. The top seed earned a hard-fought 6-4, 6-4 win against Marin Cilic to advance to the second round at the ATP 500. Alcaraz struggled to find his rhythm in the windy conditions, but dialled in at the crucial moments, expertly denying a rise in form from the Croatian in the second set, to improve to 4-1 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series. From 0/40 down, serving at 3-4 in the second set, Alcaraz reeled off 14 of the next 19 points to seal victory and extend his winning streak to six matches. The 21-year-old, who claimed his first indoor title in Rotterdam earlier this month, will next face Zhang Zhizhen or Luca Nardi in the second round. “I’m really pleased about saving that game and giving myself the opportunity to [stay] alive,” said Alcaraz. “Marin puts a lot of pressure when you’re serving, he’s a great returner. I’m really happy to stay calm in that moment, do my routine and make good shots. I’m really happy to win in two sets.” Cilic, the former World No. 3 and 2014 US Open champion, showed glimpses of his best tennis in the opening set, but lost serve in an 18-minute seventh game which proved decisive. Yet this did not stop 36-year-old from raising his level and applying further pressure in the second. The 36-year-old pushed Alacaraz from the baseline and carved out four break points in the second set, but was unable to convert any. With Monday’s one-hour, 38-minute win, Alcaraz improved to 10-1 on the season. He will have the chance to avenge his quarter-final loss to Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open last month if the two both reach the semi-finals. Cilic was competing in his first event since November after recovering from an ongoing knee injury. It’s the same injury that caused him to miss almost the entirety of the 2023 season before undergoing surgery in 2024. Yet upon return last year, Cilic claimed the title in Hangzhou, which was his 21st tour-level crown, and first since 2021. Earlier, Jiri Lehecka sealed his spot in the second round in Doha with a 6-4, 6-4 win over seventh seed Grigor Dimitrov. With his 11th victory in 2025, the 23-year-old tied Alex de Minaur and Miomir Kecmanovic for most on the ATP Tour this season. Lehecka, who triumphed at the ATP 250 in Brisbane and reached the fourth round at the Australian Open last month, improved to 4-1 in his Lexus ATP Head2Head series with Dimitrov. The Czech player won 88 per cent (35/40) of first-serve points, according to Infosys ATP Stats, en route to setting a second-round meeting with Fabian Marozsan. The World No. 15 Dimitrov was playing in his first match since retiring to Francesco Passaro in the first round at the Australian Open due to a hip injury, which forced the 33-year-old outside the Top 10 of the PIF ATP Rankings for the first time since March last year.  

QGF finalizes preparations for the Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship

Doha: The Qatar Gymnastics Federation is intensifying its preparations to host the Qatar International Friendship Artistic Gymnastics Championship, set to take place on February 21-22 at Aspire Dome. The organizing committees are working diligently to ensure the event is held at the highest organizational standards. Ali Al-Hitmi, President of the Qatar Gymnastics Federation and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, confirmed that the equipment and logistics committee is working around the clock to finalize preparations for the main competition hall. He emphasized that all committees are following a precise schedule to complete all necessary arrangements ahead of the tournament’s launch.