By Muhammad Rafiq DUBAI: Roger Federer faces a difficult challenge as he seeks an incredible eighth title at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships this week. Seeded two in a field that includes nine of the world’s top 20, he plays another Tour veteran, Philipp Kohlschreiber, in the first round. And if he survives that hurdle he could find himself up against Fernando …

DUBAI: Former winner Petra Kvitova will face Belinda Bencic in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday after both claimed thrilling three-set victories. Kvitova defeated Hsieh Su-Wei 3-6 6-2 6-4 and Bencic edged past defending champion Elina Svitolina 6-2 3-6 7-6 (3). Both matches stretched to more than two hours and had the crowd on the edge of their seats as fortunes swung one …

DUBAI: Six races filled with Thoroughbred stars from eight different nations allowed for a global affair on Thursday night at Meydan Racecourse, but it was locally based trainer Charlie Appleby and owner Godolphin who stole the show, with the latter landing four races and Appleby taking home a Group treble. Al Tayer Motors sponsored the evening, the eighth Dubai World …

DUBAI: Thursday’s eighth meeting of the 2019 Dubai World Cup Carnival is another truly global affair, filled with quality horseflesh representing France, Sweden, Ireland, South Africa, Australia, USA, UK and UAE. Three Group affairs highlight the $1,105,000 card—the Zabeel Mile (G2), UAE Oaks (G3) and Dubai Millennium (G3)—supported by a triad of handicaps that could easily serve as preps for Dubai …

DUBAI: Hsieh Su-Wei claimed a stunning comeback against fourth seed Karolina Pliskova to win 6-4 1-6 7-5 and reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Thursday. Her victory came a day after she had beaten fifth seed Angelique Kerber. The 2015 finalist had recovered well from losing the opening set by surrendering the last 11 points, easily winning the second …

DUBAI: World Number 1, Naomi Osaka spent an afternoon with Chef Ramola Bijendra from Jumeirah Creekside Hotel – the tournament hotel and spoke about all her favourite foods, her eating regime before and after matches and her go to ‘cheat meal’ which is French fries! Both Chef Ramola and Naomi were challenged to produce a great tasting salad, they spent …

DUBAI: Playing her first match since winning the Australian Open and her first as the world No. 1, Naomi Osaka was beaten 6-3 6-3 by an inspired Kristina Mladenovic at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday. “I thought I played pretty bad,” said Osaka, while also admitting that she is not accustomed to being in the spotlight and …

By Muhammad Rafiq DUBAI: Over 300 school children from across the UAE took to the courts today at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium. Children from a number of schools enjoyed the WTA J.P. Morgan Kids’ Day which included a tennis clinic for all ages and skill levels, entertainment, photo opportunities and the chance to meet some top WTA players. …

DUBAI: Aliaksandra Sasnovich staged a dramatic fightback to defeat Ekaterina Makarova 0-6 7-5 6-4 and reach the second round of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Sunday. Makarova has been ranked in the top 10 and last year she enjoyed wins over former world No. 1s Caroline Wozniacki, Karolina Pliskova and ninth-ranked Julia Goerges, as well as victories the year before over world No. 1 Angelique Kerber and No. …

DUBAI: Reigning Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber was welcomed by the team at Porsche Centre Dubai, Al Nabooda Automobiles LLC, on Sunday. Her visit took place ahead of the 2019 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships which Porsche Centre Dubai is an official sponsor of, in line with the brand’s strong heritage in the sport. The news follows Porsche’s latest announcement, which …