Saudi star Yara Alhogbani dreams of thriving tennis community in Kingdom

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Updated 04 February 2024
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Saudi star Yara Alhogbani dreams of thriving tennis community in Kingdom

Saudi star Yara Alhogbani dreams of thriving tennis community in Kingdom
  • 19-year-old spoke to Arab News about her career, game’s development in Saudi Arabia, rubbing shoulders with idol Ons Jabeur

ABU DHABI: The last couple of months have admittedly been “surreal” for Saudi tennis player Yara Alhogbani.

The 19-year-old got to witness live tennis matches between Ons Jabeur and Aryna Sabalenka, and Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz, at home in Riyadh, for the very first time. She interacted with the stars and was given the opportunity to hit and talk with them.

She also met Rafael Nadal, who was announced as an ambassador for the Saudi Tennis Federation and has committed to helping the Kingdom develop young talent in the sport and is planning on opening an academy in Saudi.

The Next Gen ATP Finals were held in Jeddah in December, marking the first time a sanctioned tennis tournament had been staged in Saudi Arabia, and it is believed the WTA Finals – the prestigious season finale of the women’s tour – will find a new home in Riyadh, with an official announcement expected soon.

Alhogbani told Arab News: “That would definitely change lives. There are people that have dreamed of that for a long time. I think maybe 200,000 people were in the queue online to get tickets to even see an exhibition, so imagine the WTA Finals.

“Especially for females, not only in tennis but I think in sports in general, that would definitely change lives and open a lot of people’s eyes and encourage more sport and a healthy lifestyle.”

Alhogbani noted that recent developments in tennis in Saudi Arabia were already having a major impact on children in the Kingdom and she was thrilled to see how engaged the top stars were when they took part in clinics and shared their knowledge.

She said: “I think having Ons, a big idol of mine, I’m sure to all of us in the Middle East, being there against Sabalenka, that was something I never imagined could happen a while back.

“And seeing that there were a lot of people there, it was sold out; and I didn’t expect that. So, having more of these kinds of matches, tournaments, it’s going to help grow the sport and it would really be nice to have a lot of those WTA tournaments there. They have no idea what kind of impact they can make on us.

“I got to speak with Ons, she’s so kind-hearted, so down-to-earth, such a great role model that we have.

“And then obviously Novak Djokovic. Before, I was a little intimidated by him, and then I met him, and he was just so awesome. And he cared so much, which is also what made me love him even more, he cared so much about and was so curious about tennis in Saudi.

“He was asking so many questions, and I just felt super noticed and appreciated, which felt nice, especially by him. I’m sure a lot more kids signed up for tennis after that,” she added.

Alhogbani will be having another pinch-me-moment this weekend in Abu Dhabi, where she has been awarded a wildcard to contest the qualifying rounds of a WTA 500 tournament. It will be the teenager’s first experience at this level, and she is hoping to make the most of it.

“This is definitely a dream come true. I think on the way back yesterday from practice, I was on the shuttle bus, and I was sort of crying from happiness.

“So yeah, it feels surreal, almost, I wouldn’t say a dream, it’s like a fever dream, because you don’t really dream about your actual dreams.

“I’m super happy to have the opportunity to represent my country, females from my country, especially in tennis. I’ve dreamed of this for such a long time. And this is also something that I’ve been striving to be. So, having this opportunity is a big deal for me,” she said.

In her junior career, Alhogbani won one singles title and two in doubles before ageing out and transitioning to the professional tour. She is still finding her footing at the senior level and has yet to devise a concrete plan for the rest of the season.

 

 

In Abu Dhabi, she is accompanied by her brother Ammar, who has served as her coach on the trips they have taken together to tournaments.

They made history as Saudi Arabia’s first ever mixed doubles team at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last fall.

“I don’t really have a set coach. I’m usually just traveling with my brother. We’re doing it together.

“We travel for some futures, and we ask the tournament director if we cannot play at the same time. And he’ll (Ammar) sit and wait with me for my match and when my match is done, he’ll go warm up for his and then I’ll go and support him.

“It’s nice to have my brother because I can yell at him, he can yell at me and it’s fine. And it’s just definitely emotional support. I have six brothers and Ammar is the closest to me. We have a good connection, and we help each other a lot on the court,” she added.

Alhogbani’s Asian Games did not go as planned, as she lost easily in the opening round of the singles. But she is hoping to do better in Abu Dhabi on Saturday, where she takes on world No. 55 Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain.

“Last time, I was at the Asian Games. I had a bit of a, I wouldn’t say, I don’t know how to describe it. I wouldn’t say a mental breakdown, but I think the pressure got to me. It was the first time in history that we had a Saudi female tennis player playing there and I just felt the pressure.

“So, I didn’t have a good match there, I didn’t have a good run and I felt super defeated. And I promised myself after that match that next time I have the opportunity like that to represent, I would give it my all and feel like I have nothing to lose. Because, honestly, I really don’t,” Alhogbani said.

Irrespective of the result, she is soaking up every moment of her time in the UAE capital, where she gets to rub shoulders with some of the biggest names in the women’s game. Besides her admiration for Tunisian player Jabeur, Alhogbani pointed out that she was also a huge fan of four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka, of Japan.

“I think I saw her this morning at breakfast, and I was just like, ‘oh my God,’ like I couldn’t even finish my breakfast. I literally love her so much,” she added.

Alhogbani admitted that the difference in level between the pros and juniors was “shocking” to her, but she was hoping to gain match confidence as she contested more events on a consistent basis.

She has several goals but perhaps her biggest dream was to make a real positive impact on the tennis community in Saudi Arabia.

She said: “Aside from my own personal goals of wanting to, you know I think everyone says, I want to be world No. 1, and obviously that was a dream of mine as a little kid. But I think just truly what I want now is to be an established player on the tour. That’s my goal.

“But off the court, I want to have more of a tennis community all over Saudi, not just where people have to travel from different cities to come to maybe the capital to get that.

“You know, Rafa (Nadal) is having an academy. It’d be nice if we had academies all throughout Saudi, had a tennis community.

“And it’s different to have an academy and to have a community. In a tennis community you push each other, you help each other, you learn a lot.

“Especially from my own experience, I’m in Saudi and I’m playing and I’m practicing with great coaches and my brother and it’s great, but it’s just like, you really need that community, and it really helps you.

“So, I want to see more tennis going on, and a lot of tennis communities throughout Saudi. And then just have that accessible to everyone and not be super exclusive. With this, I’m sure we’ll have players on the tour soon if we have access to these things,” Alhogbani added.

Decoder

Who is Yara Alhogbani?

Yara Alhogbani is a promising Saudi tennis player who competed in last year's Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Although she lost easily in the opening round of the singles, she is hoping to do better in the 9-day Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, which opened Feb. 3. She will take on world No. 55 Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain. In an interview with Arab News, she said she has several goals but her biggest dream is to make a real positive impact on the tennis community in Saudi Arabia.


LeBron James becomes seventh NBA player to reach 2,500 3-pointers

LeBron James becomes seventh NBA player to reach 2,500 3-pointers
Updated 29 sec ago
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LeBron James becomes seventh NBA player to reach 2,500 3-pointers

LeBron James becomes seventh NBA player to reach 2,500 3-pointers
  • The NBA’s career scoring leader made his first 3 of the night midway through the third quarter
  • Next on the list is No. 6 Reggie Miller, the Hall of Fame Indiana Pacers star who had 2,560

NEW YORK: LeBron James made his 2,500th 3-pointer Saturday night, becoming the seventh player in NBA history to reach that total.
The NBA’s career scoring leader made his first 3 of the night midway through the third quarter of what was shaping up as another strong game at Madison Square Garden, where he came in averaging 28 points in 20 career appearances.
James had moved ahead of Kyle Korver into seventh place when he made his 2,450th on Dec. 4 in a game in Miami. Next on the list is No. 6 Reggie Miller, the Hall of Fame Indiana Pacers star who had 2,560.


Bakhashab clinches Hail Legends Rally title

Bakhashab clinches Hail Legends Rally title
Updated 02 February 2025
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Bakhashab clinches Hail Legends Rally title

Bakhashab clinches Hail Legends Rally title

HAIL: Saudi rally driver Abdullah Bakhashab and French co-driver Sebastien Delanuay stormed to a commanding victory at the second and final stage of the Legends Rally in Hail on Saturday driving their Toyota Hilux.

Bakhashab set the pace from the start, recording an impressive time of 04h.40m.10s. Their dominant performance saw them set the fastest time on each stage, underlining their control of both first and second round.

Despite Bakhashab's dramatic victory, it was Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Faisal who captured the headlines after he suffered a vehicle rollover accident just before the end of the second stage, but he overcame the rollover and continued until the end.

His unfortunate accident brought him and his co-driver Pablo Moreno of Spain to fourth place with a time of 05h.48m.24s.

Second place overall went to Essa Al-Dosari with a time of 05h.30m.53s, while third place was secured by veteran Saudi rally driver Ahmed Al-Sabban with a time of 05h.45m.05s.

During the press conference held after the race, Bakhashab expressed his happiness at winning the Legends category title which is part of this year's edition of Hail Toyota International Rally. He also indicated that he did not expect to win, especially after his absence from rallying for 15 years.

"I was following a strategy of taking my time so that I could pass Prince Khaled and the rest of my colleagues, and thank God I succeeded and was able to arrive first and win the title," he said.

Prince Khalid bin Sultan congratulated Bakhashab, saying: “Abdullah was able to win the challenge with his experience, and this is not strange for him as a champion with titles and achievements.”

On the accident that he met, Prince Khalid said, “Thank God we came out of this race safely, and I promise you that we will be crowned in the next rally. The challenge is still on with Bakhashab and the other competitors.”

Other participants in the race expressed their great happiness to participate in the special event.

 


Real Madrid’s winning run surprisingly ends in loss at Espanyol

Real Madrid’s winning run surprisingly ends in loss at Espanyol
Updated 02 February 2025
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Real Madrid’s winning run surprisingly ends in loss at Espanyol

Real Madrid’s winning run surprisingly ends in loss at Espanyol
  • Espanyol inched two points clear of the drop zone, while Madrid’s lead was cut to one point after Atletico Madrid beat Mallorca 2-0 earlier

MADRID: Real Madrid’s winning run ended in stunning fashion after losing at relegation-threatened Espanyol 1-0 on Saturday in La Liga.
Defender Carlos Romero’s late goal beat the La Liga leader and moved Espanyol out of the bottom three.
Espanyol inched two points clear of the drop zone, while Madrid’s lead was cut to one point after Atletico Madrid beat Mallorca 2-0 earlier.
Madrid, which found out on Friday that it will face Manchester City in the Champions League knockout playoff round, traveled to Espanyol with 10 victories in its last 11 matches in all competitions.
It dominated and Vinícius Júnior thought he gave the visitors the lead in the 21st minute but it was ruled out due to a foul by Kylian Mbappé on Espanyol midfielder Pol Lozano.
Madrid was made to pay for its missed opportunities five minutes from time when Romero volleyed in Omar El Hilali’s cross, much to the home fans’ raucous — and surprised — delight.
Back to winning ways
Atletico went into its match against seventh-placed Mallorca having lost both of its last two league matches and with only two wins in its last four games after a run of 15 consecutive victories.
It took the lead in the 26th minute when Giuliano Simeone sprinted down the right before rolling the ball across the edge of the area for Samuel Lino to fire into the bottom right corner.
Rodrigo Riquelme hit the crossbar with a free kick two minutes from time and provided the through ball for substitute Antoine Griezmann to run onto and delightfully chip the goalkeeper and seal the match in stoppages.
Fifth-placed Villarreal crushed bottom club Real Valladolid 5-1 and Getafe drew with Sevilla 0-0.


Imavov stuns Adesanya with devastating knockout in UFC’s return to Riyadh

Imavov stuns Adesanya with devastating knockout in UFC’s return to Riyadh
Updated 02 February 2025
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Imavov stuns Adesanya with devastating knockout in UFC’s return to Riyadh

Imavov stuns Adesanya with devastating knockout in UFC’s return to Riyadh
  • 4th consecutive win solidifies Imavov as a legitimate middleweight title contender
  • Newcomer Michael ‘Venom’ Page dominates Shara Magomedov in UFC debut

RIYADH: The UFC’s return to Riyadh delivered high-octane action, headlined by a stunning upset as Nassourdine Imavov knocked out former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in the second round.

In the co-main event, Michael “Venom” Page showcased his striking brilliance, outclassing Shara Magomedov in his highly anticipated UFC debut.

A new force emerged in the middleweight division. Imavov made a resounding statement, knocking out Adesanya just 30 seconds into the second round.

After an evenly contested opening round, Imavov masterfully set up his attack, using a feinting jab to distract Adesanya before delivering a thunderous right hand that sent the former champion crashing to the canvas. Sensing the finish, Imavov wasted no time, overwhelming Adesanya with ground strikes until the referee stepped in.

The victory — his fourth consecutive win — solidifies Imavov as a legitimate title contender in the 185-pound division. Meanwhile, Adesanya now faces serious questions about his future, suffering his third consecutive loss and second knockout defeat in a row.

Meanwhile, UFC newcomer Michael “Venom” Page lived up to his reputation, dismantling previously unbeaten Shara Magomedov with a flawless display of movement and precision striking, securing a unanimous decision victory.

Page’s trademark elusive style kept Magomedov off balance throughout the fight. Darting in and out of range with surgical counters, the 37-year-old Brit controlled the pace, frustrating his opponent, while avoiding significant damage.

With this dominant win in a higher weight class, Page has already proven he belongs among the elite. He is expected to return to welterweight for his next fight, while Magomedov must now regroup after his first professional defeat.

The rest of the main card saw Sergei Pavlovich defeat Jairzinho Rozenstruik by unanimous decision, using relentless pressure to control the fight. Vinicius Oliveira secured a technical and well-executed unanimous decision win over Said Nurmagomedov, while Fares Ziam outpointed Mike Davis in a closely contested match-up.

The prelims featured several standout performances. Muhammad Naimov earned a hard-fought unanimous decision over Kaan Ofli, while Shamil Gaziev stopped Thomas Petersen with a first-round TKO.

Terrance McKinney wasted no time securing a first-round TKO over Damir Hadzovic, and Jasmine Jasudavicius outworked Mayra Bueno Silva for a unanimous decision win. Bogdan Grad showcased his power with a second-round TKO against Lucas Alexander, while Hamdy Abdelwahab edged out Jamal Pogues in a split decision victory.


In-form Dembele hits hat-trick again as PSG thump Brest

In-form Dembele hits hat-trick again as PSG thump Brest
Updated 01 February 2025
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In-form Dembele hits hat-trick again as PSG thump Brest

In-form Dembele hits hat-trick again as PSG thump Brest
  • Luis Enrique’s side are still unbeaten domestically this season and now sit 13 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table

PARIS: Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick for the second time in four days as Paris Saint-Germain hammered Brest 5-2 on Saturday in a dress rehearsal of the upcoming Champions League clash between the two sides.
Dembele followed up his three-goal haul in Wednesday’s 4-1 win at VfB Stuttgart which saw PSG secure a place in the knockout phase play-offs of Europe’s elite club competition.
The France winger opened the scoring in the first half, and netted two more after Romain Del Castillo had briefly brought Brest level.
Ludovic Ajorque pulled another one back for the home side to set up a grandstand finale, but substitute Goncalo Ramos wrapped up the win for PSG with a late double.
Luis Enrique’s side are still unbeaten domestically this season and now sit 13 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table.
Marseille, who are second, can narrow that gap a little when they host Lyon on Sunday, but PSG are cruising to their 11th French league title in 13 years.
Dembele, meanwhile, is loving playing in a central attacking role rather than his traditional position wide on the right.
He has now scored 14 goals in his last nine games in all competitions, and is Ligue 1’s leading marksman with 14 for the season.
“I am well positioned in the number nine role. I owe it to myself to score goals,” Dembele told broadcaster beIN Sports.
“It was important to win today to keep our good run going and now we will see what happens in the Champions League.”
PSG’s record against domestic opponents this season means Brest will surely be dreading having to face Luis Enrique’s side again over two legs in the Champions League.
The teams will meet in the first leg on February 11 in Guingamp, where Brest are having to host Champions League games this season as their own Stade Francis-Le Ble does not meet UEFA requirements.
They were in their usual home stadium for this game, but they could not stop PSG making it 14 games unbeaten in all competitions.
Bradley Barcola raced onto a through ball before squaring for Dembele to open the scoring just before the half-hour mark.
Brest, who lost 3-0 against Real Madrid in midweek, came out fighting after the break and drew level five minutes into the second half thanks to a lovely low strike by Del Castillo from the edge of the box.
However, the visitors were back ahead before the hour mark as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was denied in the box but the ball broke for Dembele to score.
He then completed his hat-trick soon after, having been picked out by a superb Lee Kang-in pass.
Ajorque’s terrific hit made it 3-2, but Ramos came on for Dembele and made it 4-2 on 89 minutes at the end of a counterattack led by Desire Doue, who had replaced Kvaratskhelia.
Ramos, the Portugal striker, then scored again deep in injury time, his eighth goal of the season coming as he tried to set up a teammate but saw the ball break back to him.
Brest are eighth, four points outside the European places for next season.
Monaco play Auxerre and Lille host Saint-Etienne in Saturday’s other matches.