Novak Djokovic said he would carry on without a coach for now after parting ways with Andy Murray last week, as the Serbian prepares for his latest bid to win a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open.
The high-profile partnership with three-time Grand Slam champion Murray lasted only six months but Djokovic said his respect for the Scot had only grown in that time.
“At the moment, I’m not in need of a coach. I don’t need to rush in any context. I feel comfortable with the people around me,” Djokovic told reporters on Tuesday, a day before facing Marton Fucsovics at the Geneva Open.
“In the next few tournaments, we’ll see what happens.”
Djokovic, 38, is winless on clay this year after exiting the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open with straight-sets losses last month, and his form is a concern heading into Roland Garros, which kicks off on Sunday.
He had appointed fellow former world number one Murray ahead of this year’s Australian Open and said in February he would continue working with him for an indefinite period.
“We felt like we couldn’t get more out of that partnership on the court, and that’s all there is to it,” added Djokovic.
“My respect toward Andy remains the same, even more actually, I got to know him as a person.”
Djokovic to carry on without a coach after parting ways with Murray
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Djokovic to carry on without a coach after parting ways with Murray
- The high-profile partnership with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray lasted only six months
- Djokovic is winless on clay this year after exiting the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open with straight-sets losses
Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery
- The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer
- “Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically,” said Ter Stegen
BARCELONA: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.
The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team’s first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.
“Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,” said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram.
“After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.
“After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months... this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.”
Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford.
Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.
“Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,” continued Ter Stegen.
“Don’t worry — I’ll be back.”
Golf Saudi partners with Five Iron Golf to expand sport across Kingdom
- First Five Iron Golf venue scheduled for 2026 on ground floor of PIF Tower in King Abdullah Financial District
- Five Iron Golf offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality
RIYADH: Golf Saudi has announced a strategic partnership with Five Iron Golf — a global leader in immersive golf experiences — to launch a series of advanced indoor golf venues across Saudi Arabia.
The collaboration supports Golf Saudi’s mission to broaden community engagement and build a sustainable, inclusive golf ecosystem in alignment with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030’s goals for the sports sector.
The first Five Iron Golf venue is scheduled to open in Riyadh in the first quarter of 2026. Located on the ground floor of the iconic PIF Tower in the King Abdullah Financial District — one of the region’s most advanced business hubs — it is set to become one of the world’s most prominent indoor golf destinations, adding a new dimension to Saudi Arabia’s evolving sports and entertainment landscape.
Spanning approximately 1,500 sq. meters, the venue will combine Five Iron Golf’s signature mix of cutting-edge technology, vibrant hospitality, and immersive design at one of the Kingdom’s most prestigious addresses.
Founded in New York in 2017, Five Iron Golf has grown into a global brand with over 36 sites across 16 US states and five other locations — including Dubai, India, Singapore, and Australia.
The company offers simulators, professional instruction, Callaway club fittings, a global membership program, and full-service hospitality. Backed by strategic investors such as Callaway Golf and Enlightened Hospitality Investment, Five Iron is rapidly expanding through both corporate development and franchising, with over 60 locations in the pipeline.
The partnership aligns with Golf Saudi’s vision to expand the sport’s footprint across the Kingdom by introducing modern, accessible venues that appeal to all demographics — particularly youngsters and women.
Golf Saudi and Five Iron aim to deliver a comprehensive, world-class model that blends technology, hospitality, and education to welcome players of all skill levels.
Noah Alireza, CEO of Golf Saudi, said: “We’re thrilled to partner with Five Iron Golf to bring one of the world’s most dynamic and inclusive golf experiences to Saudi Arabia.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to expanding participation, developing youth talent, and building year-round golf infrastructure. Together, we aim to create a vibrant, accessible golf ecosystem across the Kingdom, in line with Vision 2030.”
Jared Solomon, the co-founder and CEO of Five Iron Golf, said: “We believe Five Iron is more than just a place to hit balls — it’s a cultural experience that has helped shape the modern face of golf. We’re excited to bring our brand, energy, and commitment to inclusivity to Saudi Arabia.
“As the Kingdom builds a vibrant golf ecosystem and inspires a new generation of golfers, we’re proud to be part of this momentum and contribute to its broader success story.”
Golf Saudi and Five Iron Golf plan to expand the model to additional cities in the future, further accelerating the Kingdom’s golf development and reinforcing its regional leadership in the sport.
Seo Seoa stuns two-time champion Ouschan
- Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory
- Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela
JEDDAH: Seo Seoa produced the shock of the tournament, so far, eliminating two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan to reach the last 64. As the only female competitor in the field, she now stands just one victory away from making history as the first woman ever to reach the last 32 of the event.
In collaboration with the Saudi Arabia Billiard & Snooker Federation and under the supervision of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Sport, the 2025 World Pool Championship — the crown jewel of the World Nineball Tour — returns to the iconic Green Halls in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, from 21–26 July.
Seo Seoa dismantled the two-time World Champion Albin Ouschan with a dominant 9-2 victory — an extraordinary result that brings the Korean star within one win of making history.
Reflecting on her landmark performance, Seoa said: “I just enjoy my game so I’m not nervous and I feel my confidence is good. I really respect Albin’s game, he’s a two-time champion. But because of that respect I feel comfortable when up against him.
My goal is to break the record of the first woman player to reach the last 32 stage. I’m now only one step away.”
Defending champion Fedor Gorst continued his strong title defence with a 9–5 victory over Italy’s Francesco Candela, building momentum ahead of the single-elimination rounds. While still fine-tuning his break, the Russian looked more settled at the table.
“I think this match went better than the first one. I felt more confident at the table, and the things I worked on after the first round were definitely working during this one. The shots that gave me trouble before were much more under control now. I made a few solid decisions and shots that I was happy with.
That being said, my break still wasn’t working for me, so I’m heading to the practice room now to work on that. I’ve made it to the last 64 – single elimination starts tomorrow, races to 10. Time to reset and get ready.”
One of the day’s most anticipated matches saw a dramatic clash between former world champions Shane Van Boening and Ko Pin Yi in the last round of Losers Qualification. With both players fighting for survival, Van Boening jumped out to an early lead. Ko mounted a late comeback to make it 5-5, but the American held firm to progress by charging the next 4-racks to secure a crucial victory.
Filipino rising star AJ Manas produced one of the standout performances of the day, toppling reigning UK Open champion Aloysius Yapp to secure his place in the last 64.
“I’m very happy because not only did I win my game but I felt really comfortable now on the main TV table — not like yesterday. Aloysius made a couple of errors so I had to take my chance. But now I look forward to my next match. I know I need to stay locked in for the last 64, but I’m so excited.”
Reyes Cup teammates Johann Chua and Carlo Biado both cruised into the last 64, continuing the strong Filipino showing in Jeddah. Chua overcame Oliver Szolnoki, while Biado defeated fellow countryman Lee Vann Corteza.
Chua stated: “I’m happy to be back in the last 64 – but it’s far from over yet. I know I got to stay focused, tomorrow is going to be tough. But I am happy – and happy for the Filipinos that have made it through alongside me – Carlo Biado, one of the best players from the Philippines, to have him with me. I am proud.”
Jayson Shaw continued his smooth progress through the field with a 9–5 win over American Max Eberle, while fellow Brit Chris Melling had to fight his way through the Losers Qualification stage. After falling short to last year’s runner-up Eklent Kaci in his opening match, Melling bounced back by defeating Mohamed Al-Balkhi to stay in contention.
“I haven’t played Nineball since last year’s US Open. So coming into this event I didn’t have high expectations and I’m aware anything can happen in this event – I focus on each match one by one.
But with Kaci I felt like I played better than him at the start of the match – I only missed one shot. But I think my shot selection let me down but I like to go out firing on the table. However I’m glad I got the job done in my following match, and am happy to be back tomorrow.”
With just 64 players remaining, the World Pool Championship now enters its most demanding stage—single elimination, races to 10. The stakes are higher, the pressure is heavier, and every shot counts as the battle for the world title intensifies in Jeddah.
Farhan’s 50 lifts Pakistan to 178-7 in third Bangladesh T20I
- Sahibzada Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries
- Bangladesh rest five main players after already winning three-match series
DHAKA: Opener Sahibzada Farhan hit a solid half century to guide Pakistan to an improved total of 178-7 in the third and final Twenty20 international against Bangladesh in Dhaka on Thursday.
Farhan’s 41-ball 63 studded with five sixes and six boundaries as well as Hasan Nawaz’s 17-ball 33 with three sixes and a boundary helped Pakistan post a challenging total after they were sent into bat.
Having already won their first-ever T20I series against Pakistan with victories in the first two matches, Bangladesh rested five of their main players including spearhead Mustafizur Rahman.
Pakistan had scored 110 and 125 in the first two matches — also in Dhaka.
Farhan, who replaced Fakhar Zaman as one of two changes for Pakistan, put on 82 for the opening stand with Saim Ayub who scored a 15-ball 21 with a six and two boundaries.
Farhan, 29, fell in the 12th over to spinner Nasum Ahmed who finished with 2-22 in his four overs. Pacer Taskin Ahmed took 3-38.
Mohammad Nawaz, who scored 16-ball 27 with two sixes and as many fours, and skipper Salman Agha made 12 to help Pakistan add 46 runs in the last five overs.
Bangladesh wins toss and puts Pakistan into bat in final T20 of series
- Bangladesh is chasing a clean sweep in the Dhaka suburb of Mirpur
- The hosts made five changes from the previous match
DHAKA: Bangladesh captain Litton Das won the toss and asked Pakistan to bat first in the third and final T20 on Thursday.
Bangladesh is chasing a clean sweep in the Dhaka suburb of Mirpur after securing its first T20 series win over Pakistan.
The hosts made five changes from the previous match as they tried to decide on their best combination for the upcoming Asia Cup.
Parvez Hossain Emon, Tawhid Hridoy, Tanzim Hasan, Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman were left out for Tanzid Hasan, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed and Nasum Ahmed.
Pakistan made two changes, Sahibzada Farhan and Hussain Talat replacing Fakhar Zaman and Khushdil Shah.
Line-ups:
Bangladesh: Litton Das (captain), Tanzid Hasan, Naim Sheikh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Jaker Ali, Shamim Hossain, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mahedi Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Nasum Ahmed.
Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Haris, Salman Ali Agha (captain), Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abbas Afridi, Ahmed Daniyal, Salman Mirza.
