Medvedev cracks top three as Karatsev soars 72 places

Daniil Medvedev
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Updated 23 February 2021
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Medvedev cracks top three as Karatsev soars 72 places

  • Medvedev finished runner-up at a Grand Slam for the second time

PARIS: Daniil Medvedev broke into the top three for the first time in Monday’s ATP rankings, while Russian compatriot Aslan Karatsev shot up 72 places after his shock run to the Australian Open semifinals.

Medvedev finished runner-up at a Grand Slam for the second time as he was swept aside by top-ranked Novak Djokovic in Sunday’s final in Melbourne, the Serb collecting his 18th major title.

Former US Open finalist Medvedev switched spots with Dominic Thiem, who slipped to fourth after he was demolished by Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets in the last 16.

Bulgarian Dimitrov returned to the top 20 but the biggest move was Karatsev, a qualifier who became the first man in the Open era to reach the semi-finals of a major on a main draw debut.

Karatsev, 27, rose from 114th to 42nd after knocking out three seeds before his dream run was ended by Djokovic in the last four.

The win reinforced Djokovic’s status as world number one, guaranteeing he will mark his 311th week there as of March 8, surpassing Roger Federer’s record of 310.


FIA president praises Saudi Arabia boost of Dakar Rally

Updated 14 January 2026
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FIA president praises Saudi Arabia boost of Dakar Rally

  • Mohammed Ben Sulayem will attend the climax of the 48th edition at the weekend

DUBAI: FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem has praised Saudi Arabia for helping the Dakar Rally emerge as one of the world’s top events, and boosting the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship.

Ben Sulayem will attend the 48th edition of the legendary race as it reaches its climax at the weekend.

The opening round of the championship has attracted a record 72 entries. It will also mark the launch of the new FIA Master Drivers’ Championship, and the entry of Defender as a new manufacturer.

Ben Sulayem will be welcomed on Friday by Prince Khalid bin Sultan Al-Abdullah Al-Faisal, chairman of the Saudi Automobile and Motorcycle Federation.

The FIA president, who will speak at the closing ceremony on Saturday evening, said the event “continues to go from strength to strength.”

He added that the race now has a “record numbers of entries, new manufacturers, and ever-increasing competition in the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship, reflecting the continued global growth of motorsport.”

He thanked Prince Khalid and the federation “for hosting another outstanding event and delivering a truly world-class experience for competitors, fans, and all those involved.”

Joining Ben Sulayem on his visit will be Malcolm Wilson, the FIA’s deputy president for sport.

“The 2026 edition of the Dakar Rally continues to showcase both the growth of the FIA World Rally-Raid Championship and the strength of Cross-Country rallying as a whole,” said Wilson.

He added that it was “encouraging to see three manufacturers – Toyota, Dacia and Ford – all increasing their presence,” and welcomed Defender in the Stock category.