Khachanov, Krejcikova win opening matches in Hamburg

Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina returns the ball to Netherlands Botic Van de Zandschulp during their match at the ATP tennis tournament in Hamburg on Monday. (AP)
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Updated 20 July 2022
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Khachanov, Krejcikova win opening matches in Hamburg

  • The seventh-seeded Khachanov won against Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2) after twice saving match point at 6-5 down in the decider before forcing a tiebreak

HAMBURG: Karen Khachanov saved two match points as he won his first-round match at the Hamburg European Open on Monday, while Botic van de Zandschulp had a surprise loss and Barbora Krejcikova won her opener in the women’s draw.

The seventh-seeded Khachanov won against Jan-Lennard Struff 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (2) after twice saving match point at 6-5 down in the decider before forcing a tiebreak.

Van de Zandschulp, seeded fifth, was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who goes on to play Slovakian qualifier Jozef Kovalik.

In the women’s draw of the clay-court event, last year’s French Open champion Krejcikova, seeded third, broke Suzan Lamens’ serve four times in a 6-2, 6-4 win to set up a second-round match with Magdalena Frech.

Fourth-seeded Aliaksandra Sasnovich won against Nastasja Schunk 6-1, 6-4, while Anastasia Potapova upset sixth-seeded Varvara Gracheva 7-5, 6-3.

Andrea Petkovic won an all-German match with Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 6-3.


Riyadh set for historic WWE Royal Rumble

Updated 07 January 2026
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Riyadh set for historic WWE Royal Rumble

  • The KAFD spectacle on Jan. 31 will be the first time the event has taken place outside North America

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is gearing up for one of the biggest sports entertainment moments of the decade as WWE returns to Riyadh on Jan. 31 with Royal Rumble.

It will be the first time the event, set to take place at a new, purpose-built venue in King Abdullah Financial District, has been held outside North America.

A blockbuster lineup of WWE Superstars are expected to take part, including Roman Reigns, CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Drew McIntyre and Brock Lesnar. They are set to be joined by fan favorites Jey Uso, Dominik Mysterio, Gunther and more.

Those who declare themselves for the 30-Man Royal Rumble match will fight for the opportunity to headline in a championship match at WrestleMania.

The Women’s Royal Rumble will include WWE Superstars such as Becky Lynch, Liv Morgan, Tiffany Stratton, Maxxine Dupri and Stephanie Vaquer.

Ahead of Royal Rumble, Riyadh will also host WWE SmackDown on Friday, Jan. 30.