The US and Iran have been exchanging waves of strikes, as a dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to derail efforts to end their war.

BBC correspondent Barbara Plett Usher, reporting from Jerusalem, examines the latest tensions over the key international shipping channel.

Over the weekend, Iran announced that the strait was closed, while the US insisted it was not controlled by Iran and that traffic was flowing.

The escalation has cast doubt over the preliminary agreement that the US and Iran signed in June to end their four-month conflict and reopen the strait.

After years of mounting industrial friction and strategic uncertainty, NATO allies France and Germany have effectively agreed to abandon their joint Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet development in its current form, marking a significant rupture in Europe’s most ambitious defense aviation project.

The decision, confirmed by government officials in Paris and Berlin, reflects the collapse of industrial consensus between the program’s principal contractors—Dassault Aviation and Airbus—after years of disputes over leadership roles, intellectual property control, and final design authority.

FCAS, a €100 billion initiative launched in 2017, was conceived as a “system of systems” designed to replace France’s Rafale fleet and Germany’s and Spain’s Eurofighter Typhoons. At its core was the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), supported by adjunct combat aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and a so-called “combat cloud”—a digitally networked architecture enabling real-time data fusion across platforms, domains, and theaters of operation.

Despite repeated political assurances from French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that the project remained on track, internal disagreements between industry partners gradually hardened into structural deadlock.

A German government official told AFP that Macron and Merz had “reached the shared assessment that the companies will not be able to come together on building a joint combat aircraft,” adding that “they acknowledge this reality.” However, the official stressed that not all components of the broader FCAS architecture would be scrapped, signaling an attempt to salvage elements of the program.

According to the same official, “the actual core of FCAS is to be continued as a European system,” describing it as a “nervous system that networks aircraft, drones and other components into an integrated whole.” This suggests that while the manned next-generation fighter component is effectively deadlocked, the digital backbone and interoperability framework may continue under a revised structure.

The French and German defense ministries are expected to meet in the coming weeks to develop a more limited framework for cooperation focused on “a few realistic and relevant projects,” reflecting a pragmatic shift away from grand unified defense-industrial megaprojects toward modular collaboration.

In Paris, an official confirmed Berlin’s assessment, noting that Macron and Merz had “held lengthy and frequent discussions on ways to advance this project, which is important for European defense.” The official added that both leaders “expressed regret over the inability of the industrial partners to reach an agreement on continuing the project.”

The Elysée Palace emphasized that France still views bilateral defense cooperation as strategically essential. “The French authorities will continue to encourage our companies and our armed forces to seek out the ways and means to pursue ambitious European projects that are consistent with our national security interests,” the official said.

Yet political disappointment is increasingly evident within French institutions. Cédric Perrin, who chairs the French Senate’s foreign affairs and defense committee, argued that Macron “was the only one who still believed in the survival of FCAS.” Perrin added that “the sooner the decision is made, the less time we will waste moving on to the next phase,” underscoring growing frustration in Paris with prolonged industrial gridlock.

The collapse of FCAS comes despite both Macron and Merz repeatedly insisting in public that the program would succeed. Earlier this year, Merz declared he would “do everything in my power, and fight until the very last moment, to get joint European projects off the ground here, and above all German-French projects.”

Macron, speaking after talks in April, had also dismissed speculation that FCAS was dead, stating: “We are continuing to move forward. Europe has never needed unity, greater independence, and greater sovereignty more than it does now.” Those assurances now stand in stark contrast to the emerging consensus that the industrial framework underpinning FCAS is no longer viable.

At the center of the breakdown lies the unresolved tension between Dassault Aviation’s insistence on design leadership of the Next Generation Fighter and Airbus’s push for a more distributed industrial structure involving Germany and Spain. These disagreements have repeatedly delayed development milestones, undermined trust between partners, and slowed progress on key demonstrator phases.

While the manned fighter component appears to be unraveling, Airbus has begun signaling interest in alternative pathways for sixth-generation combat aircraft development. Airbus Defence and Space CEO Michael Schoellhorn recently suggested openness to collaboration with Sweden’s defense industry, particularly Saab.

Schoellhorn noted that “the crewed fighter aircraft is still an open question,” adding that Airbus “will be involved in the development of a sixth-generation fighter aircraft.” He also indicated that the FCAS structure itself may need reconfiguration, potentially allowing for “two fighter aircraft within FCAS, or another form of cooperation,” with Saab emerging as a credible partner.

He emphasized urgency, warning that if Europe wants a sixth-generation aircraft operational before the 2040s, “we have to act now,” adding that prolonged political uncertainty would be “very challenging.” His remarks reflect growing concern within European aerospace industries that transatlantic and Asian competitors are moving faster in next-generation combat aviation.

Sweden’s position adds another layer of complexity to the evolving European fighter landscape. While it previously held observer status in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), Sweden withdrew in 2023, citing misaligned expectations and cost concerns. Saab CEO Micael Johansson described Sweden’s posture as a “hibernation period,” indicating that the country was reassessing its long-term participation in multinational fighter development frameworks.

Since then, Sweden has moved toward independent conceptual work on a next-generation combat aircraft. In October 2025, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration awarded Saab a $276 million contract for conceptual studies covering both manned and unmanned solutions, as well as demonstrator technologies.

The program adopts a “system of systems” approach similar in concept to FCAS, emphasizing networked combat capabilities that integrate crewed aircraft, autonomous drones, and advanced sensor fusion. Early design priorities reportedly include air dominance, artificial intelligence-enabled decision support, and collaborative operations with “loyal wingman” drone systems.

This convergence in design philosophy between FCAS and Sweden’s emerging program has fueled speculation about potential future collaboration. Airbus executives have explicitly pointed to Sweden as a candidate partner, citing Saab’s expertise in avionics, sensor integration, and lightweight airframe development.

In practical terms, Sweden could either pursue an independent sixth-generation fighter or contribute as a subsystem and technology partner within a revised European framework. Analysts note that Saab’s experience with platforms such as the Gripen gives it a strong foundation in cost-efficient, highly networked combat aircraft—an increasingly important requirement in modern air warfare.

The broader collapse of FCAS therefore does not necessarily signal the end of European sixth-generation ambitions, but rather a fragmentation of approach. Instead of a single Franco-German-Spanish flagship program, Europe may now be entering a period of parallel development tracks, competing architectures, and selective industrial partnerships.

Defense analysts argue that this fragmentation reflects deeper structural tensions within Europe’s defense-industrial base: competing national priorities, divergent export policies, and unresolved questions over sovereignty in weapons design. FCAS was originally intended to overcome these issues through integration, but instead became a case study in their persistence.

For NATO, the implications are mixed. On one hand, both France and Germany remain committed to alliance interoperability and European defense modernization. On the other hand, the breakdown of FCAS raises questions about Europe’s ability to coordinate high-end military procurement at scale, particularly in domains where technological cycles are accelerating rapidly.

As Europe recalibrates, the focus now shifts to whether FCAS can be salvaged in a reduced form—centered on its digital combat cloud and systems integration layer—or whether it will be replaced entirely by a new constellation of bilateral and trilateral projects.

What is clear is that the era of assuming seamless Franco-German industrial alignment in defense aviation has come to an end. The next phase will likely be more fragmented, more competitive, and more closely tied to emerging industrial partners like Sweden.

Whether this fragmentation ultimately accelerates innovation or dilutes Europe’s strategic autonomy remains an open question. For now, FCAS stands as a cautionary example of ambition colliding with industrial reality—an €100 billion vision of European airpower that could not reconcile the politics of its own creation.

MIAMI GARDENS, Florida: Britain’s Jack Draper, the winner at Indian Wells, came back down to earth with a bump on Saturday, beaten by 54th ranked Czech Jakub Mensik in his opening match at the Miami Open.

Draper moved into the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time in his career with his triumph over Holger Rune in the Indian Wells final last Sunday, having beaten Carlos Alcaraz in the last four.

But the 19-year old Mensik rose to the occasion, winning two tie-breaks to enjoy a 7-6 (7/2) 7-6 (7/3) win.

“It was tough, obviously I came up against someone today who was playing incredibly well,” said Draper.

“He served 10 out of 10, I couldn’t get a read or a look on his serve at all. There were some things I could do better and obviously a big change in surface from last week,” he said, noting he had struggled to adjust to the faster courts.

Rune was caught out, too, falling 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5) to American Reilly Opelka.

Top seed Alexander Zverev eased into the third round with a 6-2 6-4 win over Britain’s Jacob Fearnley.

Zverev’s title hopes received a boost on Friday when second-seed Carlos Alcaraz crashed out with a shock defeat to Belgian veteran David Goffin.

With no Jannik Sinner while the Italian serves a doping ban, the German Zverev’s main challenger, on paper, should be Novak Djokovic.

Zverev lost his opening game at Indian Wells but looked sharp on his debut on the South Florida stadium court.

“I’m generally happy with my level today,” said Zverev, a 2018 Miami finalist. “In Indian Wells it was very different, so I hope I can continue playing this way and have a great week here.”

The 27-year-old took 74 minutes to take care of business against Fearnley and said his extra time off as a result of his surprise defeat to Tallon Griekspoor had been valuable.

“Had two weeks time to practice and work on my game again and I did that — hopefully this is the first of many matches for me here,” he added.

There was an upset for 13th seeded American Ben Shelton, who was knocked out by 20-year-old wildcard Coleman Wong of Hong Kong.

Wong, 128th in the world, battled his way to a 7-6 (7/3) 2-6, 7-6 (7/5) victory despite letting a slip a 5-2 lead in the final set.

His victory provides him with a place in the third round of a Masters 1000 for the first time in his career.

“I always trust myself to play in these big stages… I had a tough time (during) the COVID times. I didn’t play for a year and a half and I’m really lucky my team keeps supporting me. I’m really happy and this is for you Hong Kong,” said Wong.

Brazilian 18-year-old Joao Fonseca delighted his large and loud group of supporters with another energetic display as he knocked out 19th seed Ugo Humbert 6-4, 6-3 and reach the third round at a Masters 1000 for the first time.

In the women’s draw, top seed Aryna Sabalenka moved into the fourth round after Romanian opponent Elena-Gabriela Ruse had to retire after the Belarusian won the first set 6-1.

Ruse received medical treatment on her right thigh but was unable to continue.

Third seed Coco Gauff progressed with a 6-2, 6-4 win over a struggling Maria Sakkari, who has slumped down the rankings from the top 10 to her current 51st.

Naomi Osaka met some determined resistance from American wild card Hailey Baptiste before emerging with a 7-6 (8/6), 3-6, 6-4 win.

“Today was an emotional day for me,” said Osaka. “I’m a little embarrassed for how much I threw my racquet, which is something that I don’t like to be known for.”

Ons Jabeur of Tunisia also retired allowing sixth-seed Jasmine Paolini to go through — the Italian was 4-3 and a break up in the first when Jabeur could no longer continue due to a left leg injury.

The European People’s Party (EPP) leader Manfred Weber has issued an urgent call for a stronger, independent European defense policy in response to a dramatic fallout between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The escalating tensions, which unfolded during a tense Oval Office meeting last Friday, have sent shockwaves through European capitals, raising serious questions about the reliability of U.S. security commitments to Europe.

“Anyone looking at Washington must understand: Europe is on its own, and we must now arm ourselves independently,” Weber told the German media group Funke on Sunday. “We also need to take the first steps toward a European army. Too much time has already been wasted.”

Weber’s comments reflect growing anxieties within the European Union about America’s shifting geopolitical priorities and the potential weakening of NATO’s strategic posture on the continent.

The White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy, initially intended to reinforce U.S.-Ukraine ties, quickly deteriorated into a heated exchange, exposing deep divisions over Ukraine’s war strategy. According to sources familiar with the meeting, Trump accused Zelenskyy of “gambling with World War III” by refusing to engage in peace talks with Russia, a stance that Trump has repeatedly advocated since returning to the presidency.

Zelenskyy, in turn, maintained that Ukraine could not negotiate with Russia without solid security guarantees, arguing that any premature talks could lead to further territorial losses. The disagreement escalated to the point where Trump abruptly ended the meeting, instructing Zelenskyy to leave the White House. The anticipated signing of a major minerals deal—aimed at securing Ukrainian rare earth resources for U.S. industries—was scrapped on the spot.

The public nature of the falling-out has raised fears that Washington is stepping back from its commitment to Ukraine, prompting European leaders to reevaluate their own security policies.

Following the Oval Office debacle, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy made a swift diplomatic pivot, traveling to London for urgent discussions with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Their meeting resulted in a €2.7 billion UK loan to Ukraine for defense purposes—an indication that at least some European nations remain committed to supporting Kyiv.

Weber, one of Europe’s most influential center-right politicians, has seized on the moment to argue that the EU must take responsibility for its own security, criticizing the bloc’s dependence on American military assistance.

“If the U.S. is no longer a reliable partner, why are we still buying our weapons from them?” Weber asked. His remarks underscore a broader frustration among European officials who fear that Trump’s “America First” policies could lead to an abrupt shift in U.S. military priorities.

The idea of a European army—long debated but never fully realized—has gained renewed urgency in the wake of the Trump-Zelenskyy crisis. Weber’s call for immediate steps toward such a force signals a potential turning point in EU defense policy.

Supporters of a unified European defense force argue that the continent can no longer afford to rely on NATO as the sole guarantor of its security. While NATO remains a cornerstone of European defense, doubts about U.S. commitment have been mounting since Trump’s first term, when he repeatedly threatened to reduce American military support for NATO allies unless they significantly increased their defense spending.

French President Emmanuel Macron, a vocal advocate of European strategic autonomy, echoed Weber’s sentiments, stating that “Europe must be able to defend itself on its own terms.” Macron has long pushed for a more integrated European defense framework, and the latest crisis may provide the political momentum needed to advance such initiatives.

However, not all European leaders are on board with the idea. Some, particularly in Eastern Europe, remain deeply skeptical about replacing NATO’s protection with an EU-led military force. Polish President Andrzej Duda warned that any move away from NATO could leave Europe vulnerable to Russian aggression, arguing that “the transatlantic alliance remains the strongest deterrent against Putin.”

While Weber’s call for an independent European defense policy has gained traction, significant obstacles remain.

• Political Divisions: The EU’s 27 member states have differing security priorities, making consensus on defense policy difficult to achieve. While France and Germany may push for deeper military integration, smaller states may resist surrendering sovereignty over defense matters.
• Funding and Industrial Capacity: The European defense industry, though advanced, is fragmented across multiple national defense contractors. Building a unified military force would require massive investment, restructuring, and coordination across borders.
• Legal and Institutional Barriers: The EU’s treaties currently do not provide for a full-fledged European army, meaning any move in that direction would require treaty amendments or new legal frameworks.
• U.S. Pressure: Washington has traditionally opposed any move that could weaken NATO, viewing European defense autonomy as a potential threat to transatlantic unity. If Trump perceives Europe’s defense ambitions as an attempt to sideline the U.S., tensions could rise further.

The next major test for Europe’s defense ambitions will come at the upcoming EU summit, where leaders are expected to discuss security strategy in light of recent developments.

Weber has urged EU leaders to take decisive steps at the summit, pushing for increased defense spending, joint military procurement, and greater cooperation on intelligence and cyber warfare.

There is also speculation that the European Commission may propose a new Defense Investment Plan aimed at boosting the EU’s military-industrial base. This would likely include incentives for joint weapons development projects and the establishment of a European defense fund to finance long-term security initiatives.

At the same time, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has called for an emergency meeting to discuss the implications of the Trump-Zelenskyy clash, hoping to reassure European allies that the alliance remains strong despite Washington’s shifting rhetoric.

Whether Weber’s vision of a European army gains traction remains to be seen, but the Trump-Zelenskyy confrontation has undoubtedly accelerated the conversation about Europe’s strategic autonomy.

For years, EU leaders have debated the need for greater independence in security matters, but crises have often been met with temporary adjustments rather than structural reforms. This time, however, the stakes feel higher. If Trump continues to distance himself from Ukraine and NATO, Europe may have no choice but to forge a new defense path—one that does not rely on Washington’s goodwill.

As the EU prepares for a crucial summit, the question remains: Will Europe finally take control of its own security, or will internal divisions prevent meaningful action? The answer could shape the continent’s defense landscape for decades to come.

DUBAI: Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas made it third time lucky at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Saturday night, defeating Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-3, 6-3 to claim his maiden ATP 500 title in front of a jubilant Centre Court under the lights at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.

Making his first Dubai appearance since 2020, when he was defeated in the final by Novak Djokovic, and playing in his third final in four trips to the tournament, the World No. 11’s straight-sets victory ensured he became the first Greek player to claim glory in Dubai.

After eclipsing Lorenzo Sonego, Karen Khachanov, Matteo Berrettini, and Tallon Griekspoor en route to the Auger-Aliassime showdown, Tsitsipas delivered a stunning array of booming serves, powerful baseline winners, and delicate dropshots to dismantle his under-par opponent in an hour and 28 minutes.

Tsitsipas started slowly, forced to save two breakpoints early on and winning only three points across his opponent’s first three service games. Yet it was the No. 4 seed who secured the crucial breaks, first for 4-3 — helped by an Auger-Aliassime double-fault — and again to take the opening set. Crucially, again at 4-3 in the second, he secured the break that would ultimately lead to what he later dubbed his “final redemption” in Dubai.

“This is something that I have been fighting a long time for and it’s great to finally win here in Dubai,” Tsitsipas said after sealing a 12th career title. “My game kind of clicked and things seemed to work really well right from the beginning (of the match). It’s a big relief to finally hold the trophy at the third attempt. It was definitely something in the back of my mind, and I am very happy to have finally accomplished it. I’m proud I managed to handle the pressure and perform in those crucial moments.”

After failing to clinch a hat-trick of 2025 titles following wins in Adelaide and Montpellier earlier this season, a visibly dejected Auger-Aliassime was full of praise for his Greek rival: “It wasn’t to be for me, but congratulations to Stefanos; it’s well deserved. He played at a very high level tonight.

“This is my second time in Dubai, and I will definitely be back,” added the Canadian, who is expected to return to the world’s Top 20 players when new ATP rankings are released on Monday.

In the men’s doubles final, crowd favorites Yuki Bhambri of India and Australia’s Alexei Popyrin — a former ball kid at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship — edged out second seeds Harri Heliovaara of Croatia and Great Britain’s Henry Patten 3-6, 7-6, 10-8 in a marathon two-hour tussle on Centre Court.

Having lost the first set, Bhambri and Popyrin bravely battled back, defending four match points en route to winning a tense second set tiebreak before eventually sealing a super tiebreak win courtesy of a Popyrin ace on the pair’s fourth championship point.

“We were so close to losing in the first round, so it’s unbelievable to be in the final and win it — I don’t think I would ever have dreamt of this,” said Bhambri, before partner Popyrin added: “I’ve been coming to this tournament since I was a kid. I grew up in Dubai, played a lot of junior tournaments here, so it’s always good to come back, and to win a title whether in singles or doubles is always special. It’s been an unbelievable week.”

In a dramatic and highly publicized encounter, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky faced intense scrutiny in the Oval Office on Friday, sparking swift reactions from global leaders. However, one prominent leader has remained conspicuously silent: Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Kremlin has so far refrained from issuing an official response, yet Putin’s silence speaks volumes. He has no need to react—at least, not publicly. Instead, the Russian leader can afford to sit back and watch events unfold, likely with great satisfaction. The unfolding crisis between the U.S. and Ukraine plays directly into Moscow’s hands, reinforcing the perception that Russia is gaining the upper hand in the ongoing war.

The tension between President Zelensky and top U.S. officials, including President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance, was described by Trump himself as “great television.” But for Russia, this was more than just a spectacle—it was a strategic victory.

Russia’s Perspective: A Gift from Washington?

While President Putin has remained silent, other Russian officials wasted no time in weighing in. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now serving as deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, took to social media to gloat. He described Zelensky’s treatment in the Oval Office as a “slap down” and urged the U.S. to cease all military aid to Ukraine.

Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for Russia’s Foreign Ministry, also commented on the dramatic exchange. Writing on Telegram, she sarcastically praised Trump and Vance for their “miracle of restraint” in not resorting to physical violence against Ukraine’s leader. The Kremlin is undoubtedly reveling in the sight of its adversary, Ukraine, struggling to maintain its most crucial alliance.

For Moscow, the timing couldn’t be better. Just as Ukraine is facing internal struggles over military funding and battlefield losses, its primary backer—Washington—is seemingly on the verge of cutting ties.

A Growing Rift Between Washington and Kyiv

At the heart of the Oval Office drama was Ukraine’s persistent request for additional U.S. military assistance. Facing relentless Russian advances and dwindling supplies, Kyiv desperately needs continued American support. However, Friday’s heated exchange signaled that this support might no longer be guaranteed.

The U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest supplier of military aid since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, but in recent months, Trump and his Republican allies have questioned the long-term viability of that assistance. With domestic opposition to foreign aid growing and a presidential election looming, Ukraine’s position has never been more precarious.

If Washington decides to scale back or end its military assistance, Ukraine could find itself in a dire situation. Without crucial U.S.-supplied weapons, ammunition, and intelligence, defending against Russian forces will become significantly harder.

Moscow’s Strategic Patience Pays Off

For months, Moscow has been banking on a shift in U.S. policy toward Ukraine. The Kremlin has long believed that internal American divisions and growing “Ukraine fatigue” would eventually lead Washington to reconsider its support for Kyiv. Friday’s confrontation in the White House will have only strengthened that belief.

Even before this latest episode, Russia had begun laying the groundwork for a new approach to the U.S. In recent weeks, Putin and Trump have spoken on the phone, with both leaders signaling a willingness to work more closely together. Discussions of a potential summit between Washington and Moscow have begun circulating, and lower-level diplomatic talks aimed at resetting relations are reportedly underway.

Putin is even dangling potential economic incentives in front of the U.S., offering cooperation on rare earth minerals and aluminum production—critical industries for American manufacturing. These gestures, while likely intended as bargaining chips, highlight the Kremlin’s confidence that U.S.-Russia relations may be heading for a thaw.

What’s Next for Ukraine?

For Ukraine, the implications of a strained relationship with the U.S. are profound. Since 2022, Kyiv has relied heavily on American support—not just in terms of military aid but also diplomatic backing. If Washington steps back, Ukraine will need to turn increasingly to Europe, where leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have reaffirmed their support for Kyiv.

However, Europe alone may not be able to compensate for the potential loss of American assistance. While the EU has pledged billions in aid, its bureaucratic processes are slower, and its military stockpiles are not as vast as Washington’s.

Zelensky, who has made countless trips to Western capitals to secure ongoing support, now faces his toughest challenge yet: convincing an increasingly skeptical Washington that Ukraine remains a vital strategic ally.

A New World Order?

As tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine rise, a striking contrast is emerging: while Washington-Kyiv relations are at risk of implosion, U.S.-Russia ties appear to be warming.

This shift could mark the beginning of a fundamental realignment in global power dynamics. If Washington decides to prioritize diplomacy with Moscow over support for Kyiv, it would represent a major victory for Putin—one that could reshape the future of the war in Ukraine and beyond.

For now, the world is watching. And in Moscow, Vladimir Putin is watching, too—likely with quiet satisfaction.

ABU DHABI: The Women’s Tennis Association’s Middle East swing kicks off its three-week stint in the Gulf on Monday with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.

Defending champion and top seed Elena Rybakina headlines a stellar field at Zayed Sports City that also includes Tunisian fan favorite Ons Jabeur, recent Australian Open semi-finalist Paula Badosa, last year’s Abu Dhabi finalist Daria Kasatkina, and British wildcard Emma Raducanu.

Here are the main talking points surrounding the action in the UAE capital this week:

Rybakina debuts new coaching partnership

After parting ways with coach Goran Ivanisevic post-Australian Open, World No.5 Rybakina has a new figure in her corner in Abu Dhabi in the form of ex-Association of Tennis Professionals player Davide Sanguinetti.

Stefano Vukov is still part of Team Rybakina but is currently provisionally suspended pending an investigation for an alleged breach of the WTA Code of Conduct. This means he cannot be credentialed at any sanctioned tournament.

Rybakina lost to eventual champion Madison Keys in the Australian Open fourth round last month and says she suffered a back problem during her time in Melbourne.

The Kazakhstani big hitter went straight to Dubai after the opening Grand Slam of the season and underwent treatment for her back before a week’s training with Sanguinetti and Vukov.

“It’s really nice to be back,” she told Arab News in Abu Dhabi on Sunday. “I feel like it’s really like a second home for me, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, it’s really nice. I always spend my preparation here and I spend a lot of time here. I’m just really happy to be back and I’m looking forward to start(ing) here.”

Rybakina has a bye in the first round and awaits one of two qualifiers — Sonay Kartal or Katie Volynets.

 

Elena Rybakina has added Davide Sanguinetti to her coaching staff.

He is with her here in Abu Dhabi and in communication with Stefano Vukov, who is still provisionally suspended by the WTA as they investigate alleged breach of Code of Conduct. pic.twitter.com/qVnlYES1NB

— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) February 2, 2025

 

Blockbuster openers

The draw revealed several juicy opening matchups with three-time Grand Slam finalist Jabeur taking on former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, seeded No.7 in Abu Dhabi.

In a clash between two Grand Slam winners, 2021 US Open champion Emma Raducanu will square off with 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova, who have both accepted wildcards into the tournament.

Other exciting first rounds include a meeting between recent Australian Open quarterfinalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, who made her way through qualifying to claim a place in the main draw.

Jabeur took four months off at the end of 2024 to recover from a shoulder injury and returned to action in Australia in January. She made the quarterfinals in Brisbane and the third round in Melbourne and is pleased with her competitive level this early in her comeback.

“It was nice to have a long break. I think mentally and physically it helped me a lot to be back to normal, to have the motivation back, the pleasure of playing tennis back. I feel like, surprisingly, the level was good. I’m not very good at taking long breaks and come back stronger. So it was nice to see that the level is back,” said the 30-year-old.

 

If @Ons_Jabeur could take these skills from players, who would she pick? #MubadalaAbuDhabiOpen #WTA #AbuDhabiSC

–

أنس تختار مهارات التنس من اللاعبين، من ستختار؟

— Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (@MubadalaADOpen) February 2, 2025

 

Badosa out to build on strong start

Spanish No.2 seed Badosa reached a maiden Grand Slam semifinal in Melbourne last month and is hoping to keep up the momentum that has propelled her back into the top 10 for the first time since October 2022.

After almost retiring last year due to a stress fracture in her back, the 27-year-old has made a remarkable recovery and has won 30 of her last 39 matches on tour.

Speaking of her biggest takeaways from Australia, Badosa said: “I think emotionally how I handled everything, how I managed the pressure, the expectations also, because I think I was coming from a very good preseason, a very good end of the season, so you always have big expectations, I had big expectations of myself. So dealing with all that. I think also the level I gave there, I’m really happy with it and hopefully I can continue that momentum.”

Badosa has a bye in the opening round and will commence her Abu Dhabi journey against Magdalena Frech or Linda Noskova.

 

 

Former champ back from maternity leave

Swiss Olympic gold medalist Belinda Bencic lifted the Abu Dhabi trophy two years ago then walked away from the tour seven months later when she became pregnant.

She gave birth to daughter Bella in April 2024 and returned to competitive tennis last October, playing some lower-level tournaments.

Bencic competed in her first WTA-level event post-maternity leave at the United Cup last month and reached the fourth round of the Australian Open shortly after.

Still climbing back up the rankings, Bencic is currently 157th in the world. She will hope to capitalize on her fond memories in Abu Dhabi from two years ago when she faces Rebecca Sramkova of Slovakia in her first round on Tuesday.

Japanese teen set for tour-level debut

Barely 10 days ago, 17-year-old Wakana Sonobe became the first Japanese player to win the Australian Open girls’ singles title and just the second to win a Grand Slam junior singles crown.

This past weekend, she accepted a wildcard into the qualifying draw of the WTA 500 in Abu Dhabi and posted two impressive victories over Hailey Baptiste and Cristina Bucsa to claim a spot in the main draw.

The talented lefty will now make her WTA main draw debut when she takes on China’s Yuan Yue in the opening round on Monday.

 

A moment Wakana Sonobe will never forget #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/lS5JsqvlBN

— ITF (@ITFTennis) January 25, 2025

Those in the hospitality sector worry the ban will further hurt businesses.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA), which represents 20,000 pubs in the UK, said pub numbers had significantly decreased because of factors including the Covid pandemic and energy crisis.

“This needs to be thought through very carefully before we damage businesses and economic growth and jobs,” Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade group UK Hospitality, told the Today programme.

Chief executive of Revolution Bars, Rob Pitchers, said he was not convinced smoking in beer gardens was “prevalent enough to be putting any strain at all on the NHS”.

But JD Wetherspoon founder Tim Martin said: “I don’t think it will have a big effect on our business, one way or another.”

Smaller pub owners share a different tale.

Pub landlady Lisa Burrage, 55, in Newland, Gloucestershire, said pubs should be able to choose whether or not to go smoke-free and “it is not up to the government to make that decision”.

“This will be just another hurdle we have to face in hospitality and one we can do without,” Ms Burrage told the BBC.

Tony Harding, 57, a publican in Salisbury, said residents who live near his pub would probably not be happy if his punters began smoking and “blocking the pathway in the street, instead of [using] my nice comfortable garden”.

These concerns are echoed by opposition politicians.

Conservative leadership candidate Priti Patel said the proposals amounted to “nanny state regulation” that would be “economically damaging”.

Another Tory leadership candidate, Robert Jenrick, said: “The last thing this country needs is thousands more pubs closing.”

While Reform UK leader Nigel Farage described the proposals as “government overreach on a scale that is utterly ridiculous”.

“Frankly, if they do this, it will be the death knell of the pub,” Mr Farage added.