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Alcaraz has sights set on Djokovic and number one spot at Australian Open – ARN News Centre

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AFP

Carlos Alcaraz is raring to go at the Australian Open where he will seek to dethrone holder Novak Djokovic and secure a third Grand Slam triumph that would see him reclaim the world number one spot.

The 20-year-old Spaniard will hope to bury memories of an injury-plagued start to last year when he missed the Australian Open, which Djokovic won to climb back to the rankings summit.

The bull-like Alcaraz, who has taken the tennis world by storm since becoming the youngest men’s world number one after his US Open triumph in 2022, hit back by capturing his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon following an epic five-set final victory over Djokovic.

However, after winning the 2023 US Open in September, the 36-year-old Serb beat his young rival at the ATP Finals and claimed a record-extending eighth year-end number one spot.

Their rivalry could be set for another epic showdown and once again the world number one spot is within reach for Alcaraz.

Djokovic has a 2,200-point advantage over Alcaraz, who has no points to defend in Australia after skipping the tournament in 2023 with a leg injury.

Rankings are based on points claimed at each tournament, which expire every year. To maintain the points won at an event a player must at least match their result from the previous year.

That means that Alcaraz would claim 2,000 points with the title in Australia and reclaim top spot regardless of the Serbian’s result.

He would also move above Djokovic if he reaches the quarter-finals, the semis or the final and the Serb fails to advance along with him.

While Alcaraz may not need any extra motivation, a statement win would cement his standing in the sport and leave little doubt that he is leading a changing of the guard in men’s tennis.

“Learning from (Djokovic) is amazing. It’s incredible to share the court with him,” Alcaraz said after beating Djokovic in an exhibition match in Saudi Arabia in late December.

“I grew up watching him winning all the big tournaments and you know, you always dream about this moment, playing against him face-to-face and I’m really, really happy to be able to do that.”

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Rio Ferdinand house for sale: Man Utd legend puts Kent mansion on market after Dubai move

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Rio Ferdinand may be done with UK living, for now.

The former Manchester United star, 47, has listed his seven-bedroom Kent mansion for £10.5 million (Dh52 million), hinting his move to Dubai is permanent.

Set in the exclusive Farnborough Park estate, the 12,500 sq ft home features landscaped grounds, a private gym, grand reception spaces, and a luxury master suite with dual dressing rooms. He bought it in 2008 for around £2.7 million, meaning a potential £8 million profit, though tax could apply depending on residency status.

Ferdinand moved to Dubai last year with his wife Kate and their children. They are now living in a luxury villa in Al Barari.

He has been candid about the move, citing more family time, an improved lifestyle, and the appeal of a fresh start. “The lifestyle, safety and weather, it just works for us,” Ferdinand said in the report.

He’s not alone. Vincent Kompany is also reportedly selling his UK home, as more football names rethink where they’re based.

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Big game tonight: Expect traffic delays around Dubai’s Al Wasl Club

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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has alerted motorists to expected traffic delays on key roads on Wednesday, April 22, due to the AFC Champions League 2 match taking place at Al Wasl Club.

The fixture between Qatar’s Al Ahli and Al Nassr of Saudi Arabia is part of the ongoing AFC Champions League 2, Asia’s second-tier continental competition, which has been drawing strong crowds across the region. Matches at this stage of the tournament typically attract large numbers of fans, especially when hosted in major cities like Dubai, leading to increased traffic around stadium zones.

Authorities expect congestion on roads leading to and around the stadium, particularly during pre-match and post-match hours, as supporters head to watch the game live.

Motorists are advised to plan their journeys, allow extra travel time, and consider alternative routes to avoid delays.

To help ease congestion, the RTA confirmed that additional parking spaces will be available behind the stadium, offering more options for those attending the match.

The advisory is part of ongoing efforts to manage traffic during major sporting events and ensure a smooth and comfortable travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

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Free 5KM run in Abu Ahabi, but expect road closures

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If you’re driving around Abu Dhabi this weekend, you might want to plan, because several key roads are set to close.

The Run for the Nation 5km race is taking over Wahat Al Karama this Saturday, bringing together the community for a morning of fitness and fun.

But it also means temporary traffic disruptions you should know about.

Here’s what’s happening
Organised by Abu Dhabi Sports Council in partnership with the Zayed Charity Run, the event kicks off at 8am, and it’s completely free to join.

To keep runners safe, road closures will be in place from 5am to 10am around the area.
There are additional lane closures on E20 due to ongoing infrastructure works:

• Right lane towards Abu Dhabi closed from April 17 (2pm)- April 20 (5am)
• Entry & exit from Al Fursan Street closed from April 18-April 19

Expect delays around Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20).

What should motorists do
• Leave earlier than usual
• Follow diversion signs
• Avoid the area if possible during peak hours

While traffic may slow things down, the event is all about community, fitness, and bringing people together, a big win for Abu Dhabi’s active lifestyle push.

So whether you’re running or just commuting, be ready, plan smart, and stay moving.

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