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Novak Djokovic wins historic US Open – ARN News Centre

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Novak Djokovic defeated Daniil Medvedev 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 to win the US Open, equalling Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams. The 36-year-old Serb becomes the first to win three Grand Slam events in a season for the fourth time.

Novak Djokovic would not let Daniil Medvedev spoil his date with history a second time battling past the Russian 6-3 7-6(5) 6-3 to win the US Open and equal Margaret Court’s record haul of 24 Grand Slams.

The victory, his fourth in 10 Flushing Meadows finals, capped another remarkable Grand Slam campaign for Djokovic with wins at the Australian, French and US Opens and a return to the top of the world rankings.

The 36-year-old Serb becomes the oldest US Open men’s winner in the Open Era and the first to win three Grand Slam events in a season for the fourth time.

“It obviously means the world to me,” said Djokovic about his 24th Slam. “I’m really living my childhood dream.”

“To make the history of this sport is something truly remarkable, it’s hard to describe the words.”

“I had the childhood dream when I was seven, eight, I wanted to become the best player in the world.”

And it is a dream that continues to come true. Djokovic has already won more Grand Slams than any man and now shares the overall record with Court.

After clinching his historic title Djokovic threw his racquet in the air and dropped to his knees as the capacity crowd roared.

He would pick himself up and find his young daughter courtside for an emotional hug before going back to the bench where he pulled out a T-shirt with “Mamba Forever” on the front and the number 24 on the back.

The shirt was a tribute to both his achievement and late friend Los Angeles Lakers great Kobe Bryant, who wore the number throughout much of his all-star career before dying in a helicopter crash.

“I thought of doing this T-shirt, eventually, if I get the chance to win the tournament,” said Djokovic. “Kobe was a close friend, we chatted a lot about the winner’s mentality.”

“When I was struggling with injury he was one of the people I relied on the most. He was always there for any kind of counsel, advice.”

“I thought 24 is the jersey that he wore when he became a legend of Lakers and world basketball.”

While Djokovic and Medvedev are intriguing figures, neither has been fully embraced by the New York crowds.

Until the end there was little of the electricity that crackled through Arthur Ashe during the women’s final on Saturday, with no clear support for either player from an attentive but subdued audience.

As the match started Djokovic walked out on to court and stared across the net at Medvedev the man once again standing between him and history just as he had two years ago.

The last time the two clashed at the U.S. Open was in the 2021 final, when the Russian captured his only major and denied the Serb a rare calendar Grand Slam.

While Djokovic did not speak of revenge on the road to the final the Serb is known to hold a grudge and only referenced that loss as a learning experience.

As expected, in a contest featuring the sport’s two premier hardcourt players, almost every point was contested with long rallies as both men pounded away at each other from the baseline.

Djokovic came out playing with purpose and applied pressure right away breaking the third seed at the first opportunity on way to a 3-0 lead.

That would be the only break Djokovic would need against a surprisingly flat Medvedev who could not manufacture a single break chance in the first set.

During a marathon one hour and 44 minute, lung-bursting second set Medvedev would find life forcing a tiring Djokovic into long grinding point, after grinding point.

But the tireless Russian’s hard work would pay no dividends unable to convert any of his few break chances including one at 6-5 that would have given him the set.

Medvedev charged in front 3-1 of the tie-break but again could not land the knockout blow as Djokovic came off the ropes to take it 7-5 and a 2-0 lead.

If there is one thing Djokovic possesses it is a killer instinct and the Serb wasted no time striking breaking Medvedev to go up 3-1 in the third.

A defiant Medvedev answered with his first and only break of the match but it was not enough with Djokovic hitting right back with another break then holding serve the rest of way to clinch the title.



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Is Ronaldo playing? Dubai fans await big reveal

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Football fans in Dubai could be in for a big night this weekend as Cristiano Ronaldo and his Riyadh-based club, Al Nassr, prepare to take on Al Wasl in the first leg of the AFC Champions League Two quarter-finals.

The match will be played at Zabeel Stadium on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm. The fixture was earlier postponed by the Asian Football Confederation and is now finally set to take place.

Back from injury

The main question on everyone’s mind is whether Ronaldo will feature. The Portuguese star has recently returned from injury and is in good form, scoring three goals in his last two matches. However, he has played only once in this competition so far, with the club managing his workload and focusing on the Saudi Pro League title race.

There are signs that this could change. With Ronaldo regaining fitness and the season entering a crucial phase, this match could offer him a chance to build rhythm and match sharpness. While his participation is not confirmed, fans remain hopeful.

Even if Ronaldo does not play, the match still promises top-level action. Players like João Felix and Sadio Mane are expected to feature, bringing quality and experience to the pitch.

Officials say the game is likely to draw a strong crowd, with or without Ronaldo. For Dubai, it is set to be a major football evening.


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DP World ILT20 Season 4 shatters records with 397 million viewers and 2.5 billion video views

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The DP World International League T20 (ILT20) has officially cemented its status as a global cricket powerhouse. Following the conclusion of Season 4, new data reveals the league has tightened its grip as the second-most watched cricket league in the world, reaching a staggering 397 million unique viewers across TV and OTT platforms.

This represents a 7.49% increase over Season 3, fuelled by expansive broadcast syndication and the maiden title victory of the Desert Vipers on January 4, 2026.

Digital dominance: 2.5 billion views

While the TV numbers are impressive, the league’s digital footprint saw an even more explosive surge. DP World ILT20 platforms, including YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, amassed over 2.5 billion video views during the season.

“This season we have further strengthened our position… with significant gains across all platforms,” said David White, CEO of DP World ILT20.

“Our digital content, focusing on both high-stakes action and off-field fan engagement, has truly resonated with a global audience.”

Season 4 statistical highlights

  • Global Reach: 397 million unique viewers (7.49% YoY growth).
  • Viral Content: Over 350 social media posts surpassed the 1 million views mark.
  • Star Power: Features elite talent including Sam Curran (Player of the Tournament), Andre Russell, Nicholas Pooran, and Shakib Al Hasan.

Joseph Eapen, Managing Partner at GSIQ, noted that for such a young tournament, achieving this level of international relevance is a “highly credible and noteworthy achievement.”

With Season 4 in the books, the league is already looking toward the future. Officials have confirmed that dates for Season 5 will be unveiled in the coming days, promising an even larger spectacle for cricket fans worldwide.

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Dubai airport welcomes travellers with special Dubai World Cup passport stamp

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Travellers arriving at Dubai International Airport are being greeted with a unique souvenir, a special stamp on their passports celebrating the Dubai World Cup 2026.

The initiative, launched by the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), marks the 30th edition (Pearl Jubilee) of one of the world’s most prestigious horse racing events.

A grand sporting celebration

The iconic Dubai World Cup will take place on Saturday, March 28 at Meydan Racecourse, drawing global attention from racing fans and elite stables.

This year’s event promises high-stakes action:

  • 100 horses from top international stables
  • Nine races across the evening
  • Total prize pool of $30.5 million

Spotlight on the main race

The highlight of the night is the $12 million Dubai World Cup race, sponsored by Emirates Airline.

Run over 2,000 metres on dirt, the Group 1 race will feature some of the world’s top thoroughbreds, including:

  • “Hit Show” – last year’s winner
  • “Forever Young” – UAE Derby and Saudi Cup champion
  • “Imperial Emperor”
  • “Meidan” – Super Saturday winner

A memorable arrival experience

The commemorative passport stamp adds a celebratory touch for visitors landing in Dubai, tying their arrival to one of the city’s biggest sporting spectacles.

With excitement building ahead of race day, Dubai is once again showcasing its ability to blend world-class sport with unique visitor experiences.

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