After two days of rain the sun returned to the Miami Open on Saturday in a good omen for Iga Swiatek, who launched her bid to become just the second woman to win the “Sunshine Double” more than once with a breezy 6-1 6-1 win over Italy’s Camila Giorgi.
In stark contrast to Swiatek’s joy, Belarusian world number two Aryna Sabalenka exited in a fit of rage, smashing her racquet and walking off court without offering a handshake after a 6-4 1-6 6-1 loss to Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina.
Winner of the “Sunshine Double” (wins at Indian Wells and Miami Open) in 2022, Swiatek can join Steffi Graf as the only other woman to pull off the feat more than once if she can lift the trophy in Miami after taking the first leg in the California desert last weekend.
The world number one opened her Miami account in ruthless style, romping to victory in just 69 minutes.
“Today, for sure, was a pretty positive day,” said Swiatek. “I just believe that I have abilities to play on any surface, especially here where it’s a little bit slower usually.
“I already know that I could do it (win) two years ago, so this experience has taught me that there’s no need to worry or panic, you just have to really use every minute on court to be focused and get the right feeling.”
Swiatek has not lost an opening match since 2021 in Cincinnati and the 22-year-old Pole was in no danger of having that run end on the Hard Rock stadium court, racing out to a 4-0 lead in the opening set and never stepping off the gas.
Next for Swiatek is 26th-seeded Czech teenager Linda Noskova, who could prove a tricky test having stunned the Pole in the third round of this year’s Australian Open.
‘BEST MATCH’
In the battle of players returning to the tour from maternity leave it was former world number one Naomi Osaka coming away with a 6-2 7-6(5) win over 15th-seeded Ukrainian Elina Svitolina.
It is another big step in the 26-year-old Japanese player’s comeback having now picked off two top 20 ranked players in the six matches since her return.
“I definitely do think it was one of my best matches, if not the best match,” said the four-time Grand Slam winner. “But I also want myself to play better and better every match.
“I feel like for me going into the match, I knew that she’s a great player, and I had no choice but to play really well if I wanted a chance to win.”
American fifth seed Jessica Pegula moved untroubled into the third round when an ailing Zhu Lin retired trailing 6-4 4-1.
After only eight matches were completed on Friday due to rain, the start of play was again delayed by three hours on Saturday with Pegula and Zhu among the first in action as organisers scrambled to get back on schedule.
Zhu, looking for her first win over a top five ranked opponent, began smartly, matching Pegula with an early break.
But the 30-year-old Chinese was unable to sustain the effort as Pegula broke again to take the opener before charging out to a 3-0 lead in the second.
Zhu would hold serve at 3-1 but after Pegula served to increase her lead headed to the bench during the changeover showing signs of distress and asked for the trainer.
A medical time out was called with a doctor coming on court checking Zhu’s blood pressure and heart rate as the Chinese player closed her eyes and pointed to her chest.
Following a brief discussion with the chair umpire the match was called with Pegula coming across to check on her opponent.
Next up for Pegula is Canadian Leylah Fernandez, who converted all six of her break chances in a 6-4 6-2 win over Colombian Emiliana Arango.
Romania’s Sorana Cirstea brought former champion Sloane Stephens Miami Open to a screeching halt mauling the American grand slam winner 6-2 6-1.
The UAE Men’s National Cricket Team is heading into the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 with a major boost, as STARTRADER has been announced as its Official Partner for the global tournament.
The renewed partnership means STARTRADER’s branding will feature on the official UAE team jerseys throughout the World Cup, which kicks off on February 7, 2026, across India and Sri Lanka.
The agreement was signed in Dubai on Wednesday, January 14, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations, including Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad, ECB Board Member Zayed Abbas, STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten, and UAE Men’s Captain Muhammad Waseem.
STARTRADER CEO Peter Karsten said the collaboration builds on the company’s earlier sponsorship of the UAE team during the Asia Cup, but with an even stronger commitment this time around.
“We know that cricket has a way of reminding us what commitment, trust and growth can achieve,” Karsten said.
“Continuing this partnership reflects our belief in long-term support for communities and in the human spirit driving both the game and the markets.”
He added that the partnership mirrors STARTRADER’s core values, where trust in strategy and teamwork plays a vital role in achieving sustainable growth, whether on the pitch or in global markets.
STARTRADER is regulated by five international authorities, including the SCA, ASIC, FSCA, FSA and FSC, reinforcing its focus on transparency, trust and long-term growth for its clients.
Emirates Cricket Board COO Subhan Ahmad welcomed the renewed partnership, describing it as a relationship that goes beyond sport.
“We are delighted to welcome STARTRADER as our Official Partner for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026,” he said.
“This partnership reflects shared values of discipline, focus and resilience, and aligns perfectly with our vision as the UAE team continues to perform on the world stage.”
Dubai is about to serve up something big on the global sports stage. The Federation Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) has announced Dubai as the permanent opening destination of its brand-new international championship, the Beach World Series, which will launch for the first time in November 2026.
The announcement was made during the World Sports Summit, following the signing of a five-year strategic partnership between the Dubai Sports Council and FIVB, a move that further cements Dubai’s reputation as a leading host of major global sporting events.
A new model for global sport
Under the agreement, Dubai will become the first city in the world to host a permanent opening stop of the Beach World Series, setting a new benchmark for global championships that combine elite competition with entertainment, culture, and fan engagement.
The series introduces an innovative format that blends high-level beach volleyball with music, interactive experiences, and a vibrant beach atmosphere, offering something beyond traditional sporting events.
The Memorandum of Understanding was signed in the presence of senior officials from the Dubai Sports Council, with signatures from Guido Betti, Chief Business Officer of Volleyball World, and Eisa Sharif, Director of the Sports Events Department at the Dubai Sports Council.
Ten global destinations
The Beach World Series will span 10 international destinations, each bringing its own identity and local flavour to the competition. Dubai’s role as the opening city positions it at the heart of this global journey, showcasing beach volleyball as both an elite sport and a shared cultural experience.
Additional host cities are expected to be announced in the coming months as the Beach World Series expands across globally recognised sports and entertainment hubs.
Fireworks, flair and firsts, DP World ILT20 Season 4 delivered a finale to remember as the Desert Vipers lifted their maiden title, crushing MI Emirates by 46 runs at a packed Dubai International Stadium.
While the trophy glittered, the spotlight also shone brightly on the league’s iconic signature belts, with star performances keeping fans guessing right up to the final ball.
Leading the charge was Desert Vipers captain Sam Curran, who produced a season for the ages, sweeping both the Red Belt (Most Valuable Player) and the Green Belt (Best Batter). Calm under pressure and devastating with the bat, Curran’s unbeaten 74 in the final sealed the Vipers’ historic triumph and underlined his status as the league’s standout performer.
The Vipers walked away not just with silverware but a $700,000 winners’ purse and the Black Belt, while runners-up MI Emirates earned $300,000 for another strong campaign.
Red Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)
Curran piled up 397 runs, while snapping seven wickets, taking 10 catches and finishing with a tournament-high 691 points. It was dominance, delivered with leadership.
Green Belt: Sam Curran (Desert Vipers)
With 397 runs at a strike rate of 135, Curran topped the batting charts, smashing 17 sixes and proving clutch when it mattered most.
White Belt: Waqar Salamkheil (Dubai Capitals)
Spin wizard Waqar Salamkheil claimed the bowling honours with 18 wickets at an economy of 7.66, earning his second White Belt in ILT20 history.
Blue Belt: Muhammad Waseem (MI Emirates)
UAE stalwart Muhammad Waseem continued his incredible run, securing the Blue Belt for a fourth straight season after scoring 370 runs at a strike rate of 132.
With unforgettable moments, top performances, and a champion crowned, DP World ILT20 Season 4 once again proved why it’s one of the most exciting T20 leagues in the world of cricket.
