Karolina Pliskova heads into the second round of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open after a straight-sets win over Ysaline Bonaventure
Pliskova had been scheduled to face two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza, but the Spaniard withdrew earlier in the day, citing "personal reasons".
She will face Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina for a place in the quarter-finals.
Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships reveal elite women's line-up
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships returns for the women’s week from February 15-21, with one of the strongest WTA 1000 line-ups, featuring all of the world’s top 20 players.
FIFA receives record 500 million ticket requests for 2026 World Cup
FIFA has stated that it received more than 500 million ticket requests for the 2026 World Cup during a 33-day application window that closed this week, describing it as a new milestone in world sporting history.
'Gutted' Robertson steps down as All Blacks coach after review
Scott Robertson has stepped down as New Zealand coach following an internal review of the All Blacks' performance, New Zealand Rugby said on Thursday.
Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties to set up Cup of Nations final v Senegal
Yassine Bounou has saved two penalties and Youssef En-Nesyri netted the decisive spot kick as hosts Morocco secured a 4-2 shootout victory over Nigeria following their 0-0 draw in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday.
Mitchell century helps New Zealand level ODI series with India
Daryl Mitchell scored an unbeaten 131 from 117 balls to lead New Zealand to a seven-wicket win over India in the second One-Day International on Wednesday and level the three-match series at 1-1.
The UAE has announced the withdrawl of an additional Nestlé infant milk product, the S26 AR GOLD, to its recent voluntary precautionary recall due to the presence of toxin-forming bacteria.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has discussed strengthening cooperation with Robert Fico, Prime Minister of Slovakia during a phone call on Thursday.
Relief supplies for the Saqr Humanitarian Ship have now been fully prepared ahead of their shipment to El Arish Port in Egypt, in support of civilians in the Gaza Strip.
