Sports
Sinner skips Davis Cup Finals to focus on Australian Open defense
World No. 2 Jannik Sinner has made the tough call to skip this year’s Davis Cup Finals in Bologna, choosing instead to focus on defending his Australian Open title – a decision that has divided Italy’s tennis faithful and underlined the relentless demands of the modern game.
The 24-year-old superstar, who lifted trophies at Melbourne Park and Wimbledon in 2025, announced Monday that he will not join Italy’s bid for a third straight Davis Cup crown when the Final 8 begins Nov. 18-23 on home soil.
His decision comes just days after beating Carlos Alcaraz at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Riyadh and weeks before a grueling stretch that includes Vienna, Paris and Turin.
“It wasn’t an easy decision, but after Turin, the goal is to start strong in Australia,” Sinner told Sky Sport Italia. “It may not seem like it, but a week of preparation can make all the difference.”
Star steps back
Sinner’s absence hits especially hard given his heroic runs in Italy’s 2023 and 2024 Davis Cup triumphs, where he carried the Azzurri past powerhouses like Novak Djokovic’s Serbia and Alexander Zverev’s Germany.
His back-to-back brilliance revived Italy’s tennis pride, earning him comparisons to national greats and turning the Davis Cup into a personal stage of glory.
This year, however, the stage will go on without him.
Hosting the finals in Bologna for the first time, Italy now faces the challenge of defending its title without its talisman.
Critics, including Italian tennis legend Nicola Pietrangeli, branded Sinner’s withdrawal a “slap in the face to Italian sport.”
Others, including federation president Angelo Binaghi, defended his right to manage his career: “We respect Jannik’s choice – he’s carried us far.”
Year of dominance
Few can question the wisdom behind Sinner’s decision.
His 2025 campaign has been one for the history books: four Grand Slam finals, three titles and a career-best 72–10 record.
From the roaring victory over Alcaraz in Melbourne to his ruthless Wimbledon performance and commanding U.S. Open run, Sinner has shown the precision and poise of a generational champion.
He also became the youngest man in the Open Era to reach all four Grand Slam finals in a single season, surpassing Bjorn Borg’s long-standing record.
His refined serve – averaging nearly six aces per match – and tactical maturity have turned him into a complete player, capable of thriving on any surface.
“We’re working hard on my serve,” Sinner said. “I’m lucky to have the best team possible and we’re focused on Vienna, Paris and Turin.”
Eyes on Turin
Before turning his attention to Melbourne, Sinner will defend his ATP Finals title in Turin (Nov. 9-16), where he’ll face the likes of Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic in a season-ending showdown.
Last year, he flawlessly conquered Turin, finishing undefeated and defeating Djokovic in the final.
After Turin, the focus shifts entirely to Australia – where Sinner will attempt to capture a third consecutive Australian Open title (Jan. 12–26) and continue his pursuit of tennis immortality.
For a player eyeing long-term greatness, the decision to rest and reset rather than chase another team trophy reflects a sharp, strategic mindset.
Fenerbahçe president Sadettin Saran was sentenced to 2.5 years in prison on Thursday by an Istanbul court in a case involving allegations of promoting illegal betting through football broadcast content, a ruling that also covers his brother and deepens an already complex legal dispute surrounding the media executive and club leader.
The decision was handed down by the Istanbul 23rd Criminal Court of First Instance following a trial in which prosecutors accused Saran and his brother, Alan Kenan Saran, of facilitating and promoting unauthorized sports betting advertisements through televised match coverage distributed via the S SPORT streaming platform.
The court also imposed a TL 562,500 ($12,235)judicial fine on both men.
Judges ruled that the defendants were guilty of encouraging participation in betting and gambling tied to sporting events, specifically through advertising practices embedded in match broadcasts.
Two additional defendants in the case, Emre Eren and Azade Zeynep Haksal, were acquitted.
The case centered on allegations that illegal betting advertisements were displayed during football matches through both physical and digital means.
Prosecutors said the ads appeared on stadium perimeter boards and as virtual overlays placed behind goals, arguing that the broadcasts reached large audiences and effectively normalized betting behavior across a broad viewer base.
In the indictment, prosecutors relied in part on findings requested from Türkiye’s broadcasting regulator RTÜK, which reviewed match transmissions aired in 2023 under Saran Internet Television Broadcasting Inc.
The findings concluded that unauthorized betting promotions were present in streamed football content and were not properly licensed under Turkish regulations governing gambling advertisements.
Prosecutors further argued that such content carried significant social impact due to its reach, describing widespread betting promotion in sports broadcasts as harmful and influential, particularly among younger audiences.
The indictment referred to betting content as having a “digital drug” effect, reflecting concerns over its accessibility and normalization through mainstream sports coverage.
The prosecution also argued that responsibility extended beyond operational staff to senior executives who had oversight of programming decisions.
It said that company leaders who had knowledge of and approved broadcasts containing illegal advertising could be held jointly liable for the content distributed under their authority.
Saran and his co-defendants denied the allegations throughout the proceedings and requested acquittal at the final hearing.
Their defense team argued that the charges were unfounded and sought dismissal of the case.
Prosecutors had initially sought prison sentences ranging from one to five years depending on each defendant’s level of involvement and whether the conduct was repeated.
The ruling increases legal pressure on the media executive, whose brief tenure at Fenerbahçe has already faced scrutiny, including earlier allegations a few months ago linked to narcotics use and possession.
Türkiye’s long-awaited World Cup return is entering its final stretch, with the national team closing preparations with a final tune-up against Venezuela on Saturday in Florida before heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The match will be played at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, marking the last test for Türkiye national football team before a tournament that ends a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
24 years later
Türkiye last appeared at a World Cup in 2002, when it finished third under Şenol Güneş, its best ever result. The 2026 return has reignited national expectations after a strong qualifying campaign.
Under head coach Vincenzo Montella, appointed in 2023, the team finished second in UEFA Group E behind Spain.
Despite a heavy 6-0 loss to Spain, Türkiye responded with statement wins over Georgia and Bulgaria and secured qualification through the playoffs, edging Romania and Kosovo with narrow 1-0 victories.
Montella’s side has built its identity on high pressing, quick transitions, and tactical flexibility, blending experienced leaders with a new generation of talent.
Final tests before challenge
The Venezuela friendly follows a dominant 4-0 win over North Macedonia in Istanbul, where goals came from Orkun Kökçü, Can Uzun, Deniz Gül, and Barış Alper Yılmaz.
Türkiye has been drawn into a competitive Group D featuring the United States, Paraguay, and Australia.
The schedule begins June 13 against Australia in Vancouver, followed by matches against Paraguay and the United States in California.
Montella views the Venezuela match as a final calibration point, focusing on rhythm, set pieces, and squad balance ahead of a demanding group stage.
Squad balance and emerging core
The 26-man squad announced earlier this week reflects a mix of European experience and rising stars.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu anchors midfield control, supported by Orkun Kökçü and Salih Özcan.
In attack, attention centers on Arda Güler and Kenan Yıldız, part of a young core expected to define Türkiye’s next era.
They are joined by Kerem Aktürkoğlu, Barış Alper Yılmaz, and Can Uzun, offering depth and versatility across the frontline.
Defensively, the squad features Merih Demiral, Çağlar Söyüncü, and Ferdi Kadıoğlu, providing experience and European pedigree.
Final reality check
Venezuela, ranked outside World Cup qualification, arrives as a physical and compact opponent, known for defensive discipline and counterattacking threat.
The meeting is the first senior clash between the two nations.
For Türkiye, the match offers a final opportunity to refine tactical patterns and manage fitness before travel to the team’s Arizona base camp.
A convincing performance would further fuel belief around a squad many see as one of Türkiye’s most gifted in decades.
After 2002’s breakthrough generation, expectations are rising again, driven by a blend of established European stars and emerging talent.
L’Etape Marmaris by Tour de France will bring one of the world’s most recognized amateur cycling series to the southwestern Turkish coast on June 6-7, 2026, turning the resort district of Marmaris into a two-day showcase of endurance racing, tourism, and international sport.
Organized under the umbrella of the Amaury Sport Organisation, the event is part of the global L’Etape Series, which allows everyday cyclists to experience race conditions modeled on the Tour de France with professional-grade organization, full road closures, timing systems, and race support.
Held in Marmaris, the event marks the second Turkish destination in the series after Istanbul, underscoring the country’s growing profile in international cycling tourism. The race is organized in collaboration with Turkish event partner 78 Event and supported by Marmaris Municipality, with promotion expected across roughly 90 countries.
The weekend action will be centered at 19 Mayıs Gençlik Meydanı in central Marmaris, beginning on Saturday, June 6, with a community-focused public ride. The 6.6-kilometer non-competitive loop starts at 11:00 and is open to all ages and abilities. The flat course winds through central Marmaris streets, designed to encourage participation and promote cycling as a family-friendly activity.
Registration for the public ride is available through hadikaydol.com, with organizers positioning the event as an accessible entry point into the broader cycling weekend.
The main competitive race follows on Sunday, June 7, running from 08:00 to 12:30. Riders will choose between two mountainous routes: a long course of roughly 96.7 to 97 kilometers with up to 2,000 meters of elevation gain, and a shorter 65.8 to 66-kilometer alternative, both classified as demanding mountain profiles.
The routes stretch beyond Marmaris into some of the region’s most scenic and challenging terrain, passing through İçmeler, Turunç, Osmaniye, Bayır, Söğüt, Selimiye, Turgut, Orhaniye, and Hisarönü. The course also features sections near Amos Ancient City, combining steep climbs, technical descents, forest roads, and sweeping Aegean coastal views.
Organizers say the design aims to test endurance and racecraft while highlighting the natural and historical landscape of Muğla’s coastline. Full road closures will be in place during race hours, with authorities urging residents and visitors to plan ahead due to suspended vehicle access along the route.
The event will follow ASO’s international standards, including chip timing, feed zones, medical coverage, mechanical support, and marshaled safety systems. Category-based prizes will be awarded across age groups and genders, with additional sponsor draws expected.
With a participant cap of around 2,500 riders, the Marmaris edition is expected to draw both domestic and international cyclists, adding a significant tourism boost to the region’s hotel, marina, and hospitality sectors.
Spain’s road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup begins in earnest Thursday when the reigning European champions host Iraq in a friendly at Estadio Municipal de Riazor in A Coruña, the first of two final tune-up matches before heading to North America.
Ranked second in the world behind France, Spain arrive at the tournament carrying heightened expectations after a dominant run under coach Luis de la Fuente.
La Roja are among the leading contenders to lift football’s most coveted trophy and are aiming to capture their first World Cup title since their historic triumph in South Africa in 2010.
That success has not been followed by similar achievements on the global stage.
Spain exited in the group phase in 2014 and suffered consecutive round-of-16 eliminations in 2018 and 2022. Yet the current generation appears poised to challenge for the title after winning Euro 2024 and cruising through World Cup qualifying unbeaten with five wins and one draw, finishing ahead of Türkiye, Georgia and Bulgaria.
Consistency has become Spain’s hallmark. Over the last 27 months, De la Fuente’s side have lost just once in 28 international matches across all competitions, posting 22 victories and five draws. Their only setback came in the 2025 UEFA Nations League final, where they fell to Portugal in a penalty shootout.
Thursday’s match also offers Spain one final opportunity to play in front of home supporters before departing for Mexico, where they will face Peru in their last warm-up fixture. Spain are unbeaten in their previous 16 home internationals and will be eager to continue that streak after being held to a scoreless draw by Egypt in March.
For Iraq, the match represents another important step in a remarkable journey back to football’s biggest stage. The Lions of Mesopotamia have qualified for only their second World Cup and their first since 1986, when they lost all three group-stage matches in Mexico.
Their qualification campaign was a lengthy one, requiring them to navigate three AFC qualifying rounds before defeating Bolivia 2-1 in an intercontinental playoff in April to secure a place in the tournament.
Since Australian coach Graham Arnold took charge, Iraq have shown signs of progress, winning nine of their last 14 matches while recording two draws and three defeats. Although they closed 2025 with losses to Algeria and Jordan at the Arab Cup, they responded with victories over Bolivia and Andorra, defeating the latter 1-0 in their most recent outing.
The challenge awaiting Iraq in North America is formidable. They have been drawn into Group I alongside top-ranked France, African powerhouse Senegal and Norway, led by prolific striker Erling Haaland. Iraq will open their campaign against Norway on June 16.
History offers little encouragement. The only previous meeting between Spain and Iraq came at the 2009 Confederations Cup, where Spain secured a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from David Villa. While Thursday’s encounter carries no competitive stakes, Iraq enter as clear underdogs against one of the tournament favorites.
Spain may rotate several key players as De la Fuente manages workloads ahead of the World Cup. Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal remains doubtful with a hamstring issue, while Nico Williams and Mikel Merino are also recovering from injuries.
Goalkeeper David Raya, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Paris Saint-Germain star Fabian Ruiz were involved in last weekend’s Champions League final and could be rested. If so, Unai Simon is expected to start in goal.
Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill, the only uncapped player in the Spanish squad, could make his senior international debut. The 22-year-old is competing for a starting role alongside Pau Cubarsi, Eric Garcia and Aymeric Laporte in central defense.
Captain Rodri is available but is unlikely to play the full match as Spain carefully manages his fitness. Midfielders Gavi and Pedri, along with attacking options Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres, are also expected to feature.
Iraq captain Jalal Hassan could earn his 101st international appearance in goal and may be shielded by a defensive line featuring Hussein Ali, Zaid Tahseen, Akam Hashim and Merchas Doski.
In midfield, former Manchester United prospect Zidane Iqbal is battling for a starting place alongside Amir Al-Ammari, Aimar Sher and Kevin Yakob. Up front, Iraq will look to experienced striker Aymen Hussein, who has scored 33 goals in 93 appearances for his country, with Ipswich Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi expected to provide support.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
The Turkish national team arrived in the United States on Tuesday to start the final phase of its preparations for the 2026 tournament, ending a 24-year absence from football’s biggest stage.
A special charter flight carrying head coach Vincenzo Montella’s squad landed at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida after departing from Istanbul.
Also traveling with the delegation were Turkish Football Federation President Ibrahim Hacıosmanoğlu and members of the federation’s executive board.
The team was welcomed upon arrival by Türkiye’s Ambassador to the United States, Sedat Önal, and Miami Consul General Resul Şahinol before making the short journey to its hotel in the Miami area.
Dozens of Turkish supporters gathered outside the hotel, greeting the players with flags, chants and songs as excitement continued to build ahead of the country’s first World Cup appearance since finishing third at the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan.
Hacıosmanoğlu said the transatlantic trip had gone smoothly as the squad settled into its temporary base in South Florida.
Türkiye will complete its final tune-up for the World Cup with a friendly against Venezuela at Inter Miami’s Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on June 6. The match will serve as Montella’s last opportunity to fine-tune his side before the tournament begins.
Following the Venezuela fixture, the team will relocate to Mesa, Arizona, on June 7, where it will establish its official World Cup base camp at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The sprawling training complex will provide Türkiye with modern facilities, recovery areas and training pitches as the squad prepares for the demands of a tournament spread across North America.
A community event scheduled for June 8 will give local supporters and members of the Turkish-American community an opportunity to meet players and watch portions of training as anticipation continues to grow.
Türkiye enter the World Cup in Group D alongside co-host United States, Australia and Paraguay. The group presents a challenging path, but one many Turkish supporters believe can be navigated by a squad that blends established European stars with one of the country’s most promising generations in years.
Captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler and Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız are expected to lead Türkiye’s bid to reach the knockout rounds under Montella.
The campaign begins against Australia at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on June 14, a match that could prove decisive in shaping the group’s early standings. Türkiye will then face Paraguay before closing the group stage against the United States.
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