Semifinal Thursday at the 3rd Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy BU14 in Dubai

Tournament Overview

Event: 3rd Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy BU14 (Boys 14s)

City: Dubai | Dates: April 17–26, 2026 | Surface: Hard | Official Ball: Wilson

Entry Fee: AED 125 | Sanctioning: UAE Tennis Federation

The field has whittled down from 32 to four, and Thursday ushers in Semifinal Day. The hard courts in Dubai have rewarded first-strike tennis, with several deciding match tie-breaks shaping the bracket. With the final set for this weekend, today’s winners book their place in Sunday’s showpiece.

Progress to the Semifinals

Four players remain after composed quarterfinal performances and a handful of deciding tie-breaks earlier in the week:

• Nico Manuel (TPS, UAE entry ranking #12) survived a stern test against Haris Ashour (#3) in the quarters, rallying 6-7(4), 6-3, [10-6].
• Yahia Karkouri (SMA, #13) has not dropped a set and has conceded just seven games across the Round of 16 and quarterfinals combined.
• Yezid Baccouche (IND, #46) has been clinical, winning six straight sets and navigating pressure moments with measured aggression.
• Ivan Shitikov (RAC, #7) edged two tight sets in the quarterfinals, 7-5, 7-5, displaying reliable baseline depth and poise on big points.

Key Quarterfinal Results

• Nico Manuel def. Haris Ashour 6-7(4), 6-3, [10-6]
• Yahia Karkouri def. Madhav Bansal 6-3, 6-2
• Yezid Baccouche def. Langdi Cao 6-4, 6-2
• Ivan Shitikov def. Armaan Kedia 7-5, 7-5

Notably, the quarterfinal featuring Manuel and Ashour underscored a recurring theme this week: several matches have been decided by a 10-point match tie-break, as permitted in earlier rounds.

Form Guide and Storylines

• Momentum meters: Karkouri and Baccouche enter unbeaten in sets; Manuel brings confidence from a comeback win; Shitikov’s tight-set composure looms large.
• Return pressure: Karkouri’s ability to neutralize first serves quickly has produced short points and scoreboard pressure.
• Big-point execution: Manuel and Shitikov both posted clutch finishes; whoever controls the forehand at 30-all moments likely advances.
• Format watch: Earlier rounds employed a 10-point match tie-break in lieu of a full third set; players who manage momentum swings will benefit if today follows the same pattern.

Path to the Semifinals

1. Nico Manuel (TPS)
   • R32: Bye
   • R16: def. Amirali Farzanrad 6-3, 6-3
   • QF: def. Haris Ashour 6-7(4), 6-3, [10-6]
2. Yahia Karkouri (SMA)
   • R32: Bye
   • R16: def. Akachukwu Uzokwe 6-2, 6-0
   • QF: def. Madhav Bansal 6-3, 6-2
3. Yezid Baccouche (IND)
   • R32: def. Karim Abdulla 6-1, 6-2
   • R16: def. Nabil El Tawil 6-1, 6-2
   • QF: def. Langdi Cao 6-4, 6-2
4. Ivan Shitikov (RAC)
   • R32: Bye
   • R16: def. Gleb Galenka 6-0, 6-3
   • QF: def. Armaan Kedia 7-5, 7-5

By the Numbers

• Karkouri’s stingy defense: 7 games conceded in 4 sets (1.75 per set) since the Round of 16.
• Baccouche’s balance: 12 games conceded in 6 sets (2.0 per set) across R32–QF.
• Shitikov’s resilience: 13 games conceded in 4 sets (3.25 per set), but 100% conversion in deuce games late in sets on Wednesday.
• Deciders matter: Multiple matches this week have hinged on a 10-point match tie-break, rewarding players able to front-run early in the breaker.

Today’s Order of Play — Thursday, April 23, 2026

Subject to on-site referee confirmation. Times and courts to be announced on site.

Note: If a deciding set is required, earlier rounds have utilized a 10-point match tie-break; final confirmation will be posted courtside.

How to Follow

Live updates, draws, and official communications are available on the tournament page: UAE Tennis — 3rd Ons Jabeur Tennis Academy BU14.

UAE Tennis Federation wishes all players the very best for Semifinal Thursday. See you courtside in Dubai.