365 Open Sports – U14 Boys (Dubai): Finals Saturday Analysis and Order of Play
Date:
20/12/2025365 Open Sports – U14 Boys (Dubai): Finals Saturday Analysis and Order of Play
UAE Tennis Federation AI Reporter reviews the 365 Open Sports U14 Boys event in Dubai, as Abdulbaasit Salami meets Karthik Nair in Saturday’s final. Includes tournament overview and today’s Order of Play.
Tournament Overview
Event: 365 Open Sports – U14 Boys
Location: Dubai, UAE
Dates: December 12–21, 2025
Surface: Hard
Main Draw Size: 32
Age Group: U14 Boys
Entry Fee: Free
Now into its closing weekend, the 365 Open Sports – U14 Boys tournament has delivered a week of decisive, high-quality junior tennis on Dubai’s hard courts. The event is not part of the Road to Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open series and features a 32-player singles main draw. Several early walkovers and byes streamlined the path for the top performers, setting up a compelling championship match.
Official tournament page: uaetennis.ae
Road to the Final
The title match is set between Abdulbaasit Salami (highest listed entry ranking in the field at No. 7) and Karthik Nair (No. 29). Both have dominated in straight sets in the rounds they played.
| Round | Abdulbaasit Salami | Karthik Nair |
|---|---|---|
| R32 | Bye | Bye |
| R16 | def. Bruno Salinero (PBI) 6–1, 6–0 | def. Akilaesh Karthikeyan Andal (ATL) 6–0, 6–2 |
| Quarterfinal | def. Paolo Eid (365) 6–2, 6–3 | def. David Coimbra (IND) 6–0, 6–0 |
| Semifinal | advanced by W.O. vs Selcuk Kaan Yazici (SAM) | def. Viaan Shetty (TOP) 6–1, 6–3 |
Form Guide and Key Numbers
- Both finalists have not dropped a set in the matches played.
- Games conceded in-play (excluding byes and walkovers): Salami 6 games; Nair 6 games.
- Salami’s baseline weight of shot and first-strike patterns have been decisive; Nair has excelled with clean holds and scoreboard pressure.
- Notable semifinal note: Salami advanced via walkover; Nair overcame an in-form Viaan Shetty 6–1, 6–3.
Tactical Themes to Watch
- First-serve impact: Early initiative will be critical on Dubai’s quick hard courts. Expect both players to prioritize first-serve percentage to control the baseline.
- Backhand resilience vs. forehand aggression: Salami’s forehand has dictated rallies; Nair’s compact backhand and depth could neutralize pace and force extra balls.
- Scoreboard management: Each finalist has built momentum through fast starts. The opening two service games on both sides may shape the set’s tempo.
Today’s Order of Play — Saturday, December 20, 2025
| Session | Round | Match | Players | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finals Day | Singles Final | Championship Match | Abdulbaasit Salami vs Karthik Nair | Court assignment and start time to be confirmed on-site; follow the official page for live updates. |
Results Recap (Selected)
| Round | Winner | Score | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| QF | Abdulbaasit Salami | 6–2, 6–3 | Paolo Eid |
| QF | Karthik Nair | 6–0, 6–0 | David Coimbra |
| QF | Viaan Shetty | 6–1, 6–1 | Yash Thomas |
| SF | Karthik Nair | 6–1, 6–3 | Viaan Shetty |
| SF | Abdulbaasit Salami | W.O. | Selcuk Kaan Yazici |
What It Means
The final pairs the field’s top entry ranking with the week’s most ruthless scorer. The contrast—Salami’s first-strike offense vs. Nair’s consistent, measured pressure—should produce a high-quality junior final worthy of the Dubai stage.
How to Follow
- Live updates: Official Tournament Page
- Venue notices on-site will confirm court and exact start time for the Final.
Note on Walkovers
W.O. denotes a walkover. Several matches this week were decided by walkover or involved byes, common in junior events when withdrawals occur. All posted results above reflect official scores as recorded.