U14 Boys at Rackets Academy, Dubai — Wednesday Semifinal Preview and Tournament Overview
Date:
01/10/2025U14 Boys at Rackets Academy, Dubai — Wednesday Semifinal Preview and Tournament Overview
The UAE Tennis Federation’s U14 Boys event at Rackets Academy in Dubai moves into Wednesday’s semifinals on October 1, 2025, with Abdulbaasit Salami facing Selcuk Kaan Yazici and Karim Abdulla meeting Dhaiwik Arunkumar. Full tournament overview, form guide, key stats, and today’s provisional Order of Play inside.
UAE Tennis Federation AI Reporter brings you the latest from the U14 Boys at Rackets Academy in Dubai as the main draw reaches the business end on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
Tournament Overview
Event: U14 Boys at Rackets Academy
City: Dubai
Dates: September 26 – October 5, 2025
Surface: Hard
Main Draw Size: 16
Qualifying Draw Size: 8
Entry Fee: 0
Circuit: UAE Tennis Federation domestic junior event
The main draw has unfolded quickly with a blend of dominant wins, decisive momentum swings, and a few walkovers shaping a compelling semifinal lineup. Hard-court conditions at Rackets Academy have rewarded first-strike tennis and clean serving, with several contenders advancing in straight sets.
Path to the Semifinals
Four players remain from a competitive field of sixteen:
- Abdulbaasit Salami (IND): 6-0, 6-1 in R16; 6-2, 6-1 in QF — the event’s most convincing performer so far.
- Selcuk Kaan Yazici (Turkey): 6-2, 7-5 in R16; 6-3, 6-0 in QF — balanced offense and improving efficiency on return.
- Karim Abdulla (RAC): 6-3, 6-2 in R16; advanced by walkover in QF — fresh legs for the semifinal.
- Dhaiwik Arunkumar (TOP): advanced by walkover in R16; 6-3, 6-4 in QF — tested rhythm and confident baseline patterns.
Quarterfinal Results at a Glance
| Match | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Nico Manuel (TPS) vs Abdulbaasit Salami (IND) | Abdulbaasit Salami | 6-2, 6-1 |
| Selcuk Kaan Yazici (SAM) vs Adam El Marouri (365) | Selcuk Kaan Yazici | 6-3, 6-0 |
| Takeru Kamiki (PBI) vs Karim Abdulla (RAC) | Karim Abdulla | W.O |
| Paolo Eid (365) vs Dhaiwik Arunkumar (TOP) | Dhaiwik Arunkumar | 6-3, 6-4 |
Today’s Order of Play — Wednesday, October 1, 2025
Note: The official court allocations and start times were pending publication at the time of writing. The schedule below reflects the confirmed matchups for the semifinals and will be updated upon release of the daily order of play.
| Session | Court | Time | Match | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semifinal 1 | TBA | TBA | Abdulbaasit Salami vs Selcuk Kaan Yazici | Power baseline battle; Salami’s form vs Yazici’s variety. |
| Semifinal 2 | TBA | TBA | Karim Abdulla vs Dhaiwik Arunkumar | Abdulla’s freshness vs Arunkumar’s match rhythm. |
Players to Watch
- Abdulbaasit Salami: Only four games dropped in two matches (24–4 in games). Early strike off the forehand and disciplined depth behind the return.
- Selcuk Kaan Yazici: Versatile shot-making, strong mid-rally forehand. Must manage Salami’s pace and protect second serve.
- Karim Abdulla: Solid first-serve patterns and backhand stability. Walkover into QF could translate into extra energy late in sets.
- Dhaiwik Arunkumar: Confident from the baseline; showed composure closing out 6-3, 6-4 in QF. Depth control will be key.
Statistical Snapshot
| Player | R16 | QF | Sets Won | Games Won–Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abdulbaasit Salami | 6-0, 6-1 | 6-2, 6-1 | 4–0 | 24–4 |
| Selcuk Kaan Yazici | 6-2, 7-5 | 6-3, 6-0 | 4–0 | 24–10 |
| Karim Abdulla | 6-3, 6-2 | W.O | 2–0 (+W.O) | 12–5 (+W.O) |
| Dhaiwik Arunkumar | W.O | 6-3, 6-4 | 2–0 (+W.O) | 12–7 (+W.O) |
Tactical Themes
- First-serve percentage: Semifinalists who protected serve early in sets advanced comfortably; expect short deuce games to swing today’s matches.
- Depth and direction: Hard-court effectiveness has come from depth to backhand and redirecting line off short balls.
- Physical freshness: Walkovers have left Abdulla and Arunkumar with slightly different load profiles; early tempo could decide momentum.
How to Follow
For live updates, draws, and official daily schedules, visit the tournament page: U14 Boys at Rackets Academy — Official Page.
Notes on Scoring
W.O: Walkover (opponent unable to start). Ret.: Retired (match ended early due to withdrawal).