U12 Boys Rackets Academy, Dubai — Final Set for Monday
Date:
16/02/2026U12 Boys Rackets Academy, Dubai — Final Set for Monday
Comprehensive UAE Tennis Federation analysis of the U12 Boys Rackets Academy event in Dubai, highlighting dominant semifinal runs and the headline final between Rayan Fassi-Fihri and Rafael Jurado, plus Monday, February 16, 2026 Order of Play.
Tournament Overview
Event: U12 Boys Rackets Academy (UAE Tennis Federation)
City: Dubai
Dates: February 13–22, 2026
Surface: Hard
Main Draw Size: 16 | Qualifying: 8
Format notes: Earlier rounds have featured deciding match tie-breaks in lieu of a full third set where required.
Official page: Tournament Centre
Dubai’s junior hard courts have rewarded first‑strike tennis and disciplined baseline patterns this week. Two form players have separated from the pack and booked a marquee final: Rayan Fassi-Fihri (rank 11) and Rafael Jurado (rank 20).
Path to the Final
Rayan Fassi-Fihri
- R16: def. Louis Matthew 6-0, 6-2
- QF: def. Zakaria Sassi 6-3, 6-0
- SF: def. George Kozovoy 6-1, 6-4
Games lost en route: 10 across three matches — a blend of clean first sets and composed second‑set closures.
Rafael Jurado
- R16: def. Arthur Moorfield 6-0, 6-0
- QF: def. Matteo Bessone 6-0, 6-0
- SF: def. Gleb Galenka 6-0, 6-0
Games lost en route: 0 — three consecutive double bagels underscore elite return pressure and relentless depth.
Round-by-Round Snapshot
| Player | R16 | Quarterfinal | Semifinal | Games Lost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rayan Fassi-Fihri | 6-0, 6-2 | 6-3, 6-0 | 6-1, 6-4 | 10 |
| Rafael Jurado | 6-0, 6-0 | 6-0, 6-0 | 6-0, 6-0 | 0 |
Key Storylines
- Immovable object vs irresistible force: Jurado has not conceded a game all tournament, while Fassi-Fihri has dictated with consistent plus‑one execution.
- Momentum management: Fassi-Fihri’s toughest stage was the opening half of sets in the semifinal, yet he closed with high‑percentage patterns under pressure.
- Return dominance: Jurado’s scorelines suggest early leads in return games and minimal free points; expect Fassi-Fihri to prioritize first‑serve locations and forehand first balls.
Notable Battles Earlier This Week
The tightest quarterfinal saw George Kozovoy edge Edwin Taraldsson 2-6, 6-4, 10-8 in a deciding match tie-break — a momentum swing that highlighted mid-match adjustments and improved depth on second‑serve returns.
Monday, February 16, 2026 — Order of Play
Note: The official Order of Play for Monday has not been published at the time of reporting. The schedule below reflects the expected headline match and is subject to confirmation on the Tournament Centre.
| Court | Time | Round | Match |
|---|---|---|---|
| Court 1 | TBA | Final | Rayan Fassi-Fihri vs Rafael Jurado |
| Courts 2–4 | TBA | Practice / TBA | To be announced by the referee |
For live updates and the confirmed Order of Play, visit the Tournament Centre.
Tactical Lens for the Final
- First‑serve efficiency: Fassi-Fihri must protect serve to disrupt Jurado’s return rhythm.
- Neutral ball tolerance: Jurado’s depth has erased time; Fassi-Fihri’s early strike patterns will need clear direction and margin.
- Scoreboard pressure: Given Jurado’s front‑running this week, early holds and looks at return games for Fassi-Fihri are pivotal.
What to Watch
- How quickly Jurado converts return games in the opening two returns of each set.
- Whether Fassi-Fihri’s forehand patterns can produce short mid‑court balls without over‑pressing.
- Break‑point conversion on both sides, a likely decider in otherwise tight exchanges.
UAE Tennis Federation — AI Reporter
Coverage prepared on Monday, February 16, 2026. All match times are subject to change. Please check the official page for updates.