Doha has once again reaffirmed its status as a premier tennis destination, hosting back-to-back WTA and ATP tournaments at the iconic Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. The Qatar TotalEnergies Open, which concluded yesterday, saw high-stakes battles between top-ranked players, while the revamped Qatar ExxonMobil Open, now an ATP 500 event, is set to commence today, promising another thrilling week of action with elite stars in the mix. The WTA 1000 event unfolded in dramatic fashion, with world-class players such as Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka, former champion Jelena Ostapenko, and Emma Raducanu delivering exciting matches. The depth of competition was evident, with every round showcasing fierce battles and stunning upsets. However, it was American Amanda Anisimova who stole the spotlight, clinching the first WTA 1000 title of her career with a remarkable victory over Ostapenko in the final. Ranked 41st in the world, Anisimova became the lowest-ranked champion in tournament history and the first American to win in Doha since Monica Seles in 2002. Ostapenko, coming off an impressive win over three-time champion and world number two Swiatek, was unable to handle Anisimova’s relentless ball-striking and precision, which left the Latvian stunned. As the WTA spectacle draws to a close, the ATP Qatar ExxonMobil Open takes center stage, featuring a stellar lineup headlined by Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic, a two-time Doha champion, makes his return to competition following an injury layoff and faces Matteo Berrettini in a highly anticipated opener. Alcaraz, making his debut in Doha as the top seed, will face veteran Marin Cilic, eager to make a statement in his first outing. The revamped ATP 500 event also boasts a power-packed draw. Second seed Alex de Minaur faces Roman Safiullin, while fifth seed Andrey Rublev aims for a deep run. Defending champion Daniil Medvedev, fresh off his triumph in Marseille, meets fellow former winner Karen Khachanov in an early blockbuster. The presence of Stefanos Tsitsipas and Felix Auger-Aliassime only adds to the intrigue, ensuring that Doha’s ATP event starts with an electrifying atmosphere. For decades, the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex has been at the heart of Qatar’s rise as a global tennis hub. Its world-class facilities and seamless tournament organisation continue to attract the sport’s elite, solidifying Doha as a must-visit destination on the tennis calendar. With the WTA and ATP stars delivering top-tier entertainment, Qatar’s commitment to hosting premier sporting events remains unmatched, solidifying its place on the world stage.
