Top seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff stunned in Doha
Early exits shake up the Qatar Open draw as the WTA field proves deeper than ever, with World no. 1 Aryna Sabalenka upset in the round of 32.
The Qatar TotalEnergies Open saw two of its biggest stars crash out early, as Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff suffered surprising defeats in their opening matches. Sabalenka, playing her first match since reaching the Australian Open final, was stunned by 20th-ranked Ekaterina Alexandrova in a tight three-setter, 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5). Gauff, the reigning US Open champion and seeded third, struggled to find rhythm against an aggressive Marta Kostyuk, falling 6-2, 7-5.
Sabalenka’s loss marks an early stumble in her campaign to cement her place at the top of the rankings. While her power game looked sharp at times, Alexandrova’s composure in the final-set tiebreak made the difference. For Gauff, unforced errors and service struggles proved costly as she failed to handle Kostyuk’s relentless pressure.
With both top seeds out, the tournament is now wide open, offering a prime opportunity for contenders like Elena Rybakina and Iga Świątek to capitalize. More broadly, the results reinforce the growing unpredictability on the WTA Tour, where rising players are proving they can challenge the sport’s biggest names on any given day.
Inside the Baseline…
The WTA landscape has never felt more unpredictable. Even the biggest names aren’t safe in the early rounds, and that’s what makes it compelling. Sabalenka’s raw power, Gauff’s athleticism—on paper, both should have had deep runs in Doha. But the margins at the top are razor-thin, and players outside the spotlight are seizing their moments. It’s not just about ranking anymore; it’s about adaptability, handling pressure, and delivering on the day. The days of predictable draws are long gone, and that’s exactly what keeps things interesting.
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