WTA1000 drama in Dubai: Seeds advance as big-name upsets hit Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships
Former finalists progress amid thrilling Centre Court battles
DUBAI – Seeds and rising stars shared the spotlight on a dramatic day at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, where established contenders advanced but a series of high-profile casualties ensured the WTA1000 event continues to deliver relentless intrigue.
Two former finalists progressed safely into the Round of 32, yet Grand Slam champions and crowd favourites were sent packing in a succession of gripping encounters across the courts at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium.
With 16 of the world’s top 20 players in the draw, the 26th edition of the tournament is already living up to its elite billing.
Late drama
World No. 6 and second seed Amanda Anisimova advanced after receiving a late bye following the withdrawal of Czech player Barbora Krejcikova through injury. That development reshaped the evening schedule, leaving Spain’s Paula Badosa to close Centre Court proceedings in emphatic fashion.
A Dubai resident, Badosa dismantled Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 7-5 in a polished display of controlled aggression. The Spaniard absorbed early pressure before dictating rallies with penetrating groundstrokes, sealing victory in straight sets to book a compelling second-round clash with two-time Dubai champion and seventh seed Elina Svitolina, who lifted the trophy here in 2017 and 2018.
Earlier, last year’s runner-up Clara Tauson launched her latest campaign with authority. The 12th seed overcame 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin 7-6 (4), 6-2 in a contest marked by heavy baseline exchanges and clever net approaches. Tauson edged a fiercely contested first-set tiebreak before raising her intensity as Kenin faded, closing out the second set decisively.
Another former finalist, Anna Kalinskaya, was forced to dig far deeper. Facing 2017 French Open winner Jelena Ostapenko on New Court 1, Kalinskaya recovered from a 2-6 opening set deficit to storm through the next two sets 6-1, 6-4. The Russian, who reached the Dubai final in 2024, demonstrated resilience and tactical clarity to turn the tide in a marathon encounter.
Seeds hold
Ninth seed Belinda Bencic also avoided an early exit, overcoming Spanish debutant Jessica Bouzas Maneiro 2-6, 6-1, 6-2 on Centre Court. The 2019 Dubai champion recalibrated after a sluggish start, simplifying her approach and asserting control through measured baseline consistency.
Bencic now faces 20-year-old Czech Sara Bejlek in the next round, a first-time meeting that promises further unpredictability.
On New Court 1, 18-year-old American Iva Jovic, seeded 16th and ranked World No. 20, delivered a commanding performance to defeat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-1, 1-6, 6-1. Jovic’s fearless ball-striking underlined her growing reputation as one of the tour’s most exciting prospects. She advances to face World No21 Diana Shnaider, who overcame Australia’s Maya Joint.
Shock results
While several seeds progressed, a cluster of headline names fell. Canadian star Leylah Fernandez saw her run halted by Indonesian wildcard Janice Tjen, who prevailed 7-6 (5), 6-4 in sweltering afternoon conditions. Fernandez had recovered from 0-3 down to serve for the first set at 5-4, only to falter at a crucial moment. Tjen seized her opportunity in the tiebreak and maintained composure to close out the match in straight sets.
On Court Two, British former US Open champion Emma Raducanu exited in three sets against Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic. Entering the draw as a Lucky Loser following the withdrawal of Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto due to a right thigh injury, Ruzic capitalised fully.
Ruzic claimed the opening set 6-1 inside 30 minutes, before Raducanu rallied to take the second 7-5. The decisive third set swung dramatically after the Briton built a 2-0 lead; Ruzic responded by targeting Raducanu’s backhand and reeling off six consecutive games to secure a 6-2 finish. The World No67 now meets another Lucky Loser, Anastasia Zakharova, in the Round of 32.
Blockbuster Tuesday
Attention now turns to a heavyweight schedule as the tournament accelerates into the Round of 32. Australian Open champion and top seed Elena Rybakina is set to face Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell at 7pm on Centre Court.
Earlier in the day, World No4 and third seed Coco Gauff meets Kalinskaya in what promises to be one of the tournament’s standout encounters. The winner will strengthen her credentials in a draw already destabilised by surprise exits.
Completing the Centre Court line-up is Filipino star Alexandra Eala, ranked World No40, who faces sixth seed Jasmine Paolini in the evening’s final match.
The WTA1000 event runs from February 15 to 21 and features 33 of the world’s top 40 players. Owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free, the championships are held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The women’s tournament will be followed by the emirate’s ATP 500 men’s event from February 23 to 28. Tickets for the ongoing championships are available from Dh65.