The Belarusian was thwarted by Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova 3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7-5). Read more at straitstimes.com.

Moments ago, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka got knocked out of the first round of the Qatar Open (called the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 or Doha Open). Ekaterina Alexandrova defeated Sabalenka in a hard-fought,

Sabalenka was back competing at the Qatar Open for the first time since 2022, having won the 2020 title in what is the first WTA 1000 event of the season. Alexandrova's reward was a last-16 date with Belgian Elise Mertens.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open with a 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-4 victory over Linda Noskova.

Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek scrapped her way past Czech youngster Linda Noskova on Wednesday to set up a quarter-final with last year's runner-up Elena Rybakina. Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 -- ending a run of 25 won in a row -- but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7),