Big surprise in Qatar Open: Ekaterina Alexandrova stuns World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in three-set thriller

Ekaterina Alexandrova came from a set down to defeat Aryna Sabalenka in the second round of the Qatar Open, winning 3-6, 6-3, 7-6. The world No. 1 faced a determined opponent and was not at her best in her first appearance since losing the Australian Open final.

Sabalenka had a tough challenge against the world No. 26, who came into the match inspired and on a six-match winning streak after capturing the WTA 250 Linz Open title. In the first round, Alexandrova had avenged her previous loss to Emma Raducanu (6-3, 7-5), proving herself to be a formidable opponent.

The opening set saw both players holding serve confidently until Sabalenka secured the first break in the fourth game, taking a 3-1 lead. Alexandrova pushed for a break of her own, creating several chances, but the three-time Grand Slam champion held firm. After missing a set point at 5-3 on Alexandrova’s serve, Sabalenka returned with determination and closed out the set 6-3 after 51 minutes. The Belarusian was impressive, saving seven break points while converting one of two break chances and winning 93% of points on her first serve.

In the second set, Alexandrova improved her return game, winning 47% of points on Sabalenka’s first serve and 60% on her second. She raced to a 2-0 lead, but the world No. 1 quickly responded, breaking back to level the set. Both players had further chances, but the Linz champion seized control to take the set 6-3 and force a decider.

Sabalenka led twice in the final set, breaking for 2-1 and later extending her lead to 4-2. However, Alexandrova remained composed, breaking back both times to level at 4-4. From there, neither player could find another break, sending the match into a tiebreak. The Russian capitalized on an early lead in the breaker and closed out the victory 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(5).

In the Round of 16, Alexandrova will face Belgium’s Elise Mertens, who has already knocked out Clara Tauson and Cristina Bucsa.