Muguruza sets up Sabalenka clash with opening round win at Qatar Open

Former World No.1 Garbine Muguruza required an hour and 45 minutes to stave off the challenge from Veronika Kudermetova, as the duo battled it out during their first round encounter at the 2021 Qatar Open.

The Spaniard reached the final in 2018, losing to Czech Petra Kvitova in a tight three-set affair. Nonetheless, Muguruza has been having an outstanding season, falling only to players ranked inside the Top 30 this season.

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Although the two-time Grand Slam champion dominated in the first set against Kudermetova, the Russian fought back in the second set, preventing Muguruza from serving out the match at 5-4 and 6-5. It came down to a tiebreak, with the Spaniard prevailing 6-2 7-6(4) to advance to the second round.

"Veronika was a very tough opponent," Muguruza said after the match. "Just happy with this win. We played a year ago, and I remember it was a tough match. Happy to have closed it in two sets."

The 2017 Wimbledon champion will square off against third seed and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who was riding a 15-match winning streak prior to the Australian Open.

"I think Sabalenka is playing great," Muguruza said. "Last year and this year I saw she's winning titles and playing good tennis. I'm excited to face these top players."

Click here for lives scores and results from the Qatar Open.