Muguruza survives in first round thriller at Qatar Total Open

The Australian Open finalist overcame Russian qualifier Daria Kasatkina 7-5 5-7 6-3 in just under three hours, after wasting a match point at 5-2 in the second set. Kasatkina, being a former Top 10 player, coupled some brilliant defensive play with elegant shot-making that saw her fight back and claim the second set following some shaky play from Muguruza.

The World No.73 was unable to capitalize on four break points in Muguruza's opening service game. After numerous exchanges of breaks, it was the Spaniard who held her nerve and serve to close out the match with a service winner.

Muguruza next faces Australian Ajla Tomljanovic, who defeated compatriot Priscilla Hon 6-2 6-4 in the first round.

Australian Open quarterfinalist Ons Jabeur finally secured her first career win over Czech Katerina Siniakova after five attempts, cruising past her rival in a 6-3 6-2 victory. Furthermore, the Tunisian earned her first main-draw level win in Doha, and has been having a breakthrough season.

Belgian Elise Mertens brushed past China's Qiang Wang 6-1 6-2, joining two-time Grand Slam champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the second round. The Russian swept past Turkish veteran Cagla Buyukakcay 6-2 6-2 in an hour and 20 minutes.

American teenager Amanda Anisimova defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 7-6(4), as the Russian was unable to overcome the youngster's heavy groundstrokes.

Veronika Kudermetova fought past Australian Open Ladies doubles champion Kristina Mladenovic 7-6(6) 0-6 6-3, while Czech Karolina Muchova had a much easier time, dismissing Magda Linette 6-3 6-1 in 70 minutes.

Former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko battled past Switzerland's Jil Teichmann 7-5 2-6 7-5, and the Latvian is hoping to rediscover the form that saw her defeat reigning Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin at the Fed Cup qualifiers two weeks ago.

German veteran Laura Siegemund defeated Yaroslava Shvedova 6-3 6-2 to advance to the next round, as did Belgian Alison Van Uytvanck, who beat Polona Hercog 6-2 6-2 in 63 minutes. Joining them is American qualifier Bernarda Pera, who defeated France's Carolina Garcia 6-3 6-1 to secure her spot in the second round.

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