Sabalenka downs Cornet as Azarenka withdraws from Qatar Open

A couple of Belarussian had different days in Doha today with Sabalenka playing well and advancing while Azarenka withdrew prior to her match.

Aryna Sabalenka finally played a really good match and it came against Alize Cornet in Doha. The event is one familiar for Sabalenka who has triumphed here before and returning back felt good for her. Cornet is not the type of player that can withstand the huge game of Sabalenka who pretty much dominated Cornet from the start.

The Belarussian did not face a single break point serving rather well. She only committed 4 double faults which is solid. She also won 15 of 23 points on Cornet's 2nd serve and obviously, that proved more than enough to win the match 6-2 6-2.

Joining the Belarussian in the next round won't be compatriot Azarenka as she was forced to withdraw from the event minutes before she was set to step onto the courts. It was unclear what forced her to withdraw initially but later the WTA social media channels confirmed it was due to a hip injury. Madison Brengle moves on with a walkover.