The start of the first WTA 1000 tournament of the year is coming up in the heart of the Middle East, as the players land in Doha for the Qatar Open, to be held between February 9 and 15 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex.
The tournament features as defending champion the American world No. 4, Amanda Anisimova, who showed signs of her extraordinary 2025 season – in which she won two WTA 1000 titles and reached two Grand Slam finals – after an impeccable campaign in Doha, defeating Jelena Ostapenko in the final.
The tournament will also mark the return to the courts of Elena Rybakina, recent Australian Open champion, who has won 19 of her last 20 matches. The Kazakh arrives as world No. 3, having faced in the Melbourne final the world No. 1, Aryna Sabalenka, champion in Doha in 2020 and the first seed on this occasion, who will seek to improve on last year’s campaign, where she was eliminated in her first-round match.
Other notable names join a draw that already includes 13 top-15 players, and a total of 16 within the top 20. Iga Swiatek – semi-finalist in 2025 and three-time champion – will be one of the names to watch, as will the American world No. 4 Coco Gauff, who will have the chance to reclaim the American No. 1 ranking, facing the significant points defense that Anisimova has ahead.
Young talent to watch and big names back in Doha
There are already some confirmed absences for the first WTA 1000 of the year, highlighting world No. 6 Jessica Pegula and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka (No. 15). While Pegula made a calendar decision and will travel directly to Dubai the following week, the Japanese player comes after suffering an abdominal injury that forced her withdrawal during the Australian Open before playing the third round. Other notable absentees include Madison Keys, Iva Jovic, and Marta Kostyuk.
Meanwhile, it will be an opportunity to see other interesting names on the tour, who will seek a chance to start the season well with a strong performance in the first WTA 1000 of the year. Teenagers Mirra Andreeva and Victoria Mboko will be other players to watch, with Mboko making her debut in the tournament, while Andreeva will try to improve on her only previous participation, a year ago, when she lost in the second round.
The return of players we have not seen in big events for some time due to injuries is also expected. Former Olympic gold medalist Zheng Qinwen (No. 25), former Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova (No. 38), and 2025 Roland Garros semi-finalist Lois Boisson (No. 33) will return to the courts in an important event, considering that all of them were absent at the start of the year in the Australian Open.
WTA 1000 Qatar Open ranking points and prize money
| Round | Ranking points | Prize money |
| First round | 10 | $18,300 |
| Second round | 65 | $26,000 |
| Third round | 120 | $49,250 |
| Quarterfinals | 215 | $98,500 |
| Semifinals | 390 | $197,000 |
| Finalist | 650 | $385,001 |
| Champion | 1000 | $665,000 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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