Anisimova Claims First WTA 1000 Title, Defeats Ostapenko in Doha

Amanda Anisimova won her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open by defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-3, in a final that faced rain interruptions. This victory marks Anisimova's third career title and the first for an American in Doha since Monica Seles in 2002. The match showcased Anisimova's resilience, as she overcame Ostapenko's powerful gameplay and managed to capitalize on her opponent's errors, including ten double faults. Anisimova's triumph is especially notable as she was ranked 41st, making her the lowest-ranked player to win the tournament. The win also signifies a remarkable comeback for Anisimova, who had faced challenges in the past few years, including a drop to 359th in rankings due to burnout. With this title, she is projected to rise to 18th in the world rankings, underscoring a promising season ahead.