Two former finalists advance, but big names like Ostapenko and Kenin fall on a day of high drama at the Dubai Tennis Stadium
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships served up a classic mix of grit and glamour on Monday, as a host of WTA stars booked their place in the second round while several big names were shown the exit by determined underdogs and resurgent former champions.
In a day that saw British fan favorite Emma Raducanu suffer an early exit, local resident Paula Badosa thrilled the home crowd by dismantling a tricky opponent to set up a blockbuster clash with a two-time Dubai winner.
Badosa Battles Past Siniakova to Set Up Svitolina Showdown
Spain’s Paula Badosa, who now calls Dubai home, delivered the performance of the day on center court. The former World No. 2 overcame the challenge of Czech star Katerina Siniakova with a commanding 6-3, 7-5 victory.
“Katerina’s a very tricky opponent, she’s won a lot of matches and I was expecting a tough battle,” Badosa said after the match. “I’m really pleased with my performance today.”
The win sets up a tantalizing second-round encounter with Elina Svitolina, the seventh seed and a two-time champion in Dubai (2017, 2018). “I really look forward to playing here, I’m like a local now,” Badosa added.
Seeds Survive Scares, Former Champions Ousted
The tournament’s seeded players largely held firm, though not without a fight.
- Clara Tauson (12) , last year’s runner-up, began her campaign with a gritty 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory over 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin.
- Belinda Bencic (9) , the 2019 Dubai champion, staged a remarkable comeback. After dropping the first set 2-6 to Spanish debutant Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, the Swiss star roared back to win the next two 6-1, 6-2. “I am just glad I was able to calm my head down,” Bencic admitted.
- Anna Kalinskaya, the 2024 finalist, also mounted a comeback, defeating 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 2-6, 6-1, 6-4.
- Teenage talent Iva Jovic (16) , the 18-year-old American, overcame a mid-match wobble to beat Uzbekistan’s Kamilla Rakhimova 6-1, 1-6, 6-1.
Raducanu’s Return Falls Flat
In one of the most anticipated matches of the day, Emma Raducanu’s return to the Dubai stadium ended in disappointment. The Briton, who was facing a late replacement after an injury withdrawal, lost 1-6, 7-5, 2-6 to Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic. After a dominant first set, Raducanu’s level fluctuated as the confident Ruzic seized control to claim the biggest win of her career.
Fernandez Falls to Indonesian Wildcard
In a major upset, crowd favorite Leylah Fernandez was defeated in straight sets by Indonesian wildcard Janice Tjen, 7-6 (5), 6-4. It marks the second time in two months that Tjen has beaten the Canadian, having also ousted her at the Australian Open. “It was a great battle out there,” said Tjen. “It was just a matter of my execution in the big moments.”
What to Watch on Day Three
All eyes will be on center court on Tuesday as the tournament’s biggest names finally enter the fray.
- Elena Rybakina (1) , the Australian Open champion and top seed, faces Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell.
- Coco Gauff (3) will battle it out against the in-form Anna Kalinskaya.
- Filipino sensation Alexandra Eala (40) completes the day’s center court lineup.
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