Former champions and top seeds survive scares on an action-packed opening day, while Grand Slam winners Ostapenko and Kenin suffer shock defeats.
The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships lived up to its reputation for unpredictability on Monday, as a host of WTA stars navigated tricky opening-round encounters while several big names, including British favorite Emma Raducanu, were sent crashing out.
On a day where seeds largely held firm but offered no guarantees, local resident Paula Badosa delivered a statement win, Belinda Bencic mounted a vintage comeback, and an Indonesian wildcard continued her unlikely dominance over a crowd favorite.
Badosa Books Svitolina Clash with Dominant Display
Spain’s Paula Badosa, who now trains in Dubai, produced the most polished performance of the day on center court. The former World No. 2 dismantled the Czech Republic’s Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 7-5, showcasing the aggressive baseline game that once took her to the top of the game.
The victory sets up a tantalizing second-round meeting with Elina Svitolina, the seventh seed and a two-time champion in Dubai (2017, 2018).
“Katerina’s a very tricky opponent… I was expecting a tough battle,” Badosa said. “I’m really pleased with my performance today. I tried to stay in there as she increased her level, it was very intense. I really look forward to playing here, I’m like a local now.”
Comeback Kings: Bencic and Kalinskaya Rally
The theme of resilience was strong among the day’s winners.
- Belinda Bencic (9) , the 2019 Dubai champion, looked down and out after losing the first set 2-6 to Spanish debutant Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. However, the Swiss star flipped a switch, dropping just three games in the final two sets to win 2-6, 6-1, 6-2. “I am just glad I was able to calm my head down a little bit and try and play a very simple game,” Bencic admitted.
- Anna Kalinskaya, the 2024 runner-up, also found herself in an early hole against 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko. After dropping the opener 2-6, Kalinskaya stormed back to take the next two sets 6-1, 6-4, eliminating the former Grand Slam winner.
Seeds Progress, Teen Shines
Other seeded players advanced with fewer scares. Clara Tauson (12) , last year’s finalist, overcame a spirited challenge from 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, winning 7-6 (4), 6-2. Meanwhile, 18-year-old American Iva Jovic (16) showed maturity beyond her years, recovering from a second-set blip to defeat Kamilla Rakhimova 6-1, 1-6, 6-1.
Raducanu’s Return Ends in Defeat; Tjen Stuns Fernandez Again
However, not all storylines were positive for the tournament’s stars.
Emma Raducanu’s much-anticipated return to the Dubai stadium courts ended in disappointment. The Briton, who was facing a late replacement, lost 1-6, 7-5, 2-6 to Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic. After a flawless first set, Raducanu’s level dipped as the confident Ruzic grew into the match to claim the biggest win of her career.
In another major upset, crowd favorite Leylah Fernandez was defeated in straight sets by Indonesian wildcard Janice Tjen, 7-6 (5), 6-4. Remarkably, it marks the second consecutive Grand Slam where 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. We know each other pretty well at this point… today I was able to [stay aggressive], and I’m happy.”
Day Three: Rybakina and Gauff Enter the Fray
The tournament’s biggest names finally take to the court on Tuesday.
- Elena Rybakina (1) , the Australian Open champion and top seed, opens play against Australian qualifier Kimberly Birrell.
- Coco Gauff (3) faces the dangerous Anna Kalinskaya in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter.
- Filipino star Alexandra Eala (40) rounds out the center court action against sixth seed Jasmine Paolini.
