Jasmine Paolini put up a strong fight until the very end in the most important match of her career. Despite being behind for most of the time on the court against Anna Kalinskaya, she managed to turn the game around and win 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 in a thrilling fashion, earning the unexpected title of champion at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
In recent years, Paolini’s rankings have been steadily increasing as she has developed her skills and tactics to dominate her opponents, particularly with her powerful forehand. Her victory at the WTA 1000 event, which is her second title to date, has propelled her to a career-high rank of No 14 from her previous No 26, marking the biggest achievement of her career so far.
This marks the first instance in WTA’s history where the Dubai and Doha women’s events are classified as 1000 level tournaments. The WTA had intended for this change to encourage more matchups between the top players. However, the Dubai Tennis Championships of this year has witnessed a remarkable and unexpected run for the significant title.
Paolini secured her spot in the final match by defeating both Maria Sakkari, the eighth seed, and Beatriz Haddad Maia, the 11th seed. Kalinskaya, a 25-year-old qualifier ranked 40th, had an impressive journey to the final, defeating Jelena Ostapenko (ranked 9th), Coco Gauff (ranked 3rd), and Iga Swiatek (ranked 1st) in consecutive matches. Throughout the week, the Russian player consistently aimed to hit the ball early and dominate the baseline, allowing her to take a 6-4, 3-1 set and break lead.
Paolini, a determined baseliner known for her powerful topspin forehand and strong determination, never gave up despite facing tough challenges. Despite Kalinskaya gaining control and holding a 5-3 lead in the third set, Paolini kept her cool and composure. As Kalinskaya struggled under the pressure and made a series of mistakes, Paolini’s mental toughness paid off as she won the final four games and claimed victory.
Karen Khachanov managed to overcome a tough battle against 18-year-old Jakub Mensik to claim his sixth ATP title at the Qatar Open. He sealed the victory with a 7-6 (12), 6-4 win.
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Before the ATP 250 tournament in Doha, Mensik had never beaten a player ranked within the top 50. However, in just one week, he managed to defeat Alejandro Davidovich Fokina (ranked No. 24), Andy Murray (No. 50), and Andrey Rublev (No. 5), before ultimately defeating Gaël Monfils to reach the final. Throughout the tournament, Mensik has demonstrated his intelligence on the court and his ability to play well from all areas. It’s clear that he possesses all the necessary skills to continue climbing up the rankings.
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However, it was Khachanov’s expertise and dominant serving during crucial moments that ultimately led to his victory in a lengthy first set. Both players had four chances to win the set, but Khachanov narrowly secured it in the tiebreak. Building off of his first set win, the 27-year-old Russian continued to play strongly, earning an early break and ultimately winning in straight sets.
