Amanda Anisimova secured the biggest title of her career on Saturday, defeating Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-3 in a rain-interrupted Qatar Open final to claim her maiden WTA 1000 crown.
Ranked 41st in the world, Anisimova became the lowest-ranked champion in tournament history and the first American to lift the Doha trophy since Monica Seles in 2002.
Ostapenko entered the final on a high after stunning world No. 2 and three-time champion Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. However, Anisimova turned the tables on the Latvian with a display of powerful ball-striking and clinical shot-making.
Aggressive Baseline Battle
In a rare WTA 1000 final featuring two players ranked outside the top 30, both Anisimova and Ostapenko engaged in heavy-hitting exchanges from the baseline, relying on the aggressive playing style that propelled them into the championship match.
The 23-year-old American took early control of the contest, breaking Ostapenko’s serve twice in the opening set and sealing the lead in just 37 minutes. It was the first set Ostapenko dropped all week, with five costly double faults hampering her performance.
Anisimova looked poised for a comfortable victory when she broke for a 2-1 lead in the second set, but Ostapenko responded immediately to level the score.
Rain Delay and Strong Finish
Play was suspended for nearly 25 minutes due to rain with Ostapenko serving at 3-3, 40-40. Upon resumption, Anisimova wasted no time, breaking serve and maintaining her aggressive approach to close out the match in one hour and 21 minutes.
With the victory, Anisimova adds her name to the prestigious list of Qatar Open champions and marks a significant milestone in her comeback to the sport.
