Qatar Open 2025: Ekaterina Alexandrova stuns Aryna Sabalenka in Round 1, claims one of the biggest wins of her career

Tennis star Ekaterina Alexandrova stunned world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the Qatar Open 2025 in Doha on February 11. The 30-year-old star won the match in thrilling three sets with a scoreline of 3-6, 6-3, 7-5. This marks the Belarusian's first match since her defeat in the 2025 Australian Open final to eventual winner Madison Keys. This game lasted for over two hours and 36 minutes.

Coming to the game dynamics, Aryna Sabalenka looks great and won the first set comfortably and was in the position to mark a straight sets win. Surprisingly, the Russian staged her comeback in the second set to level up the game. The 30-year-old tennis sensation kept her calm in the game and won the decider set to oust Aryna Sabalenka, who was the strong contender to win the title. This win for the Russian was one of the biggest wins of her career. 

Also Read: Qatar Open 2025: Paula Badosa crashes out after straight-sets loss to Amanda Anisimova

Worst loss of Aryna Sabalenka's stellar career!

Ekaterina Alexandrova after beating Aryna Sabalenka in Doha

“She’s a fighter.. I told myself before the match you need to do the maximum you can do. If you lose, at least you tried everything. I’m glad it paid off.” ❤️

pic.twitter.com/HMaXHe2ZXN

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 11, 2025

Alexandrova is currently riding a six-game winning streak. After the game, the star player credited world number one Aryna Sabalenka as a "fighter," saying she told herself to give maximum efforts. The 26-year-old Sabalenka won this tournament in 2020, and in 2022 she suffered defeat against Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals. This loss marks Sabalenka's worst since her second-round exit at the Miami Open 2024.

Ekaterina Alexandrova d. Sabalenka 3-6 6-3 7-6(5) in Doha

WOW

Down 2-4 in set 3

Truly incredible hitting from Drova

The first woman to beat a world #1 after losing the 1st set since 2019

✅4th win over Aryna
✅15th top 10 win
✅2nd win over world #1

The Giant Slayer. 🤍 pic.twitter.com/zKXI2tCUxI

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 11, 2025

“She’s a fighter. I told myself before the match you need to do the maximum you can do. It took a lot of energy and focus. It was difficult to try to keep [my level] the same as her for two and a half hours. I think for a week I was still thinking about that match. If you lose, at least you tried everything. I’m glad it paid off," Ekaterina Alexandrova said after beating Aryna Sabalenka in Doha.

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