Former world number 21 Amanda Anisimova beat Jelena Ostapenko 6-4 6-3 after 1 hour and 21 minutes to win the biggest WTA title of her career at the WTA 1000 Qatar Total Energies Open.
Anisimova and Ostapenko played the first Doha final between two players ranked outside the world number 20.
Anisimova reached her first career WTA 1000 final last summer in Toronto.
Anisimova, who is currently world number 41, could make her debut in the top 20. She has clinched her third WTA title since Melbourne Summer Set 2 in 2022. She has become the first US player to win the Doha title since Monica Seles in 2022.
Anisimova broke serve in the first game to take a 3-2 lead. Ostapenko drew level to 3-3 in the sixth game. Anisimova earned her second break in the ninth game to take a 5-4 lead with a backhand return winner. The US player served out the first set with a forehand on her first set point. Anisimova hit 10 winners Ostapenko’s nine in the first set. Ostapenko made 19 unforced errors, including five double faults.
Anisimova broke serve at love in the third game to take a 2-1 lead. Ostapenko broke straight back in the fourth game to draw level to 2-2. Both players were evenly matched until a 20-minute rain delay at 3-3 deuce. Anisimova reeled off the final three games with two breaks to win the second set 6-3. The US player claimed the biggest title of her career.“It feels amazing. It’s been such an incredible week here. I think every match has been very tough. I am super happy with my performances and my level here, and to be able to get my first WTA 1000 title is really special to me”, said Anisimova.
