Amanda Anisimova (No. 40) eliminated former world No. 1 Victoria Azarenka (No. 30) in the first round of the Qatar Open, winning 6-3, 7-5 and deepening the Belarusian’s rough start to the season, with three consecutive losses in 2025.

The American has also faced physical struggles this year but looked sharp in her debut in Qatar. The match was already seen as one of the most exciting first-round clashes, and the stars delivered.

In the first set, Anisimova was the first to secure a break, moving ahead 3-1. However, Azarenka quickly broke back. Anisimova responded immediately with another break, capitalizing on Azarenka’s low 45% first-serve percentage.

Meanwhile, Anisimova remained solid on serve, winning 77% of her first-serve points and not allowing many opportunities. She maintained control and wrapped up the set 6-3 in just 38 minutes.

The second set started similarly, with Anisimova securing an early break in a marathon first game that lasted 18 points. Although she seemed on track for a straightforward victory, Azarenka fought back with a break in the eighth game to level at 4-4. A tiebreak seemed likely, but Anisimova broke once more to seal the match 6-3, 7-5.

In the second round, she will face the winner of the match between Katerina Siniakova and ninth seed Paula Badosa, who will play tomorrow.