Things are pretty much hotting up ahead of the Qatar Total Open 2021 as more stars are arriving with the latest being the defending champion and World No. 8 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus who touched down at the Hamad International Airport in the early hours of Friday.
Sabalenka was welcomed on arrival by top Qatar Tennis Federation (QTF) officials before proceeding with the necessary health and safety protocols for the WTA Tour Premier 5 tournament.
“I’m happy to be here once again, and I look forward to a wonderful tournament. It’s always been a pleasure coming to Doha,” the 22-year-old Belarusian said.
Sabalenka had out-served and out-hit former champion Petra Kvitova in straight sets 6-3, 6-3 to clinch her maiden title in Doha at last year’s event. She blasted past the world No.11 from the Czech Republic in one hour and 14 minutes to claim her sixth career title and the first to be won at any tournament outside of China.
Sabalenka paired with Elise Mertens to capture the doubles event of this year’s Australian Open after defeating Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova in straight sets 6-2, 6-3 in the final.
Last month, she won her third straight tour title and 15th consecutive match by beating Veronika Kudermetova 6-2, 6-2 in the Abu Dhabi Open final. She also won indoor tournaments in Ostrava and Linz at the end of last season.
“We are glad to have the defending champion Aryna Sabalenka joining us at this year’s tournament again. We are happy to welcome her to Doha – the home of tennis and great hospitality. We have no doubt she, and all the other players, will have a wonderful stay and enjoy themselves as they compete in this week of exciting tennis,” Tournament Director Saad Al Mohannadi said.
The main events of the Qatar Total Open 2021 start on Monday, March 1 and will be held until March 6 at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex in Doha.
February 26, 2021
