Qatar ExxonMobil Open—Doha, Qatar
Rublev ClaimsDoha Title; Andreeva Wins Dubai Crown
Saturday’s action at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha, Qatar saw Russian Andrey Rublev capture his 17th career title, defeating No. 8 seed Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1.
Needing two hours and four minutes to prevail, Rublev hit 10 aces, won 79 percent of his first serve points and broke his British opponent on three occasions.
Winning his first title since the Mutua Madrid Masters last year, Rublev will move up to No. 9 in the rankings on Monday.
Known for his great forehand, Rublev also defeated No. 2 seed Alex de Minuar and inform Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime en-route to the title.
Draper, who was aiming to win his third career title, defeated Matteo Berrettini and Jiri Lehecka to reach the final stage of the event.
The 23-year-old will move to No. 12 when the latest rankings are released. A new career high for the Brit.
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Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships—Dubai, United Arab Emirates
No. 12 seed Mirra Andreeva captured the biggest title of her career at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Saturday, defeating Clara Tauson from Denmark 7-6(1), 6-1.
Andreeva, who is still only 17-years-old, defeated No. 2 Iga Swiatek and No. 6 seed Elena Rybakina earlier in the event.
The Russian, who needed one hour and 46 minutes to win the title on Saturday, hit six aces, won 73 percent of her first serve points and broke her opponent on four occasions.
Andreeva, who will soar into the top 10 with her victory, will be ranked No. 9 on Monday. A new career high.
Tauson, who has started the year off on a great note, won the title in Auckland, New Zealand to star the year and reached the third round of the Australian Open.
The 22-year-old will move up to No. 23 on Monday. She defeated top seed Aryna Sabalenka, No. 14 seed Karolina Muchova, Elina Svitolina and Linda Noskova earlier in the tournament.
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