DOHA – The 2025 Qatar TotalEnergies Open kicked off this week, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated events on the women's tennis calendar. Taking place from February 9 to February 15, the tournament attracts some of the top players from around the globe, including World No. 2 Iga Swiatek and fan-favorite Ons Jabeur.
Jabeur, the highest-rated Arab woman in tennis history, expressed how special the Qatar Open is to her, both personally and professionally. The Tunisian star reflected on her early career at the event, recalling the significance it held when she received her first wildcard to play there as a teenager. "The motivation to do well at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open 2025 transcends accolades or the points on offer," Jabeur said during a press conference. "It is very important for me to play well here and inspire the younger generation from my country and from the Arab countries."
Over the years, Jabeur has become not just a top player, but also a role model for aspiring athletes. The tournament marks her comeback after battling injuries, which affected her performance last season. "I feel they love me for the person before the player," she stated, reinforcing her connection with the Qatari crowd and her desire to perform well. Jabeur, currently ranked 35th, is aiming to improve on her previous results, which include two quarterfinal finishes over her seven appearances at the event.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek, fresh off her three consecutive titles at the Qatar Open, is also under the spotlight. The Polish star aims to defend her title and make history as the first player to win the competition four times. "The Qatar Open is really important for me. It's always been one of my favorite tournaments," Swiatek mentioned before stepping onto the court.
On the opening day of matches, multiple nail-biting encounters showcased the intense competition expected throughout the week. Mirra Andreeva, just 17, displayed her resilience by coming back from being down 6-4, 3-2 to clinch her first-round victory. With the crowd buzzing, Andreeva fought hard, converting key break points and serving with composure during the final set. Her performance not only highlights her potential but also adds excitement to the tournament as she improves to 7-2 on the year.
Ekaterina Alexandrova made headlines by eliminating former US Open champion Emma Raducanu, showcasing her formidable skills. With the match lasting 1 hour and 42 minutes, Alexandrova came back from losing the first few games to secure the win, much to the disappointment of Raducanu's fans. This early upset only adds to the sense of unpredictability at the Qatar Open.
Another match to note was the one between Sofia Kenin and Ashlyn Krueger, where Kenin won 6-4, 6-4 to advance to the next round. Kenin, currently ranked 73rd, is determined to regain her former competitiveness and will next face American qualifier Alycia Parks, intensifying the stakes as the tournament progresses.
The Qatar TotalEnergies Open has become more than just a series of matches; it serves as both inspiration and aspiration for women’s tennis, especially within the Middle East. For fans and players alike, the opportunity to witness top-tier athletes compete on home soil fosters growth within the sport, on and off the court. The event's increasing prestige is mirrored by the growing visibility of tennis across the region.
Following each day's thrilling encounters, players head to practice courts, balancing rigorous training with their schedules of matches. The busy calendar keeps them on their toes, and for some, like Jabeur, it's not just about the tennis. She has emphasized the importance of mental health for athletes, believing it's just as integral to success. "Yes, we do practice and play a lot. Injuries are basically our bodies asking for help. It’s important to take care of your mental health," Jabeur said, advocating for greater awareness within sports.
Overall, the Qatar TotalEnergies Open stands as a beacon of talent and tenacity, showcasing the best of women’s tennis as they strive for glory. With elite athletes battling it out and the promise of more thrilling matches to come, fans are eagerly anticipating the outcome of this prestigious tournament.
With the competition set to intensify over the coming days, players are gearing up for their next challenges, each match pivotal to their ambitions. The winner's title may just be the cherry on top of the rich legacy the tournament aims to build within women's sports, especially for athletes like Jabeur, who see it as far more than just another tournament.