25 February 2020

Amanda Anisimova stuns Elina Svitolina to reach second round at Qatar Open

American Amanda Anisimova produced a brilliant display to upset world No. 4 Elina Svitolina and move into the second round of the Qatar Open.

The 18-year-old defeated her higher ranked Ukrainian opponent 6-3 6-3 in one hour and five minutes and will now play either Svetlana Kuznetsova or Iga Swiatek in the next round.

Anisimova started the match brightly and needed just one break point to take the opening set as Svitolina failed to find her rhythm.

And it was more of the same in the second set as two more breaks gave Anisimova a comfortable victory over the two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist.  

Speaking after the match, the teenager said: "Every opponent here is a tough player, but when I go out to play a top 10 player I know I just have to be focused for every point because they can turn the match around at any time, so I just have to really stay zoned into the match.

"I love playing here. I love this stadium and the crowd is great. I'm so glad I get to see everyone again in the next round."

"It is my first time here in the Middle East, it's really beautiful and I really love the hotel we're staying at. So, hopefully I can have a little bit of a beach day tomorrow, just, yeah, it's really nice here, so I'm just enjoying the week."

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