Jasmine Paolini makes a spectacular comeback to win Dubai title. Italian comes from behind to defeat Anna Kalinskaya in the final. Karen Khachanov defeated Jakub Mensik to win. Qatar Open
Tumani Carayol
Jasmine Paolini fought till the end of her career’s biggest match, and despite trailing Anna Kalinskaya for much of the time on court, she rallied to win 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 and become a surprise champion at the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Paolini has steadily progressed up the rankings in recent years, gaining with each passing year and learning how to force her game, particularly her forehand, on larger and stronger opponents. By winning the WTA 1000 event, her second title overall, the 28-year-old will break into the top 20 for the first time in her career, going from No. 26 to No. 14. For the first time in WTA history, both the Dubai and Doha women’s events are classified as 1000 tournaments, a decision the WTA thought would allow for more meetings amongst top players. Instead, the Dubai Tennis Championships this year has seen one of the most unexpected major title campaigns in recent years.
Paolini advanced to the final after defeating Maria Sakkari, the eighth seed, and Beatriz Haddad Maia, the eleventh seed. Kalinskaya, a 25-year-old qualifier ranked No. 40, had gone on an even more amazing run, defeating No. 9 Jelena Ostapenko, No. 3 Coco Gauff, and No. 1 Iga Swiatek in succession. As she had done all week, the Russian attempted to take the ball early and control the baseline as she built a set and break lead of 6-4, 3-1.
But Paolini, a short, gritty baseliner with a wicked topspin forehand and a big heart, refused to give up. She remained calm even when Kalinskaya regained control and led 5-3 in the third, serving for the match at 5-4.
As Kalinskaya plainly faltered under the pressure, losing her serve and nerve in an error-filled game, Paolini was rewarded for her mental fortitude as she cruised through the final four games to win.
Meanwhile, Karen Khachanov won his sixth ATP title at the Qatar Open, defeating 18-year-old Jakub Mensik 7-6 (12), 6-4.