Amanda Anisimova captures biggest win of career in Doha

Amanda Anisimova won her first WTA 1000-level title on Saturday, defeating Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia 6-4, 6-3 at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open.

It was the first final in Doha to have two players ranked outside the top 30 and capped a stellar week for both players.

Per OptaAce, Anisimova is the first American to beat six top-40 opponents in one tournament since Serena Williams did it at the Australian Open in 2007.

For her part, Ostapenko took out No. 2 Iga Swiatek of Poland and No. 4 Jasmine Paolini of Italy on her way to the finals.

Anisimova has made a steady climb in the rankings since falling to No. 213 a year ago after taking much of 2023 off to address her mental health; she will debut in the top 20 next week. Saturday's win was the third of her career and first since 2022 (Melbourne Summer Set #2). The New Jersey native also became the first American to win a women's singles title in Doha since 2022.

"There's been a lot of hard work, a lot of tears, a lot of good moments. With tennis you kind of experience it all. That's also why I love it," Anisimova, 23, said, reflecting on her journey to the trophy over the past several months.

"It's super special. This week has just been amazing," she added. "I wouldn't have been able to do this without my team, all the work we've been putting in."

The 81-minute match was interrupted by rain Saturday with Ostapenko serving at 3-3, 40-40, and when play resumed after 25 minutes, Anisimova gained a service break -- one of five on the day.

Ostapenko also won just 58 percent of her first serves, compared to 70 for Anisimova, struck 10 double faults and recorded 16 winners against 36 unforced errors. Her two set losses to Anisimova were her first of the tournament.

--Field Level Media