Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (WTA-8) will not renew her title in Doha. The 22-year-old Belarusian, who won the doubles at the Australian Open with Elise Mertens, was eliminated in the second round on Wednesday by the Spanish Garbine Muguruza (WTA-16). That did not happen without a struggle. After 2 hours and 23 minutes it was 6-2, 6-7 (5/7) and 6-3.
In the quarterfinals, the Spanish will play against the Greek Maria Sakkari (WTA-25), who eliminated the American Madison Keys (WTA-19) with 6-2 twice.
The Ukrainian first seed Elina Svitolina (WTA-5) easily beat the Japanese Misaki Doi (WTA-83) with 6-1 and 6-2. Czech Petra Kvitova (WTA-10), last year losing finalist, had no problems with Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (WTA-41): 6-1, 6-3.
