Sun Feb 16 12:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Sabalenka Faces Early Test in Star-Studded Dubai Tennis Championships

**Dubai, UAE** – The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, celebrating its 25th anniversary and first year as a permanent WTA 1000 tournament, boasts a stellar lineup featuring nine of the world’s top 10 players. The tournament, however, presents an immediate challenge for World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who could face a rematch with Ekaterina Alexandrova in the opening round. Alexandrova upset Sabalenka in Doha last week.

While Sabalenka enjoys a first-round bye, Alexandrova awaits in the same quarter, alongside No. 6 seed Jessica Pegula and No. 3 seed Coco Gauff. This sets up a potential repeat of Sabalenka’s US Open victory over Pegula and a possible semi-final clash with Gauff, mirroring their Australian Open placement. Both Sabalenka and Gauff are looking to rebound from early exits in Doha.

The tournament, which will undergo stadium renovations in the next two years, features World No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the bottom half of the draw. Swiatek, whose three-year Doha title streak ended this year, will face either Victoria Azarenka or Anhelina Kalinina in her opening match. Defending champion Jasmine Paolini, seeded No. 4, also begins her title defense.

Tournament organizers expressed excitement about the field, highlighting the strong player participation and the tournament’s growing prestige as a permanent WTA 1000 event. The draw ceremony included appearances from last year’s finalist Anna Kalinskaya and wildcard Sorana Cirstea, both emphasizing their fondness for playing in Dubai.

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