The first WTA 1000 event of the 2026 season is here, and Doha is stacked. Seven of the top 10 players in the PIF WTA Rankings are in the field for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, making this one of the most loaded draws we've seen so far this year.
With World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka sitting this one out, the spotlight shifts to Iga Swiatek, the three-time Doha champion who enters as the top seed. She's joined by newly crowned Australian Open champ Elena Rybakina, defending Doha winner Amanda Anisimova, U.S. star Coco Gauff, and rising phenom Mirra Andreeva-just to name a few.
Let’s break down the draw quarter by quarter, looking at the matchups that matter and the storylines that could shape the week in Qatar.
First Quarter: Swiatek Leads a Tricky Path
Swiatek headlines the top section of the draw, and while she’s the favorite on paper, this quarter has some sneaky depth. Jasmine Paolini, who stunned Swiatek at the WTA Finals last year, is lurking as a potential quarterfinal opponent. Elise Mertens, the 2019 Doha champion, is also in the mix, and she’s coming off a strong doubles campaign at the Australian Open.
Maria Sakkari, still searching for consistency in big events, anchors the bottom half of the quarter. She’ll have to navigate a tricky opener against Turkish up-and-comer Zeynep Sonmez. And don’t overlook Sorana Cirstea-this could be her final appearance in Doha, and she’s not the type to go quietly.
First-round match to watch: Linda Noskova [9] vs. Maya Joint
This one’s got future star power written all over it. Noskova, now ranked inside the top 15 at just 21 years old, is coming into her own.
Across the net, 19-year-old Maya Joint is making waves of her own. This is their first career meeting, and while Noskova is the favorite, Joint’s fearless game could make things interesting.
Potential quarterfinal: Iga Swiatek [1] vs. Jasmine Paolini [6]
Swiatek dominated their early meetings, but Paolini flipped the script in dramatic fashion at the WTA Finals, winning 6-1, 6-2. That result turned heads-and if they meet again here, it’ll be a fascinating test of Swiatek’s ability to adjust and reassert control.
Second Quarter: Anisimova Looks to Defend, Svitolina Eyes a Statement
Amanda Anisimova returns to the site of the biggest title of her career, and she’ll need to be sharp from the jump. This quarter is no cakewalk.
Elina Svitolina, fresh off a semifinal run in Melbourne, is playing some of her best tennis in years. Emma Navarro and Karolina Muchova round out a group that’s as competitive as it is unpredictable.
Filipina teen Alexandra Eala continues to gain experience at this level, and 2017 Doha champion Karolina Pliskova is back, looking to recapture some of her old form.
First-round match to watch: Emma Navarro [12] vs. Tatjana Maria
Navarro’s season hasn’t quite taken off yet-she’s just 2-3 on the year and coming off an early exit in Abu Dhabi. She’ll face 38-year-old Tatjana Maria, who brings a crafty, slice-heavy game that can frustrate even the most powerful hitters. Their only previous meeting came two years ago in Georgia, where Maria won in straight sets.
Potential quarterfinal: Amanda Anisimova [3] vs. Elina Svitolina [7]
This would be a heavyweight clash between two players with very different trajectories. Anisimova is trying to build momentum after a solid Australian swing, while Svitolina is riding a wave of confidence.
Svitolina leads their head-to-head 4-1, including a dominant win last summer in Montreal. But Anisimova’s game has matured, and on these courts, she’s already proven she can go all the way.
Third Quarter: Gauff Anchors a Wide-Open Section
Coco Gauff is the top seed in a quarter that feels like anything can happen. Ekaterina Alexandrova, Clara Tauson, and Liudmila Samsonova are all capable of big wins, and last year’s finalist Jelena Ostapenko is always a wildcard. Add in Paula Badosa-still working her way back from injury-and Emma Raducanu, and you’ve got a section full of questions and potential.
First-round match to watch: Paula Badosa vs. Jelena Ostapenko
This one jumps off the page. Badosa, a former World No. 2, is still finding her rhythm after missing much of 2025.
She showed flashes during the Australian swing, but she’ll need to be sharp against Ostapenko, who’s struggled to start the year but remains one of the most dangerous shot-makers on tour. Both players are in need of a win-and this could be the spark for either one.
Potential quarterfinal: Coco Gauff [4] vs. Ekaterina Alexandrova [8]
Gauff is looking to bounce back after a disappointing early exit in Melbourne and a first-round loss in Doha last year. She’s got a golden opportunity to rack up points and regain momentum.
Alexandrova, meanwhile, showed signs of life in Abu Dhabi and has the kind of power game that can trouble Gauff. Still, Gauff owns a 4-1 record in their head-to-head, including a straight-sets win at Roland Garros last year.
Fourth Quarter: Rybakina and Andreeva on a Collision Course
If you’re looking for firepower, this is the quarter to watch. Elena Rybakina, fresh off her second Slam title and riding a 20-1 run, is the player to beat. But Mirra Andreeva, who won in Adelaide and has already beaten Rybakina twice, stands in her way.
This section also includes Barbora Krejcikova, Zheng Qinwen returning from injury, and 2020 Australian Open champ Sofia Kenin-so there’s no shortage of intrigue.
First-round match to watch: Zheng Qinwen vs. Sofia Kenin
Zheng’s return to action is one of the most anticipated storylines of the week. She hasn’t played a full match since Wimbledon and had to withdraw from the Australian Open, so there are plenty of questions about her health and form.
Kenin, meanwhile, is trying to claw her way back into relevance after a tough couple of seasons. These two met once before, with Zheng taking it in straight sets in Tokyo.
Potential quarterfinal: Elena Rybakina [2] vs. Mirra Andreeva [5]
This one has blockbuster potential. Andreeva got the better of Rybakina twice last year-first in Dubai, then in Indian Wells-with both wins coming in convincing fashion.
But that was during Andreeva’s early-season surge. Rybakina now looks nearly unbeatable, and she’ll be eager to flip the script.
If both players make it to the quarters, expect fireworks.
Bottom Line
With so many top players in the field and compelling matchups from the very first round, the Qatar TotalEnergies Open is shaping up to be a tone-setter for the rest of the WTA season. Whether it’s Swiatek reasserting her dominance, Rybakina continuing her tear, or a young star like Andreeva or Noskova making a breakthrough, this week in Doha is must-watch tennis.