Shock exit for Garbine Muguruza as seeds tumble at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships

DUBAI: A day of stunning upsets at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Wednesday saw defending champion Garbine Muguruza, 2021 finalist Barbora Krejcikova, former two-time winner Elina Svitolina and sixth seed Iga Swiatek all fail to advance beyond the second round.

Top seed and world number two Aryna Sabalenka also fell, but her defeat was perhaps less of a surprise as she was beaten by former champion Petra Kvitova, who won 6-4 6-4. Ons Jabeur is now the only seed left in the tournament after she overwhelmed Jessica Pegula 6-3 6-1, although two-time former champion Simona Halep is still a strong contender for the title after she defeated qualifier Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-3 6-2.

Although some might consider she is now a favorite for the title, Jabeur is aware that she is still working her way back to full fitness after a back injury meant that she had to miss the Australian Open.

“Well, I’m going to take every match slowly. I came back from an injury, so I want to be realistic with myself,” she said. “My main goal is to be healthy and win matches. Every match I win is a bonus. The season is still long. I don’t want to put unnecessary pressure on myself. I don’t want to be disappointed after. Yeah, for now it’s working well for me. Hopefully I can continue like that.”

Jil Teichmann was the first to reach the quarter-finals as she defeated Svitolina to win 7-6 6-2. Jelena Ostapenko then took two hours 29 minutes to oust Swiatek 4-6 6-1 7-6, qualifier Dayana Yastremska beat second seeded Krejcikova 6-3 7-6 and Veronika Kudermetova overcame fourth seeded Muguruza 3-6 6-4 6-4.

“It was extraordinary to see so many seeds upset, and we congratulate the winners” said Colm McLoughlin, executive vice chairman and CEO