Siniakova knocks out 2nd seed Gauff at Qatar Open
Siniakova knocks out 2nd seed Gauff at Qatar Open
DOHA: Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic caused the biggest upset at the Qatar Open on Tuesday when she ousted No.2 seed and reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff 6-2, 6-4.
Siniakova, ranked No. 42, fought back from 4-0 down in the second set before grabbing a 1-hour and 20-minute victory over the American.
The Czech collected just her second win in seven meetings with the 19-year-old American.
Siniakova, a former WTA Doubles World No.1, has won seven Grand Slam doubles titles.
She now advanced into Round of 16 in singles for the very first time in her career. Siniakova will face American, Danielle Collins, in the Round of 16.
“Collins is a really aggressive player,” Siniakova said. “I will try to focus on my game and fight every point, and hopefully it will be a really good game.”
Former World No.7 Collins, the 2022 Australian Open finalist, qualified for the main draw this week and has already beaten No.13 seed Veronika Kudermetova and Marie Bouzkova.
Siniakova and Collins have split their two previous meetings — Siniakova beat Collins from a set down at 2019 Toronto, but Collins recently avenged that loss in last year’s Billie Jean King Cup Finals.
