Qatar Open: Carlos Alcaraz defeats Arthur Rinderkneich in the first “tough” match since the Australian Open victory

The second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships was hit by fitness issues once again, with four players, including fifth seed Mira Andreeva, qualifying due to player withdrawals.

Andreeva qualified when her opponent, Daria Kasatkina, withdrew before the match, while ninth-seeded Belinda Bencic obtained the qualification card when Sarah Biglic withdrew before the match.

Paula Badosa withdrew after losing the first set 6-4 to sixth seed Elina Svitolina, while Ella Seidel withdrew after losing the first set 6-0 to Jacqueline Christian.

These withdrawals come after nine competitors withdrew in the first round, which saw seven lucky losers from the qualifiers fill out the main draw.

Meanwhile, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) announced the launch of a “Tour Engineering Council” to oversee improvements in the women’s game.

Valerie Camilo, president of the WTA, said in a statement that the council was formed because “the current calendar does not appear sustainable for players given the physical, professional and personal pressures of competing at the highest level.”

The council, headed by American Jessica Pegula, ranked fifth in the world, is scheduled to “develop meaningful improvements to the calendar, commitments and other essential elements within the framework of the Tour.”

Possible changes to the Tour “could be implemented as soon as the 2027 season.”

The council consists of a number of female players, including former world number one Victoria Azarenka, in addition to tournament directors and officials from the Women’s Tennis Association.

“This is an opportunity to focus on specific parts of the tour structure and see what can be addressed in the short term, while continuing the conversation about long-term improvements in a tailored and focused way,” Pegula said.

“The WTA has the opportunity and position to bring together a group like this and I am grateful they are using that power to drive real change for 2027,” she added.