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Heartbreak for the defending champion in Doha! Amanda Anisimova’s campaign at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open ended prematurely on Monday when physical issues forced her to retire in the third set against Karolina Pliskova. After 2 hours and 22 minutes on court, Anisimova was unable to continue while trailing 7-5 6-7(3) 4-1, bringing a disappointing conclusion to her title defense.
The second-round match began with Anisimova looking firmly in control. She claimed the opening set and surged ahead early in the second, dictating play with her aggression. But Pliskova, a familiar obstacle throughout Anisimova’s career, refused to fade. Slowly but decisively, the former world No. 1 found her rhythm and flipped the momentum.
Down a set and a break, Pliskova began striking the ball with authority, particularly off the forehand wing. She clawed her way back into the second set, neutralized Anisimova’s early lead, and forced a tiebreak. There, the Czech veteran was sharper in the key moments, capitalizing on errors and finishing the set with commanding shot-making to level the contest.
As the third set unfolded, it became clear something was wrong on Anisimova’s side of the net. Extended rallies appeared to take a toll, and after Pliskova moved ahead 2-1, Anisimova requested a medical timeout. Medical staff checked her vitals and provided treatment on court, but the American was unable to recover sufficiently.
Play resumed briefly, and Pliskova continued to press, breaking serve and extending her lead to 4-1. Moments later, Anisimova made her way to the net to end the contest.
This was Pliskova’s sixth victory over Anisimova in seven meetings and one of her most significant results since returning from ankle surgery that sidelined her for most of 2025 and sent her ranking tumbling outside the Top 400.
The 2017 Doha champion has shown steady signs of revival in recent weeks, including a third-round appearance at the Australian Open last month. Pliskova now advances to face a fellow Czech, with either Karolina Muchova or teenage wildcard Tereza Valentova awaiting her in the next round.
As for Anisimova, the immediate concern is health. The retirement means she will surrender the 1,000 ranking points earned here last year, pushing her out of the WTA Top 5. With the Sunshine Double approaching, her focus will shift to recovery and regaining full strength in time for Indian Wells and Miami.
