Anisimova and Raducanu retire as Eala falls in Doha

Doha, Qatar: Amanda Anisimova s title defence campaign came to an end while qualifier Tereza Valentova beat crowd favourite Alexandra Eala on second d...

Doha, Qatar: Amanda Anisimova’s title defence campaign came to an end while qualifier Tereza Valentova beat crowd favourite Alexandra Eala on second day of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open yesterday.

In a battle between two former champions, American world number four Anisimova was forced to retire from her match against Karolina Pliskova. Anisimova took the opening set 7-5 but lost a tight second-set tiebreak 6-7 and was trailing 1-4 in the decider when she was unable to continue, having felt unwell after the tough battle.

Anisimova was the second player of the day to retire mid-match, following British sensation Emma Raducanu’s retirement, which paved the way to Colombian Camila Osorio advance.

The British No 1 started strongly and took the first set 6-2, but her level dropped as the match progressed.

Osorio, ranked No 80, fought back to lead 6-4, 2-0 when Raducanu, the world No 25, was unable to continue. The retirement came shortly after Raducanu was assessed by the doctor on court.