WTA Dubai: Rybakina rolls, Eala Upsets Paolini

Rybakina shines

Top seed Elena Rybakina dominates; Eala beats Paolini in women's tennis action.

“Right now ‌I have no energy at all. I need food and fuel...”

Elena Rybakina is dominating in Dubai, cruising past Kimberly Birrell 6-1, 6-2 in the second round. Meanwhile, defending champion Mirra Andreeva and Belinda Bencic received walkovers into the last 16 due to withdrawals, including Daria Kasatkina and Sara Bejlek's injury issues.

The tournament's withdrawal theme continues, with Paula Badosa and Ella Seidel retiring from their matches. Rybakina's next opponent will be Antonia Ruzic, who's made it to the third round as a lucky loser, stunning Emma Raducanu earlier.

The tennis world is buzzing about the packed schedule, and players like Maria Sakkari aren't holding back. “It's a very quick turnaround,” she said after her Doha semi-final loss, highlighting the challenges athletes face.

The WTA has taken notice, launching a Tour Architecture Council to address calendar concerns and player welfare. World number five Jessica Pegula will chair the council, aiming to deliver recommendations by 2027. Players like Coco Gauff and Swiatek have spoken out about burnout and scheduling issues, sparking debate about the current tour structure.

The top two-ranked players in the world, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, didn't turn up in Dubai, while Doha finalists Karolina Muchova and Victoria Mboko were late withdrawals, as were Maria Sakkari and Qinwen Zheng.

Second seed Amanda Anisimova was also given a walkover on Monday when Barbora Krejcikova pulled out of their clash

“Right now ‌I have no energy at all. I need food and fuel ... We decided we're going to play a more reduced calendar. Not that it means I'm going to play 10 to 12 tournaments a year, but we're not going to stupidly chase points and tournaments.”

Rybakina Dominates in Dubai Opener

Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina kicked off her Dubai campaign with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 win over Kimberly Birrell, setting her sights on overtaking Iga Swiatek for the world number two spot. If she reaches the semi-finals, Rybakina will achieve a career-high ranking.

Meanwhile, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula are also making their mark in Dubai. Gauff, the US Open champion, is looking to bounce back from a tough Qatar Open, while Pegula aims to continue her impressive start to the season.

Get well soon, Paula 💚

Elina Svitolina advances to the Round of 16 in Dubai as Paula Badosa is forced to retire due to injury.#DDFTennis pic.twitter.com/z4ablPZfzm

— wta (@WTA) February 17, 2026

Gauff and Pegula Also in Action

Coco Gauff is back on track with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Anna Kalinskaya, snapping her losing streak after a Doha opener exit. The match was far from flawless, with both players making errors, but Gauff's determination paid off.

Meanwhile, Jessica Pegula dominated Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 6-0, showcasing her impressive form. Pegula's next opponent will be the winner of Iva Jovic and Diana Shnaider.

Sorana Cirstea is feeling refreshed after skipping Doha and is set to face 18-year-old Iva Jovic, who's on a roll after beating Diana Shnaider 6-4, 1-6, 6-0. Cirstea's recent form has been impressive, with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Linda Noskova showcasing her skills.

The Romanian star is making the most of her final year on the WTA Tour, having announced her retirement at the end of 2026. She's currently on a high, winning her home event in Transylvania earlier this February.

Alexandra Eala's got a big match ahead, taking on Jessica Pegula in the last 16 after upsetting sixth seed Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 7-6(5). Eala's form is.

Paolini's Middle East swing didn't go as planned, crashing out early in both Doha and Dubai. Same goes for eighth seed Ekaterina Alexandrova, who fell to Magda Linette 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. Emma Navarro also got beaten by Elise Mertens 6-2, 6-2.