Sabalenka stunned by Tauson in Dubai Open last 16

Dane Clara Tauson defeated Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed, 6-3, 6-2 to move into the quarter-finals of the Dubai Open at The Aviation Club Tennis Centre on Wednesday.

Sabalenka had her serve challenged a staggering 16 times, with Tauson breaking her on six occasions. The world No 1 averaged a mere 21 percent on the first serve return to her opponent’s 53 percent.

In terms of rankings, this was Tauson’s biggest win. Sabalenka, on the other hand, is now 1-2 (win-loss) since losing the Australian Open final to Madison Keys.

“I hit everything today,” Tauson said after the win. “I tried to play my chance and yeah it really worked well but I’ve had some crazy 24 hours after yesterday. I think I slept maybe five hours last night, we went to sleep at 3:30 am. I didn’t know what shape I was gonna come out here in but pretty good one today.”

With this win, the Dane has equalled Sabalenka 1-1 in their head-to-head tally. The two previously met in the third round of the 2025 Australian Open, where the Belarusian registered a 7-6 (5), 6-4 win.

“Last time I had my chances too but I didn’t take them,” Tauson recalled her Melbourne meeting with Sabalenka. “Today, I was really free in my mind. I know she has to beat me, I’m the underdog all the way. So, yeah, I was really enjoying my time out here on court and I’m just looking forward to the next one now.”

Tauson, ranked No 38, will play Linda Noskova next.

Earlier in the tournament, the 22-year-old Dane won against Slovak Rebecca Sramkova (7-6 (7), 6-0) and edged out Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (7-6 (5), 3-6, 7-6 (4)).

Sabalenka, ranked No 1, won against Russian qualifier Veronika Kudermetova (6-3, 6-4) in the previous round of the Dubai tournament.

Dubai WTA 1000, other last 16 results (The Aviation Club Tennis Centre, hard, USD 3.664.963, most recent results first):

• Sorana Cirstea vs. Emma Navarro
• McCartney Kessler vs. Karolina Muchova
• Mirra Andreeva (12) beat Peyton Stearns: 6-1, 6-1
• Iga Swiatek (2) beat Dayana Yastremska: 7-5, 6-0
• Elena Rybakina (6) beat Paula Badosa (9): 4-6, 7-6 (8), 7-6 (2)
• Linda Noskova beat Jessica Pegula (5): 6-3, 7-6 (8)
• Sofia Kenin (WC) beat Jasmine Paolini (4): 6-4, 6-0

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