Dubai WTA Round 3 Results
Clara Tauson defeated Magda Linette 6-4, 6-2 while Amanda Anisimova beat Aldila Sutjiadi 6-1, 6-3 in WTA Dubai Round 3. Coco Gauff survived a three-set battle against Elise Mertens 2-6, 7-6, 6-3, and Ana Ruzic upset Elena Rybakina 5-7, 6-4, 1-0 ret. when the Kazakhstani retired.
- Ana Ruzic advanced after top seed Elena Rybakina retired due to a gastrointestinal illness, with Rybakina telling the physio she felt nausea and hadn't slept well. This was one of at least 14 withdrawals or retirements to plague the tournament. - The win marks a major breakthrough for the 23-year-old Ruzic, who entered the main draw as a "lucky loser" after losing in the qualifying rounds; this is her first career WTA 1000 quarterfinal and her first-ever win against a top-10 opponent. - Coco Gauff's victory against Elise Mertens was a dramatic comeback in which she saved three match points. It marked the first time Gauff has won a tour-level match after facing match points since 2021, and she extended her career record against Mertens to 5-0. - The third round was Amanda Anisimova's first actual match of the tournament; as the second seed, she had a bye in the first round and received a walkover in the second when Barbora Krejcikova withdrew. - Aldila Sutjiadi, who lost to Anisimova, is primarily a doubles specialist. She has achieved a career-high doubles ranking of world No. 26, while her highest singles ranking was No. 344. - Clara Tauson, currently ranked No. 15, has had a successful start to 2026, with her win over Magda Linette continuing her strong performance on hard courts.
