Carla Suarez Navarro has already achieved her 2016 goal of re-entering the top 10 after claiming her maiden Premier title at the Qatar Open.
The 27-year-old reached her first final of the year after impressively dropping just two games against third seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals. In the final she encountered a tougher experience against 2014 Wimbledon Girls’ champion Jelena Ostapenko. The Spaniard dropped the first set within 27 minutes before battling back to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.
The triumph is Suarez Navarro’s second title on the WTA tour and her first since the 2014 Portugal Open. During 2015 she reached three finals on the tour before falling at the final hurdle. She will now rise to a career ranking of sixth in the world when the new rankings are published on Monday.
After grabbing the trophy in Qatar, Suarez Navarro was delighted to finally end her streak of losing in the finals.
“It’s a very special moment for me. It’s been a really tough week with many games each day. Only the best players in the world are here.” The 27-year-old said after her victory.
“ To win my second title after losing three finals last year makes it more special”.
Now at her career-best ranking, Suarez Navarro is eager to maintain her consistency on the tour and continue her top-10 dream.
“My aim at the start of the year was to win one title and to get inside the top 10. I am happy I have done both this week”. A delighted Suarez Navarro said.
“Being top-10 is a dream come true and I want to stay in it until the end of the season. I want to be as high as possible”. She added.
There was also success for the new world No.6 in the doubles tournament. Partnering Sara Errani, they reached the final of the doubles competition. Suarez Navarro was unable to claim the double after they lost in straight sets to sisters Chan Hao-ching and Chan Yung-jan.
The victory is a massive confidence boost for the 27-year-old ahead of an important American swing of the tour. Next month Suarez Navarro will play back-to-back premier tournaments in Indian Wells and Miami, where she will be hoping to produce a performance similar to last year. In 2015 she reached the quarterfinals at Indian Wells following by the final in Miami (where she lost to world No.1 Serena Williams).
WTA Doha Final highlights
