Clara Tauson Upsets No. 1 Sabalenka at Dubai Championships

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Clara Tauson secured a stunning upset against top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka, winning 6-3, 6-2 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Dubai Championships on Wednesday. Despite only getting about five hours of sleep, the 22-year-old Danish player demonstrated resilience after a grueling three-set match against Elina Svitolina in the previous round.

“I think I slept maybe five hours last night. We went to sleep at 3:30 a.m.,” Tauson said during her on-court interview. “I didn’t know what shape I was going to come out here in, but it was pretty good.” This marks Tauson’s first career victory over a No. 1-ranked player.

Next, Tauson will face Linda Noskova, who defeated fifth-seeded Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-6 (8), in a bid for the semifinals. Meanwhile, second-seeded Iga Swiatek continued her strong performance by beating Dayana Yastremska 7-5, 6-0 and will next meet Mirra Andreeva, who overcame Peyton Sterns 6-1, 6-1.

In another significant outcome of the day, defending champion Jasmine Paolini was eliminated by Sofia Kenin in a decisive 6-4, 6-0 match. Paolini suffered a right ankle injury during the second set, leading to an emotional medical timeout where her ankle was immobilized, but she was unable to continue competing effectively.

Kenin is set to face sixth-seeded Elena Rybakina in the quarterfinals after Rybakina triumphed over ninth-seeded Paula Badosa, with a score of 4-6, 7-6 (8), 7-6 (2). The quarterfinals promise to deliver more thrilling matches as the tournament progresses.