As the 2021 Australian swing is coming to a close, players are arriving at the Qatar Total Open. Our photographer Jimmie48 is now in Doha, accompanying tennis stars while they’re practicing for the WTA 500 tournament.
The biggest novelty is the comeback of Elena Vesnina. The 34-year-old tennis mom was spotted training for her first tournament since mid-2018.
Fresh off her Australian Open final, Jennifer Brady was all smiles during a practice day in Doha.
The American was in sync with her coach Michael Geserer.
Kiki Bertens is making a return following a surgery on her left Achilles tendon.
Madison Keys is happy to finally join the Tour in 2021, having skipped the Australian Open because of a positive COVID-19 test.
Anett Kontaveit and Maria Sakkari practiced together this Friday.
The world No.25 Sakkari was accompanied by her coach Tom Hill.
After losing in the fourth round of the Australian Open to eventual champion Naomi Osaka, Garbine Muguruza flew to Doha and was spotted practicing on Friday.
Our Jimmie48 also shared an interesting photo of the seats at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex. He reported on Twitter that the Qatar Total Open will allow just 10% of the usual spectator capacity. Besides social distancing, visitors will be subjected to rapid COVID-19 tests at the gates. Kids will not be allowed in.
The Qatar Total Open begins on March 1.
Oh no! Elena lost her Nike contract!!!