5-games. FIVE. Iga Swiatek lost only 5-games in her 2023 Doha title defense. After a 1st-Round Bye, the World #1 opened with a 6-0, 6-1 rout of Danielle Collins. In the Quarters, Belinda Bencic – who had just won the title in Abu Dhabi – withdrew after a deciding-set clash with Victoria Azarenka the night prior. In the Semifinals, Swiatek slaughtered Veronika Kudermetova, again dropping only a single game. Jessica Pegula managed a hold and two breaks in set-1 of the Final, but that was it. Behind her third 6-0 set of the tournament, Iga Swiatek lifted Doha’s falcon for the second time – then made sure to use her platform to continue raising awareness of the unjust invasion of Ukraine. True champion. Fantastic role model.
Last year, in her Qatar TotalEnergies debut, Iga defeated three top-10 talents to capture her 4th WTA Singles title. It was a launching-pad, lifting her to one of the most successful seasons in recent history. She went on a 37-match win streak – capturing titles in Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, Rome and Roland Garros, before the streak ended at Wimbledon. She then won her third Major at the US Open, claimed the sport’s top-ranking – and has definitively remained the World #1 ever since. In just one calendar year, the 21-year-old earned 9 titles – bringing her career total to 12 since lifting her first trophy at 2020’s pandemic-delayed French Open.
Voice Artist Andy Taylor | 2023 Qatar Total Energies Open
Voice Artist Andy Taylor | Photo: Samer Al Rejjal
ALSO UNDEFEATED IN DOHA: COCO GAUFF AND JESSICA PEGULA.
This was an amazing week for Jessica Pegula, as well. America’s top talent, Jessica became the fifth player in tournament history to reach the championship match in both Singles and Doubles. Others who’ve accomplished the feat: Sadrine Testud (2001 Doubles Champion, Singles Finalist), Svetlana Kuznetsova (2004 Doubles Champion, Singles Finalist), Alicia Molik (Doubles Champion, Singles Finalist), and Carla Suarez Navarro (2016 Singles Champion, Doubles Finalist). No player has won both titles.
Last year’s Qatar TotalEnergies Open was also a launching pad for Pegula and Gauff. It was just their fourth event as a tandem, first title as a team – and they lit-up the rest of the season. Together, they reached first Grand Slam Final at Roland Garros (where Gauff was also the Singles Finalist), captured two more titles, and both completed the season with WTA Finals appearances in both disciplines. Undefeated in Doha, they now own 4 Doubles titles as a team.
BELOW: ALL CENTER COURT MATCH RECAPS | SINGLES RESULTS | DOUBLES RESULTS
ANNOUNCER RETURNS TO THE QATAR TENNIS FEDERATION TEAM
Since the 2011 Doha Arab Games, announcer Andy Taylor has been a fixture with the QTF. From the Qatar TotalEnergies and ExxonMobil Open – to the Qatar Classic Squash Championship, the PSA Men’s World Championship, and World Padel Championship. Over 10-years, he regularly returned to this gleaming city on the Arabian Gulf – but last year stepped-back from hosting international events to slow down and focus on other aspects of his voice acting career.
HE MADE IT EIGHT MONTHS.
After 240 days in the recording booth, behind a microphone, only communicating with clients and partners through email, messaging, and video apps – he realized how much he truly values live, in-person performance and the genuine sense of “community” when working alongside other professionals committed to excellence.
In August, Andy Taylor returned to New York for his 21st consecutive year as the Voice of the US Open.
And in February, returned to Doha to work alongside his revered colleagues at the Qatar Tennis Federation as the announcer and tournament host for the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, Qatar ExxonMobil Open, and Premier Padel’s Ooredoo Qatar Major 2023.
With luxurious amenities and the Qatar Tennis Federation's determined focus to make every athlete feel at home, Doha offers an easy-going environment for players and their teams. From the facilities to the transportation, from the professional staff to the fan-focused presentation, Qatar offers a top-shelf production players eagerly anticipate.
Very humbled to be back as the Voice of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, and excited to make lasting memories with this year's field of tremendous talent.