For almost two decades, American contenders battled on the soil of Doha, only to fall short. But it wasn’t until Amanda Anisimova changed the usual scenario yesterday with her victory against Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets in a rain-disrupted final. Anisimova’s victory is special since she is only the second American after Monica Seles to win this title. It was 23 years ago that Seles beat Tamarine Tanasugarn of Thailand to clinch the title in Doha and since then, the likes of Serena Williams and Coco Gauff all tried, but to no avail. Anisimova, however, had different plans.

The 23-year-old is now receiving praise from all quarters, including the US Open champion Madison Keys who highlighted her impressive performance on Instagram. Madison Keys shared WTA’s post about Anisimova on her IG story, with two clapping emojis. Although brief, her reaction expressed her pride in Anisimova’s brilliance. After Keys, Jessica Pegula chimed in. She also shared WTA’s post on her IG story and wrote, “It’s the brunette hair.” Her playful remark was a funny dig at Anisimova’s black hair, a feature similar for both.

Pegula, interestingly, has a 3-0 head-to-head record against Anisimova. Her latest victory against the American came in August last year when she beat Anisimova in a three-setter by 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 to clinch the Canada Open championships. After that victory, Pegula described her opponent as “shy,” and was proud to share the stage with her.

Anisimova started her 2025 season with the ASB Classic and then played Hobart International and the Australian Open. However, she finally found her luck in Qatar with sheer perseverance, which delighted her colleague Priscilla Hon, who took to her IG story to congratulate Anisimova. “This makes me so happy,” she wrote. Her sentiments were later echoed by Shelby Rogers, Ashlyn Krueger, Caroline Dolehide, and Camila Osorio who celebrated Anisimova’s success with their own social media updates.

Apart from her colleagues, Amanda Anisimova’s victory received a shout-out from legend Billie Jean King. King congratulated Anisimova on her IG profile with a message: “Cheers to @amandaanisimova on her very first WTA 1000 title in Doha!” BJK seemed impressed with Animisova’s grit, as she dominated skilled players like Jelena Ostapenko, Marta Kostyuk, Leylah Fernandez, and Paula Badosa on her way to glory.

Later, the 23-year-old American reflected on one of her key strengths that helped her win the WTA 1000 title.

Amanda Anisimova reckons her “composure” is her biggest asset

Post-victory, Anisimova praised her mental spirit, one that helped her stay calm during the match. “Honestly, I think that the biggest asset this week that helped me win the title was my composure. Staying calm and believing in myself. When I get down on myself, I lose my focus when things start to go the other way. I was just happy I kept it together and kept that focus through the whole week,” she said.

Anisimova also highlighted how this victory boosted her spirit and confidence for the future. “It’s been a great week with a lot of great tennis. I’m definitely going into the next hard-court tournaments with some confidence and a little bit of relief that I know I can play at this high level day after day,” she further added. Her words were a testament to her dedication to the sport.

She also revealed her future plans, “I’m looking forward to the next three tournaments — Dubai, Indian Wells, and Miami — which are really favorable from my end,” concluded Anisimova.

Anisimova has now reached the 18th spot in the WTA rankings following her victory in Doha. With renewed zeal and hope, she will proceed to the Dubai Tennis Championship next. Do you think she can bag another title in the Middle Eastern swing?