Tennis fans pick their overwhelming favorite to win the Qatar Open over Coco Gauff

The first WTA 1000 event of the year is right around the corner.

Some of the biggest names in women’s tennis will battle it out for the Qatar Open trophy.

Some, not all, though.

Several top seeds have withdrawn from the Qatar Open, including Aryna Sabalenka, Jessica Pegula, and Naomi Osaka.

But who of the remaining participants will emerge victorious in the Middle East?

We asked that very question to our fans on TalkingPoints.

Tennis fans back Elena Rybakina to win the Qatar Open

With almost 50% of the vote (47.7%), Elena Rybakina looks to be the favorite to win the Qatar Open.

Sabalenka followed with 19.25% of the vote, but won’t be making an appearance in Doha.

Poland’s Iga Swiatek, a former three-time champion, came in third with 18.83%.

More Tennis News

Few expect Coco Gauff to add to her WTA 1000 tally, though, as she only collected 8.79% of the vote.

But between Rybakina, Swiatek, and Gauff, who has played the best at the Qatar Open (WTA 1000 only), so far?

Comparing title favorites and their records at the Qatar Open (WTA 1000 only)

Looking at the numbers, it’s clear to see why Rybakina and Swiatek are the favorites to lift the trophy.

However, it would be wrong to forget about the defending champion, Amanda Anisimova.

The world number four was excellent in Qatar a year ago, and may have been on the mind of the 5.44% who voted for ‘someone else’ to win the title.

TalkingPoints fans have picked Rybakina as their winner, but what did our tennis experts say?

Several writers expect Rybakina to continue her winning run in Doha.

“[Elena] Rybakina surely, who can stop her on hard courts?” asked Callum Davies.

“I think Qatar will answer a lot of questions about just how dominant Rybakina can be this year,” added Liam Mcmillen.

“I’m tipping her to win the event!”

There was also some support for Swiatek…

“[Iga] Swiatek is a great shout, she has won the Qatar Open three times before!” said Matthew Johns.

It remains to be seen who will win the 2026 Qatar Open, but you certainly won’t want to miss any of the action.

The 2026 Qatar Open begins on Monday, February 9.

The Qatar Open was added to the WTA Tour calendar in 2001, but the event hasn’t always been a WTA 1000.

In fact, only 10 WTA 1000 Qatar Open champions have been crowned in tournament history.

Every WTA 1000 Qatar Open champion

Will Rybakina add her name to the list in 2026?

Only time will tell…