Amanda Anisimova’s early exit from the Qatar Open is set to have a big impact on Coco Gauff.
Anisimova won the Qatar Open last year, which really kickstarted a breakout season for the American.
However, Anisimova’s title defence has not gone to plan after she retired in her opening match in Doha against former world number one Karolina Pliskova.
Not only is this disappointing for Anisimova, but it is also significant for her compatriot Gauff, who has a big opportunity at the Qatar Open.
Coco Gauff impacted by Amanda Anisimova’s exit from the Qatar Open
As the defending champion, Anisimova was defending a huge 1000 points at the Qatar Open last year.
Following Anisimova’s retirement in the third set against Pliskova, she has now dropped 990 of those ranking points.
This means that Anisimova will now drop outside the top five in the WTA rankings down to world number six.
As a result, Anisimova will lose her status as American number one, which will now be returned to Gauff as Jessica Pegula withdrew from the Qatar Open.
Where will Coco Gauff be ranked at the end of the 2026 season?
Gauff currently has a 470 point lead over Pegula in the live WTA rankings, while she leads Anisimova by 733 points.
This gap could be increased at the Qatar Open, as Gauff has no points to defend after losing her only match at the tournament last year.
Prove us wrong…
Who is Coco Gauff playing in her first match at the Qatar Open?
Gauff will look to continue extending her lead as American number one when she plays her first match at this year’s Qatar Open against Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
Cocciaretto has already won a WTA title this year, but Gauff should not be too concerned following their three previous meetings.
Gauff has beaten Cocciaretto in straight sets on all three previous occasions, with their most recent encounter taking place at the 2024 French Open.
| Year | Tournament | Result |
| 2022 | Guadalajara Open | Gauff beat Cocciaretto, 7-6(1) 6-3 |
| 2024 | Dubai Tennis Championships | Gauff beat Cocciaretto, 6-1 7-5 |
| 2024 | French Open | Gauff beat Cocciaretto, 6-1 6-2 |
However, Cocciaretto may be holding on to Gauff’s recent record at the Qatar Open, as she did not win a match at either the 2024 or 2025 tournament.
Gauff will play her first singles match at the Qatar Open against Cocciaretto on Tuesday, February 10.
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