The Doha championship final is hailed as a historic night for women's tennis, with Zheng Qinwen facing the tough opponent Stearns today.

Following the conclusion of the Doha final between Mboko and Mchova, observers agreed that it was a match without a loser, with both athletes creating their own historic moments on this memorable evening!

Before the match, predictions favored the young Canadian Mboko to win. The reason was simple: one, a 19-year-old already owning a 1000-level title; the other, nearing 30 and still chasing her second career title and first 1000-level crown. Moreover, the Canadian had defeated two Grand Slam champions, Rybakina and Ostapenko, to reach the final, making her path far more impressive than Mchova’s, solidifying her status as the top favorite to win.

Mchova was less favored not only because her form was hard to compare with the younger Mboko, but also because her championship luck seemed limited, having reached six finals at various levels but winning only once before.

Regarding the Czech player’s seventh final appearance, supporters, having prepared for the worst, admitted it wouldn’t be shameful to lose, “After all, the opponent is the super talented young Mboko.” Yet, they also hoped Mchova would explode with a strong performance to prove that experience beats youth, ultimately thrilling the crowd and sparking wild cheers.

The match’s climax came earlier than expected, right from the start of the first set!

Mboko’s intention to overwhelm Mchova with powerful shots was clear, but the Czech player, using precise baseline control, consistent serving, and agile net play, prevented the Canadian’s strategy from working and instead suppressed her offensive firepower.

This contest, blending offense and defense, strategy and courage, had everyone’s adrenaline soaring. It was expected the first set would be tightly contested, likely going to a tiebreak, but at the crucial moment, the young Mboko faltered, allowing Mchova to seize the opportunity and take the set 6-4, putting pressure on the Canadian.

To restore balance, Mboko intensified her attack in the second set, elevating her aggressive style to a new level to try to reverse the momentum. Mchova’s response turned the second set into a battle of both technical skill and mental strength.

Facing Mboko’s relentless pressure, Mchova did not rush to counterattack at this critical moment but patiently maneuvered, aiming to make a difference on key points, ultimately clinching the set 7-5 and emerging victorious in this intense and thrilling duel.

When Mchova won, supporters in the live chat said that even the fiery young star didn’t cry, but they themselves had tears of joy streaming down their faces, saying it was a long-awaited day.

The Czech player had previously reached two 1000-level finals in Cincinnati and the China Open but left empty-handed both times, losing to the same opponent: Gauff. This time, she finally seized the opportunity in Doha, winning her first 1000-level title and creating a new personal milestone.

Additionally, this 1000-level title marked another milestone for Mchova, making her the oldest player to win a WTA 1000 event, surpassing Novotná’s 1996 Zurich record. Novotná was 28 when she won, while the Czech champion is now 29.

Of course, the runner-up Mboko also achieved a remarkable feat: becoming one of the fastest players since 1985 to enter the top ten after breaking into the top 100. The Canadian took 252 days, ranking her third fastest in women’s tennis history. Ahead of her are Capriati, who reached the top ten in 203 days, and her compatriot senior sister Andreescu, who did it in 224 days.

At just 19, Mboko has already impressed the tennis world with her near-disruptive impact, drawing great attention from fans and netizens who eagerly await how many more surprises she can deliver at the upcoming Dubai 1000 tournament to continue dazzling the world.

Currently, another highly watched player in Dubai is China’s top female player, Zheng Qinwen!

Zheng Qinwen’s first-round opponent in Dubai has been confirmed: she will face Stearns, who eliminated her in the first round last year.

Fans and netizens jokingly call Zheng Qinwen’s consecutive years facing the same opponent in Dubai “an unbreakable fate,” wondering whether this time Zheng will successfully avenge or if Stearns will once again defeat the Chinese top player to end this much-anticipated match.

This match is scheduled to start around 4 PM Beijing time today. After the showdown between Zheng Qinwen and Stearns, all the questions everyone cares about will be answered!(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Moonlit River Sky)