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Dubai, UAE – Magda Linette of Poland battled to a hard-fought victory over Jekaterina Aleksandrowa of Russia in the second round of the WTA Dubai tournament on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The match, held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships, saw Linette overcome a strong challenge from the world number 12, ultimately prevailing in three sets.
The victory marks a successful rebound for Linette after a second-round loss to Mirra Andreeva at the recent tournament in Doha. She opened her Dubai campaign with a win against Lulu Sun, ranked 99th in the WTA standings, demonstrating her resilience on the court. Aleksandrowa received a bye in the first round.
The head-to-head record between Linette and Aleksandrowa favored the Polish player entering the match, with Linette having won four of their previous six encounters, including the last two. This history played out as Linette secured the first set 6-2, but Aleksandrowa responded strongly, taking the second set 6-4. The decisive third set is currently underway, with the score at 0-0.
Linette’s Path to the Third Round
Linette’s performance in Dubai builds on a solid start to the season. Her ability to adapt to different opponents and court conditions has been key to her success. The match against Aleksandrowa presented a significant test, as the Russian player is known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline game. Polsat Sport is providing live updates and results from the tournament.
Previous Encounters and Rankings
The two players have a competitive history, adding another layer of intrigue to their Dubai clash. Aleksandrowa currently holds the 12th position in the WTA rankings, making her the clear favorite heading into the match, according to Przegląd Sportowy. However, Linette’s past successes against the Russian player suggested a closely contested affair.
The match began around 8:00 AM local time, with fans eagerly following the live action. Eurosport was scheduled to provide live coverage of the match, though access may vary by region.
As the match progresses, Linette will look to capitalize on her experience and tactical awareness to secure a place in the third round of the WTA Dubai tournament. The outcome will undoubtedly have implications for both players’ rankings and their preparations for the upcoming tournaments in the season.
The next updates will be provided as the third set unfolds. Stay tuned for further developments from the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
Share your thoughts on the match and Linette’s performance in the comments below!