Fans Slam 'Dead' Crowd at Qatar Open Match Between Pliskova and Muchova

Tennis fans criticize the WTA for hosting a tournament with poor attendance in the Middle East.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Tennis fans were surprised to see the empty stands at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex during the round of 16 clash between Karolina Muchova and Karolina Pliskova at the Qatar Open. Pliskova was forced to give a walkover when she trailed 2-5 in the first set, helping Muchova take a 3-1 head-to-head lead. Fans criticized the WTA for failing to draw crowds to the tournament, questioning the decision to host a WTA 1000 event in the Middle East.

Why it matters

The lack of fan attendance at a high-profile WTA 1000 tournament raises questions about the viability of hosting such events in the Middle East, where tennis does not have a strong fan base compared to other regions. This comes as the ATP is also planning to host a Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia, which has drawn similar concerns from fans.

The details

Karolina Muchova took a 3-1 head-to-head record over former World No.1 Karolina Pliskova in the round of 16 match. Pliskova was forced to give the walkover when she trailed 2-5 in the first set. Muchova is chasing her career's second title, having played six finals and winning just the 2019 Korea Open. Pliskova, on the other hand, was chasing the 18th title of her career, having featured in 34 singles finals.

  • The match took place on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Karolina Muchova

A professional tennis player who is chasing her career's second title, having played six finals and winning just the 2019 Korea Open.

Karolina Pliskova

A former World No.1 tennis player who was chasing the 18th title of her career, having featured in 34 singles finals.

Anna Kalinskaya

A Russian professional tennis player who will face Muchova in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open. Kalinskaya has reached one WTA 1000 final in her career, losing to Jasmine Paolini in the 2022 Dubai Open.

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What they’re saying

“Pliskova vs. Muchova deserved a better crowd in Doha.”

— José Morgado (Twitter)

“Bring on the Saudi Masters! Tennis is the Middle East might bring short term money, but is it really growing the sport?”

— Todd Scoullar (Twitter)

“This is embarrassing for the organizers. Pathetic”

— Sumit Rai (Twitter)

“I was worried there wouldn't be a lot of people. I'm surprised. Thank you for coming and staying. Especially the kids over there.”

— Anna Kalinskaya (On-court interview)

What’s next

Karolina Muchova will face Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open on Thursday, February 12, 2026.

The takeaway

The lack of fan attendance at the Qatar Open highlights the challenges the WTA faces in growing the sport in regions where tennis does not have a strong following. This raises questions about the viability of hosting high-profile tournaments in the Middle East and the need for the WTA to focus on expanding its reach in areas with a more established tennis culture.