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Top 5 Photos 3/2: Pegula, Keys push forward in Doha

By Jordaan Sanford

The action at the Qatar ExxonMobil Open continued, with two American women cruising by their respective opponents. On the men's side, two Russian competitors moved into Rotterdam's round of 16.

These are the Top 5 photos from Tuesday. (All photos Getty)

1

Jessica Pegula

The world No. 44 brought the same Australian Open energy and intensity with her to the Qatar Open in Doha. Pegula posted a seamless 6-3, 6-1 scoreline against China's Wang Qiang to advance into the 500-level event's round of 16. The American qualifier has claimed eight of her last nine matches and will face Jelena Ostapenko, who upset Kiki Bertens, 6-0, 6-2, next.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 02: Jessica Pegula of USA celebrates during the Women's Singles match between Qiang Wang and Jessica Pegula on Day Two of the WTA Qatar Total Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 02, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

2

Karen Khachanov

The Russian came up big against Stan Wawrinka, scoring a solid 6-4, 7-5 victory against the three-time major champion. Khachanov now leads their head-to-head series, 3-2, and will take on Cameron Norrie in Rotterdam's round of 16.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 02: Karen Khachanov of Russia returns a forehand in his match against Stan Wawrinka of Switzerland during Day 2 of the 48th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at Ahoy on March 02, 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

3

Madison Keys

In her first match since Roland Garros opening loss in September, the American dazzled her way past Adelaide finalist Belinda Bencic, 6-4, 6-1, to reach the second round in Doha. The world No. 19 will have an opportunity to avenge her US Open loss to Maria Sakkari next.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 02: Madison Keys of USA returns a forehand during the Women's Singles match between Madison Keys and Belinda Bencic on Day Two of the WTA Qatar Total Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 02, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

4

Andrey Rublev

In his first 10 matches of the season, Rublev has been on fire, only falling to countryman Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open's quarterfinal. Rublev easily moved past qualifier Marcos Giron, 7-6 (1), 6-3, to set up a clash with three-time major champion Andy Murray.

"We will see, it's going to be interesting. I mean he's Andy, he's a legend. He beat me once almost, 6-0, 6-0, 6-0," Rublev said following his opening win in Rotterdam.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 02: Andrey Rublev of Russia returns a backhand in his match against Marcos Giron of USA during Day 2 of the 48th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at Ahoy on March 02, 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

5

Ons Jabeur

The world No. 31 has bounced back since falling in straight sets at the Australian Open to eventual champion Naomi Osaka. Jabeur put on an impressive performance to defeat Anna Blinkova, 6-2, 6-2, in Doha. She will next face No. 2 seed Karolina Pliskova. The round of 16 affair will be a re-match of their three-set battle on the same courts just a year ago. Jabeur came out on top in that edition and will be looking to do the same on Wednesday.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 02: Ons Jabeur of Tunisia performs a serve during the Women's Singles match between Ons Jabeur and Anna Blinkova on Day Two of the WTA Qatar Total Open at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 02, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
© Getty Images