Top 5 Photos 3/9: Federer scouts Dan Evans' Doha opener

By Jordaan SanfordPublished March 09, 2021

It was a day full of upsets in both Doha and Dubai, with experienced players proving they can still beat the best and rising stars defeating childhood idols.

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

Roger Federer

The 20-time Grand Slam champion was spotted taking in Dan Evans' first-round clash against Jeremy Chardy.

The Swiss Star will be making his return to the ATP Tour at Doha's 250-level event. It's been nearly 14 months since the 39-year-old competed in a tour-level match and he will be tested against Evans. In all three previous bouts, Federer has never given up a single set to the Brit, but with no match play under his belt, it could be a different story on Wednesday.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 09: Roger Federer of Switzerland takes a drink as he looks on from the stands during the Round One match between Jeremy Chardy of France and Daniel Evans of Great Britain during Day Two of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2021 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 09, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Svetlana Kuznetsova

After 20-plus years on the WTA Tour, the Russian is still able to produce wins over the world's top players. Kuznetsova edged past Dubai's No. 1 seed Elina Svitolina, 2-6, 6-4, 6-1, to advance to the round of 16. The upset victory marks the 35-year-old's first Top 5 win since Cincinnati in 2019.

She will next face Barbora Krejcikova who defeated Jelena Ostapenko in her round of 32 bout for the first time.

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - MARCH 09: Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia reacts in her Round Two match against Elina Svitolina of Ukraine during Day Three of the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships at Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium on March 09, 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Jil Teichmann

With Petra Kvitova's inner right thigh hurting throughout the match, Jil Teichmann would win the round of 32 affair by walkover. The world No. 54 held a 6-2, 3-4 lead when Kvitova retired due to overwhelming pain.

Dan Evans

The world No. 28 powered past Frenchman Chardy, 6-4, 1-6, 6-2, to set up a battle with former world No. 1 Federer.

"He's obviously seen a lot of my game the last few weeks so it was probably more out of boredom rather than scouting out what's on the court," Evans said of Federer watching his Doha opener.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 09: Daniel Evans of Great Britain plays a backhand in his Round One match against Jeremy Chardy of France during Day Two of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2021 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 09, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images) — © Getty Images

Lloyd Harris

Standing across the net from childhood idol Stan Wawrinka, the South African put on quite the performance to top the three-time major champion, 7-6 (3), 6-7 (6), 7-5. The gritty three-set victory is the best win of his career and he will now take on Marton Fucsovics for a spot in the Qatar ExxonMobil Open's round of 16.