Fans React to ‘Dead’ Crowd During Karolina Pliskova Versus Karolina Muchova Qatar Open Match – “This is Embarrassing”

Tennis fans were a bit 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 on Wednesday (February 11) in the ongoing Qatar Open. The match didn’t last for long.

Two-time Grand Slam finalist Pliskova was forced to give the walkover when she trailed 2-5 in the first set. Pliskova’s mid-match retirement helped Muchova take a 3-1 head-to-head lead. Muchova is chasing her career’s second title. She has so far played six finals, winning just the 2019 Korea Open against Magda Linette.

The last time Muchova featured in a final was at the 2024 China Open, losing to Coco Gauff in straight sets. Pliskova, on the other hand, was chasing the 18th title of her career. She has so far featured in 34 singles finals.

En route to handing the walkover to Muchova, Pliskova knocked out two-time Grand Slam finalist as well as defending champion Amanda Anisimova in three sets in the previous round.

Fans slam the WTA Qatar Open for failing to draw fans

As a WTA 1000 tournament failed to attract crowd, it drew criticism from the fans. They think the WTA shouldn’t host a tournament of this level in the Middle East and should focus on other regions where fans love watching tennis. They are also questioning the plan of hosting a Masters 1000 tournament in Saudi Arabia.

Check out their reactions here:

Pliskova vs. Muchova deserved a better crowd in Doha. pic.twitter.com/EV1FnoGUHE

— José Morgado (@josemorgado) February 11, 2026

Wow. Also explains why the LIV golfers are going back to the PGA tour, the Middle East just dosnt have the true fan support

— Craig (@craaaiggg) February 11, 2026

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

— Todd Scoullar (@ToddScoullar) February 11, 2026

Shits a joke bro idk why they have a Middle East swing literally have it anywhere else in the world

— DG MLB/Tennis 🎾 ⚾️ (@rilchgodd) February 11, 2026

This is embarrassing for the organizers. Pathetic

— Sumit Rai (@sumitraimumbai) February 12, 2026

not even eala could pull crowds during the arab swing i’m sure. the couple of matches i’ve seen so far have been empty

— 𓁿 (@6iols) February 11, 2026

What about ATP WTA 1000 in Argentina, great tennis player provider, but not, OIL COUNTRY get everything even when their people dont care about tennis.

— PAISA 🇨🇴 (@dude5_7) February 11, 2026

Doha shouldn't be a WTA 1000. That's poor. Even the main stadium has been dead. This event is always dead. I think a major African city could host it for sure. Or maybe Singapore. The WTA Finals were always great there. A Masters would be good.

— Mo-Hammered (@Hamabmo62) February 11, 2026

Money talks. But I really miss those times when February was all about european indoor tennis (Paris and Antwerp)

— LucaCorradini (@LucaCorradini) February 11, 2026

Pliskova has so far lifted just two WTA 1000 titles – the 2026 Cincinnati Open against Angelique Kerber and the 2019 Italian Open against Johanna Konta. She has also made five more finals at this level, the last of which she played at the 2021 Canadian Open.

Muchova, who lost the 2023 French Open final at the hands of six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, has so far played two finals in the WTA 1000 events. She lost the 2023 Cincinnati Open to two-time Grand Slam singles champion Coco Gauff, who also beat her in the 2024 China Open final.

Karolina Muchova to play Anna Kalinskaya in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open

Muchova’s quarterfinal opponent at the Qatar Open is Anna Kalinskaya. Prior to setting up the clash with Muchova, the Russian ace knocked out 12th seed Emma Navarro in the round of 32 and seventh seed Elina Svitolina in the previous round.

I’m very happy with my level. She’s a great player and one of the toughest for me. Big respect for her. I have a different mindset. I had to follow my plan, and it worked today, which I’m super happy about. It’s nice to have another match tomorrow in the Middle East.

Anna Kalinskaya said during the on-court interview after defeating Elina Svitolina

Kalinskaya trails 0-3 in the head-to-head matchups against Muchova. They last met in the quarterfinals of the 2024 Ningbo Open.

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 added

Kalinskaya, who reached her career’s first Grand Slam quarterfinal at the 2024 Australian Open, has so far reached just one WTA 1000 final. The 27-year-old made it to the final in the 2022 Dubai Open, which she lost to two-time Grand Slam singles finalist Jasmine Paolini.

Kalinskaya has yet to win a tour-level title. She has so far reached three singles finals, losing both. After her defeat to Paolini in the 2024 Dubai Open, Kalinskaya lost to Jessica Pegula at the Berlin Open the same season. Last year, 2021 US Open runner-up Leylah Fernandez defeated her in the 2025 Citi Open.

Also read: (Video) Alexander Bublik Makes Funny Novak Djokovic Admission in a Rant on Hubert Hurkacz’s Game at Rotterdam