Belgian star Elise Mertens claimed a first Qatar Total Open title, battling back from a set down to defeat Simona Halep 3-6, 6-4,6-3.  The world number 21, battled back impressively despite being outclassed in the first set, overcoming an eight-minute medical timeout for back pain, and losing 18 consecutive points at one point in the second set.

Her win, in a little over two hours, was her third victory over a top ten player in Doha this week.