Anisimova beats Ostapenko in Qatar Open final for her biggest title

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — Amanda Anisimova won the Qatar Open on Saturday for her third career title and first since 2022.

Anisimova beat former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko 6-4, 6-3 in a final disrupted twice by showers.

After the second rain delay, Anisimova won the last three games to become the first American to win the Doha title since Monica Seles in 2002.

“It was actually quite stressful, especially with the rain, at 3-3,” Anisimova said. “I was trying to stay focused. There's not much that either of us could do with the conditions. But I think that game was super important, and I'm happy that it went my way.”

Ranked 41st, Anisimova was close to a top 20 debut.

The 37th-ranked Ostapenko, from Lativa, appeared in her 17th final and missed out on her ninth career singles title. She was also undone by 10 double faults.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis

Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko returns to Amanda Anisimova of the United States during the Qatar Open tennis tournament final match in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Sayed)

Amanda Anisimova of the United States returns to Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko during the Qatar Open tennis tournament final in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Sayed)

Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates after winning the final against Latvia's Jelena Ostapenko at the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Sayed)

Amanda Anisimova of the United States holds the trophy after winning the Qatar Open tennis tournament in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Sayed)

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — De’Aaron Fox scored 24 points and the San Antonio Spurs won their first game since Victor Wembanyama injured his left knee, beating the Indiana 123-113 on Friday night for the Pacers' 11th straight loss.

Wembanyama hyperextended his knee Wednesday night in a home victory over New York. An MRI showed no ligament damage and the 7-foot-4 center stayed in San Antonio to rehabilitate the injury.

Spurs coach Mitch Johnson said Wembanyama is day-to-day but wouldn’t rule out the possibility he could play against Portland on Saturday night in San Antonio. The Spurs are 10-3 with Wembanyama doesn’t play.

Dylan Harper added 22 points for the Spurs, and Stephon Castle had 19.

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard had 19 points, and Micah Potter added 16 in his first start in five games with Pacers.

The Pacers shot 51% while the Spurs made 44% overall. San Antonio made 22 of 28 free throws while Indiana was 13 of 15.

The Spurs scored the first six points of the third quarter to to make it 77-58. The Pacers regrouped to cut it to 93-85 after three quarters. San Antonio maintained control throughout the fourth quarter.

Spurs Host Portland on Saturday night.

Pacers: At Orlando on Sunday.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Indiana Pacers guard Aaron Nesmith (23) shoots during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the San Antonio Spurs in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

Indiana Pacers forward Pascal Siakam (43) makes contact with San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) as he drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, right, tips a rebound in to score during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

San Antonio Spurs head coach Mitch Johnson gestures during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)

San Antonio Spurs forward Kelly Olynyk, right, scores over the top of Indiana Pacers center James Wiseman (11) during the first half of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Friday, Jan. 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)