FIFA President sends message to Karolina Muchova and Victoria Mboko after their Qatar Open final

Karolina Muchova defeated Victoria Mboko, 6-4, 7-5, to win her first WTA 1000 title.

The Czech was a deserved winner in Doha, ending her six-year WTA trophy drought.

Both players entertained the Qatari crowd, and a special guest in attendance.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, was watching on, and got involved in the trophy ceremonies, handing the title to Muchova.

After the match, Infantino sent a message to Muchova and Mboko on Instagram.

Gianni Infantino congratulates Karolina Muchova on her Qatar Open win

“It was a pleasure to attend the final of the Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha, a fantastic occasion showcasing world-class tennis and great sporting spirit,” said Infantino.

“Congratulations to Karolina Muchova on winning her first WTA 1000 title with a superb victory over Victoria Mboko, who also delivered an impressive performance on the big stage.”

Few fans would have predicted Muchova and Mboko to reach the final, but the 2026 Qatar Open was anything but predictable…

Before the tournament began, several big names dropped out.

Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka, Jessica Pegula, and Madison Keys all withdrew.

Then, top seeds Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, and Jasmine Paolini lost their opening matches.

By the time the quarterfinals rolled around, only two of the top-eight seeds, Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek, remained in the competition.

As both players exited the Qatar Open at that stage, it became clear that we would see a surprise winner in the Middle East.

In the end, it was Muchova who emerged victorious, winning just her second career title.

But what’s next for Muchova and the woman she beat in the final, Mboko?

Qatar Open finalists both withdraw from Dubai Tennis Championships

After losing the Qatar Open final to Muchova, Mboko withdrew from the second Middle-Eastern WTA 1000 event, the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The Canadian cited an elbow injury as the reason for her withdrawal.

Muchova is also set to skip the event.

The duo will return at the upcoming Indian Wells tournament, which begins on Monday, March 2.