Clara Burel defeated in the 1st round in Dubai

Showing considerable progress for several weeks, young French player Clara Burel (22 years old) did not, however, manage to defeat the experienced Sloane Stephens, who is 8 years her senior.

Entering the Top 50 for the first time in her career in 2024, Clara Burel lost in 3 sets, 6-4 1-6 6-2. Too fragile in her service and affected by the strong wind in Dubai, she thus allowed her opponent, who is ranked 39th in the world, to advance to the 2nd round against Iga Swiatek.

Before this match, Clara Burel had already won two matches in the United Arab Emirates, in qualifiers. She had successively overpowered Sasnovich (3-6 6-4 6-4) and Eva Lys (6-2 6-1).