Nigerian Tennis Champion, Aruna Quadri began 2025 with an emphatic statement, defeating British champion Liam Pitchford to reach the third round of the men’s singles at the WTT Star Contender in Doha, Qatar, on Thursday, January 9.

Despite a shaky start, losing the first game 10-12, the fifth-seeded Aruna showed composure and tactical brilliance to claim the next three games, all by narrow 11-9 margins.

His victory ensures he remains the last African standing in the tournament.

Aruna Quadri will face Spain’s Alvaro Robles in the next round, after Robles defeated a Japanese contender to secure his progression.

Elsewhere in the Tournament

In the men’s singles, the competition saw a major upset as Germany’s third seed, Patrick Franziska, fell to Korea Republic’s Park Ganghyeon despite leading 2-0. The match ended 3-2 in Park’s favor (9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8, 11-8).

Frenchman Thibault Poret continued his impressive run, eliminating Korea Republic’s No.14 seed Lim Jonghoon in a thrilling 3-2 encounter (11-6, 9-11, 8-11, 11-8, 11-8).

Women’s Singles Action

Africa’s Dina Meshref exited the competition after a 3-1 second-round loss to China’s Chen Yi. Meshref’s defeat ended African representation in the women’s singles draw.

Meanwhile, the Netherlands’ Britt Eerland advanced to the last 16, overcoming No.14 seed Manika Batra of India 3-1 (10-12, 11-8, 11-8, 11-3).

Romania’s Bernadette Szocs also impressed, rallying from behind to defeat China’s Zong Geman in five games (3-11, 11-9, 8-11, 11-9, 11-9).

The tournament continues with intense matchups as top players vie for the title in Doha.