Russian Ekaterina Makarova advanced to the third round of the tournament in Dubai defeating Slovak Dominika Cibulkova (3) 6:2, 4:6, 6:2.

The 2016 Olympic champion hit 12 aces, made 6 double faults and won 6 break points out of 11. Dominica served 1 ace, made 2 double faults and won 3 break points.

In order to reach the quarterfinals, Makarova will take on the winner of the match between Lauren Davis (USA) and Kristyna Pliskova (CZE).