The WTA Tour makes its transition from Dubai to Doha for Day 1 of the Qatar Total Open. The field is packed, and we should get great action from the very first day. Who will win on Sunday? We share our thoughts on the matches. In addition to this article, we predict a second set of Doha matches.
WTA Doha Day 1 Predictions
Svetlana Kuznetsova vs Cagla Buyukakcay
Venus Williams might be this sport’s “ageless wonder,” but Kuznetsova honestly isn’t far behind at all. She’s still in the Top 50, and she can challenge anyone in the world on her day. Buyukakcay, meanwhile, was once hailed as a potential rising star from Turkey, but she’s well past that now and well out of form. The Russian moves on.
Prediction: Kuznetsova in 2
Ons Jabeur vs Katerina Siniakova
Not only is Jabeur in tremendous form right now, but the Tunisian also recently became the most successful Arab woman in Grand Slam history. That should earn her some real appreciation from the crowd in Qatar, and she should be inspired for even better results in her home region. She nearly took out Simona Halep in Dubai, and she should be able to advance deep in Doha as well.
Prediction: Jabeur in 3
Jelena Ostapenko vs Jil Teichmann
Teichmann is in solid form right now, and there’s a case to be made for her winning that match. Ostapenko still hasn’t found a consistent rhythm since winning the French Open back in 2017. Still, this match will be on the Latvian’s racket, which makes her the safer pick here.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Garbine Muguruza vs Daria Kasatkina
Muguruza struggled last year, but the Spaniard seems to be in better form now. Kasatkina, meanwhile, has not found any real consistency or form for close to a year now herself. It’s hard not to pick Muguruza in this one.
Prediction: Muguruza in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
