The first WTA 1000 level event of the season will have a thrilling ending as a blockbuster semifinal line-up is set at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha. Anett Kontaveit and Jelena Ostapenko have been extremely impressive of late, they go head-to-head in the first match of the day. An equally exciting clash between Maria Sakkari and Iga Swiatek follows. Who will advance to Saturday’s championship match?
WTA Doha Semifinal Predictions
Maria Sakkari vs Iga Swiatek
H2H: Sakkari 3-0.
Maria Sakkari has stormed through the draw in Doha without dropping a set. The 26-year-old recorded straight sets win over Ann Li 6-3 6-3, Jessica Pegula 6-4 7-5, and Cori Gauff 6-3 6-3 to her second semifinal of the season. Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek got off to an unconvincing start in Doha with a 6-2 3-6 6-2 win against Viktorija Golubic but has improved throughout the tournament with back-to-back strong wins over tough opponents. A 6-3 6-0 win over Daria Kasatkina was followed by a 6-2 6-3 upset of the top seeded Aryna Sabalenka.
Sakkari was a frustrating opponent for Swiatek in 2021. The Greek won all three of their meetings in 2021, all in straight sets. Sakkari defeated Swiatek 6-2 6-4 at the WTA Finals in their most recent clash, she also defeated the Pole in Ostrava 6-4 7-5 and at Roland Garros 6-4 6-4. Clearly the Greek player has the edge in this matchup.
The head-to-head record does not lie. Sakkari owns this matchup. Swiatek is definitely capable, but until she proves herself in this matchup it’s hard to go against Sakkari. That’s especially true right now given how solid Sakkari has looked this week. I’ll side with Sakkari here.
Prediction: Sakkari in 3
Anett Kontaveit vs Jelena Ostapenko
H2H: Kontaveit 3-1.
Anett Kontaveit and Jelena Ostapenko are arguably the two hottest players on tour right now. Ostapenko in particular. The Latvian has won nine consecutive matches, having arrived in Doha fresh from winning her fifth WTA singles title in Dubai. Kontaveit is on an eight match winning streak of her own having won her sixth WTA singles title in St. Petersburg a few weeks ago.
Ostapenko’s results over the last few weeks have been nothing short of astonishing. The Latvian has beaten six Grand Slam champions in her nine match winning streak, including a 6-3 6-2 drubbing of Barbora Krejcikova and a 6-2 6-2 thrashing of Garbine Muguruza in her last couple of matches in Doha. Kontaveit hasn’t been quite as impressive this week, but a 6-4 6-1 win over the dangerous Ons Jabeur puts her in a good space heading into the semifinals.
Kontaveit has the advantage in this matchup. The Estonian has never lost to Ostapenko on a hard court and recently defeated the Latvian 6-3 6-4 at the semifinal stage in St. Petersburg earlier this month.
One could make an argument for each player given how well both having been playing of late. I’ll give the edge to Kontaveit here. The head-to-head favours Kontaveit that’s significant in a matchup of fine margins. Ostapenko hot streak has lasted longer than most could have anticipated, it seems that this is the likely spot for her run to come to an end against an equally confident player that has had her measure in recent times.
Prediction: Kontaveit in 3
Main Photo from Getty.
