It promises to be another great day of action at the WTA 1000 event in Doha. Eight matches are scheduled, with four of those predicted in this article. We at LWOT also have a separate prediction of the outcomes of the other four contests in Doha, including Naomi Osaka vs Lesia Tsurenko. Which players do you think will advance to the quarterfinals?
WTA Doha Day 4 Predictions
Danielle Collins vs Katerina Siniakova
Head-to-head: Collins 1-1 Siniakova
This should be a great watch between two players who have been superb in Doha so far. Collins has taken out the 13th seed Veronika Kudermetova and Marie Bouzkova so far, while Siniakova defeated Donna Vekic and US Open champion Coco Gauff. Siniakova effectively used variety against Gauff and that could harm the rhythm of the hard-hitting Collins. Yet, I am still backing the American to prevail. Collins’ is in great form and is likely to perform much better than Gauff. If she is near her best again, she will overwhelm Siniakova to win again.
Prediction: Collins in 2
Qinwen Zheng vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: Fernandez 1-0 Zheng
Last year’s WTA most improved player of the year Zheng was not at her absolute best against Magda Linette in her first match since her run to the Australian Open final. Fernandez managed to recover from losing the opening set 6-0 to win against Paula Badosa to set up this meeting. This could be a tight battle. Fernandez has played much more aggressively in recent months, which will make it harder for Zheng to line up her big groundstrokes. The Australian Open runner-up will need to serve well, but my instinct is that Fernandez will pull off an upset in Doha.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Emma Navarro vs Elena Rybakina
Head-to-head: Rybakina 1-0 Navarro
Both players won their previous rounds very comprehensively. Rybakina dropped just three games against Zhu Lin, while Navarro only lost four games against Elise Mertens. The American could make things awkward with her consistent style, but it is difficult to see Rybakina not triumphing. The relative lack of pace on Navarro’s groundstrokes will give Ryabkina time to hit devastatingly from the baseline, in a similar way to her Abu Dhabi final win against Daria Kasatkina.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Iga Swiatek vs Ekaterina Alexandrova
Head-to-head: Swiatek 2-1 Alexandrova
Last year’s French Open champion Swiatek was superb in her first match against Sorana Cirstea but this could be a tricky match for her. Alexandrova possesses the hard-hitting style that does cause the Pole problems at times. In addition, the Russian also defeated Swiatek in their only previous meeting on an outdoor hard court. But the world No. 1 is still likely to win. Swiatek is the defending champion in Doha and the conditions suit her game. That should be enough to withstand the powerful hitting of Alexandrova.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports
