Elena Rybakina lost both her previous matches to Rebecca Sramkova, but she’ll take solace in the fact that the latter of these matches came all the way back in 2019. The 2024 WTA Doha runner-up had some issues closing out Peyton Stearns in the second round, but was very dominant until the last five games. Can she keep going here?
WTA Doha Day 4 Predictions
Ons Jabeur vs Sofia Kenin
Head-to-head: Kenin 6-2
What a head-to-head record this is, especially as it’s not all in the past and Sofia Kenin actually won their only match last year. The American has been a bit of a mess for a while now, but can exhibit flashes of her 2020 level. However, it seems like Ons Jabeur might be too strong right now. She was struggling with her healt the last couple of seasons, but now we’ve got her playing consistently and firing week in, week out. She almost beat Elena Rybakina last week and she can start turning this head-to-head around.
Prediction: Jabeur in 2
Daria Kasatkina vs Jessica Pegula
Head-to-head: Pegula 2-1
Jessica Pegula made the final in Doha when she last played it in 2023, skipping the last edition. She delivered a solid performance to defeat Elina Svitolina in the opening round, which might help her when she takes on another counter-puncher here. But Daria Kasatkina plays a slightly different brand of tennis with plenty of variety. Can Pegula’s flatter shots find their way through the court against her? Probably, but it’s worth mentioning Kasatkina has only lost five games in the first two rounds.
Prediction: Pegula in 3
Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Elise Mertens
Head-to-head: Alexandrova 2-1
It’s been a while since these two faced each other (Tokyo Olympics), despite both being a steady factor on the WTA Tour since. That’s where the similarities in their consistency end, though–Ekaterina Alexandrova couldn’t be more hit or miss if she tried. But the upside has always been really strong and the Russian should be feeling great here after defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the second round. Maybe that wave of confidence can get her another win.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3
Elena Rybakina vs Rebecca Sramkova
Head-to-head: Sramkova 2-0
This is a pretty surprising head-to-head, but of course it’s not all that relevant by now considering the latter of these matches took place in 2019. Nonetheless, Rebecca Sramkova finally started realizing her potential last year and remains a force on the circuit, as evidenced by her defeat of Mirra Andreeva yesterday. There are still some doubts regarding Rybakina, but they’re more about whether she can compete with Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka than whether she’s still a top player. That second question is a definite yes and she’s showing it.
Prediction: Rybakina in 2
Main Photo Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports
