Iga Swiatek didn’t waste much time defeating Maria Sakkari at the WTA 1000 in Doha in a matchup that would have been a blockbuster a few years ago, but it was clear who the stronger player is now. The Pole hasn’t even dropped a set in Doha since her opening-round match in 2022 and looks to claim her 4th title in a row. But Linda Noskova knows how to trouble her and she showed that on a few occasions last year. Can she be enough of a curveball to eliminate the three-time defending champion?
WTA Doha Day 4 Predictions
Jelena Ostapenko vs Jasmine Paolini
Head-to-head: 1-1
Jelena Ostapenko really needed a couple of wins right now as she had been on a horrific run since late last season. She can fire up at any time, but she’s also at her most dangerous when she’s in the right rhythm. This matchup we haven’t seen that much of, especially as their first meeting was all the way back in 2014. Even with Jasmine Paolini’s broad improvement, one thing should be clear here. If Ostapenko is on top of her game, she will have the upper hand.
Prediction: Ostapenko in 3
Marta Kostyuk vs Magda Linette
Head-to-head: Kostyuk 1-0
Marta Kostyuk is coming off a big win over Coco Gauff in the second round and she could use a bit of confidence at the moment. The Ukrainian made a big leap in the first half of last season, but now it had been a while since her game came together for a victory like this. She should probably be able to keep that up here. You’d imagine that Magda Linette could be a bit banged up after her all-Polish thriller yesterday and Kostyuk defeated her handily only time they played.
Prediction: Kostyuk in 2
Amanda Anisimova vs Leylah Fernandez
Head-to-head: Fernandez 2-0
While Leylah Fernandez isn’t setting the world on fire this year, it’s worth noting that the Canadian is consistently picking up wins and it takes a really good performance from a powerful player to beat her (or an elite opponent like Coco Gauff). She did very well on these courts last year, taking out Paula Badosa and Qinwen Zheng on the way to the quarterfinals. Looks like she might be able to repeat this result, but she needs to be wary of the weapons of Amanda Anisimova’s big weaponry.
Prediction: Fernandez in 3
Iga Swiatek vs Linda Noskova
Head-to-head: Swiatek 4-1
This head-to-head looks pretty dominant, but Linda Noskova was causing all sorts of issues for Iga Swiatek last year. First it was the upset in Australia, then some tight matches in Miami and at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals. The good news for the Pole is that she won comfortably at Indian Wells, which is another event she has complete control over the last few years, just like Doha. Because the conditions are slow and bouncy, she’ll be able to fend off Noskova. But the Czech is playing well, don’t be surprised if she pushes the No. 2 seed.
Prediction: Swiatek in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
