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?<\/p>\n
Head-to-head<\/strong>: Kenin 6-2<\/p>\n 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. Head-to-head<\/strong>: Pegula 2-1<\/p>\n 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.
\nPrediction: Jabeur in 2<\/em><\/p>\nDaria Kasatkina vs Jessica Pegula<\/h4>\n
\nPrediction: Pegula in 3<\/em><\/p>\n