Swiatek Faces Tough Challenge from Ostapenko in Doha Semifinals

DOHA, Qatar — The semifinals of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open are set, featuring a surprising twist: three unseeded players and one three-time defending champion, Iga Swiatek. On Friday, Swiatek, ranked No. 2 in the world, will face off against No. 37 Jelena Ostapenko, a player she has never beaten in four previous encounters.

This year’s tournament marks a milestone as it is the first time the Doha semifinals will include three players who were unseeded. Swiatek, competing for her fourth consecutive title at this event, is coming off a hard-fought victory over No. 7 Elena Rybakina, with a score of 6-2, 7-5. The match extended her Doha win streak to an impressive 15 matches.

Ostapenko, the only player to maintain a perfect record against Swiatek, has defeated the Polish star four times in their history. She secured her semifinals spot with a decisive 6-2, 6-2 win over Ons Jabeur and aims to extend her perfect streak against Swiatek. “Because of the head-to-head, I can kind of play without expectations,” Swiatek said. “I’ll just have another chance, and I’ll try to use it.”

Entering the semifinals, Swiatek is aware of the challenge that awaits her, as Ostapenko employs a high-risk playing style that has historically troubled her. But Swiatek’s resilience has been tested during this tournament as she overcame two powerful opponents before facing Ostapenko.

Ostapenko’s journey to the semifinals has been remarkable. Before this tournament, she had only one singles win this season, with her ranking slipping outside the Top 30. Winning in Doha would not only solidify her return but could also extend her streak of winning titles each time she reaches a semifinal, which she has done three times previously in her career.

On the other side of the draw, Ekaterina Alexandrova, ranked No. 26, is riding an eight-match winning streak. She has claimed victories against top players such as No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 5 Jessica Pegula during this tournament. “I kind of started from a new page after the Australian Open,” Alexandrova reflected on her recent form, hoping to reach her second WTA 1000 final.

Her opponent, Amanda Anisimova, ranked No. 41, has also made waves in the tournament, securing her spot in the semifinals with victories over formidable names including No. 10 Paula Badosa and No. 30 Victoria Azarenka. The semifinal clash will pit the young American against Alexandrova, marking Anisimova’s eighth WTA semifinal.

As the stage is set for an exciting day of tennis, the match between Swiatek and Ostapenko is particularly anticipated, given their historical rivalries and contrasting styles of play. For the defending champion, overcoming Ostapenko may prove to be her toughest challenge yet in this quest for a fourth consecutive title.