MY ACCOUNT
Anett Kontaveit remained on course for a sixth title in seven months, progressing to the Qatar Open semi-finals after defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets.
Champion in St Petersburg two weeks ago, Kontaveit extended her winning run to eight matches following a 6-4 6-1 success.
The opening set was neck and neck until Kontaveit won 15 out of 16 points from 30-30 at 4-4 to draw first blood and establish a 2-0 lead in the second.
The Estonian, who registered just 12 unforced errors throughout the contest, then took 12 of the last 15 points to advance to the last four.
“At times, it was just kind of fun because I felt like the level was really good, and I was playing really well,” said Kontaveit, who has won nine of her last 13 matches against top-10 opposition.
“I think I have this confidence that I can go deep every week that I’m playing, and I’m not setting these mental barriers to myself that I used to do.
“I’m very happy with being in the semi-finals, but I also feel like I can still go deeper, I can still do more. So, I’m not too satisfied yet with this result. I feel like if I play well or if I’m consistent, I have a chance with anyone.
“I’m really happy that I’m bringing a good level of tennis consistently every tournament. I think that’s something that I’m just most pleased with.”
In the semi-finals, Kontaveit will face another in-form player in Jelena Ostapenko, who saw off Garbine Muguruza in straight sets.
Having triumphed in Dubai last week, the 15th seed has now recorded nine successive victories for the first time in her career after prevailing 6-2 6-2.
Ostapenko struck 39 winners and claimed 15 of 18 points on her opponent’s second serve as she moved a step closer to a maiden title in Doha, having reached the final six years ago.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek is through to her first WTA 1000 semi-final on a hard court after a 6-2 6-3 win over Aryna Sabalenka.
The former French Open champion won seven out of eight breakpoints, while reeling off six successive games in the second set to secure a comfortable victory.
Next up for her is Maria Sakkari, who recorded her third win against Coco Gauff in four meetings after prevailing 6-3 6-3.
The sixth seed is through to her sixth semi-final at WTA 1000 level or above – and targeting her first such title.
