Day three at WTA Doha promises plenty of entertaining with 14 matches on the schedule at the WTA Qatar Open. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match, including Aryna Sabalenka vs Ekaterina Alexandrova and Coco Gauff vs Marta Kostyuk. But who will book their spot in the third round?

WTA Doha Day 3 Predictions

Magdalena Frech vs Magda Linette

Head-to-head: Frech 1-1 Linette

The compatriots met twice before with the pair splitting the matches. But considering Magda Linette’s recent form and decisive victory in their most meeting, she appears to have a slight edge going into this match. That said, Magdalena Frech’s impressive win over Beatriz Haddad Maia – who has been ranked in the top 10 – in the first round was a timely reminder of her ability to maintain composure in tight situations and capitalise on crucial moments. In a match that could swing either way, the younger Pole to eke out a win.

Prediction: Frech in 3
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Jasmine Paolini vs Caroline Garcia

Head-to-head: Garcia 5-3 Paolini

Caroline Garcia’s form has dipped over the last six months or so, as she has registered back-to-back wins just twice in her last 17 tournaments to leave the Frenchwoman outside the top 70. For a player of her ability, that is a very poor return even if she has never been one of the world’s more consistent performers.

By way of contrast, Jasmine Paolini has been ascendant, climbing to world #4 to be the equal highest-ranked Italian singles player in the history of the women’s game alongside Francesca Schiavone. Both players have met eight times before, with Garcia 5-3 ahead. However, considering their current form, Paolini enters this encounter with a psychological advantage. While Garcia can string some aggressive tennis, the world #4 will neutralize Garcia’s power and dictate the tempo with her defensive prowess to earn a first win in Doha and a fourth win over a familiar opponent.

Prediction: Paolini in 2

Daria Kasatkina vs Elina Avanesyan

Head-to-head: Avanesyan 1-0 Kasatkina

Daria Kasatkina’s experience and tactics will be pivotal as she seeks to counter Elina Avanesyan’s aggressive play. If Avanesyan can maintain her aggressive baseline game and keep unforced errors to a minimum, she stands a strong chance of repeating her previous win over the Russian.

Considering the dynamic of the rivalry, Kasatkina has the edge going into this match, especially after her thumping double-bagel demolition of Polina Kudermetova in the previous round – which saw her avenge a defeat earlier this in Brisbane. Avanesyan may make this more difficult than Kasatkina found the going in the first round, but if the Russian in a confident mood to level their head-to-head and advance to the next round.

Prediction: Kasatkina in 3
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Paula Badosa vs Amanda Anisimova

Head-to-head: Anisimova 1-0 Badosa

Paula Badosa secured a hard-fought three-set victory against Renata Zarazua in Doha after an early exit in Abu Dhabi, showing impressive resilience, particularly in the third set, where her powerful serve and aggressive groundstrokes proved to be the difference. Particularly impressive were her 14 aces, reflecting her recent improvements from the line. Amanda Anisimova, meanwhile, advanced to the second round by defeating former world #1 Victoria Azarenka in straight sets, 6-3 7-5 in a composed performance.

This match will be the first meeting between both players since the American defeated the Spaniard at last year’s Australian Open. Both players favour aggressive baseline tennis, with Badosa using her powerful serve and forehand while Anisimova relies on her backhand to control and then end points. The outcome may hinge on who can better manage unforced errors and capitalize on break point opportunities.

It promises to be an exciting and evenly matched contest, with both players possessing the weapons to secure victory, but Badosa is probably the more accomplished player in these conditions and should just about have the edge.

Prediction: Badosa in 3

Main photo credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images