Friday’s semifinal action at the WTA Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha will feature an underrated rivalry spotlighting the World No. 2, and a matchup between two unseeded heavy hitters. We share LWOT’s predictions on the matches, with a crucial spot in the final at stake.

WTA Doha Semifinal Predictions

Ekaterina Alexandrova vs Amanda Anisimova

Head-to-head: 1-1

Neither player started their 2025 season in their best form, with both losing to Emma Raducanu at the Australian Open, and struggling on the big points. However, Alexandrova and Anisimova have turned it into high gear in Doha. Alexandrova stunned World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a third-set tiebreak earlier in the week, and she followed it up with another Top 10 win over Jessica Pegula. Meanwhile, Anisimova cruised past the Australian Open semifinalist Paula Badosa in the second round, and made it to this stage after a thrilling quarterfinal victory over Marta Kostyuk.

Not much separates these two players when they’re in form late in a tournament. They both rely on flat, strong ballstriking, and play at their best when consistent. The two also have some of the strongest backhands on tour, and they may struggle to exploit each other’s groundstrokes.

The match will ultimately come down to whichever player struggles more with unforced errors. Anisimova has been to the final of a WTA 1000 event during her career, whereas Alexandrova has lost in her two WTA 1000 semifinal appearances. The American also won her only meeting over Alexandrova at Doha, winning 6-3 7-6 (4) five years ago. Alexandrova is coming off a shorter and less dramatic victory in her quarterfinal–winning 4-6 6-1 6-1 — and may have the edge because of her Top 10 wins.
Prediction: Alexandrova in 3

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Iga Swiatek vs Jelena Ostapenko

Head-to-head: 4-0 Ostapenko

After Swiatek defeated Elena Rybakina 6-2 7-5 in the Doha quarterfinals, there’s only one player on the WTA Tour who she has a losing record against, and she’ll play her in this semifinal. Ostapenko tends to play confident tennis against Swiatek, not fazed by the Pole’s speed and agility because of her powerful angles and groundstrokes. She’s also played impressive tennis in Doha, crushing Jasmine Paolini and Ons Jabeur in her last two matches to get here.

This match will also be fascinating because Swiatek herself thrives in Doha. The Pole has a 16-1 record at this event, and hasn’t lost here since 2020. This will be an important test for Swiatek, facing off against an opponent who’s beaten her four times. The Pole has looked to tweak her serve throughout the last few seasons, and that shot will be critical in this match. She’ll have to make first serves to put Ostapenko on the back foot early. On the other hand, Ostapenko can’t make crucial unforced errors, and must stay positive given her ability to change the momentum of any match with her aggression.

While this battle is a 50-50 matchup, it’s hard to look away from Swiatek’s record at this event. The pair haven’t played since 2023, and I think Swiatek will figure out a new strategy to grind out Ostapenko in a three-set battle.
Prediction: Swiatek in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports