Ekaterina Alexandrova reached the semifinals of the WTA Qatar Open, continuing her remarkable run after defeating Jessica Pegula with scores of 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 on February 13, 2025. This victory marks Alexandrova's eighth consecutive win, solidifying her reputation as a formidable competitor on the tour.
The match started with Alexandrova struggling against the sixth-seeded Pegula. Pegula quickly seized control, breaking Alexandrova’s serve and winning the first set 6-4. With her consistent shot-making and aggressive style, Pegula built momentum, forcing Alexandrova to match her intensity.
Despite the rocky start, Alexandrova showcased her resilience, turning the tide dramatically. "I just play every single match and every single point and I don't think about the future," she remarked, demonstrating her focused mindset.
Once the second set began, Alexandrova flipped the script. She broke Pegula’s serve early, exhibiting confidence and precision, running away with the set at 6-1. Her powerful groundstrokes and tactical adjustments paid off, allowing her to dominate the court. By the time the final set rolled around, she seemed unstoppable.
Alexandrova extended her winning streak to eight matches, showcasing her recent form after capturing the title at the Linz Open mere weeks ago. "I'm really happy with the way I'm playing right now," she said post-match, emphasizing her desire to maintain this momentum. The 30-year-old’s next challenge lies with either Marta Kostyuk or Amanda Anisimova, both of whom she has faced before.
Looking back at her performance, Alexandrova’s ability to bounce back from losing the first set mirrors her earlier triumph over world number one Aryna Sabalenka. Such victories highlight her rising prominence on the WTA tour, as only two tournaments remain where she is not among the top seeds.
Now entering her third career WTA 1000 semifinal, Alexandrova hopes to secure her first final appearance at this prestigious level. Her rich history, including two previous semi-final appearances and her title at the Linz Open, now fuels her ambition. "When I saw the draw I thought... maybe not so far," she said, reflecting on her unexpected advancement.
With her game still sharpened and confidence soaring, Alexandrova appears poised to capitalize on the opportunity presented before her in Doha. The looming semifinal match promises to be fiercely competitive, as she gears up against either Kostyuk or Anisimova, both potential challenges yet unseeded.
Alexandrova's ascent within the ranks is not merely based on luck but rather her strategic gameplay and refusal to yield under pressure. Observers will be watching closely to see if she can sustain the intensity and claim her second WTA title of the year. With momentum clearly on her side, the Doha semifinals are set to showcase more than just skill; they highlight the determination and spirit of this rising star.