The WTA Doha opening day is jam-packed with a lot of tantalizing encounters. Former champions, Karolina Pliskova and Elise Mertens, will be in action as they aim to rekindle their title-winning past. We take a look at their matches and a couple of others in this piece to predict who will advance.
WTA Doha Day 1 Predictions
Elise Mertens vs Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
Head–to–Head: Mertens 0 – 3 Pavlyuchenkova
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova’s form has dipped this year, with three straight losses already this season and just one win in nine since Wimbledon. Mertens, by contrast, is in good rhythm, with only losses to Belinda Bencic and Elena Rybakina this year. Pavlyuchenkova may still rebound, but the trend and current form favour Mertens to advance, and rather comfortably.
Prediction: Mertens in 2
Karolina Pliskova vs Solana Sierra
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
Despite her mixed results since returning from a long layoff, Karolina Pliskova has been particularly successful in Doha, even winning the title in 2017 as well as a semifinal reach two years ago. She will head into this encounter against lucky loser, Solana Sierra, with confidence.
There’s a thing about lucky losers often taking their second chances, but the Czech veteran’s experience and power should be a step up for the Argentine youngster in this one.
Prediction: Pliskova in 3
Magda Linette vs Sonay Kartal
Head–to–Head: First Meeting
This promises to be an interesting encounter between two big hitters who are meeting for the first time. Sonay Kartal has been on a tear this year, reaching the quarterfinals in Auckland and Abu Dhabi before breezing through the Doha qualifiers. Magda Linette will be a steeper challenge, though, as the Pole has advanced to at least the second round in her last three visits here.
This could go either way. Kartal is on a roll, but fatigue could be a factor, and Linette has the tools and experience to grab any advantage. I’ll back the Pole.
Prediction: Linette in 3
Marie Bouzkova vs Victoria Mboko
Head–to–Head: Bouzkova 0 – 1 Mboko
Victoria Mboko opens her Qatar Open debut against an unseeded Marie Bouzkova, whom she defeated in Montreal last year. Mboko has risen to the world No. 13, after a runner-up finish in Adelaide as well as fourth round reach in Melbourne. The Canadian youngster will be well-rested for this, plus she hasn’t lost consecutive matches since October.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
