Doha Qatar Total Energies Open Semifinal Preview
This is an incredible semi-final. Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, the No. 1 and 3 seeds, respectively, should have been here. Instead we will see a match between an unseeded Russian, ranked 26th, and an unseeded American, ranked 41st.
Both women have earned the right to be here, of course, especially Alexandrova, who defeated Sabalenka and sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula in a three-set upset. And both women have always had ball-striking talent far beyond their rankings. Former Roland Garros semi-finalist Anisimova has as much natural power as any WTA player. Alexandrova has one of the best two-handed backhands on the tour, which has more than its share. Many of us in the 1000 semi-finals thought that these two would play regularly when they first arrived.
They have played twice, and both have won one each. Anisimova won on this court five years ago, before Alexandrova’s comeback in Madrid in 2022. It’s not much. What we do know is that each woman found something earlier this week, and she has kept her momentum going through a string of consecutive wins.
When it comes to hitting the ball, Anisimova has the upper hand. She’d score most points with clear winners nervous mishits, or overplayed errors from her opponent. Based on her last two matches, Alexandrova will have a mental advantage in crucial moments and when facing tough situations. On the other hand, Anisimova almost dropped the second and third sets in her quarterfinal win against Marta Kostyuk.
Anisimova had the opportunity to win this match against a fatigued Alexandrova. However, despite her impressive ball striking, Anisimova still struggles to fully overcome her nerves. —Steve Tignor.
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