Day 3 of the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha is set to feature a lineup of elite players, with three-time champion Iga Swiatek aiming for a remarkable fourth title as she faces up-and-coming talent Janice Tjen. Meanwhile, former champion Vera Zvonareva, at 41 years old, hopes to keep her inspiring journey alive against the powerful teenager Victoria Mboko. The excitement is palpable as LWOT will provide predictions for all matches today, raising anticipation about which players will advance.
In the first matchup, Elise Mertens will go toe-to-toe with Daria Kasatkina. Kasatkina is seeking her first back-to-back wins since the US Open, having recently clinched victory against Moyuka Uchijima after a challenging three-set battle. Despite her favorable head-to-head record against Mertens, the current form favors Mertens, who is expected to edge this match out in an intense three-set encounter.
The second match features the much-anticipated clash between Victoria Mboko and Vera Zvonareva. This will be their first meeting, and Zvonareva aims to progress past the second round for the first time since her 2011 title win, a remarkable feat given the time elapsed. However, the dynamic Mboko, who is looking to capitalize on her momentum and secure her tenth win of the season, is anticipated to triumph in straight sets against the veteran.
Next, Elina Svitolina faces Dayana Yastremska in a matchup that highlights a tense all-Ukrainian rivalry. Svitolina is riding a wave of confidence after winning the Auckland title and making it to the Australian Open semi-finals, marking her return to the top ten. Their previous encounter saw Svitolina dominate, and although this match may present a tougher challenge, she is deemed the favorite to win in two sets.
Lastly, the spotlight falls on Iga Swiatek, who kicks off her tournament pursuit against Janice Tjen. This will be their first encounter, with Swiatek having the championship pedigree of six Grand Slam titles behind her, while Tjen has made news with a dominating performance over Beatriz Haddad Maia. Despite Tjen’s skill set and potential, Swiatek’s consistency and strength in the game are likely to carry her through with a straightforward victory.
As the tournament progresses, the stage is set for thrilling matchups that could lead to surprising outcomes, showcasing both seasoned veterans and emerging talents in women’s tennis.