Victoria Mboko has advanced to the semifinals of the Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha after an impressive win over Elena Rybakina, the No. 2 seed and Australian Open champion. The 19-year-old Canadian will now face Jelena Ostapenko, a seasoned competitor who boasts the best record among women in the tournament’s history. Meanwhile, in the second semifinal, Maria Sakkari will take on Karolina Muchova, who is in excellent form after dispatching Anna Kalinskaya.
Ostapenko, who made her debut in Doha ten years ago at the age of 18, has come a long way since her initial appearance, where she reached the finals. She has a remarkable win-loss record of 24-9 in Doha and has been a formidable presence, winning three matches in straight sets this week. Following her recent victory over lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto, Ostapenko expressed her appreciation for the tournament, highlighting its relaxed atmosphere and timing that suits her well.
In her semifinal clash against Mboko, Ostapenko will face a rising star. Mboko turned heads by overcoming Rybakina after being down 4-2 in the deciding set, ultimately winning 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. She is now the highest-seeded player remaining in the draw and has already defeated two top 10-ranked players at this event.
Mboko’s aggressive playing style, demonstrated by her 126 winners in Doha, will be tested against Ostapenko, known for thriving on her opponent’s pace. This matchup marks a pivotal moment for both players, with Mboko looking to continue her impressive performance on the WTA Tour and Ostapenko aiming for her first WTA 1000 title.
On the other side of the bracket, Sakkari is also enjoying a fantastic run after defeating Iga Swiatek, marking her first win over the three-time Doha champion and No. 1 seed. This victory signifies a significant turnaround for Sakkari, who had been struggling in her encounters against high-ranked players lately. Her recent performances in Doha have reignited hope for a return to the top of the game.
Muchova, who enjoys a dominant head-to-head record against Sakkari, is also making strides, having reached multiple WTA 1000 semifinals in her career. With her strong start to 2026, which includes a solid run at the Australian Open, Muchova appears poised for continued success.
As the stage is set for an exciting showdown on Friday, tennis fans can expect a thrilling display of talent from both the young and seasoned players in pursuit of a place in the finals. The atmosphere in Doha promises to amplify the intensity of these highly anticipated matches.