Karolina Pliskova faced a tough challenge against Naomi Osaka in the Qatar Open, securing a commanding victory by 7-6(6), 7.6(5). The Czech player extended her winning streak to nine matches and is set to confront Iga Swiatek in the upcoming match.
Osaka is gradually finding her rhythm on the Tour and has showcased strong performances in her Doha matches. The four-time Grand Slam champion defeated the 15th seed Caroline Garcia and Petra Martic. With a bit of luck, she advanced to the quarterfinals with a walkover following the retirement of Lesia Tsurenko, marking her first quarterfinal appearance since [previously unspecified].
Facing Karolina Pliskova, their previous encounter in early January saw the Czech player triumph with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-4. The former Wimbledon finalist arrived at the Qatar Open after being crowned champion at the Winners Open just days ago. Pliskova secured a significant victory in the second tound against the young star Linda Noskova with a score of 3-6, 5-7, 6-1, just before the clash with Osaka.
The first set showcased the closely matched skills of both players, known for their excellent serves and powerful groundstrokes. Osaka secured an early break in the second game, taking a 2-0 lead, but Pliskova quickly leveled the score by breaking back. Despite a slightly hesitant start from both, neither player conceded their serve throughout the set.
However, Osaka was slightly more effective with her service (65% compared to Pliskova's 63%) and return points (38% compared to 35%). Nevertheless, the set reached a tiebreak, and unlike the rest of the set, both players were inconsistent with their serves. Pliskova performed better in crucial moments, securing the tiebreak 7-6(6).
The second set mirrored the beginning of the first. Osaka obtained an early break, swiftly confirming it to take a 2-0 lead. However, the former world No. 1 Czech player once again found a quick break and won three consecutive games to seize a 3-2 advantage.Principio del formulario
For Osaka, deciphering Pliskova's service variations proved to be challenging, with the Czech causing more problems for the Japanese player in the return. With the score at 5-4 and Osaka serving, Pliskova had her first match point, but the Japanese player managed to save it with an excellent first serve.
With several break opportunities for both sides in the final games, Osaka saved a total of three match points before taking the match to a tie-break. In the decisive moment, Pliskova was more effective at handling the pressure, quickly taking a 3-0 lead. However, Osaka won the next four points in a row to take the lead. Nevertheless, Pliskova showed no hesitation and ultimately secured the set and the match 7-6(4), 7-6(5).
In the semifinals, she will face none other than the world No. 1 and defending champion Iga Swiatek, who boasts an 11-0 record in her three appearances in Doha and aims to become the first player to win three Qatar Open titles.
Pliskova d. Osaka 7-6(6) 7-6(5) in Doha Before last week, Karolina hadn’t reached a SF in 2 years. She’s now reached back to back semifinals & has looked inspired while doing it. ✅9 match win streak ✅1st WTA 1000 SF since 2021 ✅2nd win over Naomi in 2024 Revived. 🇨🇿❤️
