No.4 seed at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open Kontaveit booked a place in the last eight by battling to a 6-3, 0-6, 6-2 win over Elise Mertens.
The match was a very uncomfortable one for Kontaveit who experienced a bagel in the 2nd set. It's something that rarely happens especially since she started a new, dominating, chapter of her career recently. Talking about the match, she said:
"I think Elise is a very tricky opponent for me to play against. I haven't had a good record against her, so I was really happy with the way I managed to fight, especially in the third set. After losing the second set 6-0, I really had to elevate my level and just play more solid and just do better than I did in the second set."
She will face her good friend Ons Jabeur next and Kontaveit is happy about it:
"I'm really glad actually to see her back playing after she retired against me in Sydney. She had these back issues. I'm very happy to see her back on the court. She's a really great person. It's always tough to play someone you're good friends with."
Kontaveit finished up with:
"I have a lot of respect for her as a person, as well, so I'm ready for the fight and it's just going to be an interesting match. I think she's a great shot maker and just always plays an entertaining match. It's going to be fun."