Ostapenko Upsets Swiatek to Set Up Qatar Open Final with Anisimova
Doha, Qatar – In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Qatar Open, Jelena Ostapenko defeated three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals, ending Swiatek’s 15-match winning streak in Doha. Ostapenko’s decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory propels her into the final against American Amanda Anisimova.
Ostapenko Dominates Swiatek
Ostapenko, ranked 37th globally, showcased aggressive play to overpower world number two Swiatek. The Latvian secured the match in just 71 minutes, marking her fifth consecutive win over Swiatek. Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, struggled to find her rhythm and, in a rare display of frustration, smashed her racket during the match. Ostapenko expressed surprise at Swiatek’s outburst but remained focused, delivering 24 winners compared to Swiatek’s seven. Reflecting on her performance, Ostapenko noted, “I feel like this court has a special energy and it was always helping me.”
Anisimova Advances to the Final
Amanda Anisimova reached her second WTA 1000 final by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3, 6-3 in the other semi-final. Anisimova’s consistent play and strategic shot-making proved too much for Alexandrova, who had previously eliminated sixth seed Jessica Pegula. Anisimova’s path to the final included victories over top-30 players, showcasing her resilience and determination.
Tournament Overview
The 2025 Qatar Open, held from February 9 to February 15 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha, featured a strong lineup of top-seeded players. Notable participants included Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff. However, the tournament also saw early exits from prominent players; Emma Raducanu faced her fourth consecutive first-round defeat, losing to Ekaterina Alexandrova. This marked the worst run of Raducanu’s career, raising questions about her current form and strategy.
Prize Money and Points
The Qatar Open 2025 offered substantial rewards for participants. The singles champion is set to receive $597,000 and 1000 ranking points, while the runner-up will earn $351,801 and 650 points. Doubles champions will share $175,900 and 1000 points. These incentives highlight the tournament’s significance on the WTA calendar and its role in shaping the players’ rankings and season trajectories.
Final Matchup: Ostapenko vs. Anisimova
The upcoming final between Jelena Ostapenko and Amanda Anisimova promises an exciting clash of styles. Ostapenko’s aggressive baseline play and powerful groundstrokes will be tested against Anisimova’s strategic shot placement and composure under pressure. Both players have demonstrated exceptional form throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a compelling finale.
Tennis enthusiasts can watch the final live on the Tennis Channel in India and the USA, and on Eurosport in the UK. The match is scheduled for February 15, concluding the week-long tournament that has been filled with remarkable performances and unexpected outcomes.
As the Qatar Open 2025 draws to a close, the tennis world eagerly anticipates whether Ostapenko will continue her dominance or if Anisimova will seize her opportunity to claim the title
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