2018 - DOHA - QATAR

Following my renewed interest for tennis because of this gruelling Australian open, it was awaiting with a lot of interest the draw of the tournament in Doha. This tournament is an excellent prep for the ladies for their next tournaments on hard court, first part of the season ending later in March.

Honestly, guessing who’s going to win, who’s going to lose, is a little more complicated than in a Slam as I know almost all the players and what they are capable of.  Last year, Pliskova won the title against Wozniacki - that however, is easier to predict - she won't win this year.

But, the Dane should make it to the quart and will be stopped then by Kerber, but before making it there, Caroline might crossed path with Maria Sharapova, but the keys to beat her is pretty well known now - you make her run - if you can call that running - and not be afraid to do so yourself to return one more ball in the corner. Caroline can do this.  One could also decide to scream louder than she does. Did you ever notice?  It is kinda funny to see her trying to scream louder than her opponent, probably losing focus on what she should be doing.

Angelique will probably met Stosur on her first match, but after that, Konta, or not... Suarez Navarro is playing good tennis and we are not so sure about the Brit, as she’s been struggling lately. Either way, Kerber seems to have found back her confidence and more importantly, solutions for winning.

I’d say she should face Kvitova in Semi, Svitolina shouldn’t really understand what is happening when she and Petra will meet in quart.  Goeges has a chance to prouve that she really has a place among the top 10 as she will face Lucie Safarava for starter, and then, i am not even sure that she’ll have to face Ostapenko, in the top 10 because of her title at RG.  Since this title, it's not easy.

The one able to say who’s going to win this first semi between Angie and Petra will be really good, but one thing for sure, it should be a good match.  Their head to head are even and the question to ask is : is the consistency and precision of Angelique will counter fight the powerful plan A of Petra?  Advantage will go to the one with the better state of mind.  If Angie starts strong, Petra won’t recover.



On the other side of the draw, there is a lot doubt regarding the ascension of the French women, Garcia and Mladenovic but I favour a bit Maldenovic for her last week performances to meet Muguruza. However, we are not so sure either about the Spanish princess, who has been cumulating ups and downs, here and there for quite sometimes now. 

Pliskova won’t have it easy to defend her title – we already establish that she won’t! Cornet, Key won’t stop her, but perhaps Halep could? However, the Romanian admitted to still be injured, but who knows, Halep make it all the way to the final with that same injury in Australia, I’d say, she’ll meet Angie in the final.  Everybody will be happy to see a rematch of this gruelling semi in Australia.  I’d say, if Angie makes it there, she’ll win, but the road is long to make it there.