Qatar Open: In-form Alexandrova takes down Pegula to extend run into semi-finals

Ekaterina Alexandrova’s remarkable recent form continued as she overcame a one-set deficit to storm past sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula, defeating the American 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex in Doha.

The Russian is now on an eight-match winning streak, having taken her fifth WTA title in Linz 11 days ago before her impressive showing in Doha this week.

During that run, Alexandrova – currently ranked 26th in the world, but sure to rise after her exploits at the Qatar Open – has beaten the likes of Karolina Muchova, world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka and now last year’s US Open finalist, Pegula.

What was most impressive was the manner in which the Russian responded to losing a tight opening set to sweep Pegula aside.

Alexandrova broke six times in total, compared to the American’s two, and won 12 of the last 14 games after dropping that first set.

She will face the winner of the match between Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk and American Amanda Anisimova next.

The Russian won against wildcard Emma Raducanu (6-3, 7-5), Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka, the top seed (3-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5)) and Belgian Elise Mertens (6-4, 6-2) ahead of her victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Pegula, ranked No 5, won against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina (6-3, 7-6 (3)) and Russian Daria Kasatkina, the No 10 seed (6-3, 7-5).

Doha WTA 1000, other last-eight results (Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, hard, USD 3.664.963, most recent results first):

• Marta Kostyuk vs. Amanda Anisimova
• Ons Jabeur vs. Jelena Ostapenko
• Elena Rybakina vs. Iga Swiatek