Qatar Open: Mboko, Ostapenko, Sakkari and Muchova Set Up Intriguing Doha Semifinals
The Qatar Open delivered shock and momentum shifts as 19-year-old Victoria Mboko ousted Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina and Maria Sakkari produced a stunning comeback to beat top seed Iga Swiatek. Four players now remain in Doha and Saturday’s semifinals set up contrasting storylines — a teenager chasing a Top 10 breakthrough and seasoned campaigners hunting form and silverware.
Mboko rallies past Rybakina to book semi spot
Victoria Mboko produced one of the tournament’s most impressive performances, rallying from 2-4 down in the deciding set to defeat Elena Rybakina 7-5, 4-6, 6-4. The Canadian displayed nerve and power down the stretch, winning the final four games to convert her fourth match point and halt Rybakina’s nine-match winning run.
Mboko’s run in Doha has been swift. The 19-year-old arrived at the event with far more questions than plaudits — she started the season ranked well outside the top 300 — but consecutive wins over top-10 opponents have vaulted her into the spotlight. She acknowledged the challenge of facing higher-profile opponents, saying she knew she had to bring her 'A' game and that she understands when the caliber of opponent rises, so must her level.
Top 10 on the line: what a final would mean
A place in the Qatar Open final would carry huge ranking significance for Mboko: she will climb into the world’s top 10 if she reaches the title match. That rapid ascent underscores how quickly momentum can shift in professional tennis when form, confidence and fitness align. Mboko leads Doha in winners and has shown an aggressive game that can overwhelm even decorated champions when she is playing close to her best.
Ostapenko matchup: experience vs. youth
Mboko’s reward is a semifinal clash with Jelena Ostapenko, a former French Open champion who has long enjoyed success in Doha. Ostapenko, a tournament veteran, has reached multiple semifinals here and brings a wealth of experience and a headline-grabbing shotmaking arsenal. The matchup will pit Mboko’s raw power and recent hot streak against Ostapenko’s guile and track record at this event. Ostapenko has also been competing in doubles late into the week, a factor that could influence fatigue and court time ahead of the singles semi.
Sakkari stuns Swiatek and seeks momentum against Muchova
In the other half of the draw, Maria Sakkari completed a dramatic turnaround to defeat top seed Iga Swiatek 2-6, 6-4, 7-5. The Greek came through a nerve-testing encounter to secure one of the biggest wins of her season, snapping a long sequence of results that had left her searching for confidence. Sakkari admitted she was 'speechless' after the victory and reflected on the doubts that creep in when a player's ranking slips and results dry up.
Sakkari will face Karolina Muchova in the semifinal. Muchova advanced with a straight-sets win, and her variety and crafty courtcraft will test Sakkari’s physicality and resilience. That match promises to be a battle of momentum — Sakkari riding the high of a major scalp, Muchova steady after a convincing quarterfinal.
Doha narrative: youth, form and the unpredictable nature of WTA 1000s
The Qatar Open has reinforced how quickly narratives can change on the WTA Tour. A teenager who started the season outside the top tiers can now be on the cusp of a Top 10 debut, while established names must reset and rediscover form. Doha has produced upsets and comebacks this week, and Saturday’s semifinals will determine whether momentum continues to favor rising talent or whether experience and recovery hold sway.
With a place in the final at stake and ranking implications looming, both semifinals carry weight beyond a single match — they could reshape the early-season pecking order and set the tone for the months ahead.
