We have reached the weekend at the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Open. If the semifinals are anything like the mid-week matches, fans are in for a show. 19-year-old phenom Victoria Mboko squares off against veteran Jelena Ostapenko in an incredibly intriguing showdown. As always, we at LWOT have previews and predictions for both WTA Doha semifinal matches. But who will advance?
WTA Doha Semifinal Predictions
Karolina Muchova vs Maria Sakkari
Head-to-Head: Muchova 4-1 Sakkari
Maria Sakkari has turned back the clock this week at WTA Doha. The former World No. 3 is in her first WTA semifinal since April 2024. She is two wins away from jumping back into the Top 20 for the first time since the 2024 US Open. Across from her will be one of the most in-form players to start the season. Karolina Muchova is 10-2 in 2026 and holds a strong 4-1 career record against Sakkari. Watching the Greek play up to her ceiling is always fun, but given what she has shown over the last two years, it’s hard to trust her in this spot.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Victoria Mboko vs Jelena Ostapenko
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Victoria Mboko is well on her way to stardom. The 19-year-old Canadian is one win away from reaching her second final in just her third tournament of the year. She is coming off wins over two Top 10 players, Elena Rybakina and Mirra Andreeva, and is playing with as much confidence as anyone on tour. Jelena Ostapenko is one of the most polarizing players in tennis. She is also incredibly streaky. The Latvian was 2-8 since the 2025 US Open before reeling off four consecutive wins at WTA Doha. However, her run will end her. Mboko is the more confident, consistent, and frankly better player.
Prediction: Mboko in 2
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – Imagn Images