The WTA Qatar Open is one for bringing the most smashing matchups of the season. This year, it has brought Belarus’ Victoria Azarenka in front of top seed Elina Svitolina once again in Doha.

However, this time around, the prize for the winner is a semi-final spot in the tournament. Notably, both of them have not reached the last four in any of the events in 2021.

Thus, the Ukrainian will aim to reach her first semi-final while Azarenka is chasing her 3 title in Doha. As a result, a lot of fireworks will go off in the centre court today.

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Elina Svitolina v Victoria Azarenka: Preview

Elina Svitolina, 26, defeated Japanese Misaki Doi 6-1, 6-2 to reach her third quarterfinal this year. Since the start of the season, she has been playing good tennis but has been unable to win the big matches.

Hence, the top seed will come in this match to gain some confidence for herself. But given the opponent’s nature, Elina will need more than her best to win against the Belarusian.

Moreover, the two-time Australian Open champion, Victoria Azarenka, hurdled over German Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-4 to reach the last eight. Considering her first-round exit at the Australian Open 2021, the former World No. 1 will look to build on her incredible run. However, to prolong it, she has a heavy task of going through the top seed of the tournament.

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Svitolina v Azarenka: Head-to-Head

The 31-year-old Belarusian has been invincible against the Ukrainian force until now. They have met on three occasions, and Azarenka has a 3-0 head-to-head advantage over Svitolina.

Interestingly, the first clash of their careers came in this same tournament in 2015. Their last clash came in the round of 16 at the 2019 Italian Open.

Over the years, Elina has gained tremendous experience to steer past the big players. However, she will have to showcase her growth by winning her first match over the Belarusian.

Svitolina v Azarenka: Prediction

Both Elina and Victoria have an identical style of gameplay. Also, they both love the pace on the tennis ball and competing on hard courts.

Therefore, they will seek a foundation for the entire season from this clash. Besides, the winner from here will eventually become a favorite for the 2021 Qatar Open title.

Most importantly, Azarenka has regained her indestructible momentum and is hitting more freely from the baseline. Once she manages to find a similar space in front of her new opponent, there is no other way to stop her.

Hence, the task at hand for the top seed is to get her first serves in place. Also, Elina should play closer to the margin to give no extra space to Azarenka.

In the end, the one that toils more than the other is usually the winner. Here, only considering her thirst to win big in WTA, Svitolina might be able to stop the Belarusian star.

Prediction: Elina Svitolina def. Azarenka in three sets.

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