
USA Today via Reuters
Sep 9, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada reacts after winning a point against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus (not pictured) on day eleven of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Sep 9, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada reacts after winning a point against Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus (not pictured) on day eleven of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
It is the Qatar Open and the stage is all set for an epic round of 16 encounters. With some of the best names in the world going head-to-head against each other, one can expect pure madness and action in the event. Having impressed everyone with her heroics in the Australian Open, Qinwen Zheng is looking in red-hot form coming into the tournament. On the other hand, her opponent, Leylah Fernandez has shown no signs of mercy and is continuing her dominating run.
With the stage set for an epic battle, who among the two stars will come out on top? Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming battle!
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Leylah Fernandez vs Qinwen Zheng: Preview
Zheng Qinwen has shown her resilience in the opening round as she managed to secure a 6-2, 2-6, 6-3 victory over Magda Linette with efficient service play. Notably, she also has an impressive 17-1 record in three-set matches since July, underlining her supremacy in the sport. With achievements like two titles and a US Open quarterfinal, Zheng is a rising star in the tennis scene.
WTA Doha
Zheng Q. – Fernandez L.
Zheng Qinwen's Resilient Opening Round Victory:
Efficient Win: Zheng Qinwen defeated Magda Linette with scores of 6-2, 2-6, 6-3, showcasing her ability to maintain service in critical sets.
Impressive Three-Set Record: With a 17-1 record in…
— Probahis Tennis (@Probahis) February 13, 2024
Meanwhile, Leylah Fernandez, in her main draw debut in Doha, overcame Paula Badosa with a comeback win of 0-6, 6-2, 6-3, showcasing resilience after a tough first set. Fernandez, coming off a title in Hong Kong and strong performances, faced an early exit in Melbourne this season. Both players are making waves with their determination and skills on the court.
Fernandez vs Zheng: Head-to-head
Over the course of their career, the two stars have faced each other only once before this. That meeting was won by Leylah Fernandez. The match, which took place in Mexico saw the Canadian enjoying some great support and managed to secure a hard-fought 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 win.
Coming into this match, the Chinese superstar Zheng will be looking to equal the head-to-head record and clinch a win. That being said, who among the two looks in a more favorable spot to clinch the win?
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Prediction: In a gripping encounter, Leylah Fernandez could secure a win
Qinwen Zheng and Leylah Fernandez are all set to play, coming off tough matches. Zheng did well in her first game after losing in the Australian Open final. Fernandez had a rough start but managed to win her last match. They met about two years ago, with Fernandez winning.
That Fernandez FIGHTBACK 🥊@leylahfernandez turns it around against Badosa to come through 0-6, 6-2, 6-3 and face Zheng next!#QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/yJC6piXofA
— wta (@WTA) February 13, 2024
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Zheng has improved a lot since then, but Fernandez is tough. Zheng is seen as the favorite, but Fernandez could still surprise her opponent. With the head-to-head advantage that she has, she could pose some psychological challenges. Zheng needs to stay in control from the beginning. It’s expected to be a close match, and while Fernandez is likely to win based on recent performances, Zheng could make it interesting.
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