Jelena Ostapenko has underlined her ambition at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open by combining strong on-court performances with careful analysis of her potential rivals.
After defeating lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets, Ostapenko remained courtside to closely follow the quarterfinal match between top seed Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari. Rather than heading to her post-match media duties, she stayed focused on the match, even predicting that the deciding set would tighten late.
Her assessment proved accurate as Swiatek fought back to level at 5-5 before Sakkari eventually secured a 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory. The contest provided Ostapenko with valuable insight into two of the tournament’s leading contenders.
Speaking later, Ostapenko said she regularly studies opponents when watching matches. She explained that observing patterns and tendencies helps her prepare tactically and apply useful ideas in future encounters.
On court, the Latvian has also been showing steady improvement. After a difficult opening match against Anastasia Zakharova, her performances have become more consistent. Competing in both singles and doubles, where she is partnering Hsieh Su-Wei, has helped her adapt to the conditions and sharpen her rhythm.
Ostapenko said that playing frequently in Doha has made her feel more comfortable on the courts and more confident in her execution, adding that each match has helped her settle into a stronger competitive mindset.
The former French Open champion has a strong history at the tournament. She first made her mark in Doha in 2016 and reached the final last year. However, despite her Grand Slam success, she is still seeking her first WTA 1000 title.
Reflecting on her approach, Ostapenko stressed the importance of learning from setbacks rather than dwelling on losses. She said tennis offers constant opportunities to improve and move forward, making resilience a key part of long-term success.
With a semifinal clash against either Karolina Muchova or Anna Kalinskaya awaiting, Ostapenko enters the final stages of the tournament with growing confidence. Her blend of aggressive play, tactical awareness, and competitive focus has established her as a serious contender for the Doha title.
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