Alexandrova battles past Pegula into Doha semi-finals / Photo: KARIM JAAFAR - AFP
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Alexandrova battles past Pegula into Doha semi-finals
Ekaterina Alexandrova ousted sixth-seed Jessica Pegula to sweep into the semi-finals of the WTA Qatar Open on Thursday.
Russian Alexandrova won 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 to set up a meeting with either Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk or American Amanda Anisimova for a place in the final.
Alexandrova, ranked 26th, is on an eight-match winning streak having won the tournament in Linz, Austria earlier this month.
The Russian struggled in the first set against her fifth-ranked opponent, saving six of eight break points, and paying for four double faults.
But she took control thereafter allowing her opponent just two games to ease through for a 2-1 record in their third meeting.
"I just play every single match and every single point and I don't think about the future," said the 30-year-old, who is bidding for a sixth career title.
"It's step by step and I am glad that policy is working out as I feel amazing. Being in semis is just great.
"When I saw the draw I thought maybe I will not get very far. But overall so far played great matches here...hope it continues."
Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek is in quarter-final action later on Thursday against last year's runner-up Elena Rybakina.
L.Bernardi--IM
