Belarus’ Aryna Sabalenka hits a return shot against Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova during their Qatar Total Open semi-final match played at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex, yesterday.
Not many young players reach the final of Qatar Total Open – dubbed one of the toughest tournaments on the WTA Tour. The fact made Aryna Sabalenka jubilant after she outclassed Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova to book her spot for the title match at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex yesterday.
“I’m really happy to be in the final here, especially because I come here first time and made it until the final. It’s really nice and I’m really happy with the level I’m playing right now,” Sabalenka, 21, said after her 6-4, 6-3 victory in the semi-final.
The World No. 13 from Belarus seems more confident in Doha, with her performance improved particularly during the long rallies.
“I’m moving better and I’m trying to stay in the longer points and I’m actually not afraid to play like long points and I’m enjoying it. And that’s the big difference, because when you enjoy it, then you’re like you can play, actually,” Sabalenka said while giving credit to her coach Dmitry Tursunov - former Russian player - for bringing the change.
“I know it is him (Dmitry), but I mean somehow when he’s far away I can’t do that and when he’s with me on the tournament it’s much easier to do. I don’t know, something, magic,” she said with a smile.
In yesterday’s semi-final, the ninth seed broke twice former Grand Slam champion Kuznetsova four times to confirm her 10th career WTA final and first of the 2020 season.
“I’m really happy with the win today, it was great match, I expect really great level from her and she played really well and it was not easy. And, well, I’m happy with the level I showed today and that I could stay calm,” said the Belarus player.
She will meet Petra Kvitová in the final after the Czech defeated World No.1 Ashleigh Barty in the second semi-final.
While Sabalenka was unaware of her opponent in the final, she said both will be the stars will be tough.
“It’s a huge challenge playing against Ashleigh, she’s No. 1. And I mean same with Petra, she’s also like it’s a huge challenge to play against her. It’s like they both are great players and it’s going to be tough anyway. They are playing really well right now and I’m just looking forward for this challenge. And like I always say, like I’ll bring eaverything I have and I’ll go for it,” she said.
Speaking about her Doha experience, Sabalenka said yesterday: “I love it, actually. It’s really nice city, nice courts, nice people, great support here. And actually a lot of the Russians are here, I didn’t know that, and it’s really cool to see them supporting me. The hotel is really nice. I didn’t have time to go out, but hopefully tomorrow or day after I will go out and see more about Doha. But for sure I love it.”
