The Japan Times - Alexandrova battles past Pegula into Doha semi-finals

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.

K.Nakajima--JT