Ostapenko Levels Cocciaretto Head-to-Head Record, Reaches Doha Semifinals

DOHA (Azat TV) – Jelena Ostapenko, the Latvian tennis star, secured her fourth career semifinal berth at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Thursday, triumphing over Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto in straight sets. The victory was particularly notable as it leveled their head-to-head record at 1-1, overcoming Ostapenko’s prior 0-1 deficit against Cocciaretto, and marked her first semifinal appearance since April 2025.

Ostapenko’s dominant performance saw her fire 31 winners past Cocciaretto, a lucky loser who had made a surprising run deep into the tournament. This win not only advanced Ostapenko in Doha but also underscored her resurgence and comfort on the Qatari hard courts, where she has consistently performed well throughout her career.

Ostapenko’s Dominant Performance in Doha Quarterfinals

In the highly anticipated quarterfinal clash, Jelena Ostapenko, ranked 24th globally, faced Elisabetta Cocciaretto, world No. 57. Despite pre-match predictions from outlets like USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub and Dimers favoring Ostapenko, the previous 0-1 head-to-head record between the two players added an element of intrigue. Ostapenko, however, dispelled any doubts with a commanding display, ultimately leveling the career series against her Italian opponent.

The match showcased Ostapenko’s aggressive style, with her powerful groundstrokes leading to a significant tally of 31 winners. Her ability to dictate play and capitalize on opportunities proved crucial against a resilient Cocciaretto, who had demonstrated strong form throughout the tournament. This straight-sets victory was a clear statement of intent from the 2017 French Open champion, signaling her determination to go deep into the Qatar Open.

A Resurgent Run for Jelena Ostapenko

This semifinal appearance is a significant milestone for Jelena Ostapenko, marking her return to the final four of a WTA tournament for the first time since Stuttgart in April 2025. Her journey through the 2026 Qatar Open has been impressive, including a tough three-set win over Zakharova, a major upset over Alexandrova, and a decisive 6-3, 6-1 victory against Camila Osorio in the preceding round.

Prior to her match against Cocciaretto, Ostapenko’s early season had seen a minor wobble, including a retirement in Adelaide. However, her movement and energy levels in Doha have appeared significantly improved, according to tennis analysts, suggesting she is hitting peak form at a critical juncture of the season. Her consistent performance at this event highlights her ability to ‘show up’ for tournaments where she has a deep history of success.

Qatar Open History and Future Prospects

Jelena Ostapenko’s sustained success at the Qatar Open has cemented her place in the tournament’s history books. Her win over Osorio earlier in the week marked her 23rd match victory at the event, surpassing the previous record of 22 held by two-time champions Victoria Azarenka and Petra Kvitova, as noted by statisticians OptaAce. Ostapenko has a rich history in Doha, having reached the final in her debut in 2016 and again in 2025, though she fell short on both occasions.

Elisabetta Cocciaretto, despite the loss, had an impressive run in Doha, coming through qualifying and scoring a notable upset against Coco Gauff. Her performance underscored her rising profile and ability to compete at the highest level. For Ostapenko, the path ahead in the semifinals could involve formidable opponents such as Victoria Mboko, Elena Rybakina, or Qinwen Zheng, with a potential final clash against top players like Iga Swiatek or Elina Svitolina looming.

Jelena Ostapenko’s victory over Elisabetta Cocciaretto in Doha not only propelled her into the semifinals but also erased a challenging personal head-to-head deficit, underscoring her ability to adapt and perform under pressure while reinforcing her status as a dominant force at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open.