Alexandrova topples Pegula and reaches the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 Doha

It's off to the quarter-finals of the Doha tournament. The first match pits Ekaterina Alexandrova against Jessica Pegula on center court.

The Russian, fresh from her triumph in Linz, is in confident mood and has already dominated Emma Raducanu, world number 1 Aryna Sabalenka and Elise Mertens on her way.

For her part, Pegula eliminated Elina Svitolina and Daria Kasatkina. The first set failed to live up to expectations, with both players committing a large number of unforced errors. But the American was ahead from start to finish, and finally wrapped up the set.

But, as in the same encounter in Miami last year, Alexandrova, trailing Pegula by a set to nil, managed to turn the tide, proving more successful in taking the initiative. The 26th-ranked player in the world soon broke away.

Pegula wanted to get off to a strong start in the third set, winning her first game, but Alexandrova was the best player on court, and she finally broke Pegula, who was soon out of options.

After 1h42 of play, the Russian added a new headliner to her trophy cabinet (4-6, 6-1, 6-1) and reached the semi-finals in Doha.

For a place in the biggest final of her career, she will face the winner of the match between Marta Kostyuk and Amanda Anisimova later in the day.