Anisimova powers past Alexandrova to set-up Ostapenko final in Doha

Anisimova became the first player since the tournament's inception in 2001 to defeat five top-30 opponents in Doha after emerging a 6-3 6-3 victor in one hour and 30 minutes.

The American asserted her dominance early in the contest, earning back-to-back breaks of serve before Alexandrova got herself on the board by serving to love in the fifth game.

Though Alexandrova went on to win the following two games, the damage had already been done, with Anisimova taking the opening set with another break.

And from then on, there only looked likely to be one winner, with the world number 41 going a break up in the fourth game, having successfully defended five break points just before.

Anisimova earned the victory in style, ending an 11-shot rally with a brilliant forehand that left Alexandrova stranded as she aims to win her first title since Melbourne 2022.

"I've been putting in a lot of work ... and I think it's really showing up here," Anisimova said. "I'm happy with the results and the performances I was able to put out here this week.

"Playing against so many tough competitors, getting all of these matches under my belt has been really great."

The final is set in Doha!Tune in tomorrow to see who takes home the title at the #QatarTotalEnergiesOpen!Presented by @CorpayFX pic.twitter.com/pLKMkQcQEN

— wta (@WTA) February 14, 2025

Anisimova would have known the difficulty of the task in front of her heading into the game, with Alexandrova having beaten Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula on her way to the semi-finals, but the American held firm with a stunning display.

Indeed, at world number 41, Anisimova is the third-lowest ranked finalist at the Qatar Open since the tournament's inception in 2001, after Victoria Azarenka (46 in 2015) and her opponent in Saturday's final, Ostapenko (88 in 2016).

She is also the fourth American player to reach the final in Doha after Monica Seles (2002), Serena Williams (2013) and Jessica Pegula (2023).