Qatar Open: Pegula vs Ostapenko Tennis Prediction & Pick

TennisSection previews the 2023 Qatar Open as Jessica Pegula takes on Jelena Ostapenko in the second round on Wednesday, February 15, 2023.

It will be the first outing for Jessica Pegula in singles at the 2023 Qatar Open. But she won’t be taking Jelena Ostapenko lightly after the Latvian’s recent renaissance. Who will prevail and advance into the quarterfinal in Doha?

Jessica Pegula warmed up nicely on the courts of the Qatar Open as she joined forces with compatriot Coco Gauff and won their doubles opener on Monday in a comprehensive fashion. It was nice to get to adjust to the conditions in the Middle East although the court speed is not too dissimilar to Melbourne, with the same balls being used here. So if Pegula plays anything remotely close to the first week of the Australian Open, she should be having no trouble in sailing past Jelena Ostapenko.

Jelena Ostapenko, meanwhile, kicked off her Qatar Open campaign with a rousing win over Madison Keys. The American was understandably rusty playing her first match in almost a month and despite going up an early break, Ostapeko hardly put a foot wrong thereafter. Ostapenko fired 29 winners to 21 unforced errors, a positive ratio which signifies that Latvian is playing extremely well right now. But can she overcome the consistent Jessica Pegula?

Jessica Pegula leads Jelena Ostapenko 2-1 in their head-to-head. Incidentally, they last played at the Qatar Open back in 2021, with Pegula coming out the victor in straight sets. As brilliant as Ostapenkko has looked since the turn of the year, Pegula is ‘Mrs. Consistent’ of the women’s Tour and makes a living of laying down a marker early doors. Expect a vibrant display of consistency from the World No. 4.