Tag Archives: Doha

Ostapenko makes it a perfect 5-0 against Swiatek to reach Doha final

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Jelena Ostapenko remains unbeaten against Iga Swiatek. The Latvian improved to 5-0 against the No. 2 seed with an imperious 6-3, 6-1 victory in the Qatar TotalEnergies Open semifinals, ending three-time defending champion Swiatek’s 15-match winning streak at the tournament.

Doha: Draws | Scores | Order of Play

Ostapenko advances to her 17th career Hologic WTA Tour final, second in Doha and fourth at WTA 1000 level or above (following Doha 2016, Roland Garros 2017 and Miami 2018). Her six-year, 321-day gap since the last of those is the longest between WTA 1000 finals since the format’s inception in 2009. The 27-year-old, who has not dropped a set yet this week, will face another unseeded player, Amanda Anisimova, for her biggest title since Roland Garros 2017. Their only previous meeting also took place in Doha, with Ostapenko taking their 2022 second-round clash 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.

A history of dominance: “I was pretty confident that I obviously would beat her, because we’ve played a lot of matches and I know how to play against her,” Ostapenko said in her on-court interview. “I was more focusing on myself and what I had to do. I’m happy with the way I’m handling my emotions this week.”

The 2017 Roland Garros champion had reason to be so self-assured. She is the only active player with a winning head-to-head against Swiatek (with at least two matches played). Including retired players, only one other player can boast such a record — former World No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, who was 2-0 against the Pole.

The 70-minute contest was Swiatek’s quickest since she fell 6-0, 6-4 in 69 minutes to Garbiñe Muguruza in the 2021 Dubai second round, and her total of four games won the lowest since she lost 6-2, 6-2 to Elena Rybakina in the 2023 Indian Wells semifinals. You have to go back to 2019 to find a match in which Swiatek has won fewer than four games — a 51-minute 6-0, 6-2 rout in the Birmingham first round at the hands of none other than Ostapenko.

That was their first meeting, and Ostapenko went on to triumph at Indian Wells 2021 before a pair of wins that bookended Swiatek’s first reign as World No. 1. Her 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(4) triumph in the 2022 Dubai third round was Swiatek’s last loss before ascending to the top spot and compiling a historic 37-match winning streak. Her 3-6, 6-3, 6-1 victory in the 2023 US Open fourth round meant that Swiatek ceded World No. 1 to Aryna Sabalenka for the first time.

Quick to start, quick to finish: Ostapenko started as she meant to go on: blitzing a forehand return winner on the first point of the match, and another to capture the Swiatek serve in the first game. In a flurry of overwhelming winners, she stamped her authority on the match from the off by winning eight of the first nine points.

Teeing off on everything, Ostapenko racked up 24 winners to Swiatek’s seven, and committed only 15 unforced errors. Swiatek briefly found an effective response in the sixth game with a pair of angled winners, but her break point opportunity was snuffed out by an Ostapenko service winner.

Ostapenko went from strength to strength in the second set while Swiatek’s level fell. In the fourth game, the Pole netted a smash and shanked a forehand, before Ostapenko came out on top of a wild exchange featuring a drop shot, an absurd reflex and finally a pinpoint backhand winner on the line. 

Up 4-0 and having won six straight games, Ostapenko lapsed momentarily to concede her serve for the only time with a double fault. But it was a mere blip, and she resumed pummeling winners to every corner to close out the final two games.

“Obviously I was preparing for the match, and I pretty much knew what to expect from her,” Ostapenko said afterwards. “I don’t know, sometimes I know where the ball’s coming, but sometimes I’m just going with my feelings and my instincts, so that helps me.”

Hot shot: Jelena Ostapenko’s Midas touch in wild Doha semifinal exchange

 

 

 



Jelena Ostapenko continued her dominance over Iga Swiatek as she defeated the Polish star in straight sets to reach the final of the Qatar Total Open in Doha.

Ostapenko, a former French Open champion, improved her head-to-head record against Swiatek to a perfect 5-0 with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in the semi-finals. The Latvian player showcased her aggressive and powerful game to outplay Swiatek, who had been in fine form leading up to the match.

Ostapenko’s win sets up a tantalizing final against either Petra Kvitova or Victoria Azarenka, where she will look to claim her first title of the season. With her impressive performance against Swiatek, Ostapenko has once again proven that she is a force to be reckoned with on the WTA tour.

Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting final as Ostapenko looks to continue her winning streak and lift the trophy in Doha.

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Msheireb Downtown Doha welcomes over 15 million visitors in 2024

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Doha, Qatar: Msheireb Properties announced that in 2024, Msheireb Downtown Doha became one of the country’s premier destinations, welcoming over 15 million visitors, a remarkable increase from the 9 million recorded in 2023, marking a 66 percent rise.

In its press release issued Tuesday, Msheireb Properties said that tram usage also saw impressive numbers, achieving 1 million tram riders this year, further reflecting its growing popularity.

The Downtown has successfully attracted both residents and international visitors, offering a wide range of activities for those interested in cultural celebrations, world-class exhibitions, and entertainment.

Qatar National Day celebrations at the Downtown marked a particular highlight, with Msheireb Downtown Doha welcoming 119,727 visitors on December 18th alone, representing an 18 percent increase from 2023’s 101,570 visitors.

The extended National Day celebrations from December 17-21 drew a total of 380,891 visitors, showing a 13 percent increase from 2023. The Downtowns popularity was further evidenced by increased tram ridership, which saw 5,168 passengers during the celebration period a 24 percent rise from the previous year.

Senior Director of Corporate Communications of Msheireb Properties Dr. Hafiz Ali Abdullah shared his delight with these achievements: “The remarkable turnout during Qatar National Day celebrations perfectly encapsulates what we aim to offer at Msheireb Downtown Doha a welcoming environment for families while also hosting significant events that bring people together. The increased visitor numbers across all our facilities, including a 34 percent rise in car park usage, demonstrate the Downtown’s growing appeal as a preferred destination for both residents and visitors.”

Throughout 2024, Msheireb Downtown Doha has established itself as Qatar’s premier destination for national celebrations and international events.

The city played a central role in major occasions including the AFC Asian Cup, Ramadan and Eid festivities, Qatar National Day celebrations, and various cultural activities.

Its strategic location, combined with state-of-the-art facilities and diverse entertainment offerings, has made it the natural gathering place for both residents and visitors during Qatar’s most significant celebrations and events.

The Downtown’s ability to seamlessly host both large-scale national celebrations and intimate cultural gatherings has reinforced its position as a dynamic hub in the heart of Doha.

In 2025, Msheireb Downtown Doha will continue offering a variety of events for diverse audiences. Among the exciting events scheduled is Hosh Msheireb at The Company House Courtyard from January 2 to 31, where visitors can experience an outdoor Qatari winter retreat in elegant cabanas with cozy seating and fire pits while enjoying hot beverages and curated snacks.

The experience includes a special children’s reading corner in collaboration with Qatar Reads, offering young visitors an engaging space to explore literature.

The Downtown will also host the Qatar Investment and Innovation Conference on January 15, and the Candy Zone at Sahat Al Nakheel, a unique festival celebrating creativity and fun from January 23 to February 1. Other notable events include Downtown Tech on January 30 and 31 and Qatar National Sports Day on February 11.

As part of its ongoing winter season offerings, which will run through February 2025, Msheireb Downtown Doha is hosting the Mal Awal exhibition.

This display, located at Sahat Al Nakheel Msheireb, features the history of video games as seen through the eyes of local collectors and runs until April 10, 2025.

It has already garnered attention from both gaming fans and those interested in the cultural evolution of this popular pastime.

Additionally, Msheireb Downtown will host the Orchestra in Barahat Msheireb performances in collaboration with the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra on February 14, 15 and 19, as well as a series of Ramadan Iftar and Suhoor events on February 29 and March 28.

Msheireb Properties is a subsidiary of Qatar Foundation for Education, Sciences and Community Development and Qatar’s leading sustainable property developer.

Its signature project, Msheireb Downtown Doha, is one of the smartest, most sustainable city downtown, which employs a new approach to urban planning by combining traditional methods and modern technology to preserve Qatar’s environment and cultural identity. All buildings are either Gold or Platinum LEED-certified. 

 



Msheireb Downtown Doha, the sustainable mixed-use development in the heart of Qatar’s capital, has announced that it welcomed over 15 million visitors in 2024. This milestone highlights the growing popularity of the vibrant destination as a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike.

With a unique blend of cultural attractions, shopping experiences, dining options, and community events, Msheireb Downtown Doha has become a hub for entertainment, relaxation, and social gatherings. The development’s commitment to sustainability and innovation has also played a key role in attracting visitors who are interested in experiencing a modern, eco-friendly urban environment.

In addition to the impressive visitor numbers, Msheireb Downtown Doha has continued to expand its offerings with new retail outlets, restaurants, and cultural programs. The development’s dedication to creating a dynamic and inclusive community space has resonated with residents and visitors, making it a top destination in Doha.

As Msheireb Downtown Doha looks towards the future, it remains committed to providing a world-class experience for all who visit. Whether you’re looking to explore the historic architecture, enjoy a leisurely day of shopping, or simply relax in a green oasis in the heart of the city, Msheireb Downtown Doha has something for everyone. Join the millions of visitors who have already discovered this unique destination and experience the best of Doha in one place.

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