Despite her significant talent, the injury-prone Karolina Muchova has never won a WTA 1000 title. The Czech’s latest attempt will begin on Sunday against Jaqueline Cristian in Doha. Three other matches are also predicted here. As always, we here at LWOT cover all the other action, including Leylah Fernandez vs Ann Li, in our other articles. But who will advance?
WTA Doha Day 1 Predictions
Peyton Stearns vs Vera Zvonareva
Head-to-head: First meeting
41-year-old Zvonareva’s winning two qualifying matches to reach this stage is an outstanding achievement regardless of how this match finishes. The two-time Grand Slam runner-up will almost certainly lose this if struggling physically. Stearns can consistently open the court up with her heavy topspin forehand. Zvonareva’s chances should not be ruled out, but it is a tough matchup for her.
Prediction: Stearns in 2
McCartney Kessler vs Elsa Jacquemot
Head-to-head: First meeting
Neither woman is among the WTA’s biggest ball-strikers, but both still try to be aggressive from the baseline. Kessler’s results over the last 18 months show that she implements that style more consistently. The American also enters this match after a solid quarterfinal showing at the Abu Dhabi Open. She should have enough to prevail in this matchup.
Prediction: Kessler in 2
Liudmila Samsonova vs Magdalena Frech
Head-to-head: First meeting
Although her defeat to Hailey Baptiste was disappointing, Samsonova probably took encouragement from reaching the quarterfinals in Abu Dhabi after a poor start to 2026. Frech is in the draw as a lucky loser. At her best, the Pole’s consistency could expose Samsonova’s movement. I do not trust the Pole to find that level consistently enough to cause an upset.
Prediction: Samsonova in 2
Karolina Muchova vs Jaqueline Cristian
Head-to-head: Muchova 4-0 Cristian
Cristian has never won a set against Muchova and lost against her a few weeks ago at the Australian Open. The Romanian’s 3-6 6-7 defeat in Melbourne was the closest of their matches, which might give her some hope. That does not alter the reality that Muchova is the most likely winner. She possesses a more complete game than Cristian in all areas.
Prediction: Muchova in 2
Main Photo Credit: Geoff Burke – USA TODAY Sports