Having made a sensational start to her 2025 season, Ashlyn Krueger must be determined to keep the momentum going in the the Qatar Open. After falling just one step short of the title in Abu Dhabi, the American star will be looking to go all the way and win the title in Doha. But for that, she needs to start her campaign well and she faces a tricky challenge in the first round itself. Standing her way in the first round is a seasoned campaigner and her compatriot Sofia Kenin. In what could be a tight encounter, who will win?

Ashlyn Krueger vs Sofia Kenin: Preview

Ashlyn Krueger is ranked No. 51 and will begin her campaign in Doha after losing the Abu Dhabi final to Belinda Bencic by 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 on February 8.

Krueger has had a strong start to 2025, with a 10-5 win-loss record, all on hard courts. Her best result so far has been reaching the final in Abu Dhabi. She has been one of the fast-rising players this year, already winning 10 matches, which is more than a third of her total victories from last year. She made deep runs in Brisbane and Adelaide, reaching her first quarterfinals since winning the Osaka title in September 2023.

In Abu Dhabi, Krueger had a breakthrough tournament, reaching the biggest final of her career. She defeated McCartney Kessler, Daria Kasatkina, Leylah Fernandez, and Linda Noskova, all in three-set battles. However, fatigue affected her in the final, where she lost to Bencic.

On the other hand, Sofia Kenin ranked No. 75, will also start her run in Doha after losing her last match in Abu Dhabi. She fell to Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-3, 6-1 in the first round on February 4. Kenin has had an inconsistent season so far, with a 5-4 win-loss record, all on hard courts. She has struggled in 2025, suffering early exits in Auckland, the Australian Open, and Abu Dhabi. Her best result so far has been reaching the quarterfinals in Hobart.

Since reaching two Grand Slam finals in 2020, Kenin has found it difficult to regain her top form. She has not finished a full season inside the top 100 since 2021. Her record in Doha is not strong either, with just one win in five matches. Her only victory came last year against Liudmila Samsonova.

Krueger vs Kenin: Head-to-head

When it comes to the head-to-head stats between these two players, it’s 1-0 in Krueger’s favor. The last time these two stars played against each other, Krueger won 6-3, 5-7, 7-5 in the second round in the Lleida back in 2024.

Prediction: Ashlyn Krueger to maintain her run and win against Kenin

Krueger’s confidence is at an all-time high after her strong run in Abu Dhabi. Her recent form has been impressive, and she has shown great composure in long matches. However, the number of tough matches she played in Abu Dhabi must have led to fatigue. It definitely affected her performance in the Abu Dhabi final and it might affect her performance in Doha again.

Kenin’s biggest strength is her tactical play and experience in high-pressure situations. She has played on the biggest stages and knows how to handle crucial moments. However, her lack of consistency this season and her struggles to close out key matches remain a concern.

Playing style will also be important. Kenin is skilled at redirecting pace and forcing longer rallies, which could work in her favor if the match extends. If she can dictate the tempo and make Krueger work for every point, she may have a better chance of wearing her down.

Prediction: Krueger enters the match as the in-form player, but her recent schedule may slow her down. Kenin is expected to make the match competitive, using her experience and tactical skills to challenge Krueger. However, Krueger’s confidence and recent level of play should be enough for her to secure a victory.