In the only second round match to be played in Doha on Tuesday, Venus Williams will take on Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in the last match of the day at not before 8pm local time (5pm UK time).  Venus also played the first second round match in Dubai last week when she played Belinda Bencic on the Monday.  Venus and Barbora both won their first round matches on Monday.  Venus came from a set down to beat Casey Dellacqua, 3-6 6-2 6-1 in one hour and 34 minutes.  Their last match in Miami had also gone the distance.  Zahlavova Strycova defeated Sabine Lisicki in a tight two setter, 7-5 6-4.  2015 hasn’t been great so far for Sabine although BZS is a tough opponent these days.

Venus and Barbora last played in Charleston in 2014 in a very entertaining first round match.  Venus prevailed in three sets, 6-3 0-6 7-5.  I’ve spoken at length at how much BZS has improved in the last year.  She’s become a much more solid player from the back of the court and she’s knocking on the door of the world’s top 20 with 12 main draw wins in 2015 so far.  I’d fancy her to get at least a set as I think the slow courts will help her out.  Ultimately, i’d take Venus to come through and reach the quarter-finals, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if BZS sprung an upset.

Prediction: V.Williams d. Zahlavova Strycova in 3 sets