Alkass Digital
World No. 1 Ali Farag is set to face reigning world champion Diego Elias in a highly anticipated semi-final at the QTerminals Qatar Classic after a dominant straight-set victory over Nicolas Mueller at the Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Complex. Farag, a three-time Qatar Classic champion, secured his spot in the semi-finals with a 14-12, 11-5, 11-6 win over Switzerland's Mueller, finishing the match in just 34 minutes. Elias, the seventh seed, also advanced after defeating Tarek Momen in four games, setting up a rematch of last year's final.
Farag described his match with Mueller, saying, “It’s always quick-fire stuff with Nicky... I’m pleased to get this one under my belt.” Meanwhile, Elias, despite his unfavorable record against Momen, began strong and overcame the Egyptian after losing the first game.
In today’s semi-final, Elias aims to challenge Farag, stating, “It’s always a huge battle against Ali... We always play tough matches.” Also reaching the men’s semi-finals are World No. 9 Joel Makin, who won against Fares Dessouky, and third seed Mostafa Asal, who defeated former champion Karim Abdel Gawad.
On the women’s side, defending champion Hania ElHammamy advanced with a 3-0 victory over Tinne Gilis. World No. 1 Nour ElSherbini continued her winning streak by defeating England’s Georgina Kennedy in a four-game match and expressed eagerness to avenge her loss to ElHammamy in last year’s final. Additionally, World Champion Nouran Gohar and Olivia Weaver also secured their spots in the semi-finals after respective victories.