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Top 5 Photos, 3/5: Melichar, Schuurs claim Doha title

By Jordaan Sanford

More thrilling matches were on display in Doha, Rotterdam and Buenos Aires, with a handful of names coming closer to lifting up the week's coveted hardware.

These are the Top 5 Photos from Friday. (All photos Getty Images)

1

Nicole Melichar and Demi Schuurs

The American and Dutch duo captured their second title together—ninth and 12th, respectively. No. 2 seeds at the Qatar Total Open, they edged past Monica Niculescu and Jelena Ostapenko, 6-2, 2-6, 10-8, in the final.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 05: Demi Schuurs of The Netherlands and Nicole Melichar of The United States celebrate victory after winning their doubles Final match against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia and Monica Niculescu of Romania during Day Five of the Qatar Total Open 2021 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 05, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

2

Petra Kvitova

Despite windy conditions, hard-hitting Kvitova managed to grab a straight-set victory over Jessica Pegula in the Doha semifinals. Pegula has been on fire of late, making her first major quarterfinal in Australia last month and dominating through qualifying at this week's WTA 500 event.

In the end, Kvitova posted a 6-4, 6-4 score to set up a final-round clash with Garbine Muguruza.

DOHA, QATAR - MARCH 05: Petra Kvitova of The Czech Republic celebrates in her Semi-Final singles match against Jessica Pegula of The United States during Day Five of the Qatar Total Open 2021 at Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex on March 05, 2021 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Mohamed Farag/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

3

Andrey Rublev

In their fourth career meeting, the Russian was pushed hard by Frenchman Jeremy Chardy. Rublev needed two hours and 42 minutes to take down the world No. 64, 7-6 (2), 6-7 (2), 6-4, in Rotterdam. Rublev will next face No. 2 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas for a spot in the final.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 05: Andrey Rublev of Russia celebrates winning a point in his match against Jeremy Chardy of France during Day 5 of the 48th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at Ahoy on March 05, 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

4

Stefanos Tsitsipas

The world No. 6 was down but not out against a tough Karen Khachanov. Tsitsipas rallied from 1-3 down in the deciding set to defeat the Russian, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, in Rotterdam. The Greek will rise back into the Top 5, and will pass Roger Federer in next week's rankings.

ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - MARCH 05: Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece returns a forehand in his match against Karen Khachanov of Russia during Day 5 of the 48th ABN AMRO World Tennis Tournament at Ahoy on March 05, 2021 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
© Getty Images

5

Albert Ramos-Vinolas

India's Sumit Nagal entered the quarterfinals fresh off a career win against Argentina Open's No. 2 seed Cristian Garin. The world No. 150 captured the opening set, but Ramos-Vinolas upped his level to post a 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory. Nagal served for the match at, 5-3 in the deciding set, but appeared overwhelmed by nerves, which led to unforced errors and an ill-timed double fault.

BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA - MARCH 05: Albert Ramos-Viñolas of Spain hits a forehand during a match against Sumit Nagal of India as part of day 5 of ATP Buenos Aires Argentina Open 2021 at Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club on March 5, 2021 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. (Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)
© Getty Images