Kvitova takes winning streak to 10

It’s been four years since Petra Kvitova has produced anything like the consistency she’s currently enjoying.

The powerful Czech on Thursday beat No.3 seed Elina Svitolina 6-4 7-5 to reach the Qatar Total Open quarterfinals in Doha.

As a result, she took her winning streak to 10 – the third longest winning run of her career, and best since 2014.

.@Petra_Kvitova now riding the third-longest win-streak of her career. pic.twitter.com/a5lCyhmVTg

— WTA Insider (@WTA_insider) February 15, 2018

Kvitova scored five victories matches to win the WTA Saint Petersburg Ladies Trophy, before winning both her singles rubbers during the recent Czech Republic v Switzerland Fed Cup tie.

Since arriving in the Middle East, she’s beaten Cagla Buyukakcay, Agnieszka Radwanska and Svitolina to extend her winning streak to double digits.

Next up for Kvitova – who will return to the top 20 next week – is in-form German Julia Goerges for a place in the semifinals.

Wozniacki, Halep remain on track

Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep have cruised into the quarterfinals while defending champion Karolina Pliskova was knocked out by qualifier Catherine Bellis.

World No.1 Wozniacki, who won the Australian Open last month, survived a topsy-turvy opening set on Thursday to beat Romania’s Monica Niculescu 7-5 6-1.

WATCH: Wozniacki, Niculescu trade barbs after spiteful Doha match

Wozniacki raced to a 4-1 lead but then struggled against Niculescu’s crafty slices to lose four consecutive games.

The Dane regained her composure and went on to drop just one more game to book a quarterfinal spot after an hour and 30 minutes of play on centre court.

Earlier in the day, Halep shrugged off a slow start to beat Latvian Anastasija Sevastova 6-4 6-3, keeping her hopes of regaining the No.1 ranking alive this week.

The 26-year-old Romanian rallied back from an early break and remained aggressive throughout, landing 29 winners to 21 unforced errors.

She converted five of eight break point opportunities to reach the last eight in Doha for the first time since 2014.

Should Halep finish the tournament with one win more than Wozniacki, she will reclaim the top spot she lost after the Australian Open.

Halep will next face American Bellis, who claimed the biggest win of her career after overcoming world No.5 Pliskova 7-6(4) 6-3.

Bellis looked fairly comfortable against her Czech opponent’s powerful serve, breaking her five times on her way to victory in an hour and 37 minutes.

“This was huge for me,” said 18-year-old Bellis, ranked 48 in the world.

“I think I played a really good match and just tried to track down as many balls as I could. Obviously, I’ve watched her play for many years and she’s one of my idols for sure. I’m just really happy to was able to get through it.”

Johanna Konta fell away after a strong start as Angelique Kerber progressed 1-6 6-1 6-3.

???? Point of the match for @AngeliqueKerber?! WOW! #QatarTennis pic.twitter.com/gTpBkK9dWX

— WTA (@WTA) February 15, 2018