Swiatek sets up semi-final clash with Ostapenko at Qatar Open

DOHA: Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek advanced to the Qatar Open semi-finals with a 6-2, 7-5 victory over Elena Rybakina on Friday. The Polish star will face Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko for a spot in the final.

Swiatek, the second seed, dominated the opening set by breaking Kazakhstan’s fifth seed Rybakina’s serve twice, including in the first game. Although Rybakina fought back in the second set, breaking Swiatek early, the Pole’s relentless intensity saw her level at 4-4. She then secured the decisive break as Rybakina served to force a tiebreaker.

“I’m super happy and super proud of myself because playing against Elena is never easy,” Swiatek said after her hard-fought win.

In the other semi-final, Russia’s Ekaterina Alexandrova, who defeated American sixth seed Jessica Pegula, will face another American, Amanda Anisimova.

The stage is set for an exciting finish at the Qatar Open, with Swiatek aiming to continue her dominance and secure a fourth consecutive title.