Swiatek Advances to Qatar Open Semifinals in Tight Match

DOHA, Qatar — Iga Swiatek, the reigning three-time champion, advanced to the semifinals of the Qatar Open after defeating Elena Rybakina with a score of 6-2, 7-5 on Thursday.

Ranked No. 2, Swiatek will face Ekaterina Alexandrova in the semifinals. Alexandrova secured her spot by beating fifth-seeded Maria Sakkari 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 earlier in the day.

“The second set, I felt like she raised her level, so I needed to do that too,” Swiatek said after the match against Rybakina, which marked a rematch of the previous year’s final.

Before today’s match, Rybakina held a 4-2 head-to-head advantage over Swiatek, but with this victory, their records are now tied at four wins each.

Alexandrova, who is currently ranked 26th in the world, expressed her surprise at making it to the semifinals. “When I saw the draw, I thought maybe I will not get very far,” she said. “But overall, I have played great matches here. I hope it continues.”

The semifinals will take place on Friday, with both matches featuring high stakes as players vie for a spot in the final.