Swiatek Survives Noskova Challenge to Advance in Doha

DOHA, Qatar — World No. 2 Iga Swiatek narrowly avoided an upset at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open, rallying to defeat Linda Noskova 6-7 (1), 6-4, 6-4 in a hard-fought third-round match on Wednesday.

Swiatek faced a formidable challenge from the 20-year-old Noskova, who is ranked 33rd in the world and has shown strong performances against the Polish star in the past. Earlier in the week, Swiatek acknowledged the unpredictable nature of tennis, stating, “I know how tennis works. It doesn’t always depend on you if you win titles or not.”

The match began with Noskova demonstrating her impressive abilities, serving 16 aces and matching Swiatek’s power from the baseline. She took the first set in a tiebreaker, dominating 7-1, suggesting that she might have the upper hand after an intense start.

Despite falling behind, Swiatek regained her focus in the second set, overcoming a sluggish start to rally from a deficit. The second set was marked by numerous break points and momentum swings, reflecting the resilience of both players. “Every match with Linda is always super-tough,” Swiatek remarked, highlighting the competitive nature of their encounter.

The match’s tension escalated as the players traded leads in the final set. Noskova appeared poised to secure victory when she gained a 0-30 advantage while Swiatek was serving at 3-4. However, the Czech couldn’t capitalize, missing critical returns that allowed Swiatek to escape the precarious situation.

As the match neared its conclusion, Noskova struggled to maintain her composure, faltering with missed forehands that resulted in key breaks. Swiatek seized on these opportunities, eventually closing out the match with a strong display of mental fortitude and skill, marking her 14th consecutive win in Doha dating back to 2021.

With top seed Aryna Sabalenka and No. 3 seed Coco Gauff eliminated earlier in the tournament, Swiatek stands as the only remaining player among the top four seeds, giving her an unexpected advantage as the tournament progresses.

This match serves as a reminder of the thin line separating victories from defeats in professional tennis, where a player’s mental game can heavily influence the outcome. Swiatek’s experience and grit in critical moments ultimately propelled her forward in the competition.