Battling Swiatek lines up Doha quarterfinal against Rybakina

DOHA: Three-time defending Qatar Open champion Iga Swiatek scraped her way past Czech youngster Linda Noskova on Wednesday to set up a quarterfinal with last year’s runner-up Elena Rybakina.

Swiatek dropped a set in Doha for the first time since 2022 — ending a run of 25 won in a row — but recovered to advance 6-7 (1/7), 6-4, 6-4 and extend her winning streak at the tournament to 14 matches.

The five-time Grand Slam champion will take on 2022 Wimbledon winner Rybakina on Thursday for a place in the semifinals. Swiatek beat Rybakina in straight sets in the final 12 months ago.

“I would say Linda played amazing, and for sure she didn’t make it easy for me,” said Swiatek who admitted she faces a tough assignment against Rybakina.

“She likes playing here, she’s been in a final here last year, and last year also was tough. So I’ll be ready for some intense rallies, and some low balls, and good serving.”

The Pole’s reign in Qatar looked in jeopardy when the 20-year-old Noskova, a semifinalist in Abu Dhabi last week, dominated a first set tiebreak after being unable to capitalize on five break points.

Swiatek, without a title since the French Open in June, broke to go 3-2 up in the second set. Noskova immediately hit back but the second seed responded in kind to regain her advantage.

Noskova had a break point as her opponent served for the set but Swiatek kept her cool to force a decider.

Swiatek won the first two games of the final set before Noskova reeled off the next three for a 3-2 edge, and the Pole was wobbling in the eighth game.

However from 0-30 down on her serve, she rattled off six straight points to hold and then land the crucial break with a forehand into the open court.

Swiatek closed out the victory