Iga Swiatek is into the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open after knocking out Daria Kasatkina in the round of 16.
Swiatek is the top seed at the WTA 1000 tournament, but Elena Rybakina has been backed to win in Qatar this week.
Second seed Rybakina, who just won the Australian Open, is also into the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open in Doha.
She takes on Victoria Mboko, while Swiatek has been drawn to face Maria Sakkari after beating Kasatkina 5-7, 6-1, 6-1.
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Iga Swiatek didn’t adjust well to cold conditions and wind despite Qatar win
Swiatek discussed the difficult conditions in Doha after the hard-fought victory, explaining: “It wasn’t an easy match.
“Even in the second and third set I had to do a lot to win rallies against Daria. I think I gave her more chances.
“She used the slower surface here, and she was going for it more, compared to last matches. I felt like I could do sometimes more in the first set.
“Yeah, didn’t really adjust well to the colder conditions and the wind. For sure it’s a lesson for next days.”
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Iga Swiatek expects ‘tough’ meeting with Maria Sakkari
Swiatek has very little time to learn that lesson, with the Pole now rapidly approaching her meeting with Sakkari.
Previewing the clash, she said: “Overall I think my level improved in 2022 so I could do a bit more, had more variety, and could push a little bit more.
“But against Maria, it’s always tough. It’s always like every game matters, every point matters.”
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After losing their first three meetings on the WTA Tour, Swiatek is now on a four-match winning streak against Sakkari.
That hugely successful run started in 2022, when the Pole beat her Greek rival in Doha en route to the title.
Swiatek is a three-time champion in Qatar, having also lifted the trophy in 2023 and 2024, before falling in last year’s semifinals.
The six-time Grand Slam champion and world number two now has a fantastic chance to really kickstart her individual season.
She superbly helped Poland win the United Cup at the start of the year, before a disappointing Australian Open quarterfinal exit.
Sakkari lost in the second round of the Grand Slam in Melbourne, but has been enjoying her time in Qatar thus far, with her run including a fine win over Jasmine Paolini.
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