Iga Swiatek survives Linda Noskova test to set up quarter-final clash with Elena Rybakina
Iga Swiatek survives Linda Noskova test to set up quarter-final clash with Elena Rybakina
Iga Swiatek (23) 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), 6-4, 6-4 against Linda Noskova (20) and extend her winning streak at the tournament to 14 matches.
The five-time Grand Slam champion will take on 2022 Wimbledon winner Elena Rybakina on Thursday for a place in the semi-finals. Swiatek beat Rybakina in straight sets in the final 12 months ago.
The Pole’s reign looked in jeopardy when Noskova, a semi-finalist in Abu Dhabi last week, dominated a first set tie-break after being unable to capitalise 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 in the following game despite winning fewer points than Noskova overall.
Rybakina progressed earlier in the day with a 7-6(1), 6-2 win over Slovakia’s Rebecca Sramkova.
The fifth seed from Kazakhstan battled inconsistency in the first set after racing into a 3-0 lead, failing to convert three set points in the 10th game before finally taking charge in the tie-break.
Former Wimbledon champion Rybakina broke world number 46 Sramkova to start the second set and won the first four games as she wrapped up victory in 84 minutes.
