Iga Swiatek defeats Elena Rybakina in straight sets to lift 3rd consecutive title in Doha

Iga Swiatek convincingly beat Rybakina to be crowned as the Qatar Open winner.

Iga Swiatek defeats Elena Rybakina in straight sets to lift 3rd consecutive title in Doha

Iga Swiatek (via IMAGO and Sky Sports)

The finals of Qatar had attracted many viewers, as two top seeds were up against each other for the prestigious title. Iga Swiatek was against the talented Elena Rybakina in one last battle for the title. 

The Polish star had not dropped a set throughout the tournament. She has always won the game after taking the first set and continues the same against Rybakina. Neither of the players was giving an inch, as they were holding the set while trying to break. 

YouTube video

It was Rybakina’s forehand that motored her through the games as Swiatek was staying in with her service points. Ticking off the games, the first set went to the tie-breaker, which also lasted 10 points. Both the players were almost level, till the World No.1 snatched the last two points and sealed the first set. This set was the longest-ever first set played by the Pole, who managed to win it at the end.

FS Video

However, the second set went smoothly in the favor of the Pole, who took an early double break, placing her closer to the trophy. Serving for the match, the World No.1 won the Qatar Open 7(10)-6(8), 6-2. In a pure showdown of dominance, the Pole won another tournament and was crowned the Qatar Open winner for the third consecutive time.

Iga Swiatek won her 18th Singles title as she took down Rybakina at the Qatar Open finals

After a disappointing Australian Open run, World No.1 Iga Swiatek returned to the tour in better form. She entered the Qatar Open with many other talented WTA stars. 

Iga Swiatek
Iga Swiatek (via Imago)

Cruising through her matches, the Pole hadn’t dropped a set all along. She even got a walkthrough in the semi-finals, giving her a clear path to the finals, along with a day to rest. A fresh Swiatek showed up to the finals and fought through the first set to effortlessly win the next one. 

She beat Elena Rybakina in straight sets to win the Qatar Open and her 18th WTA title. This was her third consecutive final in Doha. Rybakina might have had more head-to-head wins against Swiatek, but it was the World No.1 who sought redemption and got a title straight after the Australian Open loss. Hoping to maintain her form, the Pole will be seen in the last tournament of the Middle Eastern leg, along with the other WTA top stars. 

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