In a highly anticipated showdown at the Qatar Open, world number one Iga Swiatek is set to face Elena Rybakina in the women’s singles final this Saturday.
Swiatek, a two-time champion in 2022 and 2023, secured her spot in another final after Karolina Pliskova withdrew due to a back injury.
Elena Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, demonstrated her prowess by defeating Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-2, 6-4, earning her place in the final and marking her third final appearance in 2024.
Despite Pliskova’s notable victory over Naomi Osaka in the quarter-finals, her back injury prevented her from competing on Friday, paving the way for Swiatek’s progression.
Swiatek, hailing from Poland, boasts an impressive record in Doha, having won her last 11 completed matches.
Aiming for a historic feat, she seeks to become the first player since Serena Williams in 2015 to clinch the same WTA singles title for three consecutive years.
Expressing her sentiments on social media, Swiatek conveyed her happiness about reaching another final while extending well wishes to the sidelined Pliskova: “I’m happy to be in another final here in Doha, but I wish we could play tonight and entertain you guys. Hope you’ll get well soon @KaPliskova.”
On the other side, world number four Rybakina, representing Kazakhstan, enters the final with an impressive 15-2 win-loss record in 2024 and titles in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi.
She holds a 3-1 winning head-to-head record against Swiatek, with their most recent encounter resulting in a victory due to a third-set retirement by Swiatek in Rome last year.
The stage is set for a thrilling clash between these formidable players in the quest for the Qatar Open title.