Qatar Open 2025: Swiatek Defeats Noskova To Move On To The Quarterfinals

Defending Champion Iga Swiatek Survives Scare to Extend Doha Dominance

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek overcame a stern test at the Qatar Open 2025, rallying from a set down to defeat rising star Linda Noskova 6-7(1), 6-4, 6-4 in a thrilling round of 16 encounter. With this victory, Swiatek extended her winning streak in Doha to 14 matches, keeping her hopes alive for a fourth consecutive title at the tournament.

Noskova Pushes Swiatek to the Limit

The 20-year-old Noskova proved to be a formidable challenge, forcing Swiatek into her first-ever dropped set in Doha since 2022. The Czech star held her nerve in the first set, dominating the tiebreak 7-1, as Swiatek struggled with her timing and unforced errors.

However, the Polish champion quickly regrouped. She traded early breaks with Noskova in the second set before shifting into a higher gear, eventually breaking at 4-3 to seize momentum and level the match.

A Decisive Third Set

The deciding set was a battle of momentum swings. Swiatek surged ahead 2-0, only for Noskova to storm back, winning three straight games to take a 3-2 lead. With the pressure mounting, Swiatek produced a crucial hold from 0-30 in the eighth game and broke Noskova with a blistering forehand to reclaim control. She then closed out the match with her signature baseline dominance.

Quarterfinal Showdown: Swiatek vs. Rybakina

Next up for Swiatek is a high-stakes quarterfinal against Elena Rybakina, the 2024 Qatar Open finalist. Their rivalry has been intense, with Swiatek leading 3-2 on hard courts, but Rybakina has been dominant on clay, securing wins in Rome and Stuttgart.

Can Swiatek maintain her Doha dominance, or will Rybakina halt her run? The stage is set for an electrifying clash in the quarterfinals!