Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek set to meet for the first time in a final on Saturday at Qatar Open
WTA
In this exclusive preview we will look at Elena Rybakina and Iga Swiatek facing eachother for the first time in a final on Saturday, February 17, at the WTA 1000 Qatar Open.
Two of the main dominators
of the Tour in the past year will now meet for the sixth time.
The official head-to-head
record favours the Kazakh 3-1. Rybakina also won their last three meetings. Oddly enough, the bookies have placed the Polish World No.1 as the favourite. We think this will be a close battle (see prediction below).
The former
Wimbledon champion Rybakina has had an impeccable year with a 15-2 record in 2024. She also won 2 titles in just 4 tournaments. She secured the Brisbane International and won the Abu Dhabi Open last week.
Read also
Rybakina
leads in victories, currently enjoying an 8-match winning streak. Moreover, few
players can boast a favorable head-to-head against Swiatek. Only Maria Sakkari
has a positive record with at least three victories over Swiatek, albeit in
five matches (60%). Until now, no player has surpassed the Polish player in
five encounters, a streak that could change this Saturday at the hands of
Rybakina.
Considering
that this is the first final between the two players, Swiatek can boast much
greater success in this stage. The Polish player has won 17 titles in 21 finals
(81%), while Rybakina managed 7 titles in 16 finals (44%).
The current
world No. 1 has been relentless in Doha, with an 11-match winning streak and
winning the last 21 sets played in the tournament. Swiatek is just one match
away from claiming her third consecutive title at the Qatar Open. If Swiatek wins she becomes the most successful champion in the history of the tournament.
The finalists' journey to the Qatar Open Final
Rybakina
arrived after an intense week in Abu Dhabi and debuted just two days after
lifting the trophy, showcasing great form against Zhu Lin (6-2, 6-1). Her next
opponent was the 16th seed Emma Navarro, who pushed her to the third set (6-1,
6-7, 6-4). Her following victims were two former Grand Slam finalist: Leylah
Fernandez (6-4, 6-2) and Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (6-2, 6-4). Her problem might be, going into this final, fatigue. The so-called IceQueen will be playing her ninth match in ten days. Will she still have the energy after this brutal sequence of playing so many consecutive matches?
On the
other hand, Swiatek comes in fresher. It is her first tournament since the
Australian Open. This means she entered the tournament three weeks after her
elimination in Melbourne. The 4-times Grand Slam champion defeated Sorana
Cirstea in the first round (6-1, 6-1) and then Ekaterina Aleksandrova (6-1,
6-4). The quarterfinals were against Victoria Azarenka (6-4, 6-0). She
subsequently advanced directly to the final after Karolina Pliskova's
withdrawal. If Swiatek wins this final, she will beat Elena Rybakina for the first time since 2021. Whatever the outcome this is a must watch. It's a final between 2 of the best players on the WTA Tour.
Read also
List of previous meetings (including exhibitions)
[21.12.2023 World Tennis League (exhibition special rules) Swiatek I. - Rybakina E. 1-0]
17.05.23 Rome Swiatek I. withdraws at 1-1 handing the win to Rybakina E.
18.03.23 Indian Wells Swiatek I.- Rybakina E. 0-2
22.01.23 Australian Open Swiatek I. - Rybakina E. 0-2
[24.12.22 World Tennis League (exhibition normal rules) Swiatek I.- Rybakina E. 0-2]
24.09.21 Ostrava Swiatek I. - Rybakina E. 2-0
Our prediction: this will go to 3 sets.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.
mandoist06-11-2026 - Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
- Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
