Elena Rybakina sets up blockbuster Qatar Open final with Iga Swiatek after easing past Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova
WTAFriday, 16 February 2024 at 16:36
Elena Rybakina will face Iga Swiatek in a blockbuster final at the 2024 Qatar Open after taking down Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova who continues her resurgence in straight sets 6-2, 6-4.
It is back-to-back finals for the Kazakh who will aim to seal a third title of the year after winning in Brisbane and Abu Dhabi albeit she will be slightly disadvantaged compared to her opponent having play all but one day in the last ten and Swiatek got a bye straight through.
This after Karolina Pliskova had to withdraw on Friday afternoon due to a lower back injury likely due to the rigours of playing Cluj also last week. But no such problems for Rybakina who won in just over an hour and a half.
The first set in particular was Rybakina at her aggressive power hitting best as she sealed it 6-2. After a close start albeit with both teeing off and easing through their serves, Rybakina flipped the script and went 3-2 up before consolidating serve with three games in a row in a rampant end to the set.
She powered past Pavlyuchenkova and this was while having four set points before finally sealing the deal and surviving a break point that likely could've sent the set back towards Pavlyuchenkova's favour. The second was a bit more closer with Rybakina holding at 3-1 despite having six break points saved and Pavlyuchenkova not claiming those proved to be fatal as Rybakina went 5-1 up.
But the Russian former Roland Garros finalist found her way back in when it looked like it was going to be an easy win breaking to go 5-3 down and holding at 5-4. But on a second match point and again after surviving a break, it was Rybakina's time as she claimed the win in straight sets.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
- STOP the "Look at Me" Tour now... and forever!!mandoist05-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
Loading
