Iga Swiatek's dominant run at the Qatar Open continues with a triumph over Victoria Azarenka, earning her a place in the semifinals

Iga Swiatek overcomes Victoria Azarenka and advances in the defense of the WTA 1000 Qatar Open title. It wasn't easy for the world No. 1, who faced a resilient Azarenka in the first set but couldn't maintain the pace during the second part of the match. Swiatek extends the head-to-head record to 3-1 against 'Vichka' in an intense quarterfinal match.

The Polish player progressed from the previous round with a solid victory over the 14th seed Ekaterina Alexandrova by 6-1, 6-4, although at times, she was far from her best level. On the other hand, Azarenka had good performances in Doha, including a win in the round of 16 against the 8th seed Jelena Ostapenko by 6-0, 6-3.

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The match started well for Swiatek, who quickly took the lead with a break, but then had an erratic service game, allowing Azarenka to recover the break to level the score.

Both players found a better service rhythm, although Azarenka appeared slightly more aggressive, especially targeting Swiatek's forehand, where, like against Alexandrova, she made several errors from that side. 'Vichka' wasted a break point in the eighth game, and in the following one, she couldn't hold her serve, allowing Swiatek to take the set 6-4.

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The second set was practically a monologue for Swiatek, who found greater precision in her forehands and took advantage of Azarenka's inconsistent form after losing the first set. After breaking in the first game, 'Vichka's attitude changed, committing unforced errors at crucial moments, and mentally she seemed to be out of the match.

Swiatek secured three consecutive breaks in all her opportunities and, this time, had no issues with her serve, playing short points and being much more aggressive than in the first set. The match ended in favor of the Polish player with a score of 6-4, 6-0, and despite not playing at her 100% throughout the match, the second set was impeccable to secure a spot in the semifinals.

Her next opponent will once again be a former world No. 1, to be determined between Naomi Osaka and Karolina Pliskova.