Preview Women’s Quarter-Final 2025 Qatar Open: Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina battle again for semi-final spot
WTA
The Qatar Open will feature a rematch of last year’s final between Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina. This after both players delivered in their respective quarter-final matches. Their 2024 Doha final was a thrilling battle. But ultimately won by the Polish star.
World No. 2 Swiatek survived a tough test against Linda Noskova. This a rising rivalry that now stands at 4-1 in favour of Swiatek. The 20-year-old Czech continues to challenge the Pole. Wednesday’s match was no exception, with Noskova pushing her to the brink in the decider.
Rybakina stands in Swiatek’s way again
On the other side, Rybakina lived up to expectations by defeating Rebecca Šramková 7-6, 6-2. The Slovak had been one of the surprises of the tournament. This after taking out teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva in the previous round.
Rybakina is arguably Swiatek’s toughest opponent, consistently producing thrilling matches against her. Their 2024 Doha final ended in a 7-6(10), 6-3 victory for Swiatek. In the process securing her third consecutive Qatar Open title. However, the head-to-head remains 4-3 in favour of Rybakina. As a result, this makes this semi-final clash a must-watch encounter.
With big names like Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, and Zheng Qinwen already out of the draw, this semi-final is undoubtedly the match of the day. Only Jessica Pegula really remains outside this leading pair.
Iga Swiatek at Qatar Open 2024. She won her 3rd consecutive title at Doha
Their most recent meeting was at the United Cup earlier this year, a lower-pressure mixed-team event. Swiatek claimed a 7-6, 6-4 win. Although both players struggled with form following a break in late 2025.
Swiatek now holds an 11-2 record in 2025. Her only losses came against Gauff (United Cup) and Madison Keys (Australian Open semi-final). Against Keys she even missed a match point. Rybakina stands at 10-3 for the season, with losses to Keys in Australia and Belinda Bencic in Abu Dhabi, where the Swiss won the title.
Swiatek enters as a slight favourite, having never lost in Doha. Mainly as she is chasing a fourth consecutive title in the tournament. However, if anyone can disrupt Swiatek’s dominance, it’s the 2022 Wimbledon champion. Particularly given the Pole’s struggles against Noskova in the quarters.
Quarter wise it could spell danger for Swiatek if she wins. Jelena Ostapenko could be the next opponent who has often been a thorn in her side.
Either that or it will be Ons Jabeur that awaits. They face off in another top Quarter-Final. Rybakina-Swiatek follows on from Ekaterina Alexandrova v Jessica Pegula. The former having shocked Aryna Sabalenka.
In addition she won Upper Austria Ladies Linz in recent weeks and took out Emma Raducanu in the opening round. Pegula has won seven out of her opening nine matches in 2025. She owns a 2-0 Quarter-Final record in Doha and took down Elina Svitolina and Daria Kasatkina en route.
The other part of the draw sees Marta Kostyuk face Amanda Anisimova. The Ukrainian took down Coco Gauff while the American has been in lightning form defeating Leylah Fernandez. This after seeing off Victoria Azarenka and Paula Badosa.
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
- 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
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
