WTA Tour news: Iga Swiatek in dismissive mood as she storms into Qatar Open final
- Planet Sport writer
- 18 February 2023
Defending champion Iga Swiatek claimed another crushing win to reach the final of the Qatar Open.
The world number one suffered a surprise loss to Elena Rybakina in the fourth round of the Australian Open but has been a woman on a mission in her first tournament since.
Swiatek dropped just a single game to Danielle Collins in her first match before being given free passage through to the semi-finals when Belinda Bencic withdrew.
And the Pole was in a hurry again against eighth seed Veronika Kudermetova, wrapping up a 6-0 6-1 victory in just 56 minutes.
In the final, Swiatek will take on second seed Jessica Pegula, who had a much tougher time amid the windy conditions before seeing off fifth seed Maria Sakkari 6-2 4-6 6-1.
"That was probably the hardest conditions I've ever had to play in, wind-wise," Pegula said after the match. "I'm glad I didn't get too frustrated. I think I played very smart."
Pegula comfortably won her last meeting with Swiatek at the United Cup last month, though Swiatek holds a 4-2 overall record against her.
"It always takes a lot to win against Jessie. She's a great player, a really solid one," Swiatek said.
"We'll see, honestly. I'm not going to predict anything or over-analyze. I'm just going to go out and play my best tennis, and we'll see."
Swiatek is bidding to be the first player to successfully defend a title on the WTA Tour in 2023.
A WOMAN ON A MISSION š„µ
ā wta (@WTA) February 17, 2023
Defending champion @iga_swiatek is back in the @QatarTennis final! #QatarTennis pic.twitter.com/fFBcZ8TCaL
