WTA1000 Doha: Elena Rybakina vs Iga Swiatek quarter-final analysis
Swiatek was on top of virtually all first set rallies once a 4th shot was reached, then used a superior backhand performance on big second set points to complete the win
cover 📸 source: WTA Tour
In a repeat of last year’s Qatar TotalEnergies Open final, triple champion Iga Swiatek reached 15 consecutive wins in Doha with her second triumph of 2025 over Elena Rybakina.
The outcome tied their career head-to-head record at 4-4, with Swiatek now holding a 4-2 lead on hardcourts while Rybakina is 2-0 on clay.
*** Curiously, this unexpected win distribution by surface was already seen in their 2 junior matches, with Swiatek also winning on hard and Rybakina triumphant on clay.
Set 1: Swiatek ruled supreme once points reached a 4th shot
Unlike their latest meeting at the United Cup, this time Swiatek was ready from the first ball. With a well-measured mix of aggressiveness and consistency, the Polish star jumped to an early 3-0 lead.
📺 source: WTA Tv
Never dropping intensity, Swiatek kept full command of first set rallies. She used depth to prevent Rybakina from having the initiative and extracted errors (or easy put-aways) by forcing her opponent towards the corners or to hit on the run.
Hardly missing any shots while constantly having Rybakina on a string, Swiatek finished the opening set with an incredible 16-3 advantage in points that lasted 4 or more shots (marked by red box, below).
Rybakina’s chances during the set were limited to two cracks at the ball to win points on serve and to what she was able to do with the return when Swiatek was serving!
The latter wasn’t much as Swiatek won 69% of 1st serve points and 83% of 2nd serve points.
Set 1 Stats
Forehand winners: Rybakina 2 / Swiatek 7
Forehand errors: Rybakina 6 / Swiatek 8
Backhand winners: Rybakina 3 / Swiatek 2
Backhand errors: Rybakina 13 / Swiatek 5
2nd serves won: Rybakina 29% / Swiatek 83%
Baseline points won: Rybakina 32% / Swiatek 63%
Set 2: Backhands to decide big points
Outplayed in set 1, Rybakina began the second set with more power and determination in her shots.