Iga Świątek advanced to the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha after a hard-fought three-set victory over Daria Kasatkina on Wednesday. The win continues Świątek’s strong run in Qatar, where she has previously triumphed three times (2022-2024) with a 15-match winning streak. This year’s tournament has already seen top players Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Ekaterina Alexandrova, and Jasmine Paolini eliminated early in the competition.
Świątek faced a challenging start against Kasatkina, who now represents Australia after being born in Russia. The Polish player was broken early, falling behind 2-0 in the first set after a double fault and precise serving from her opponent. Świątek managed to save a break point with an ace, but Kasatkina continued to apply pressure.
A Back-and-Forth Battle
“Kasatkina is playing very aggressively. It’s clear that’s her game plan for this match,” observed commentator Maciej Łuczak on Canal+ Sport. Her returns were impressive, and she played almost flawlessly, contrasting sharply with Świątek, who struggled with errors, including a missed smash at the net. “She’s clearly having trouble finding her rhythm,” added Klaudia Jans-Ignacik, also providing commentary for the match.
Kasatkina initially led 3-1, but Świątek battled back to 3-4, unleashing powerful forehands that began to trouble her opponent. She then broke back, capitalizing on a short ball from the Australian representative to level the set.
Świątek continued to accelerate in the rallies, forcing Kasatkina to run from side to side, eventually taking a 5-3 lead and securing her serve. Leading 30-15, she faltered again, committing another double fault and throwing her towel over her head in frustration. “A rather emotional reaction, quite telling,” the commentators noted.
Kasatkina seized the opportunity, regaining her composure and hitting with more power to break Świątek and tie the set at 5-6. Errors from Świątek, including a forehand that sailed long, proved crucial. In the twelfth game, Świątek faced three break points to save the set. Kasatkina responded with an ace, and Świątek then committed four consecutive return errors. The Australian representative capitalized on her second set point, winning the first set 7-5 after 61 minutes. “Iga seemed surprised by where the ball bounced,” Jans-Ignacik commented.
Świątek Responds
The second set began with further difficulties for the Polish star. She hit spectacular winners with both her forehand and backhand, but then followed them up with unforced errors. This inconsistency allowed Daria Kasatkina to quickly create three break opportunities. However, the third game, lasting 15 points, ultimately went to Iga Świątek. She then seized the momentum, returning effectively and showcasing her defensive skills. Kasatkina was visibly frustrated, throwing her arms wide in disbelief after losing a crucial point. “As if she was telling us, ‘There was nothing more I could do,’” added Łuczak. Świątek raced to a 4-1 lead, delivering two aces and shouting “Let’s go!”
Read also: Drama for Polish women at the Olympic Games
Unlike the first set, both players improved, but it was Kasatkina who faltered. She was unable to retain pace with Świątek, who won the set 6-1. The number of errors increased for the Australian representative. Kasatkina, a former top-10 player and WTA Finals competitor, had a hard previous year, dropping to 61st in the world rankings, but still possesses the potential to return to the elite.
Świątek Advances!
In the third set against Daria Kasatkina in Doha, Iga Świątek quickly took a 3-0 lead with two breaks of serve. She increased the tempo, leaving her opponent looking increasingly lost. “She’s discouraged by what’s happening on the court. Nervous reactions,” the Canal+ Sport commentators observed. The Roland Garros semifinalist attempted to respond with aggressive play, but lacked precision, and Świątek’s lead continued to grow.
There was a brief moment of uncertainty when Świątek lost her serve in the fourth game, reverting to the unsteadiness she displayed at the start of the match. However, this didn’t last long. She quickly regained her form and closed out the third set with a score of 6-1. The cameras showed members of Świątek’s team, including coach Wim Fissette and psychologist Daria Abramowicz, appearing calmer than they had been after the first set.
This was the eighth meeting between Świątek and Kasatkina, with the Polish player now leading 7-1 in their head-to-head record. Her only defeat came in June 2021 in their first encounter, losing to the then-Russian player on grass in Eastbourne 4-6, 6-0, 6-1. However, both players were at very different stages of their careers at that time.
Wednesday’s victory over Daria Kasatkina secured Iga Świątek’s place in the quarterfinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha. Her next opponent will be Greece’s Maria Sakkari (WTA No. 52), who defeated France’s Varvara Gracheva (WTA No. 73) 7-6, 6-0. The tournament is being broadcast on Canal+ Sport, with coverage on Sport.pl.
