'It’s gonna be a tough battle' - Iga Swiatek shares thoughts on her quarter-final game with Elena Rybakina in Qatar Open 2025

Tennis stalwarts Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina are all set to face off in the quarterfinal of the Qatar Open 2025 in Doha, slated to take place on February 14. The defending champion has made it to the quarterfinals after her stunning win over Linda Noskova by 6-7, 6-4, 6-4. On the other hand, the Russian defeated Rebecca Sramkova by 7-6, 6-2 to storm into the last eight.

The quarter-final game between these two players will mark the eighth meeting with Swiatek and Rybakina, with the Russian leading the head-to-head record by 4-3. Their recent game was at the United Cup, where Swiatek led Poland to the semi-finals after defeating Rybakina.

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Iga Swiatek opens up on facing Elena Rybakina in Doha quarterfinal.

The world number two, Swiatek, recognises that Rybakina is an experienced player who requires 100% effort to defeat her. On the other hand, Elena Rybakina also stated that she just aims to focus on her own game. Notably, the 2024 Qatar Open Final saw Iga Swiatek secure her third straight title win with a stunning win over Rybakina in the final showdown.

The two-star players have been in great form and will be looking to win the next game. The Polish star aims to become the first woman ever to win any tournament for the fourth straight time. On the other hand, Rybakina aims to seek redemption for her 2024 Doha final loss.

Iga Swiatek on facing Rybakina in Doha QF

“For sure Elena is a really experienced player. One you need to be 100% against if you want to win. I’ll use my experience and the last match we played. It’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be a tough battle.”

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— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) February 12, 2025

“For sure, Elena is a really experienced player. One you need to be 100% against if you want to win. I’ll use my experience and the last match we played. It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be a tough battle. She likes playing here; she’s been in a final here last year, and last year also was tough. So I’ll be ready for some intense rallies, some low balls, and good serving," Iga Swiatek said on facing Rybakina in Doha QF.

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