Jelena Ostapenko delivered a shocking efficiency to finish Iga Swiatek‘s three-year dominance at the Qatar Totalenergies Open, defeating the world number two in straight sets. The Latvian needed just 68 minutes to secure a commanding 6-3 6-1 victory, advancing to her 17th career WTA final and maintaining her flawless record against Swiatek.
This semifinal result marks Swiatek’s most lopsided defeat in practically two years. The final time she misplaced so decisively was towards Elena Rybakina on the 2023 Indian Wells event, the place she fell 6-2 6-2. Coming into Doha, Swiatek had received 15 consecutive matches on the occasion and was pursuing a fourth straight title. Nonetheless, Ostapenko’s aggressive, fearless play put an abrupt finish to that streak.
Ostapenko, at the moment ranked thirty seventh on the earth, has now overwhelmed Swiatek in all 5 of their encounters, making her the one lively participant with a optimistic head-to-head document towards the Polish star. The Latvian’s dominance over Swiatek started in 2019, with their first assembly in Birmingham when Ostapenko received 6-0 6-2. Since then, she has constantly discovered methods to disrupt Swiatek’s rhythm together with her highly effective groundstrokes and aggressive returns.
The match started with Ostapenko asserting her intent from the very first level, blasting a forehand winner and breaking Swiatek’s serve instantly. Her relentless attacking fashion resulted in 24 winners in comparison with Swiatek’s seven, whereas her 15 unforced errors have been remarkably low given her high-risk technique.
Swiatek did handle to interrupt Ostapenko’s serve as soon as within the second set, nevertheless it was merely a quick interruption within the Latvian’s march to victory. Ostapenko shortly regained management, sealing the match with a flurry of winners and leaving Swiatek visibly annoyed, as evidenced by the Pole tossing her racquet in exasperation.
This loss is especially vital given Swiatek’s dominance at this occasion in earlier years. The three-time Doha champion had appeared virtually unbeatable on these courts, however Ostapenko’s tactical precision and psychological fortitude shattered that aura of invincibility.
With this victory, Ostapenko strikes into her fourth closing on the WTA 1000 degree or above and her second in Doha, having first reached the ultimate right here in 2016. This achievement additionally marks her first WTA 1000 closing look in practically seven years, highlighting her resilience and skill to compete on the highest degree regardless of latest rating fluctuations.
Trying forward, Ostapenko will face Amanda Anisimova within the closing. The American superior by defeating Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-3 6-3. Their solely prior assembly was additionally in Doha, again in 2022, when Ostapenko emerged victorious in a three-set battle. (images: Jimmie48)
