Swiatek’s Stellar Run Continues: Defeats Alexandrova, Gears Up for Quarterfinal Battle Against Azarenka

In a remarkable display of skill, World No.1 Iga Swiatek continued her winning streak at the Qatar Open, triumphing over No.14 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova 6-1, 6-4 in the Round of 16.

The two-time defending champion, Swiatek, has now secured 10 consecutive victories in the tournament, defeating Alexandrova in a 1-hour and 31-minute battle on Wednesday evening.

In the upcoming quarterfinals, the Polish sensation is set to face another formidable opponent, two-time Doha champion Victoria Azarenka. Azarenka secured her spot by defeating No.8 seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-0, 6-3 in the night match, marking her third victory over Ostapenko this year.

Swiatek’s victory over World No.19 Alexandrova marks her 11th consecutive win against Top 20 opponents, maintaining a flawless 4-0 record against this group in the current year. According to WTA, Swiatek’s last loss to a Top 20 player was in the Tokyo quarterfinals last September against Veronika Kudermetova.

In a separate match on Wednesday, former World No.1 Naomi Osaka advanced to the quarterfinals after her Round of 16 opponent, World No.37 Lesia Tsurenko, withdrew due to an elbow injury. Osaka, who returned from maternity leave, enters her first WTA Tour quarterfinal since reaching the Miami Open final in March 2022.

For the quarterfinal clash, Osaka will face another former World No.1, Karolina Pliskova. Pliskova secured her spot by overcoming fellow Czech Linda Noskova in three sets, with a score of 3-6, 7-5, 6-1.

–IANS