DOHA, Qatar — Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek reached the Qatar Open semifinals by beating Elena Rybakina 6-2, 7-5 on Thursday.
Swiatek, ranked No. 2, will subsequent face Jelena Ostapenko, who beat Ons Jabeur 6-2, 6-2, for a spot within the closing.
“The second set, I felt like she raised her degree, so I wanted to do this too,” Swiatek stated after defeating Rybakina in what was a rematch of final yr’s title match.
Rybakina started the yr with a 4-2 benefit head-to-head towards Swiatek, however now they’re tied.
Ekaterina Alexandrova continued her profitable run by eliminating sixth-seeded Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-1, 6-1. The Russian, who’s ranked twenty sixth, defeated top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka earlier this week.
“Once I noticed the draw, I assumed perhaps I can’t get very far,” Alexandrova stated. “However total thus far performed nice matches right here. I hope it continues.”
Alexandrova will subsequent face both Amanda Anisimova or Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.