Iga Świątek won her first title of the season when she beat world No.4 Elena Rybakina 7-6(10-8) 6-2 at the Qatar Open final on Saturday.
During a difficult first set with gusty conditions, Rybakina managed to break Świątek twice, taking a 4-1 lead. However, during the middle of that game, the No.4 seed had to stop for a medical time-out as she accidentally cut her leg with her racquet.
After the medical break, the Polish tennis player rallied to 4-4, but Rybakina broke again for 6-5. However, Świątek did not give in, sending the set into a tiebreak.
In the decisive breaker, both players hit heavy shots, leading to an 8-8 deadlock. The defending champion missed three set points as the score reached 8-8. But then Iga hit a backhand winner and snatched the set with a backhand passing shot.
In the second set, Świątek saved two break points in her first service game, and she cruised to victory.
"I'm happy that I kept working and just didn't really think about too much stuff during this week and just focused on the right things, because I think it was the key," Świątek said during the trophy ceremony.
"Coming here and being kind of the double-defending champion wasn't easy. So, I'm happy that I have this experience already, and hopefully, I'm going to use it,” the Polish tennis player added.
Iga Świątek is now the first player to win the Doha title more than two times in her career.
(aj)
SOURCE: ESPN, WTA, PAP