The WTA 1000 Qatar TotalEngeries Open in Doha witnessed a shift in the lineup for the final match following Karolina Pliskova’s withdrawal due to a lower back injury. Consequently, Iga Swiatek has advanced to the final, where she will contend against Elena Rybakina, who defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to secure her place in the final.
Pliskova’s decision to withdraw comes after an impressive winning streak of 9 matches, culminating in her triumph at Cluj Napoca last Sunday. The strain of continuous match play and hurried travel has evidently taken a toll on the Czech player, as acknowledged in her statement, “I felt like I was pushing it a little bit over limit, and then I felt very big pain in my lower back, so I’m not able to compete anymore.”
Despite advancing to the final due to Pliskova’s withdrawal, Swiatek expressed her desire to compete and entertain the fans while also extending well wishes for Pliskova’s speedy recovery. The 22-year-old Pole has achieved her third consecutive Doha final and is poised to face a formidable opponent in Rybakina, who has emerged victorious in their last 3 encounters.
Rybakina’s remarkable journey to the final includes her 15th match win and an 8-match winning streak from recent tournaments. She poses a formidable challenge for Swiatek, who has enjoyed a stable week in Doha and is focused on defending her title.
As the final match approaches, both players are preparing for an eagerly anticipated showdown, with Swiatek emphasising the physical aspect of the game, while Rybakina concentrates on maintaining her aggressive play.
The upcoming final in Doha promises to be an exhilarating encounter, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills and determination to clinch the championship title.