Tennis-Swiatek beats Rybakina to move into Qatar Open semi-finals

FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 23, 2025 Poland's Iga Swiatek reacts during her semi final match against Madison Keys of the U.S. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas/ File Photo

DOHA (Reuters) - Three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek overcame Elena Rybakina 6-2 7-5 to reach the semi-finals of the Qatar Open on Thursday, while Russia's Ekaterina Alexandrova defeated American sixth seed Jessica Pegula.

In what was a repeat of last year's final, second seed Swiatek swept through the opening set, breaking Kazakhstan fifth seed Ryabkina's first service game to lead 2-0 and broke again to wrap up the set.