Iga Swiatek overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Daria Kasatkina 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 in the Round of 16 at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha on Wednesday, advancing to the quarterfinals.
The match, lasting two hours and 17 minutes, saw Kasatkina initially disrupt Swiatek’s dominance in their head-to-head record, securing the first set 7-5. Swiatek had previously not conceded more than three games in a set against Kasatkina in their six prior encounters on the WTA Tour.
Responding to the early setback, Swiatek demonstrated a shift in momentum, winning the subsequent two sets decisively with a score of 6-1 in each. The world No. 2 converted eight of 18 break points throughout the match, a conversion rate of 44.4 percent. Kasatkina managed to convert four of 12 break points, achieving a 33.3 percent success rate.
Swiatek acknowledged the challenge posed by Kasatkina, stating after the match, “It wasn’t an easy match. Even in second and third set I had to do a lot to win rallies against Daria. I think I gave her more chances. She used the slower surface here, and she was going for it more, compared to last matches.” She also noted adjustments needed for the conditions, adding, “I felt like I could do sometimes more in the first set. Yeah, didn’t really adjust well to the colder conditions and the wind. For sure it’s a lesson for next days.”
Kasatkina’s performance was hampered by struggles on her second serve, winning only 24.1% of those points (7 of 29). Swiatek’s victory improves her overall record against Kasatkina to 7-1.
In the quarterfinals, Swiatek is scheduled to face Maria Sakkari, who progressed to the last eight after defeating Varvara Gracheva in straight sets. The match between Swiatek and Sakkari will determine a semifinalist at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open.
