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Top-ranked Swiatek wins third straight Qatar Open

Published:Sunday | February 18, 2024 | 12:08 AM
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Poland’s Iga Swiatek returns to Kazakhstan’s Ekaterina Rybakina during the Qatar Open final in Doha, Qatar yesterday.
AP
Poland’s Iga Swiatek returns to Kazakhstan’s Ekaterina Rybakina during the Qatar Open final in Doha, Qatar yesterday.
Poland’s Iga Swiatek holds the trophy after winning the Qatar Open final against Kazakhstan’s Ekaterina Rybakina in Doha, Qatar yesterday.
AP
Poland’s Iga Swiatek holds the trophy after winning the Qatar Open final against Kazakhstan’s Ekaterina Rybakina in Doha, Qatar yesterday.
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DOHA, Qatar (AP):

NUMBER-ONE-RANKED IGA Swiatek won the Qatar Open for a third straight year yesterday.

Swiatek defeated number-four Elena Rybakina 7-6 (8), 6-2 in the final.

Rybakina led 4-1 but cut her leg in her serving motion and needed medical attention. Swiatek rallied to 4-4. Rybakina broke again for 6-5 and a chance to serve out the set but Swiatek broke back.

In the tiebreaker, the defending champion missed three set points as the score reached 8-8. But then Swiatek hit a backhand winner and snatched the set with a backhand passing shot.

Swiatek’s 18th career singles title was her first of the year.

Serena Williams was the last woman to win a WTA event three successive times, in 2015 at the Miami Open.