WTA Tour news: Iga Swiatek in dismissive mood as she storms into Qatar Open final

    Defending champion Iga Swiatek claimed another crushing win to reach the final of the Qatar Open.

    Iga Swiatek. Image credit: Getty Images Iga Swiatek.

    The world number one suffered a surprise loss to Elena Rybakina in the fourth round of the Australian Open but has been a woman on a mission in her first tournament since.

    Swiatek dropped just a single game to Danielle Collins in her first match before being given free passage through to the semi-finals when Belinda Bencic withdrew.

    And the Pole was in a hurry again against eighth seed Veronika Kudermetova, wrapping up a 6-0 6-1 victory in just 56 minutes. In the final, Swiatek will take on second seed Jessica Pegula, who had a much tougher time amid the windy conditions before seeing off fifth seed Maria Sakkari 6-2 4-6 6-1.

    "That was probably the hardest conditions I've ever had to play in, wind-wise," Pegula said after the match.

    "I'm glad I didn't get too frustrated. I think I played very smart." Pegula comfortably won her last meeting with Swiatek at the United Cup last month, though Swiatek holds a 4-2 overall record against her.

    "It always takes a lot to win against Jessie. She's a great player, a really solid one," Swiatek said.

    "We'll see, honestly. I'm not going to predict anything or over-analyze. I'm just going to go out and play my best tennis, and we'll see."

    Swiatek is bidding to be the first player to successfully defend a title on the WTA Tour in 2023.

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