Swiatek edges closer to Doha-Dubai double

DUBAI: Iga Swiatek is one step closer to claiming a rare Doha-Dubai double thanks to a convincing 6-3, 6-2 quarterfinal victory over Chinese sixth seed Zheng Qinwen on Thursday in the UAE.

The world No. 1, who lifted the trophy in Doha for a third consecutive time last Saturday, extended her unbeaten streak to seven matches and is looking to become the first woman since 2007, and just the third overall, to win both Gulf tournaments in the same season.

In what was their sixth meeting in the span of 20 months, Swiatek came up clutch when she needed to as she improved to a perfect 6-0 lifetime against Zheng.

“I’m happy that I played well, stuck to my tactics, was pretty solid. For sure I feel better and better every day here,” said Swiatek, who was a finalist in Dubai 12 months ago.

The Polish top seed will next take on Russian world number 40 Anna Kalinskaya, who upset world number three and reigning US Open champion Coco Gauff 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

An early break of serve was enough for Swiatek to secure the opening set, outlasting Zheng in some key powerful baseline battles to take the lead in 42 minutes.

Swiatek had to save a breakpoint in Game 4 before pouncing on the Zheng serve and she didn’t lose another game, sprinting to victory in one hour and 26 minutes.

The four-time Grand Slam champion will be facing Kalinskaya for the first time on Friday.

Kalinskaya, who reached her first major quarterfinal at last month’s Australian Open, posted the sixth top-10 victory of her career with a comeback effort against Gauff.