Iga Swiatek has kicked off her quest for unprecedented success at the Qatar Open 2025 with remarkable determination. Having dominated the tournament for the past three years, the Polish sensation aims to make history by securing her fourth consecutive title, something only achievable by one other player this century.
Swiatek, the defending champion and currently ranked world number two, began her Qatar Open campaign by defeating Maria Sakkari decisively, claiming victory with scores of 6-3, 6-2. This win marked the continuation of her remarkable record at the event, where she boasts 14 wins against just one loss since the tournament's inception.
Entering the Qatar Open, Swiatek's performance at the Australian Open earlier this year had been somewhat rocky. After reaching the semifinals, her title hopes were dashed by eventual champion Madison Keys, leading her to reflect on the upcoming challenges. "Honestly, it’s hard to say. From what I’m remembering... it’s not like I’ve been playing flawlessly," Swiatek stated, acknowledging the unique challenges every season brings.
Having already achieved the milestone of becoming the first player to win the Qatar Open three times—back to back from 2022 to 2024—Swiatek's ambition is not only to defend her title but also to cement her legacy within the history of women's tennis. After her impressive opening round against Sakkari, she will now face Linda Noskova, the same formidable opponent who upset her during the 2024 Australian Open.
Noskova's victory over Swiatek last year serves as motivation for the two-time reigning champion. Swiatek admitted earlier, "Every year is different, and there’s always a new story to tell, making it difficult to compare and pinpoint exactly what works. I’m already kind of focusing on the next one, not really coming back to what happened last year." This highlights her unwavering approach to competition.
The match against Noskova is anticipated to be intense, as Iga is seen as the clear favorite following her strong opener. According to predictions from Dimers Pro, Swiatek holds an 82% chance of winning against Noskova, who is currently ranked lower. "We have simulated the outcome of Wednesday's Noskova-Swiatek match 10,000 times... with Swiatek leading the projections," noted Greg Butyn, data analyst from Dimers.
Swiatek's track record at Doha, embodied by her stunning performance against Sakkari, saw her drop only five games, solidifying her reputation on the hard courts. "I feel like I'm very good on hard courts as well. I can use my weapons," Swiatek professed, demonstrating eagerness to establish herself as one of the best on any surface.
Her new coach, Wim Fissette, has played a pivotal role since their partnership began last October. Swiatek discussed their training regimen, stating, "We are working on my footwork and movement... to rise again from defensive positions to win points." This insight reflects her strategic shift to evolve her game toward becoming more versatile on the court.
While Swiatek revels in the spotlight of being one of tennis's top players, she acknowledges the pressure and scrutiny akin to life on tour. This is particularly relevant considering the mental health discussions rising within the sport. "I think the most important thing is knowing there are specialists out there who can help you," Swiatek shared, hinting at her commitment to maintaining her mental well-being amid the high stakes of professional tennis.
Looking forward to her match on February 12 against Noskova, there is no doubt she is preparing mentally and physically to avenge her previous loss. The match is set to kick off at the Khalifa International Tennis and Squash Complex at 8:40 AM ET, expected to be among the top attractions on the day’s schedule.
Swiatek’s relentless spirit, combined with her refined game following her recent coaching changes, sets the stage for what could be another exceptional run at the Qatar Open. Should she defeat Noskova, she will move one step closer to achieving her goal of becoming the first player to capture four Qatar Open titles consecutively—a feat embodying her status as one of the best players on the WTA tour.
With formidable competitors like current world number one Aryna Sabalenka and US Open champion Coco Gauff also competing, the tournament promises high drama. But with Iga Swiatek leading the charge, tennis fans can expect nothing short of spectacular performances from the defending champion as her campaign continues.