Swiatek Rallies Past Kasatkina Into Doha QF

World No. 2 Iga Swiatek comes back from a set down to defeat Daria Kasatkina and advance to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Total Energies Open.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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In a hard-fought match, Iga Swiatek rallied from a set down to defeat Daria Kasatkina 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 and advance to the quarterfinals of the Qatar Total Energies Open in Doha. After dropping the opening set, Swiatek made adjustments, including taking a bathroom break and changing her racket, and then dominated the final two sets, breaking Kasatkina's serve six times to secure the victory in over two hours.

Why it matters

Swiatek, the world No. 2, has now won seven straight matches against Kasatkina and improved her overall Doha tournament record to 18-2, with 15 of those wins coming in straight sets. This victory sets up a quarterfinal matchup between Swiatek and Maria Sakkari, who Swiatek has defeated four times in their seven previous meetings.

The details

Kasatkina surprised Swiatek in the opening set, using her forehand to wrong-foot the Pole and take the 61-minute first set 7-5. However, Swiatek regrouped during an extended bathroom break, came out more assertive in the second set, and then dominated the rest of the match, winning eight straight games to take the second set 6-1 and then racing out to a 3-0 lead in the third set before closing out the victory on her third match point.

  • The match lasted two hours and 17 minutes.

The players

Iga Swiatek

The world No. 2 and three-time Doha champion, who has now won seven straight matches against Daria Kasatkina.

Daria Kasatkina

The new Australian citizen, who surprised Swiatek by taking the opening set before ultimately falling in three sets.

Maria Sakkari

Swiatek's quarterfinal opponent, who she has defeated four times in their seven previous meetings.

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What they’re saying

“For sure it wasn't easy, but I'm just happy I found a better rhythm. I started following through on my shots because I was backing up a little bit in the first set. I just wanted to go with it especially in these conditions with the wind.”

— Iga Swiatek (tennisnow.com)

What’s next

Swiatek will face Maria Sakkari in the quarterfinals, with the winner advancing to the semifinals of the Qatar Total Energies Open.

The takeaway

Swiatek's ability to make adjustments and rally from a set down against a tough opponent like Kasatkina demonstrates her mental toughness and resilience as she continues her pursuit of more titles in 2026.