Swiatek wins Qatar Open for 3rd consecutive year

DOHA, Qatar (AP) — No. 1-ranked Iga Swiatek won the Qatar Open for a third straight year on Saturday.

Swiatek defeated No. 4 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.

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AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis