DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iga Swiatek, currently the second seed, made a powerful statement on Wednesday by securing her spot in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Open, while two of her closest rivals faced surprising exits.
The talented Polish player triumphed over Ukraine’s Dayana Yastremska with a convincing score of 7-5, 6-0. Swiatek is set to clash with either Peyton Sterns or Mirra Andreeva in her next match.
Meanwhile, fourth-seeded Jasmine Paolini’s journey came to an abrupt halt as she fell to Sofia Kenin, who dominated with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-0.
The Italian athlete encountered a right ankle injury during the second set of this WTA 1,000 tournament’s round of 16, which severely restricted her mobility on the court. Emotional and needing assistance, Paolini took a medical timeout, resulting in her ankle being immobilized, but she was unable to mount a challenge against Kenin thereafter.
Elena Rybakina, who edged out Paula Badosa in a thrilling encounter 4-6, 7-6 (8), 7-6 (2), will be facing Kenin in the upcoming quarterfinals, showcasing some of the best tennis witnessed so far in the tournament.
In another surprising turn, fifth-seed Jessica Pegula was defeated by Czech rising star Linda Noskova, who claimed victory with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (8). Noskova may find herself in a showdown against the top seed Aryna Sabalenka, who is set to play against Clara Tauson later on Wednesday.
