Barbora Krejcikova’s run at the Dubai Duty Free Championships was nothing less than historic. Not only did she win the WTA 1000 title, she also defeated four Top-10 players in the process, including Sabalenka and Swiatek. She became the fifth woman to defeat the world No. 1, 2, and 3 in one tournament and the only player ever to do so in three consecutive days. This makes her a player to watch out for.
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek is ready to start her campaign at the 2023 Stuttgart Open against China’s Zheng Qinwen.
After recouping from a rib injury, the Pole is back in action to defend her title. Last year, Swiatek took down Sabalenka in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.
This marks the third meeting between Swiatek and Qinwen, with Swiatek leading the head-to-head 2:0. The pair last met in the Round of 16 at last year’s San Diego Open, with the World No. 1 prevailing in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-1. The pair’s first meeting was at last year’s Roland Garros, with Swiatek surviving in three sets 6-7(5), 6-0, 6-2.
It will be interesting to see the outcome of the match considering their last meetings were not a completely one-sided affair, with Iga Swiatek playing fresh after an injury.
