Elena Rybakina, the third seed, initially struggled but eventually clinched a 6-4, 6-2 win over Leylah Fernandez to advance to the semi-finals of the Qatar Open on Thursday, maintaining her pursuit for a third title of the season.
Despite challenging windy conditions, top seed and defending champion Iga Swiatek overcame a shaky start to secure her spot in the last four with a comfortable 6-4, 6-0 victory over two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka.
