Elena Rybakina beats Zheng to reach Doha Quarterfinals

Elena Rybakina moved into the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open after defeating Qinwen Zheng 4–6, 6–2, 7–5.

Rybakina dropped the first set but responded in the second. In the deciding set, she built a 5–2 lead before Zheng fought back to level the score. Rybakina stayed composed and closed out the match to secure the win.

The result sends Rybakina into her third straight Doha quarterfinal. It is also her ninth consecutive victory and her 22nd win in her last 23 matches.

Speaking after the match, Rybakina praised Zheng’s performance.

“She played really well. In some moments incredible shots. Serve also. It’s nice to see her back. I’m super happy I managed to win. I was leading in the third set and couldn’t get my opportunities. But happy in the end it went my way.”

Rybakina will next face Victoria Mboko in the quarterfinals. She leads their head to head 2–1 and won their most recent meeting in Tokyo last season.