Iga Swiatek vs Elena Rybakina Tips, Prediction & Live Stream - Swiatek to win rematch of last year's Doha final

Swiatek is in pursuit of a record fourth consecutive title in Doha and I'm backing her to take out Rybakina in the last eight. The World No. 2 has put together a promising start to the season and has won seven of her last eight matches - with six of those victories coming in straight sets. Rybakina has also been playing well to start the season, but the controversy surrounding her coach (or ex-coach, who really knows) went to a new level earlier this week and it has to be in her head somewhat. Swiatek has won the last two hardcourt meetings between the pair and the Pole is favoured to cover a -3.5 games line in victory here - just like she did in the final 12 months ago.

Rybakina leads 4-3, but most of those wins came early on in the rivalry. Swiatek appears to have figured out the Rybakina game and has won the last two encounters - including a 7-6 6-4 win in the United Cup earlier this year and a 7-6 6-2 triumph in Doha last season.

After a disappointing and controversial finish to last year, Swiatek has started 2025 in encouraging fashion and she looks the player to beat this week in Doha - especially with so many top 10 players suffering early exits.

Searching for a first title since Roland Garros last season, Swiatek guided Poland to the final of the United Cup before reaching the semi-finals of the Australian Open for just the second time, where she was unlucky in blowing a match point against eventual champion Madison Keys.

Swiatek returned to action this week in Doha with an easy straight sets win over Maria Sakkari in her opening match, but she was made to work much harder in the R16 by an opponent who has repeatedly troubled her in the past, with the Pole edging out Linda Noskova 6-7 6-4 6-4.

Rybakina also struggled significantly in the second half of 2024, barely playing any tournaments as she suffered from mystery illness, which has since been related to the actions of her coach Stefan Vukov, who has been handed a year-long suspension from the tour.

From the outside looking in, it appears to be a very messy situation, which is remarkable that Rybakina has put together a 10-3 record for the season, making the fourth round of the Australian Open and reaching the semi-finals in Abu Dhabi last week.

Rybakina has yet to drop a set in Doha this tournament, easing past Peyton Stearns and Rebecca Sramkova to set up this quarter-final with Swiatek.