WTA Doha: Zheng Qinwen narrowly loses in three sets to Rybakina, return form still promising

On February 11 local time, the 2026 WTA1000 Doha quarterfinals took place, with Zheng Qinwen facing the newly crowned Australian Open champion Rybakina. Although she was ultimately defeated 6-4, 2-6, 5-7, Zheng’s performance and fighting spirit remain encouraging.

Zheng Qinwen

At the start of the match, Zheng put significant pressure on her opponent’s service games, forcing Rybakina to save four break points before holding serve narrowly. Then, in the fifth game, Zheng secured the first break. Rybakina’s vertical movement was less effective, and Zheng capitalized on this well in the first set, using varied and aggressive shots including several excellent drop shots to take the set 6-4. In the second set, the new Australian Open champion showed strong adaptability and adjustment skills, exploiting Zheng’s fluctuating form to break twice and claim the set 6-2.

Rybakina

In the deciding set, Rybakina broke first and quickly led 5-2. Zheng fought back fiercely, saving a match point on her serve and holding her game, bringing the score to Rybakina’s serving for the match. After overcoming a physical slump, Zheng maintained excellent return and rallying ability, broke Rybakina’s match point serve, and then won three consecutive games to level the score at 5-5, resetting the contest.

Zheng demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the match, but fell slightly short in crucial points. Rybakina raised her level in the final stages, winning five straight points and breaking again to take the third set 7-5, securing her ninth consecutive victory in recent tournaments and advancing to the semifinals. In the post-match interview, Rybakina expressed happiness to see Zheng back on court, praised her strong performance and many exciting rallies, and admitted she struggled to find chances in the third set.

Rybakina’s quarterfinal opponent will be Canadian rising star Mboko, who earlier defeated Russian player Andreyeva 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(5).

Mboko

Andreyeva

Other match results

Swiatek [1] 5-7, 6-1, 6-1 Kasatkina

Sakkari 7-6(3), 6-0 Grachova [Q]

Muchaova 5-2 Karolina Pliskova Retired

Karolinska 6-4, 6-3 Svitolina [7]

Ostapenko 6-3, 6-1 Osorio [Q]

Kozhareto [L] 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-4 Lijini

(Written and edited by Sunny, photos by Visual China)