Jelena Ostapenko has proven once again that she can be an extremely demanding opponent for Iga Świątek. During the semi-finals of the Qatar Open 2025, the Latvian played an almost perfect match, defeating the Pole 6:3, 6:1. This result not only surprised the fans, but also ended Świątek’s impressive streak of dominating the tournament for three years. However, what happened after the match caused even more emotions. Ostapenko, known for her controversial statements, decided to openly mock her rival, which caused an avalanche of comments among tennis fans and experts.

Iga Świątek entered the semi-finals as the favourite, having won three consecutive championship titles in Doha. Her 15-match winning streak in this tournament and her excellent form in recent months gave reason to expect that the Pole would once again lift the trophy. However, from the very beginning of the match it was clear that Ostapenko had completely different plans.

The Latvian started the match with great momentum, imposing an aggressive style of play. Her strong strokes, quick returns and ability to predict her opponent’s moves made it very difficult for Świątek to take the initiative. In the first set, Ostapenko broke the Pole in the fourth game and then successfully maintained the lead, winning the set 6:3.

The second set was even more one-sided, with Świątek looking increasingly frustrated, making uncharacteristic mistakes and unable to find an answer to her opponent’s offensive play. Ostapenko took advantage of her moments of weakness, winning five games in a row to end the match 6-1.

Świątek’s frustration and Ostapenko’s controversial behavior

A defeat like that was a huge blow for Świątek. The Polish tennis player later admitted in an interview that she didn’t feel comfortable on the court and couldn’t find her rhythm. “It wasn’t my day. Jelena played great and I wasn’t able to react properly to her aggressive play,” said a disappointed Świątek.

However, the real emotions were stirred by what happened after the match. Ostapenko, instead of limiting herself to standard congratulations, decided to openly mock the Pole. At a press conference, she said: – “I don’t

new light. Is this the beginning of one of the fiercest rivalries in women’s tennis?

Świątek will want to respond on the court

Iga Świątek is known for not getting involved in public conflicts and not responding to her rivals’ attacks in the media. Instead, she prefers to give answers on the court. Her fans believe that this defeat and the controversy surrounding it will be an additional motivation for her to seek revenge.

– “Iga is too professional to get involved in media scuffles. She will definitely focus on the next tournaments and show what she is capable of,” said Dawid Celt, a former tennis player and sports commentator.

The nearest opportunity for a confrontation may be the tournament in Dubai, where both players may meet again. Experts emphasize that if Świątek meets Ostapenko in the next round, she will have something to prove.

The difficult history of their duels

Although Świątek is considered the dominant figure in women’s tennis, her record with Ostapenko is not the best. Before the semifinals of the Qatar Open 2025, they met six times, with the Latvian winning four of them. Ostapenko seems to be one of the few players who can find an effective way to beat the Pole.

– “Ostapenko has always caused Iga problems. Her style of play, based on aggressive strikes and fast pace, is extremely difficult to counter. Świątek, who prefers to build action and use rotation, must find a way to break this advantage,” analyzed Świątek’s former coach, Piotr Sierzputowski.

What consequences could this situation have?

Apart from the sporting aspect, the controversy surrounding Ostapenko could affect her reputation. She already had a reputation for being an open and outspoken player. Now, however, her behaviour towards Świątek could cause her to lose the sympathy of many fans.

Some have suggested that her words were deliberate – an attempt to psychologically pressure Świątek ahead of her next tournaments. This is not a new tactic in the world of tennis, and Ostapenko may want to use her victory to gain a mental advantage over the Pole in future matches.

What’s next for the Christmas holidays?

Despite the painful defeat, Świątek remains one of the best players in the world. Her schedule for the coming months includes appearances in Dubai, Indian Wells and Miami, where she will have a chance to rebuild her form and erase the bad impression of the loss in Doha.

Experts agree that the Pole will want to forget about the match with Ostapenko as soon as possible and focus on the next stage of the season. Her goal is, above all, to triumph at Roland Garros, where she will defend her title.

Will we see a rematch between Świątek and Ostapenko in the coming months? Fans will certainly be closely following their potential clashes, because after what happened at the Qatar Open, this rivalry has taken on a new dimension.

One thing is certain – this season in women’s tennis promises to be incredibly exciting, and Świątek and Ostapenko can provide fans with many more great experiences.