Pole is world No 1 but Aryna Sabalenka won the Australian Open and Barbora Krejcikova beat Swiatek in Dubai
At the last stage of the WTA’s Middle East swing two weeks ago, Iga Swiatek arrived in the final of the Dubai Duty Free Championships having fully reestablished her imperious form. She had first destroyed all in her path in Doha, losing just five games in her three matches en route to the title, and she remained untouchable a week later on the way to another final.
Most players understandably cower against the WTA’s dominant star in such form, but Barbora Krejcikova has consistently proved her toughness and quality in the biggest moments of her career. With an exhibition of daring, early ball-striking and her deep toolbox of variety, the Czech toppled Swiatek in straight sets. She is the only player since 2019 to defeat Swiatek in a final, a distinction she has now achieved twice.