Doha, Qatar – Maria Sakkari produced a stunning upset at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open on Thursday, defeating top-seeded Iga Swiatek 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 in a match marked by a controversial double-bounce call. The victory marks Sakkari’s first against the world number two in five years, leveling their head-to-head record at 4-4.
The Greek player, a former world number three who has slipped to 52nd in the rankings, appeared shaken after securing the win. “I’m speechless because it’s been a while since I’ve had a massive win like today,” Sakkari said in a post-match interview. “When you drop in the rankings and you’re not playing quality tennis, you start doubting yourself. You’re thinking that you’re never going to beat those players again.”
Swiatek dominated the opening set, but Sakkari rallied, demonstrating a shift in confidence compared to their previous encounter in Doha last year. “Last year, in the second round against her, I was not confident. I was not believing in myself. And this year, it’s different. I feel quite a lot better,” Sakkari added.
The match was not without its contentious moments. A double-bounce call during a crucial rally sparked debate, though Sakkari ultimately prevailed despite the controversy. Swiatek had previously maintained a remarkable record, having won 109 consecutive WTA 1000 matches after winning the first set, a streak broken by Sakkari’s comeback.
Sakkari’s win sends her through to the semifinals, where she will face Karolina Muchova, the 14th seed, who earlier defeated Anna Kalinskaya 6-3, 6-4. In the other quarterfinal match, Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko secured her place in the final four with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
The result represents a significant turnaround for Sakkari, who has struggled for form since reaching a career high of number three in March 2022 and hadn’t secured a tournament win since March 2024. The win over Swiatek is her biggest in recent memory, and a potential signal of a return to top form.
