Maria Sakkari delivered a major upset at the Qatar TotalEnergies Open by defeating world number two Iga Swiatek in a dramatic quarterfinal encounter, strengthening her case as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Sakkari recovered from a slow start to claim a 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory, showing resilience and attacking intent throughout the two-hour contest. After losing the opening set, the Greek player raised her level, played more aggressively, and gradually took control of the rallies.
Speaking after the match, Sakkari said she accepted her underdog status and focused on playing with confidence and bravery, which ultimately proved decisive.
The win was significant beyond the scoreline. Swiatek had previously held a perfect 109-0 record at WTA 1000 events when winning the first set, a streak that ended with Sakkari’s comeback. It also marked her first victory over Swiatek in five meetings, ending a four-match losing run against the Polish star.
The result underlined Sakkari’s steady resurgence over the past year. After slipping outside the top 80 in 2025, she has rebuilt her game following her reunion with long-time coach Tom Hill. Her performance in Doha included two wins over top-10 opponents, highlighting her return to elite-level consistency.
The deciding set featured a controversial moment when Sakkari challenged a call at 5-3 while serving for the match. Video review confirmed that Swiatek’s shot had bounced twice before being returned. Although the call was upheld, it sparked debate and briefly shifted momentum.
Swiatek later saved a match point with an ace and levelled at 5-5, raising the tension further. However, Sakkari remained composed, broke serve again, and closed out the match at the second attempt.
Sakkari admitted she felt nervous in the closing stages but said such pressure was natural after a long period away from high-stakes matches. She credited her renewed mental strength for helping her stay focused when the contest tightened.
With the victory, Sakkari advanced to the semifinals, where she will face the winner of the quarterfinal between Karolina Muchova and Anna Kalinskaya.
Carrying strong momentum and renewed confidence, Sakkari has re-established herself as a serious contender in Doha and signalled that her return to the top tier of women’s tennis is well underway.
