Maria Sakkari Stuns Iga Swiatek in Doha Comeback, Reflects on Video Review Drama

Maria Sakkari Rallies from a Set Down to Upset Iga Swiatek at WTA 1000 Doha, Citing Mental Toughness and Key Video Call

© KARIM JAAFAR / AFP

Adrien Guyot

le 13/02/2026 à 13h15

2 min to read

Doha Sakkari Maria Swiatek Iga

Maria Sakkari eliminated Iga Swiatek this Thursday at the WTA 1000 in Doha. Off to a rocky start in this quarterfinal, the Greek player ultimately found the physical and mental resources to turn the match around against the tournament's top seed (2-6, 6-4, 7-5 in 2h28).

This marks Sakkari's fourth win over the Pole, but her first since 2021. The world No. 52, who is rediscovering her form after several months of doubt, reacted to her victory over the three-time champion of this event.

"I don't think I played poorly in the first set"

"You're always considered the underdog when you face the world No. 2. But I kept telling myself, even after the first set, that I was playing well and that I needed to stick to my game plan and my style of play.

I was aggressive, courageous, and it worked very well. Honestly, I don't think I played poorly in the first set. I was unlucky with that ball that hit the net at 2-2. I could have been up 3-2. I know it's a small detail, but with these types of players, one or two points per set can really change everything.

It's different to be ahead 3-2 than to be trailing 3-2 and chasing a break," said Sakkari, who then addressed the video review episode that awarded a point to the Greek after a double bounce in Swiatek's court late in the match.

"I'm neither the first nor the last to find myself in this situation"

"It's great that we have video, because imagine if we didn't have it today. I think it's very difficult for the umpire to see the situation, as you don't know how players position their rackets.

And umpires aren't robots, they're human beings. They can lose their visual balance. This is the first time I've used it, and I'm glad it exists. I'm neither the first nor the last to find myself in this situation.

I often remind myself that this is something that happens every day in a tennis tournament. I tell myself it's not an abnormal situation, and that really calms me down.

It's completely normal to be a bit tense and stressed, especially since I haven't experienced these kinds of moments in a long time and haven't had the chance to win matches like today's.

I'm just very happy that I managed to push myself in the last two games and played courageous tennis, I'd say," she stated for Tennis Up To Date.