Maria Sakkari continues to impress in 2026…
Picking up the biggest win of her season so far, Sakkari fought back from a set down to defeat the number-one seed, Iga Swiatek, 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
In doing so, the Greek star booked her place in the semifinals of the 2026 Qatar Open.
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But how did she react to such a big win against the six-time Grand Slam champion?
Maria Sakkari admits she doubted herself during tough period after beating Iga Swiatek in Doha
The former world number three was as honest as ever during her post-match interview.
“I’m speechless, because it’s been a while since I’ve had a big win like today,” said Sakkari.
“When you drop in the rankings, and you’re not playing good tennis, you start doubting yourself and think that you’re never going to beat those players again.
Maria Sakkari’s year-end rankings
- 2020 – 22nd
- 2021 – 6th
- 2022 – 6th
- 2023 – 9th
- 2024 – 32nd
- 2025 – 52nd
“It’s a huge process that you have to go through in your head, that you can do it.
“Last year, in the second round here against her, I was not confident, I was not believing in myself, and this year, it’s different, I have to say, I feel a lot better.”
Iga Swiatek and Maria Sakkari’s head-to-head record
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 Qatar Open – QF | Maria Sakkari | Iga Swiatek | 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 |
| 2025 Qatar Open – 2R | Iga Swiatek | Maria Sakkari | 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2024 Indian Wells – F | Iga Swiatek | Maria Sakkari | 6-4, 6-0 |
| 2022 Indian Wells – F | Iga Swiatek | Maria Sakkari | 6-4, 6-1 |
| 2022 Qatar Open – SF | Iga Swiatek | Maria Sakkari | 6-4, 6-3 |
| 2021 WTA Finals – RR | Maria Sakkari | Iga Swiatek | 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2021 Ostrava Open – SF | Maria Sakkari | Iga Swiatek | 6-4, 7-5 |
| 2021 French Open – QF | Maria Sakkari | Iga Swiatek | 6-4, 6-4 |
Sakkari won just five games in a comprehensive defeat to Swiatek at the Qatar Open 12 months ago.
The defeat was her fourth in a row against the Pole.
Losing the first set in this year’s quarterfinal 6-2, it seemed like she was destined for another, but refused to be beaten.
Sakkari can now look forward to her semifinal match, where she will play either Karolina Muchova or Anna Kalinskaya.
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“It’s amazing, it’s one of the best tournaments of the season, it’s a huge honor, and I feel like it’s a privilege to be in that position again after a while,” she said.
“I’ve missed that feeling of going deep into tournaments. I feel like we’ve put in a lot of work, so it was a nice gift to us.”
She’ll play her semifinal match on Friday, February 13.
Who was the better player – Maria Sakkari or Iga Swiatek?
In such a tight match, it can be difficult to judge who ‘deserved’ to win.
Looking at the stats, you might argue the Pole was unlucky to lose, given she won one more point than her opponent.
Iga Swiatek vs Maria Sakkari – Match stats
| Stats | Iga Swiatek | Maria Sakkari |
| Aces | 5 | 0 |
| Double faults | 1 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 63% | 76% |
| Winners | 24 | 20 |
| Unforced errors | 38 | 22 |
| Break points | 5/11 | 5/11 |
| Total points won | 93 | 92 |
However, during Sky Sports commentary, former Canadian tennis pro Stephanie Dubois claimed Sakkari was the better player.
“I mean, she deserved this win, I think she was the best player today, she was in control of how she wanted to play,” said Dubois.
“Focused on the process, stayed calm when it got a bit difficult.
“But wow, the quality of play from both of them, especially [Maria] Sakkari, winning against the world number two, in those conditions, is great for her confidence.
“I thought she played really smart, was very assertive also, during the whole match.
“Means a lot to her, and I think she appreciates the fact that sometimes sports can be challenging, you doubt yourself, you lose confidence a bit.
“But those big wins, those big tournaments can make a difference.
“She’s an experienced player, and she’s enjoying this moment.”
It was a big win for Sakkari, but what’s next for Swiatek?
Iga Swiatek switches attention to Dubai
A former three-time Qatar Open champion, Swiatek approached the quarterfinals as the title favorite.
Failing to add to her tally, Swiatek will now head over to the UAE for the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Swiatek has never won the Dubai title before, having struggled (by her standards) at the event in recent years.
Iga Swiatek at the Dubai Tennis Championships
- 2021 Dubai Tennis Championships – Lost in R16 to Garbine Muguruza
- 2022 Dubai Tennis Championships – Lost in R16 to Jelena Ostapenko
- 2023 Dubai Tennis Championships – Lost in F to Barbora Krejcikova
- 2024 Dubai Tennis Championships – Lost in SF to Anna Kalinskaya
- 2025 Dubai Tennis Championships – Lost in QF to Mirra Andreeva
Perhaps this will be the year that she goes all the way.
The 2026 Dubai Tennis Championships begin on Monday, February 16.
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