Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari delivered a remarkable performance at the Doha tournament, overcoming the top seed and three-time champion Iga Swiatek 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 to advance to the semi-finals. This victory not only marked Sakkari’s first win over Swiatek since 2021 but also ended Swiatek’s longstanding unbeaten streak in WTA 1000 matches after winning the first set, which had lasted 109 matches.
Breaking Down the Match: How Sakkari Sealed the Deciding Set
Swiatek started strong, claiming the first set by breaking Sakkari’s serve in the fifth game and winning four consecutive games. In response, Sakkari surged ahead early in the second set, leading 3-0 before Swiatek equalized at 4-4. Sakkari’s resilience shone through as she fended off two late break points and secured a crucial break to win the second set.
The final set featured back-and-forth breaks, with Swiatek’s errors increasing under pressure. Sakkari built a 5-3 lead and had an opportunity to serve out the match but missed it. Nevertheless, she clinched the win on Swiatek’s serve when the world number one sent a simple volley into the net, ending the contest decisively.
Sakkari Reflects on Confidence and Overcoming Doubts
After the win, Sakkari acknowledged the significance of the victory, explaining that a drop in her rankings and struggles with form had caused doubts about her ability to compete at this level once again. She admitted that last season she lacked belief against Swiatek, but this year her confidence has grown considerably, fueling her resurgence on tour.
“THE STREAK IS OVER 🤯 Previously *109-0* after winning the first set in WTA 1000 (completed) matches, Iga Swiatek is defeated by Maria Sakkari 2-6 6-4 7-5 in Doha! 109-1. Unbelievable run.” ?Bastien Fachan
Context: Swiatek’s Dominance in Doha and Sakkari’s Road Forward
Swiatek came into the match with a strong record in Doha, having won 17 of her previous 18 matches there and reached the quarterfinals in each of the last five editions. However, her timing from the baseline was not consistent during this encounter, allowing Sakkari to capitalize.
Sakkari now awaits the winner between Karolina Muchova and Anna Kalinskaya as she aims to secure her first WTA 1000 title. The Greek player had reached two WTA 1000 finals in 2022 at Indian Wells and Guadalajara, a season that also saw her reach a career-high ranking of No. 3 before a period of difficulty pushed her ranking down to No. 52.
Additional Tournament Updates and Recent Performances
In other Doha action, Jelena Ostapenko, who finished runner-up in 2025, beat lucky loser Elisabetta Cocciaretto 7-5, 6-4. Last year, Ostapenko was the player who ended Swiatek’s 15-match winning streak in Doha, before falling to Amanda Anisimova in the final.
The Significance of Sakkari’s Victory for the Tour
Sakkari’s win over Swiatek represents a significant shift in the competitive landscape at the top of women’s tennis, demonstrating her resilience and renewed belief after setbacks. Ending Swiatek’s extraordinary first-set winning streak in WTA 1000 matches underscores the unpredictability and intensity of the tour this season. As the tournament progresses, Sakkari’s performance signals her readiness to challenge further for major titles and climb back up the rankings.
THE STREAK IS OVER 🤯
Previously *109-0* after winning the first set in WTA 1000 (completed) matches, Iga Swiatek is defeated by Maria Sakkari 2-6 6-4 7-5 in Doha!
109-1. Unbelievable run. pic.twitter.com/S6uNwXuJoS
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) February 12, 2026
