Sakkari rallies to outlast Swiatek in Qatar Open

Maria Sakkari rolled back the years as she clawed her way to a nervy 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory over top seed Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open on Thursday.

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“It’s been a while since I had a big win like today," said the 30-year-old Greek, who reached No. 3 in the rankings in 2022 but has slipped to 52nd.

“When you drop in the rankings and you’re not playing good tennis you start doubting yourself and you think you are never going to beat those players again. So it’s a huge process you have to go through in your head that you can do it.”

Sakkari won her first three career meetings with the young Swiatek but the last of those victories came in 2021. The Pole had won their last four matches, the most recent in straight sets in Qatar last year.

“Last year here in the second round here against her, I was not confident, I was not believing in myself and this year it’s different. I feel a lot better,” said Sakkari.