Controversy erupted during the third set of Iga Świątek’s Qatar Open quarterfinal clash against Maria Sakkari. The umpire seemingly missed a clear double bounce on the Pole’s side, but a video review allowed the Greek star to ultimately get the point.
In the end, Sakkari pulled off a dramatic upset against Świątek, as she came from behind to win 6-2, 4-6, 5-7 and set up a semifinal against either Karolína Muchová or Anna Kalinskaya.
Why Was Maria Sakkari Shocked During Controversial Point Against Iga Świątek?
Świątek, a three-time Qatar Open champion, appeared to be in her element during her quarterfinal against Sakkari, having comfortably won the first set. Her 30-year-old opponent, however, had different plans.
After losing the opening set, Sakkari turned the tables, winning the second set 6-4 to force a decider. The Greek established a 5-2 lead in the final set but eventually lost the advantage.
At 5-3 (30-40) on the Greek’s serve, Świątek, who had a break point, made a run for a dropshot in hopes of breaking back her opponent. The chair umpire seemingly missed a double bounce on her side. A video of the incident was shared on X by Tennis Channel.
Sakkari, who was in disbelief, stopped play immediately and challenged the call. The video review confirmed the double bounce, and she was awarded the point. Świątek ultimately earned the break and then leveled the third set at 5-5. Sakkari, though, was not to be denied, as she won the final set 7-5.
THE DRAMA IN DOHA 😨
This video review of a double bounce came at a pivotal moment for both Swiatek and Sakkari 🫢 #QatarTotalEnergiesOpen pic.twitter.com/rq7ererWKQ
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) February 12, 2026
This was Świątek’s first-ever loss from being a set up in a staggering 110 completed WTA 1000 matches. Sakkari, meanwhile, earned her biggest win in four years by beating the Pole.
Iga Świątek’s Next Event After Shock Loss at Qatar Open
With Aryna Sabalenka not playing and Coco Gauff already eliminated, Świątek was one of the favorites to win the Qatar Open. However, the 24-year-old’s run came to an abrupt halt in the quarterfinals.
Świątek got her Qatar Open campaign off to a dominant start with a 6-0, 6-3 win over Janice Tjen. She then needed three sets to overcome the challenge of Daria Kasatkina.
While she helped Poland win the United Cup, the 2026 season has not gone according to plan for Świątek so far. She was also eliminated in the Australian Open quarterfinals by eventual champion Elena Rybakina. The Kazakh, who is still in contention for the title in Doha, now stands a chance at replacing Świątek as the World No. 2 if she reaches the final.
Next up for Świątek is the Dubai Tennis Championships, where she has a mixed record. The Pole reached the final in 2022 and also reached the semifinals and quarterfinals in 2024 and 2025, respectively.
Following the Middle East Swing, Świątek and the rest of the tennis world will turn their attention to the Sunshine Swing, headlined by the BNP Paribas Open and the Miami Open.
