Polish star Iga Świątek recently addressed the tense “double bounce” moment from her quarterfinal clash against Maria Sakkari at the 2026 Qatar Open. The Pole, who went down in three sets to the Greek in Doha, admitted afterward that she was unsure whether the ball had bounced twice before she made contact.
Iga Świątek Opens Up on Controversial Double Bounce Incident During Doha QF Loss to Maria Sakkari
Świątek entered the contest as the clear favorite, backed by her dominant head-to-head record against the Greek. She lived up to that billing early on, racing to a 6-2 win in the opening set as momentum firmly swung her way. However, Sakkari responded with renewed intensity, turning the match around by claiming the next two sets 6-4, 7-5 to seal her spot in the Qatar Open semifinals.
With the comeback, Sakkari ended her recent struggles against the former World No. 1, becoming the first player to overturn a one-set deficit against Świątek at a WTA 1000 event. That was indeed a remarkable feat, considering the Pole had previously held a flawless 109-0 record at this level after taking the opening set.
Beyond Sakkari’s gritty showing, a controversial moment shifted the spotlight. With the Greek serving at 5-3 in the deciding set and facing 30-40, Świątek chased down a ball that appeared to bounce twice before contact, but the chair umpire initially let play continue. The point was subsequently reviewed and overturned, handing it to Sakkari at a pivotal moment in the match.
Following the match, Świątek’s reaction during that moment became a talking point, prompting questions about her conduct. However, the Pole offered an explanation in her post-match press conference.
Świątek explained she genuinely could not tell whether the ball had bounced twice or come off her frame, saying the trajectory made it unclear and she was uncertain about what had actually happened.
MORE: Iga Świątek Leaves Maria Sakkari in Disbelief As Double Bounce Controversy Erupts in Qatar Open Loss
“I didn’t know if I, I mean, from the physics, how the ball went. It was either from the floor or I framed it. So, I wasn’t sure, honestly,” Swiatek said.
Notably, the loss marked Świątek’s second straight quarterfinal exit of 2026, having also fallen at the same stage at the Australian Open last month. With the Middle East swing still underway, the Pole will now aim to reset and regain momentum in the upcoming events.
With the victory, Sakkari leveled her head-to-head record against the Pole at 4-4 and strengthened her push for a deeper run in the tournament. Up next, the Greek faces 14th seed Karolína Muchová.
