Maria Sakkari’s remarkable comeback victory over Iga Świątek at the Qatar Open continues to dominate conversations among fans and pundits alike. Recently, American stars Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, Iva Jovic, and others weighed in on the Greek’s standout performance while also reflecting on Świątek’s major streak that she brought to an end.
Jessica Pegula, Madison Keys, and Co. React to Maria Sakkari Snapping Iga Świątek’s Historic WTA 1000 Streak
Sakkari wasn’t widely tipped to trouble Swiatek, especially considering her recent struggles, the Pole’s ranking, and their head-to-head record. The early exchanges did little to challenge that expectation, as Świątek stormed through the opening set 6-2, firmly seizing control early on.
The contest, however, took a dramatic turn as the former World No. 3 raised her level, decisively shifting the momentum. The Greek claimed the next two sets 6-4, 7-5 to complete a stirring comeback and book her place in the semifinals of the Qatar Open.
Beyond the victory itself, the result carried historic weight. Sakkari became the first player to rally from a set down to defeat Świątek at a WTA 1000 event, snapping the Pole’s remarkable 109-0 record at that level.
Recently, Jennifer Brady, Keys, Pegula, and Desirae Krawczyk were joined by rising compatriot Jovic on the Player’s Box Podcast, where one of the standout discussions centered on Sakkari’s remarkable victory over the former World No. 1.
“Maria Sakkari beat Iga (Świątek) this week, and it was the first time in a 1000 level that Iga lost after winning the first set. She was 109 and 0,” Keys began. Meanwhile, Brady, who was seemingly astounded, said, “Oh my god! I don’t even know if I’ve won 109 matches.”
Keys replied, “Well, no. Specifically in a 1000.” Pegula responded, “That’s crazy.”
When asked by Krawczyk about the record, Jovic said, “Yeah, I did see that. I mean I pulled Maria Sakkari this week, so that’s kind of where I saw that stat.” Notably, the 18-year-old was slated to play Sakkari in the first round of the WTA 1000 event in Dubai, but Sakkari’s pre-match withdrawal didn’t let that happen.
MORE: ‘I Didn’t Know’ — Iga Świątek Defends Herself After Tense Maria Sakkari Double Bounce Drama in Doha
Pegula continued, “That’s crazy. For Maria though having a good tournament.” Meanwhile, Brady said, “Yeah love that for Maria.” The world No. 5 then concluded by revealing, “I just saw her in the training room actually right before I came here.”
Like Sakkari, Świątek also pulled out of the WTA 1000 event in Dubai amid a wave of withdrawals and mid-match retirements. Meanwhile, Pegula has progressed to the third round, where she is set to face Jovic. Keys, however, has not returned to action since her fourth-round exit at the Australian Open, due to ongoing physical concerns.
