Maria Sakari, currently ranked No. 52 in the world, celebrated a remarkable comeback at the Qatar Open, defeating the No. 22 ranked Iga Swiatek with scores of 2-6, 6-4, and 7-5. This victory marked a significant milestone for Sakari, as it was her first win against the Polish champion since 2021, breaking a troublesome streak of four consecutive losses without winning a set against Swiatek.

At the start of the match, Sakari took an early lead in the first set at 2-1; however, Swiatek quickly took control, winning five consecutive games to clinch the set 6-2. Despite this setback, Sakari showcased an impressive turnaround in the second set, establishing a strong lead with early breaks and maintaining her composure even when Swiatek tied the set at 4-4. With determination, Sakari held onto her serve and managed to regain momentum, displaying her competitive spirit as the match progressed.

The final set was a tension-filled affair where Sakari's tenacity shone through. After a back-and-forth battle, she was able to secure crucial points that led to her victory. This match not only advances her to the semifinals but solidifies her reputation as a resilient competitor on the WTA tour, showing she can rise to the occasion against top-ranked players and setting the stage for her continued success in the tournament.