Maria Sakkari mounted a determined comeback to overcome top-seeded Iga Swiatek in a hard-fought quarterfinal match at the Qatar Open on Thursday, securing a 2-6, 6-4, 7-5 victory.
"It's been a while since I had a big win like today," expressed the 30-year- old Greek player. Sakkari, who once held the No 3 ranking in 2022 but has since fallen to 52nd, reflected on the mental challenges of overcoming a ranking drop and playing slumps.
"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," she added.
Sakkari had a strong record against Swiatek earlier in their careers, winning her first three encounters. However, her last victory against the Polish star dated back to 2021.
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