Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko delivered the biggest shock of the Qatar Open so far, knocking out Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina, while world number two Iga Swiatek was beaten by Maria Sakkari in a dramatic day in Doha.
Mboko, 19, battled past Rybakina 7-5 4-6 6-4 in the quarter-finals, rallying from 2-4 down in the deciding set to win the final four games. The victory keeps her on course for a top-10 debut in the WTA rankings should she reach the final.
Having started the season ranked outside the world’s top 300, Mboko has enjoyed a stunning rise and has now beaten world number three Rybakina twice in four meetings. She said she entered the match without heavy expectations despite Rybakina’s recent Australian Open triumph, knowing she would need her very best level to compete.
The teenager will next face former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the semi-finals.
Sakkari Left Speechless After Big Win
Elsewhere, unseeded Maria Sakkari produced a stirring comeback to defeat top seed Iga Swiatek 2-6 6-4 7-5. After a nervous opening set, the Greek steadied herself to claim one of her biggest victories in recent seasons.
Sakkari, who reached a career-high ranking of world number three four years ago, has slipped to 52nd in the world and has not lifted a trophy since March 2024. She admitted afterwards that doubts had crept in during her difficult spell, making the win even more meaningful.
She will face Czech 14th seed Karolina Muchova in the last four after Muchova overcame Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya 6-3 6-4.
Semi Final Line Up Set in Doha
Jelena Ostapenko secured her place in the semi-finals with a 7-5 6-4 victory over Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
With Mboko chasing a breakthrough ranking milestone and Sakkari rediscovering her belief, the Qatar Open has set up an intriguing finish as established stars and resurgent challengers collide in Doha.
Discussion about this post