2022 semifinalist Maria after coming from 5-3 down in the first set, saving one set point, to defeat qualifier Varvara Gracheva. Sakkari improved to 3-1 overall against Gracheva in their first meeting on outdoor hard courts, and advanced to her first WTA 1000 quarterfinal since Miami 2024.
Sakkari defeated Varvara Gracheva in straight sets, 7–6(3), 6–0, in the Round of 16 at the 2026 Qatar TotalEnergies Open in Doha on February 11, 2026.
With this victory, Sakkari improved her career head-to-head record against Gracheva to 3–1. Sakkari’s performance was highlighted by a comeback from 5–3 down in the first set to win the tiebreak, followed by a dominant second-set sweep to reach her first WTA 1000 quarter-final since 2024.
Match Summary (February 11, 2026)
| Player | Set 1 | Set 2 | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maria Sakkari | 7 (7) | 6 | 2 |
| Varvara Gracheva | 6 (3) | 0 | 0 |
Career Head-to-Head: Sakkari leads 3–1
| Date | Tournament | Surface | Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 11, 2026 | Doha (Round of 16) | Hard (O) | Sakkari | 7–6(3), 6–0 |
| May 27, 2024 | Roland Garros (R128) | Clay | Gracheva | 3–6, 6–4, 6–3 |
| May 10, 2024 | Italian Open (R64) | Clay | Sakkari | 6–2, 6–2 |
| Feb 8, 2023 | Linz (Round of 16) | Hard (I) | Sakkari | 6–4, 6–2 |
Key Statistics
- Resilience: Sakkari saved a set point while trailing in the first set before dominating the remainder of the match.
- Current Form: This win followed Sakkari’s upset of world No. 8 Jasmine Paolini on February 10, her first Top 10 win in nine months.
- Gracheva’s Run: Despite the loss, Gracheva had a strong showing in Doha, entering as a qualifier and defeating Laura Siegemund and world No. 13 Linda Nosková to reach the third round.
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