​Maria Sakkari (seventh seed) defeated Karolina Pliskova and qualified for the quarterfinals of Indian Wells 2023. However, the match was not without tense moments.

Maria SakkariPhoto: Mark J. Terrill/AP/Profimedia

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Maria Sakkari, accused by Karolina Pliskova of winning without earning a point

In the decisive set with a score of 5-2 in favor of the athlete from Greece, a controversial phase took place. After a tense draw, both players reached the goal, where Pliskova tried a cross pass.

According to the athlete from the Czech Republic, Maria touched the ball with the frame of the racket, and the point should have gone to her.

However, this did not happen as the referee did not notice anything and Sakkari insisted that he did not touch the ball with his racket in any way.

Pliskova (17 WTA) did not agree with the decision to award a point to her opponent (the ball landed outside the court), but she continued the match and did everything possible to return to the table (in the end she conceded 6-4 , 5-7, 6- 3).

At the end of the game, Karolina Pliskova shook Maria Sakkari’s hand near the goal, but the traditional moment passed without looking at her opponent from the Czech Republic.

Karolina Plishkova vs. Maria Sakkari, contested phase. Did the Greek touch the ball with the racket?

In the quarterfinals of Indian Wells 2023, Maria Sakkari will meet Petra Kvitova, the 15th favorite and two-time Grand Slam champion (Wimbledon 2011, 2014).

Indian Wells 2023 Women’s Quarters

Iga Svyatek (1) – Sorana Kirstya

Karolina Mukhova – Olena Rybakina (10)

Maria Sakkari (7) – Petra Kvitova (15)

Coco Gauf (6) – Aryna Sabalenko (2)

Indian Wells will be held from March 6-19 on hard and 96 players have started in the two main draws. The contest offers $8,800,000 each for men and women. Titled champions – Taylor Fritz and Iga Svyatek.