Greece’s Maria Sakkari has reached the Miami Open quarter-finals for the first time in her career.
@mariasakkari takes the opening set, 6-4!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/q5RBXGxPyU
— wta (@WTA) March 29, 2021
She came back from 3-5 in the 3rd set and saved 6 match points before beating American Jessica Pegula 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(6).
A brilliant performance from Maria!
What a game!
@mariasakkari saved 5 match points and after the 9th deuce is able to hold serve!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/NxdRJbuLMh
— wta (@WTA) March 29, 2021
Greece’s tennis star will now face World No. 2 Naomi Osaka in the quarterfinals on Wednesday in Miami Gardens.
The Spartan survives
@mariasakkari outlasts Pegula, 6-4, 2-6, 7-6(6) to secure her spot in the quarterfinals!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/BXOYDdcUUm
— wta (@WTA) March 29, 2021
GCT EXCLUSIVE: Passion drives Maria Sakkari
One important lesson life has taught the young Greek star, is to never give up.
“This especially applies to tennis, there can be matches where you are one point away from losing and you win the match, it’s a special sport in terms of that, and I think it can teach you so many life lessons. Also if you lose, there is always another chance the following week for you to have the opportunity to compete again.”