Maria Sakkari defeats Kerber in stunning fashion to give Greece a 1-0 lead over Germany at the United Cup

Sakkari d. Kerber 6-0 6-3 at United Cup

World No.8 Maria Sakkari raced past former No.1 Angelique Kerber 6-0, 6-3 to give Greece a 1-0 lead over Germany in the United Cup quarter-finals in Sydney on Friday.

Sakkari needed 73 minutes to earn her second career win over Kerber, closing her head-to-head against the German to 4-2. Both of Sakkari's wins have come on Australian soil, with her first coming at the 2021 Grampians Trophy.

“I was pretty clinical in the first set and through 3-0 in the second; I was very solid from the baseline doing what I had to do,” Sakkari said. “I knew Angie was going to find a way to come back and that she wasn’t going to give up.

“After the first set I said there was no way the match will go super easy. I’m very happy to get the first point for my team.”

This victory adds to her impressive record this year, as she remains undefeated in sets.

With a flawless 3-0 record in the 2024 season, Maria Sakkari proves to be a force to be reckoned with.

Maria Sakkari spoke about what she’s improved in 2024 after beating Angie Kerber at United Cup:

“I feel like I’ve improved my returns a lot this year, being more solid from the baseline, not giving too many unforced errors. That was my main goal coming into this season.

Next up Stefanos Tsitsipas will aim to clinch the QF tie for Greece against Germany's Alexander Zverev.