Maria Sakkari fought back from a set down to defeat Diana Shnaider

Maria Sakkari (9) fought back from a set down to defeat Diana Shnaider 5-7, 6-4, 6-0 and advance to the 3rd round.

Sakkari did not hold back to express disappointment in how she started the match, telling media, “think that first set and a half was one of the worst tennis I’ve played in a while. I was just nervous, and obviously having a new coach on your team you always want to impress them.” The ninth seed went on to add that new coach David Witt is a calm presence, but it was the pressure and nerves she put on herself that gave her troubles. The BNP Paribas Open is their first tournament together, so the two are still feeling out what works best, for example finding the best approach to on-court coaching and motivation.