Greek tennis star Maria Sakkari kicked off her Madrid campaign with a commanding 2-0 victory over China’s Xinyu Wang, ranked No. 41 in the world, securing her place in the second round of the clay-court tournament.
The win marked a strong start to Sakkari’s renewed partnership with British coach Tom Hill.
In a match that lasted 2 hours and 8 minutes, the 29-year-old Sakkari showcased her resilience and skill, particularly in critical moments. She dominated much of the contest, delivering powerful shots and maintaining composure under pressure to claim a hard-fought victory that boosts both her confidence and momentum.
Match Breakdown
The first set was a tightly contested affair. Both players exchanged early breaks, with Wang taking a 2-1 lead before Sakkari responded to level at 2-2. The set remained close until 5-4, when Sakkari capitalised on a second break of Wang’s serve to clinch the set 6-4.
The second set saw Sakkari surge ahead with a break in the second game, building a 3-0 lead. However, Wang fought back, securing three consecutive breaks to level the score at 3-3. The set proceeded to a dramatic tiebreak, where Sakkari took an early 3-1 lead. Wang battled back, even earning a match point at 7-6, but Sakkari’s determination shone through. She leveled the score at 7-7 and sealed the tiebreak 9-7 with two decisive points, securing the set and the match.
A Psychological Boost
This victory holds special significance for Sakkari, not only for its competitive value but also for its emotional impact. The win marks a positive start to her second collaboration with coach Tom Hill, whose return to her team has been a focal point of her preparation. Sakkari’s ability to stay composed and deliver in clutch moments underscores her mental strength as she navigates the clay season.
Looking Ahead
Sakkari’s next challenge comes against Poland’s Magda Linette, the No. 29 seed and world No. 33. The two have met once before, in 2019 at Hobart, where Linette prevailed in three sets. Their upcoming clash promises to be a compelling battle as Sakkari aims to continue her strong form on the Madrid clay.
For Greek fans, Sakkari’s performance is a source of pride and optimism. Her blend of power, precision, and grit in Madrid signals a promising start to this new chapter in her career.