Two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Maria Sakkari admitted that she was far from her best during her first match of the season at the Adelaide International.
The world No.6 battled her way past Slovenia’s Tamara Zidansek 6-2, 0-6, 6-4, in what was a roller-coaster encounter that lasted more than two hours. Sakkari, who is the third seed in the draw, struggled behind her second serve where she won just 42% of points and hit 20 less winners than her opponent (25-45). Nevertheless, she managed to battle back to seal victory by breaking Zidansek in the final game of their match.
“It didn’t feel great, to be honest, it wasn’t a good match from my side,” said Sakkari.
“But I found a way to win, and sometimes that’s enough, and I’m excited to be in the second round.”
Sakkari is hoping to continue her momentum from 2021 into the new season. Last year she achieved a series of career milestones which included breaking into the world’s top 10 for the first time and qualifying for the WTA Finals. Something which had never been achieved by a Greek player on the WTA Tour. She also reached the last four at both the French Open and US Open for the first time.
Another player to experience a tough opening match in Adelaide was seventh seed Elena Rybakina who is bidding to reach her first Tour final since September 2020. The Kazakh outlasted wildcard Storm Sanders 6-4, 1-6, 6-1. After dropping the second set, Rybakina was then down a break at the start of the third before winning six straight games to turn the match around in her favour. In total she produced 44 winners and nine winners during the match.
“I’m so happy that I managed to win this match. It was not easy at all and it felt [like] I didn’t play singles for a while. I’m just hoping I’m going to play better and better.” She said afterwards.
Also through to the second round is world No.100 Kaja Juvan who defeated France’s Chloé Paquet 6-4, 6-2. She will next play world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka who received a bye in the first round.
This year’s Adelaide International features no fewer than five of the world’s top 10 players.
