Maria Sakkari has come out victorious against German tennis pro Angelique Kerber and moves on to the semi-finals of the Grampians Trophy.
Maria Sakkari had a strong run of form entering this afternoon’s Grampians Trophy match, beating Canadian Leylah Fernandez in straight sets only yesterday.
A former World No. 1, Angelique Kerber is a veteran Open player and one that Sakkari knows well having met her twice before, losing to the German on both occasions.
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Looking under pressure in the beginning half of the first set, the Greek turned it around after thirty minutes to dominate the German physically and with intelligence. Sakkari secured a break point to go up 5-4, later claiming the first set 6-4.
Despite losing the first set, Kerber’s serve looked unmatched at the start of this afternoons game. Sakkari, on the other hand, finished the first set with 5 double faults and a first serve win percentage of 45. As witnessed during the match, however, this is largely accompanied by Sakkari’s tendency to take more risks in her second serve.
Entering the second set, Sakkari brought with her the energy from her first-set victory, earning a break point on the first game. Her ability to out-stamina her opponent meant she was able to survive and win many of her rallies.
Sakkari’s somewhat lacklustre serve in the first set was also completely turned around later in the match, showing her incredible power which has helped her in the past in victories against Serena Williams and Elina Svitolina.
Sakkari glided through the second set, being up 4 games to 0 at one point in the match. Claiming her second victory of the Grampians Trophy 6-4, 6-2, the Greek will move on to the semi-finals to be played tomorrow.
“I have my Greeks here which feels great, it’s one thing I look forward to when i come to Australia,” Sakkari said in a post-match interview.
“This is my home tournament… Every-time I come to Australia I feel like I’m at home.”
