Maria Sakkari has powered through to the fourth round of the French Open after claiming a hard-fought victory over Belgium’s Elise Mertens on Saturday.
The Greek champion prevailed 7-5, 6-7 (2), 6- 2 in a nearly three-hour contest and broke a personal record making it to the 16 of Roland Garros’ best players for the first time in her career.
Fourth-round debut 💃@mariasakkari records her best ever result at #RolandGarros, dismantling Elise Mertens 7-5, 6-7(2), 6-2. The No.17 seed meets Kenin next. pic.twitter.com/fQ3WDPUmyH
— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) June 5, 2021
This is also the third time she reaches the second week of a major.
“I think it was one of my best matches I have played in a long time, this year as well,” said the World no. 17 facing the press at the post-match conference.
“Elise played extremely well, I think. She never gave up. I think I just played probably the right way when I had to. I gave myself a better chance today. I just took the chances, especially in the third set.”
The 25-year-old was also quick to praise her upcoming opponent for Monday, American Sofia Kenin.
The last year’s finalist also made it to the fourth round following a tough three-set battle prevailing over her compatriot Jessica Pegula.
“[Kenin] played the final here last year, so she’s playing good here, for sure,” Sakkari commented.
“You know, you don’t get easy opponents in these rounds of a Slam.”
On Friday night, Stefanos Tsitsipas also advanced to the fourth round by winning his 36th match of the year, the most of anyone on the men’s tour.
READ MORE: Tsitsipas advances to the fourth round at the French Open
