Maria Sakkari has won her first major tournament match in 12 months, seeing off Anna Blinkova 6-4, 6-4 at Wimbledon.
It was a gritty and composed performance in the first set for the World No.77.
After an early exchange of breaks, Sakkari built a 5-2 lead, only to face a determined challenge as Blinkova (ranked 78) fought back to 5-4 and saved three set points. But the Greek held her nerve to close out the set in 42 minutes.
In the second set, Blinkova lifted her intensity, staying level with Sakkari until 3-2. A timely break gave Sakkari a 4-2 advantage, but Blinkova hit back to make it 4-4. But Sakkari leaned on her strong serve to regain momentum and sealed the set 6-4.
The former World No.3 will next face 11th seed Elena Rybakina in the second round.
