Greek tennis ace Maria Sakkari finally broke the first-round curse at a Grand Slam tournament as the 28-year-old advanced to the second round at the 2024 Australian Open. Sakkari eased past Nao Hibino in her first-round match on Sunday as she beat the Japanese 6-4, 6-1. And quite obviously, Sakkari was relieved to have broken the curse.
The Greek remembered how she had to endure three back-to-back first-round exits at the last three Grand Slam tournaments. Sakkari was pleased to register a clean victory in her opening round match at the 2024 Australian Open.
I lost three first rounds [in] my last three Grand Slams, so for me, it was a very difficult match today emotionally. I’m very happy I was able to do the job right.” Maria Sakkari said after the first-round win at 2024 Australian Open.
She also talked about the errors she made in the first set and said that sometimes winning ugly helps.
I was relieved in a way that I managed to win that first set by not playing my great tennis, but sometimes you have to win ugly – definitely that second set was not ugly Maria Sakkari added.
Maria Sakkari attributes her early success in 2024 season to best pre-season
Maria Sakkari has made a roaring start to the 2024 season. The 28-year-old won all three of her singles matches at the United Cup and now Sakkari has broken the first-round curse at the Australian Open. She was clinical in her win against Hibino and the Greek attributes this early success to her preparations.
Sakkari revealed how hard she worked during the off-season. The World No. 8 said that she worked for six hours a day for three weeks to lift the level of her physical fitness. Sakkari also claims to have worked on her forehand.
It's been I think the best pre-season I've ever had in my career. I feel young and very powerful, very energetic. Now I'm feeling that it's my best shot, very powerful, and for sure the racquet has helped. Maria Sakkari said. (H/T: Australian Open)
Maria Sakkari will next face Elina Avanesyan. The two players will be facing each other for the first time. While Sakkari feels amazing about her finessed forehand, Avanesyan will be an interesting challenge for the Greek. It is to be seen if Sakkari manages to put on a better show than last year where she reached the third round.
More must-reads: