After a grueling battle that lasted 2 hours and 49 minutes, Maria Sakkari managed to overcome Kamila Rahimova’s resistance and advance to the third round of the Cincinnati Open.
The Greek tennis player, ranked No. 32 in the world, defeated the Uzbek, ranked No. 83, 6-2, 5-7, 6-1, marking her fourth victory against her in as many matches.
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Sakkari started the match strongly and closed out the first set by winning four consecutive games, taking a significant lead. In the second set, however, Rahimova fought back and managed to turn the tide.
The Uzbek took a 4-1 lead, but Sakkari responded with a run of her own and went up 5-4, having the chance to close out the match. Her opponent withstood the pressure, tied the score, and then broke serve again, despite the fact that the Greek player had saved four break points.
Rakhimova ultimately held her serve and took the second set 7-5, sending the match to a third set. There, however, Sakkari was unstoppable. The Greek player jumped out to a 3-0 lead, and shortly afterward, Rahimova had to take a medical timeout due to an issue with her left leg.
Sakkari continued at the same pace, reached 4-0, and gave her opponent no chance. Rakhimova managed only to narrow the gap to 4-1 before the Greek player closed out the set 6-1 and celebrated her advancement.
In the third round of the tournament, Sakkari is likely to face Iga Swiatek. The Polish player, who won the title in Toronto, will make her Cincinnati debut against Emiliana Arango (August 16, 8:00 p.m.).
*photo source: AP
