Greek ace Sakkari was inspired by Nadal in United Cup win: "Stay deep and make as many returns as I can"

Maria Sakkari was inspired by Rafael Nadal before her crucial match against Petra Martic at the United Cup which gave Greece the chance to oust Croatia.

Sakkari needed to win against Petra Martic to keep Greece alive in the United Cup clash against Croatia. She was able to pull out the win and after the match revealed that she was inspired by Rafael Nadal and his approach to the game due to a tricky situation. She said after the straight sets win:

"I had to adapt. I had to change my returning position because the ball was bouncing very high. I said 'I am gonna do a Rafa, go and stand you know on the Perth sign and just you know stay deep and make as many returns as I can'. It worked for me today."

The win gave Greece a chance to advance past which they did as Sakkari and Tsitsipas won the crucial doubles match.