Halep easily to next round Madrid Open, Sakkari needs 3 sets

The 2021 Madrid Open got two more 2nd round matchups as Simona Halep and Maria Sakkari booked spots in R2.

Maria Sakkari was the first one of those players to step onto the courts facing a tough opponent in Amanda Anisimova. The American is a strong clay player which she proved by winning the opening set 6-0. Sakkari is nothing if not a dedicated fighter and the Greek player responded strongly with a 6-1 2nd set win.

The final set was a proper battle that saw seven losses of serve as both players had difficulties keeping their serve. Sakkari was up 5-2 but Anisimova was able to make it 5-4, even serving for 5-5. In the end, Sakkari was able to break her once more to win the match.

Joining her in the 2nd round will be Simona Halep who faced a very tricky player in Sara Sorribes Tormo. Halep was simply superb winning the opening set 6-0 completely demolishing Sorribes Tormo. The Spanish player has been in really good form recently but her results on clay this year have been rather poor.

Sorribes Tormo had moments in the 2nd set despite finding herself down 5-1 at one point. She was able to win her service make making it 5-2 before breaking Halep to make it 5-3 and subsequently 5-4. Halep would fail to win the match while serving for it at 5-4 allowing herself to be broken before consolidating in time to win 7-5.

The 2x champion clearly enjoys playing in Madrid and this display signals her intent of making herself a 3x champion.