Athens Open WTA Day Three Round-Up | Maria Sakkari delivers home statement, Zheng Qinwen continues comeback as Parks survives thriller
WTAWednesday, 15 July 2026 at 22:11
The third day of action at the Athens Open saw some of the tournament's biggest names deliver convincing performances, with Zheng Qinwen and Maria Sakkari both securing dominant straight-sets victories to reach the quarterfinals. The Chinese star continued rebuilding momentum after her return from injury, while Sakkari produced another impressive display on home soil.
Sara Bejlek also advanced with another strong performance, continuing her excellent week in Athens with a comfortable victory over fellow young prospect Lilli Tagger. Meanwhile, Alycia Parks and Mai Hontama produced one of the most intriguing battles of the day, with the American and Japanese player pushing each other through a closely contested three-set encounter.
Zheng Qinwen continues confidence rebuild with dominant victory
Zheng Qinwen def. Elena Micic 6-4, 6-1
Zheng Qinwen continued her progress at the Athens Open with a dominant straight-sets victory over qualifier Elena Micic, securing another important win as she looks to rebuild confidence during the final stretch of the season.
The Olympic gold medallist has faced a difficult period after spending significant time away from competition due to injury, with inconsistent results during her return causing her ranking to drop outside the elite positions. Zheng is currently ranked outside the Top 100, but every victory in Athens represents another step toward recovering her best level.
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Against Micic, the Chinese star showed the difference in experience and quality from the beginning. Zheng earned an early break and maintained control throughout the opening set, relying on her powerful first serve and aggressive baseline game. She won 84% of points behind her first delivery and did not face a single break point before closing out the set 6-4.
The second set was even more one-sided. Zheng immediately increased the pressure on Micic's serve, breaking three times across the qualifier's four service games to race through the set 6-1.
The victory lifts Zheng to No.121 in the live rankings and gives her another valuable opportunity to regain momentum. She now awaits a potential quarterfinal clash against two-time Grand Slam champion Barbora Krejcikova, who must first overcome Chloe Monnet.
Zheng Qinwen continued her return to form with a dominant straight-sets victory over Elena Micic, taking another step forward in her confidence rebuild after injury.
Sakkari dominates Dart to continue Athens momentum
Maria Sakkari def. Harriet Dart 6-1, 6-2
Maria Sakkari delivered another commanding performance in front of her home crowd, defeating Harriet Dart in straight sets to reach the Athens Open quarterfinals.
The Greek star immediately imposed her intensity from the baseline, putting constant pressure on Dart's serve and taking advantage of her opportunities on return. Sakkari secured the first break of the match and quickly built a commanding lead, converting her chances to claim the opening set 6-1.
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Dart struggled to find solutions against Sakkari's aggressive game, while the former world No.3 continued playing with confidence after her strong opening round. The Greek player carried that momentum into the second set, opening with another break and winning seven consecutive games to take complete control.
Although Dart briefly stopped Sakkari's run by getting back on the scoreboard, the Greek player remained firmly in charge. She continued to dictate exchanges and eventually closed out a convincing 6-2 second set. Sakkari moves into the quarterfinals, where she will face either Alycia Parks.
Maria Sakkari delivered another impressive performance on home soil, cruising past Harriet Dart in straight sets
Bejlek continues breakthrough Athens campaign
Sara Bejlek def. Lili Tagger 6-2, 6-2
Sara Bejlek continued her impressive run at the Athens Open with another dominant performance, defeating Lili Tagger in straight sets to book her place in the quarterfinals. The Czech teenager quickly took control of the match by exploiting Tagger's struggles on serve. Although the Austrian initially responded after an early break, Bejlek remained aggressive from the baseline and repeatedly created opportunities on return.
The first set was decided by Bejlek's efficiency when chances appeared, as she converted four consecutive break opportunities to establish a commanding advantage and close out the opener 6-2.
Tagger briefly threatened a comeback in the second set after earning an early break, but Bejlek immediately responded and regained control. The Czech continued applying pressure on serve and moved away from her opponent, eventually completing another 6-2 set. Bejlek's victory extends her strong week in Athens and sends her into the quarterfinals, where she will continue her pursuit of a deep run.
Sara Bejlek continued her strong Athens campaign with another convincing straight-sets win, defeating Lilli Tagger to advance to the quarterfinals.
Parks Headline
Alycia Parks def. Mai Hontama 6-7, 6-2, 7-5
Alycia Parks survived a dramatic three-set battle against Mai Hontama to reach the Athens Open quarterfinals, overcoming a difficult opening set and a late comeback attempt from the Japanese player.
Parks had chances to take control of the match early, but Hontama fought back from a 0-4 deficit in the opening-set tie-break, winning seven consecutive points to steal the set. The American responded strongly in the second set, raising her level behind her serve and forcing a deciding set with a convincing 6-2 scoreline.
Parks appeared to take control in the third set after building a double-break lead at 4-0, but Hontama produced another impressive fightback, winning five straight games to move ahead 5-4 and serve for the match.
The American stayed composed under pressure, saving a match point before leveling the score and earning another opportunity to close out the contest. This time, Parks delivered, holding serve to complete the comeback and secure her place in the quarterfinals. Parks will now face home favourite Maria Sakkari in the next round in what promises to be one of the most anticipated clashes in Athens.
Alycia Parks survived a demanding three-set battle against Mai Hontama, overcoming a tight opening set to secure her place in the quarterfinals.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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