MATCH REPORT | 2024 Australian Open: Maria SAKKARI cruises into round two with ease, overpowering Nao Hibino
WTASunday, 14 January 2024 at 06:30
Maria
Sakkari (No. 8), not playing at her best, overcame an erratic Nao Hibino (No.
92) with a score of 6-4, 6-1, advancing to the second round of the 2024
Australian Open. The Greek tennis player had not secured a victory in a Grand
Slam in her last three appearances and will now face Russian Elena Avanesyan
(No. 71).
Sakkari
only participated in the United Cup in the weeks leading up to the first Grand
Slam of the year, delivering an excellent performance by winning all three of
her individual matches, including victories over Leylah Fernandez (No. 35) and
former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber.
Nao Hibino
began the season in the qualifying rounds of the WTA 250 Hobart Open but fell
in the first round against Yulia Putintseva. The Japanese player had faced
Sakkari only once in her career, precisely at the 2020 Aussie Open, where the
Greek emerged victorious.
In the
early stages of the match, both players showed uncertainties in their serves.
Sakkari initially secured a break in the second game, taking a 2-0 lead, but
the Japanese player quickly recovered, leveling the set at 2-2. The game
balanced out with both players exhibiting irregular form. Sakkari recorded 10
winners and 20 unforced errors, while Hibino posted 6 winners and 17 unforced
errors.
Sakkari
capitalized on the errors, seizing the first opportunity in the ninth game to
secure a break and then take the set 6-4.
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In the
second set, Sakkari came out with the intention of controlling points from the
baseline and worked the rallies more, pressuring her opponent into making
mistakes. The strategy proved effective for the Greek player, who was
impenetrable on the return and secured two consecutive breaks to take a
commanding 5-0 lead in just 20 minutes.
Although
Hibino managed to win one more service game, Sakkari did not give her any
chances for a comeback and closed out the match 6-4, 6-1. With this victory,
the former world No. 3 secures her first Grand Slam win since the 2023
Australian Open, after three consecutive first-round exits. In the second
round, she will face Russian Elena Avanesyan (No. 71), who defeated Zhuoxuan
Bai (No. 87) with a score of 4-6, 7-5, 6-2.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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