Maria
Sakkari defeated the first seed Jessica Pegula and secured her spot in the
final of the Mubadala Citi DC Open with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 victory.
The Greek
tennis player has established herself as one of the best in the last five
years, maintaining her position in the top-30 since 2018 and staying within the
top-10 since 2021.
However,
Sakkari has faced difficulties in showcasing her abilities in the decisive
rounds. Between 2021 and 2022, she reached 15 semifinals, the same number as
Iga Swiatek, but only managed to reach four finals, without winning any titles.
In 2023,
she lost in the semifinals at Linz, Doha (against Pegula), Indian Wells, Madrid
Open, and Berlin, accumulating 20 semifinals in three years, but only four
finals and a single title.
In her
match against Pegula, Sakkari took the first break opportunity in the third
game, an advantage she managed with ease on her service and with a superior
level compared to her rival. With the score at 5-3, Sakkari secured another
break as soon as she had the chance to take the first set.
The Greek
player had a 68% first serve accuracy, winning 80% of those points, and 57%
success with her second serve, while not conceding any break opportunities to
her opponent.
Although
Pegula showed strength in her first serve (69% accuracy, winning 67%), her
second serve in crucial moments was key in giving Sakkari an advantage.
The second
set saw Sakkari maintain her lead, once again taking the first break
opportunity and gaining a 4-1 advantage, seemingly sealing the match for
Pegula.
However,
the American remained composed despite being behind, and the pressure got the
better of Sakkari. Pegula won five consecutive games to extend the match to a
third set.
In the
decisive moments of the match, the pressure on Sakkari was evident, but she
handled it admirably. In the sixth game, she secured the crucial break to take
a 4-2 lead.
Sakkari
will play her first final of the season, with her last appearance in such an
instance being at the WTA 1000 Guadalajara Open in 2022. To find out her
opponent in the final, she will have to wait for the match between local player
Coco Gauff and Ludmila Samsonova, scheduled for the second round.
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.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
