The Greek Maria Sakkari defeated Ukrainian Anhelina Kanilina with ease and authority in the third round of the WTA 1,000 in Rome, with a thrilling second set that ended in a blank to seal their place in the round of 16 (7-6 (4) and 6-0).
Sakkari took the roller to walk in the second setafter a long first challenge, which lasted 1 hour and 17 minutes, which was decided on an evenly matched tie-break.
No one would have suggested the match would be decided quickly after that first set, but Sakkari’s strength, especially on serve, dispelled any doubts against a Kanilina who bid farewell to the tournament where she rose to prominence last year, where she had to leave in tears in the final match against the Kazakh Elena Rybakina due to injury.
Sakkari, who presented her candidacy in Rome in this match, will face the winner of the duel between Russian Viktoria Azarenka (24) and Indian Mayar Sherif (80) in the round of 16.
Furthermore, the Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu, number 161, gave a surprise against the Belgian Elisa Mertensnumber 30, who exited the tournament in 2 sets, with a huge 6-2 and 6-0 in just one hour.
In the round of 16, the Romanian will face the winner of the duel between the French Caroline García (23) and the American Danielle Collins (15).
Source: La Verdad
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