Svitolina’s rival gave a television interview after going up to 1/8 finals

Greek tennis player Maria Sakkari (WTA 82) interrupted its series of defeat in matches against rivals from the top 10 (0-8) that lasted from last year’s tournament WTA 1000 in Madridand leveled her balance against the elite players on the ground – 6 victories and 6 defeats.

Sakkari has won three matches in a row, including victory over the sixth seeded Jasmine Paolini from Italy. In the 1/8 finals it will play with the 17th sown Elina Svitolina. In their personal meetings, the score is equal to 2: 2, and this will be their first ocular duel on the soil cover.

“I clearly understood what to do on the court,” Sakari said after a match with Palini. – Just came out and perfectly embodied it. I did not give her any opportunity to take a breath. This was my goal – so we need to play against very strong rivals.

I think it was a very good speech, I have to admit. ”

The former third racket of the world for the first time since last year (soil militia in Rome) has made its way to the 1/8 finals of the WTA 1000 tournament.

“It is quite nice, because for a long time I did not have, let’s say, a significant victory. All this time was not easy. But at the same time, I knew that you needed to trust the training process. To believe that everything will come. It’s a good step forward but I want to keep modest expectations.

It seems to me that the elements are starting to fold. But a long way is ahead. ”

Sakkari now resumed her work with the coach Tom Hill after his almost annual cooperation with Petton Sterns.

“We are two people with the same ambitions and one purpose,” Maria explained. – We believe in each other. I am very comfortable, he knows my game like no other. He returned without dramatic changes, just gathered all the parts together, and so far it works very well. ”

3 – Maria Sakkari Conceded Three Games to Jasmine Paeolini – The Fewest in Her Career En Route to Victory Over A WTA Top 10 OPPONENT. Zone.#Mmopen | @Mutuamadridridopen @wta @wta_insider pic.twitter.com/vw5se3jmmr

– Optaace (@optaace) April 27, 2025

18-at WTA-1000 Events Since 2020, Only Four Players Have Claimed More Wins Over WTA-1000 Champions Than Maria Sakkari (15)-Iga Swiatek (35), Aryna Sabalenka (24) (18). Level.#Mmopen | @Mutuamadridridopen @wta @wta_insider pic.twitter.com/cck5bp9p2p

– Optaace (@optaace) April 27, 2025