Musa
Maria Sakkari is heading into her upcoming match against Jasmine Paolini at the Madrid Open with a renewed sense of confidence and composure. After navigating a string of tough matches in recent weeks, the Greek star appears to be hitting her stride on the clay courts of Spain, a surface that has historically played to her physical strengths and aggressive baseline style.
Sakkari, currently ranked within the WTA’s top 10, has shown impressive form in earlier rounds, combining power with tactical discipline—key traits that will be essential as she prepares to take on Paolini, the tenacious Italian known for her agility and consistency. With both players eyeing a spot in the later stages of the tournament, the clash promises to be an exciting display of grit and strategy.
Speaking ahead of the match, Sakkari noted that she feels “strong, focused, and ready for the challenge,” highlighting the progress she’s made with her team on both mental and physical preparation. Her recent performances reflect that mindset, as she’s kept unforced errors low while maintaining a high first-serve percentage—two critical areas in her game plan.
Meanwhile, Paolini won’t make things easy, having built a reputation for upsetting higher-ranked opponents. But if Sakkari can maintain her current level, she has every reason to believe she can advance deep into the tournament. With confidence building and momentum on her side, Sakkari will be a formidable opponent under the bright lights of Madrid.
Are you following the Madrid Open closely this year?
Olaniyi Ayoola
Musa
