In a highly anticipated matchup at the Australian Open 2026, No. 8 seed Mirra Andreeva is set to face off against former World No. 3 Maria Sakkari. This clash promises to be a thrilling contest, with Andreeva currently on a hot streak after her victory at the Adelaide International, where she showcased her talent by defeating Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic in the first round. Meanwhile, Sakkari is looking to reclaim her former glory, having displayed a strong performance at the United Cup.
At just 18 years old, Andreeva has been making waves in the WTA circuit, capturing two WTA-1000 titles last year, and almost achieving a Sunshine Double by winning the women’s doubles championship in Miami. After climbing to a career-high of No. 5 in July, Andreeva boasts a notable win-loss record of 155-51. In her opening match, she overcame Vekic with a score of 4-6, 6-3, 6-0.
Sakkari, now 30, remains Greece’s highest-ranked female tennis player ever. Despite facing injury challenges throughout her career, she has reached the semifinals of Grand Slam events on two occasions. Currently ranked No. 53, Sakkari is yet to progress beyond the Round of 16 in Australia but started her campaign with a solid victory over Leolia Jeanjean, winning 6-4, 6-2.
Betting odds indicate that Andreeva is favored in this encounter, with odds set at -560 compared to Sakkari’s +380. This match, part of the Round of 64, will take place on January 21 at 19:00 local time, on the outdoor hard courts of Margaret Court Arena in Melbourne.
Both players bring unique skills to the match; Andreeva is known for her strategic play and ability to control the pace of the game, while Sakkari excels at early ball striking to shorten rallies. Their contrasting styles make this contest an intriguing battle of wills, and many believe it has the potential to go the distance.
Recent form shows that Andreeva has triumphed in her last tournament, while Sakkari is working on regaining her form after a series of inconsistent results. With each player eager to advance, this match is poised to be a highlight of the tournament.
Fans can catch all the action live on various streaming platforms and television channels worldwide, including Tennis Channel, ESPN International, and more. This clash sets the stage for what could be a memorable encounter as both players vie for a place in the next round against either Ajla Tomljanovic or Elena-Gabriela Ruse.