Maria Sakkari is set to face Elena Rybakina in a highly anticipated second-round match at Wimbledon, where Sakkari aims to prevent Rybakina from experiencing her earliest exit at the tournament. Rybakina, the 2022 champion, has a strong history at Wimbledon, never having been knocked out before the fourth round. Meanwhile, Sakkari is looking for redemption after a first-round exit last year.
Sakkari’s performance has seen a decline, currently ranked No. 77 compared to her peak of No. 3. Despite her struggles, she has recently recorded her 16th win of the year, enhancing her confidence as she seeks to advance to the third round for the fifth time in her Wimbledon history. She faces the formidable challenge of overcoming Rybakina, who has a solid track record and leads their head-to-head matchup 4-1, albeit with close encounters in three previous matches.
Rybakina returned to Wimbledon on a high note, defeating Elina Avanesyan 6-2, 6-1 in the first round. Her impressive 20-3 record on grass courts showcases her expertise on this surface. While Sakkari has struggled against top-20 opponents, her past victories against Rybakina, including a significant win in 2022, offer a glimmer of hope that she can compete effectively.
As they prepare to meet on a different surface for the first time since their initial encounter, fans can expect a thrilling match that highlights Sakkari’s determination and Rybakina’s strength. The resilience of both players promises an exciting contest at Wimbledon, and regardless of the outcome, it could signal new beginnings for Sakkari as she seeks to reclaim her form.