Sakkari Victorious Over Rakhimova in Cincinnati Opener

Maria Sakkari started with a victory at the WTA 1000 tournament in Cincinnati, defeating Russian Kamilla Rakhimova 6-3, 3-6, 6-2. The match lasted two hours and 11 minutes.

Sakkari, ranked No. 65 in the world, faced difficulties but managed to take the first set 6-3. In the second set, Rakhimova, No. 67, responded and equalized to 1-1, winning the set 6-3.

In the decisive third set, Sakkari dominated and with a series of 4 games took a 4-0 lead, eventually closing the set at 6-2.

In the next round, Sakkari will face Italian Jasmine Paolini, ranked No. 9 in the world. The two athletes have met before, with Sakkari prevailing in Madrid.