Former Top 10 players Sofia Kenin and Maria Sakkari commenced their clay-court campaigns successfully at the WTA 500 Credit One Charleston Open on Tuesday. Both athletes secured straight-set victories in their opening round matches.
Maria Sakkari initiated the day`s play at Credit One Stadium, defeating Canadian wild card Marina Stakusic 6-3, 6-2. Following her, Sofia Kenin overcame fellow American Bernarda Pera with a 6-3, 6-4 score. These results set the stage for compelling second-round encounters for both Kenin and Sakkari against seeded opponents in strong form.
Sakkari Aims to Regain Momentum in Charleston: Competing in Charleston for the fourth time, Sakkari seeks to build momentum as the clay season unfolds. Last year at this tournament, as the No. 3 seed and ranked No. 7 globally, she advanced to the semifinals, eventually losing to the champion Danielle Collins.
Currently ranked No. 64 after a shoulder injury curtailed her 2024 season post-US Open, Sakkari, with a 6-11 match record this season, hopes that returning to Charleston will serve as a catalyst for a successful 2025. Her past Charleston appearances include a semifinal run last year and a quarterfinal showing in 2019.
Sakkari demonstrated resilience against the young Stakusic, recovering from a 3-0, 0-30 deficit to win seven consecutive games. This turnaround secured her a second-round match against World No. 7 Zheng Qinwen.
`I`m really happy that despite starting with a double break down in the first set, I managed to reverse the situation,` Sakkari commented after her victory. `After overcoming the initial setback, my level of play significantly improved. Facing powerful hitters like Marina is always challenging; she`s a promising young player. I`m thrilled to extend my stay in Charleston.`
Sakkari`s head-to-head record against Zheng is currently TK. She will be aiming for her first Top 10 victory in over a year, and her first on clay since defeating defending champion Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros in 2021.
`The upcoming match promises to be very demanding for both of us,` Sakkari acknowledged. `I feel confident on clay, and Zheng has been playing exceptionally well… I intend to compete with enjoyment and determination.`
Kenin Finds Comfort in Charleston: Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open champion, continued the winning momentum after Sakkari, securing her first Charleston victory since 2023.
Kenin`s path to the second round was extended due to a Monday night rain delay, halting her match against Pera when she was leading 4-2. Upon resumption, she faced a strong challenge from her compatriot, saving a break point in the seventh game and another before closing out the set.
Despite trailing 4-0 in the second set, Pera narrowed the gap to 4-3 before Kenin ultimately served out the match, overcoming a 0-30 deficit in the final game.
Kenin`s next opponent is No. 17 seed Belinda Bencic, who received a seed promotion following the withdrawal of Magdalena Frech, initially seeded No. 13, after the tournament draw.
More updates to follow….
