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Sakkari's Wuhan Comeback: A Decade Later, Top 50 Feels Like Yesterday
15 Oct
Summary
- Sakkari's 2017 Wuhan run propelled her into the top 50 for the first time.
- She recalls her breakthrough feels like a century ago, yet highlights continued success.
- Sakkari returns to Wuhan after an eight-year absence, reaching the round-of-16.
Maria Sakkari is making a significant return to the Wuhan Open, a tournament that marked a pivotal moment in her career eight years ago. In 2017, as a 22-year-old ranked world No. 80, Sakkari achieved a career-first by breaking into the top 50 after reaching the semifinals. This remarkable run included upsets against former top players like Caroline Wozniacki, Elena Vesnina, and Alize Cornet.
Reflecting on that period, Sakkari, now 31 and ranked world No. 35, described her breakthrough run as feeling like "a century ago." She acknowledged the difference in her approach then—more fearless—compared to her current experienced and mature state, noting her sustained high level of play over nearly a decade.
Sakkari's return to Wuhan has been strong, advancing to the round-of-16 by defeating Donna Vekic and No. 8 seed Marta Kostyuk. She is now set to compete for a quarterfinal spot against Mia Pohankova, aiming for her second successful campaign at this special venue.
