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Maria Sakkari clenches fist at US Open 2020
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‘I’m speechless’ – Maria Sakkari crushes Sofia Kenin to reach French Open quarter-finals


Maria Sakkari said she will “try to stay until the end” of the French Open after reaching her first major quarter-final with an emphatic win over Sofia Kenin.

The Greek defeated No. 4 seed Kenin – a 2020 Roland Garros finalist – 6-1, 6-3 in an hour and eight minutes in the fourth round.

The No. 17 seed broke three times in each set and dominated the 22-year-old American – who saved a match point to make a minor fightback from 6-1, 5-1 down.

“I’m speechless because it’s the first time [reaching a major quarter-final], it’s one of my favourite tournaments,” Sakkari said in her on-court interview.

“I love Paris, I’m having a great time. I don’t want to leave anytime soon. I will try my best to stay until the end [of the tournament] for sure.

“I’m actually enjoying myself, that’s the most important thing. I’m enjoying my time on court. [Smiling] And I’m actually not torturing myself when I’m on court.”

The 25-year-old made 19 winners and 15 unforced errors, while winning 85% of her first serve points.

She will play either No. 8 seed and defending champion Iga Swiatek – or the unseeded Marta Kostyuk – in the last eight.


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.