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Maria Sakkari Dominates Jasmine Paolini in Madrid Upset

Maria Sakkari defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets at the Madrid Open.
Pat Benson|
Maria Sakkari defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets at the Madrid Open.
Maria Sakkari defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets at the Madrid Open. | IMAGO / AFLOSPORT

Like every WTA 1000 Masters event, the Madrid Open has provided tennis fans with plenty of highlights and dramatic storylines. Sunday gave the sport one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

The unseeded Maria Sakkari defeated sixth-seeded Jasmine Paolini in the third round. Not only did Sakkari pull off the upset, but she dominated Paolini in the straight-sets victory: 6-2, 6-1.

Sakkari tallied six aces and two double faults to Paolini's zero aces and one double fault. Sakkari won points on 64% and 74% of her first and second serves. Meanwhile, Paolini only won points on 39% and 45% of her first and second serves.

Paolini was not her usual self during the match, and Sakkari capitalized. Sakkari was 6/13 in break point opportunities, while Paolini only broke her opponent once in five chances.

Paolini falls to 16-8 on the year and will use the unexpected time off to prepare for her homecoming at the Italian Open early next month.

Sakkari improves to 10-13 and will face the winner of this evening's match between No. 10 Elena Rybakina and No. 17 Elina Svitolina.

Earlier this month, Sakkari tumbled outside of the top 80 in the WTA Rankings. She fired back at a tennis reporter on social media, blaming injuries for her losses.

There is no doubt that former No. 3 is rounding back into form, and she is doing it at the right time in the clay court season.

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Published | Modified
Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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