Maria Sakkari sealed Greece's spot in the United Cup quarter-finals after saving four set points in the first set and coming from 3-1 down in the second to defeat Leylah Fernandez 7-6(2), 6-3 in Sydney.
Earlier, World No. 6 Stefanos Tsitsipas had made a successful start to his 2024 singles season on Wednesday when he defeated Steven Diez 6-2, 6-3 to give Greece a 1-0 lead over Canada.
To clinch a quarter-final place, Greece needed to either defeat Canada 3-0, or 2-1 if the sets score was not 4-4. Straight-sets wins by Tsitsipas and Sakkari mean that Canada is no longer able to win four sets in the rubber.
Sakkari ultimately captured her third straight-sets win against Fernandez in as many meetings, but had to work especially hard this time round, particularly in a marathon opening set. Nine of its 12 regular games featured at least one deuce, and Sakkari's clutch performance on key points was crucial.
"I think the level was very high from both of us. We both played a great match. It's great to start the season with a very competitive match against her. I just felt very good on the court, especially having the team on my side," Sakkari said. "It's just amazing to be back in the quarter-finals here."
The WTA World No.8 fell behind 2-0, but immediately broke back and saved five out of the six break points she faced in the set. Fernandez, the 2021 US Open finalist, placed Sakkari under continuous pressure with skillful baseline redirections and delicate drop shots, but the Greek player was able to find some of her strongest serves when she needed them.
As in the first set, Fernandez went up an early break in the second. But Sakkari responded in style, reeling off five straight games from 3-1 down to seal the win. The 2023 Guadalajara champion found some of her best shots during the home stretch, ending a terrific offensive rally at net to break back for 3-3 and then breaking Fernandez again for 5-3 by blitzing a forehand winner down the line.
Earlier in the day Tsitsipas made a successful start to his 2024 singles season when he defeated Steven Diez after sitting out the singles rubber against Chile one day earlier due to a back injury.
Smooth sailing ⛵️@steftsitsipas cruises past Steven Diez 6-2 6-3 in Sydney!#UnitedCup pic.twitter.com/umIUUbqfW8
— United Cup (@UnitedCupTennis) January 3, 2024
Asked about the strong Greek support he received, Tsitsipas said, "Athens, Sydney, it doesn't make much difference right now. I am out here enjoying playing tennis. There is a lot of blue and white around the stadium, which happen to be my favourite colours.
"Today was a good summary of how aggressive I can be. I'm always seeking extra credibility in my game and whatever I can add to my game I am always willing and open-minded.
“I always have a lot of energy when I'm playing in Australia, which keeps my blood pumping.”
It was Diez, who is No. 314 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, who struggled physically in the match, receiving a medical timeout in the first set. Tsitsipas dominated on serve, saving the only break point he faced to triumph after one hour and 18 minutes.
According to Infosys ATP Stats, Tsitsipas won 90 per cent of his first-serve points and broke serve three times from six chances. He hit six aces in his first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting with World No. 314 Diez.
Maria Sakkari will try to clinch the tie win for Greece against 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez.
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