Maria Sakkari will face Victoria Azarenka in a high-profile match in the opening round of the 2024 Berlin Open.
The Greek player has historically played really well in Berlin, making the semi-final in her last two participations in 2022 and 2023. She’s generally been a decent grass player with a 27-19 overall record, but lately, she hasn’t played well at all.
Even so, facing Azarenka on the surface won’t be easy because she is strong on grass and has been historically. She holds a 56-26 record on the surface all time, though her level on grass hasn’t been as good in recent years.
Overall, it’s a very interesting matchup at the WTA 500 tournament, where both players will want to get more than one match behind their belts.
Head-to-head:
The two have played three times so far, and Azarenka has won all three matches. In fact, Sakkari only managed to win one set in the three matches, with the most recent match in Rome this year going easily to Azarenka 6-3, 6-1.
It doesn’t seem like a matchup that works well for the Greek player, but they also never played on grass, where she might have some decent chances.
Grass courts play fast, which doesn’t benefit the Belarusian too much, and she’s lost a step from her best days. A very aggressive and precise performance by Sakkari could do the trick.
| Maria Sakkari | Victoria Azarenka | |
| 0 | H2H | 3 |
| 9 | Rank | 19 |
| 28 | Age | 34 |
| 19-10 | 2024 W/L | 21-10 |
| 462-298 | Career W/L | 620-255 |
Prediction:
Neither has played any grass tennis so far this year, so it’s going to be a new experience this year for both. Sakkari’s familiarity with the Berlin Open is certainly boosting her chances, but Azarenka is always a tricky opponent and will know how to counter her opponent.
Prediction: Maria Sakkari to win in two sets.
