Sakkari Beats Vekic to Reach Wuhan Open Second Round

Maria Sakkari defeated her friend and doubles partner Donna Vekic in the Wuhan Open first round on Monday, winning 6-4, 6-2 on Dongfeng Voyah Center Court in Wuhan, China, to advance to the second round of the WTA 1000 tournament.

According to Tennis.com match data, Sakkari recovered after trailing 4-2 in the opening set before taking control. The Greek player, ranked 33rd, will next face eighth seed Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine.

Vekic, the 40th-ranked Croatian, earned an early advantage by breaking Sakkari for a 2-1 lead and later moved ahead 4-2. Sakkari responded by winning four straight games to claim the first set 6-4.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Vekic breaking first before Sakkari immediately answered. According to the match account, Sakkari converted another break opportunity in the fourth game and built a 3-1 lead.

Vekic briefly reduced the deficit to 3-2, but Sakkari won the next three games and closed out the match 6-2 on her first match point. The result secured Sakkari's place in the Wuhan Open second round.

The official WTA draw shows Kostyuk received a first-round bye before meeting Sakkari. Vekic and Sakkari are also scheduled to compete together in doubles at the tournament.