Maria Sakkari Faces Tough Challenge at Rome Open Qualifiers

Rome, Italy — Maria Sakkari, a former top tennis player, is struggling to regain her status in the WTA rankings. Once ranked as high as No. 3, she currently sits at No. 82, forcing her to enter the qualifiers for the Rome Open.

This marks the first time since the 2019 Italian Open that Sakkari has had to compete in the qualifying rounds of a WTA 1000 event. In 2019, she made an impressive semifinal run before losing to Karolina Pliskova, finishing that tournament with a career-high ranking of No. 29.

Today, Sakkari is determined to climb back up the rankings. With a record of 83-54 in similar events and a recent title at the Guadalajara Open, she has experience on her side. However, after five stable seasons in the top 30, her recent performance has raised questions.

Sakkari has struggled this season with a record of 10-14. Nevertheless, her performance at the Madrid Open, where she advanced to the round of 16, showcased her potential for a comeback. She now faces Chloe Paquet in the qualifying rounds and is ready to tackle the challenges ahead.

“I’m focused on doing my best and taking it one match at a time,” Sakkari said. With her eyes set on regaining her place among the elite, Sakkari aims to make a significant impact in Rome.