Sakkari Seeks Redemption at WTA Merida Open After Injury Setback

MERIDA, Mexico — Maria Sakkari is making her return to the court at the WTA Merida Open, determined to bounce back from a severe shoulder injury that sidelined her last season. The Greek tennis star embarks on her journey on Day 2 of the tournament, aiming to leverage her past successes in Mexico, including her notable victory at the Guadalajara Open in 2023, where she clinched her sole WTA 1000 title.

As one of the seven scheduled matches, Sakkari faces a challenging first-round encounter as she seeks to regain her form. Sakkari’s determination is palpable, having trained extensively during her recovery, and she expects to demonstrate significant improvements in her gameplay. “I’ve worked hard to overcome the challenges of my injury and I want to show that I can be competitive again,” Sakkari stated in a recent interview.

The Merida Open is expected to feature intense competition among both seasoned players and rising stars. In another anticipated matchup, Marta Kostyuk will go up against Daria Saville. Historical data shows Kostyuk leading their head-to-head record 2-0, with a previous grueling three-set battle at last year’s tournament. The slow playing conditions in Merida could echo their last encounter, making the upcoming match particularly intriguing.

Experts predict Kostyuk will come out on top, supported by her superior defensive and attacking capabilities. “Kostyuk’s backhand is one of her strongest assets, and if she plays at her best, she could overpower Saville,” said tennis analyst Jordan Reynolds.

Meanwhile, another match of interest includes Sloane Stephens against Petra Martic. Stephens, a former World No. 3, enters the tournament struggling with a three-match losing streak in 2025. Despite her history of outperforming Martic with a 3-0 lead in their head-to-head encounters, current form suggests otherwise, making Martic a favored contender this time. “Martic seems to have found her rhythm in recent matches, and if she continues that trend, she has a solid chance,” Reynolds added.

Fans can expect a thrilling round of initial matches throughout the tournament, as momentum shifts and competitive fervor heat up on the court. In addition to Sakkari’s contest, several key players look to make their mark and take a leap toward the coveted title, generating excitement for the remainder of the Merida Open.