Sakkari survives topsy-turvy affair against Keys in Madrid

Maria Sakkari avoided an early exit against Madison Keys in Madrid by battling back from a break down in the final set 6-7(8) 6-3 6-4.

This match was somewhat of an oddity as the first set was settled in the tiebreak. That is not strange but what is strange is that we did not see a single break the entire set. Both players were able to win their service game despite plenty of chances by both to break their opponents. In the tiebreak, Sakkari had an early lead but Keys was able to snatch it away with some strong baseline player.

The Greek was visibly upset by the way she lost the tiebreak and it was understandable as she pretty much had it. It woke up Sakkari who played much better in the 2nd set. She was dominant on her own serve not allowing her opponent much. On return, she waited for her chance and when she finally got it it was game over for Keys.

Sakkari finished off the 2nd set with 6-3 but that momentum did not translate to the 3rd set. Keys was able to jump out to a 2-0 lead thanks to some superb play from the baseline. She had 40-15 to take a 3-0 lead but complicated that game and ultimately lost it. It would become a theme in this match, one that cost her considerably.

Sakkari battled back to 2-2 and eventually took a 4-3 lead to go ahead. She would give it back after some strong play by Keys. The American had a 40-15 lead once more but slammed the ball wide several times to give Sakkari a break point which she converted. She then finished it off with 6-4. Good effort by Keys but two games lost her the match.