Coco Gauff’s Solid Return Being Put To Test Against The Sakkari Blistering Serve at Abu Dhabi
It’s been just a couple of days and we find ourselves neck deep into the new WTA season.
Things are getting pretty heated up at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Women’s Tennis Open.
A nail biting 2nd-round match awaits us as teenage sensation Cori ‘Coco’ Gauff takes Maria Sakkari on Friday.
Both players are in great form and have registered emphatic victories in their opening-round fixtures.
The teenage American was particularly impressive in her 6-0, 6-1 demolition of seasoned ITF player Ulrikke Eikeri.
The Greek top seed Sakkari on her part squashed the challenge of rising star Anastasia Potapova, with a solid 6-4, 6-2 win.
Maria Sakkari vs Coco Gauff head-to-head
Maria Sakkari had the statistical advantage over Coco Gauff 1-0 in their head-to-head record.
Maria Sakkari vs Coco Gauff prediction
On her day, Maria Sakkari is one of the strongest ground-stroke-makers on the WTA tour who can trouble the likes of Serena Williams.
It remains to be seen how Coco Gauff copes with Sakkari’s venomous groundstrokes given the sheer pace on them.
The 16-year-old Cori is well-equipped defensively, but her Greek opponent has the firepower to hit through her consistently.
To counter that offense, Gauff will need to be on top of her game at all times.
The American, generally known for her solid returns, will need to bring her A-game in that department to break the rhythm if Sakkari’s blistering serve gets into blazing mode.
All things considered it is difficult to pick a favorite for this match.
Match details
Fixture: Maria Sakkari vs Coco Gauff
Date: 8 January 2021
Tournament: Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open 2021
Round: Round of 32 (Second round)
Venue: Abu Dhabi, UAE
Category: WTA 500
Surface: Hardcourt
Prize money: $565,530
Live telecast: USA – Tennis Channel
Sources: Sportskeeda
Hashtags: #AbuDhabi #Tennis #WTA
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