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Match Details
Fixture: Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva
Date: May 27, 2024
Tournament: French Open 2024
Round: First Round (Round of 128)
Venue: Paris, France
Category: Grand Slam
Surface: Clay (Outdoor)
Prize Money: £53,478,000
Live Telecast: USA - NBC, Tennis Channel, Peacock | Canada - TSN, RDS | UK - Eurosport, Discovery+ | India - Sony Ten
Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva preview
Sixth seed Maria Sakkari will take on Varvara Gracheva in the first round of the 2024 French Open on Monday (May 27).
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Sakkari has made an optimistic start to the season by chalking up 19 wins from 28 matches. This includes a runner-up finish in the BNP Paribas Open and a semifinal appearance in the Charleston Open. She also reached the quarterfinals in Miami, where she lost to Elena Rybakina in a grueling three-set bout.
The Greek star will enter Paris on the back of a fourth round exit in Rome. She outfoxed the likes of Varvara Gracheva and Anhelina Kalinina en route to the last 16, but couldn't tip beat Viktoria Azarenka. The Belarusian defeated Sakkari 6-4, 6-1 in one hour and 18 minutes.
Gracheva, on the contrary, has made a mediocre start to the season winning just seven of his 20 matches, including a quarterfinal appearance at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She also reached the second round in Charleston, where she lost to Elise Mertens in three-sets.
The 23-year-old will enter Paris on the back of a short stint in Rome. She started her campaign by cruising past Federica Di Sarra in the first round, but couldn't edge past Maria Sakkari in the second. The fifth seed outmuscled Gracheva in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2.
Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva head-to-head
Sakkari leads the head-to-head against Gracheva 2-0. She defeated the Frenchwoman most recently in the 2024 Italian Open.
Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva odds
All odds are sourced by BetMGM.
Maria Sakkari vs Varvara Gracheva prediction
Both Sakkari and Gracheva will be determined to begin their campaign with a win.
Sakkari has made a better start to the season this year compared to her previous campaigns. She will feel gutted to have not clinched a title yet, but has come close on a couple of occasions. The Greek is known for her efficient all-around game and solid defensive skills on court.
Gracheva, on the contrary, is constantly improving her game at the highest level and is slowly establishing herself as a serious competitor on tour. The Frenchwoman likes to play an offensive brand of tennis and has a steady all-around game on court.
Ultimately, the player who holds their nerve during crucial moments and keeps a check on their errors will have the upper hand in this bout. Considering their record on clay and recent results on tour, Sakkari will be the clear favorite to solve this riddle and continue her run in Paris.
Pick: Sakkari to win in straight sets
