Australian Open: Sakkari qualifies, hitting an around-the-net banger “like Carlos and Roger”

Maria Sakkari defeated Leolia Jeanjean 6-4, 6-2 on Sunday

Maria Sakkari (Imago/Panoramic)

Tennis Majors

January 18, 2026

Australian Open •First round • Completed

See draw

M. SakkarivsL. Jeanjean

Maria Sakkari secured her place in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open with a convincing 6-4, 6-2 victory over Frenchwoman Léolia Jeanjean.

The match was defined by a moment of pure magic that saw Sakkari bend a logic-defying forehand return around the net post, a shot the Greek star immediately hailed as a career-best. After the match, a beaming Sakkari reflected on the highlight-reel winner, stating: “I’ve been playing for 25 years. I could never imagine I can hit that kind of return. You see when Roger hits it, Carlos, and then myself. I’m like ‘Ah.’ I’m pretty sure it’s going to make probably one of the best shots of the tournament.”

Despite a slow start that saw her trail 1-4 in the opening set, Sakkari demonstrated the renewed physical and mental resilience she has cultivated following a 2024 season plagued by shoulder surgery and erratic form.

By reeling off five consecutive games to take the first set, she signaled a definitive end to her recent injury struggles and confirmed her return to the elite level.