Maria Sakkari seals a dominant win over Emma Navarro effectively shushing trolls hours after her ranking drop

Maria Sakkari will regain her Top-10 position following her victory against Emma Navarro in the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai. The Greek, who dropped from the elite Top 10 rankings on Monday after 8 matches consecutive losses against Top 30 players, would climb back into her former position.

Sakkari was in the spotlight on Monday following her drop from 9th to 11th. However, with an incredible 6-2, 6-4 victory over American Emma Navarro, she would be back in 9th position after a week.

The Greek was without a win against a Top 30 player for a while and had exited in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Open and Qatar Open. Emma Navarro had won 13 matches this season and so was the favorite to win the game, but the Greek hit back at critics with a special performance.

During the on-court interview, she said that she knew it was not going to be easy, but was pleased to get a win in Dubai.

She (Navarro) has been playing very well this year. She's an amazing player. I knew it was not going to be easy coming here today. Not winning the last two matches that I played in was quite tough. But I'm actually pleased that I got my first win here in Dubai. I'm just so happy to stay another day in this city.

Maria Sakkari will face Jasmine Paolini in the last 16. Paolini has an excellent 6-3, 6-4 victory over Canadian Leylah Fernandez. This is the first time Sakkari has reached the Dubai Duty-Free Tennis Championship Round of 16. On the last two occasions, she exited in the second round.

Maria Sakkari announces split with longtime coach

Sakkari recently announced a professional split with her longtime coach Tom Hill. The duo disclosed their end of the six-year working relationship on Instagram.

During the six years together, the Greek reached a career-high ranking of No.3. Sakkari also reached two major tournament semifinals and won two WTA titles during this period.

Tom, thank you for all the emotions, the support on and off the court, and the belief you had in me since day one. We grew together, and you helped me realize that everything is possible. Not only did you make me a better tennis player, but you also made me a better person. Thank you for always wanting the best for me and for always having my back! Good luck on the next chapter in your career.

Sakkari wrote on Instagram

In 2024, Sakkari exited in the second round of the Australian Open and was on a three-match losing streak, following poor outings at Abu Dhabi and Doha.

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