Despite the good start and conquest of the first set, Maria Sakkari lost to Chinese Chinwen Zheng (No 122 in the world) with 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4 and was eliminated from Round 1 at Nottingham Open.
The Greek tennis player managed to break into the 3rd game (at her second chance) and immediately after saving Zheng's break point and keeping her serve for 3-1.
This sequence proved decisive for the outcome of the first set, as the two players then easily kept their serve, with the Greek champion maintaining the lead and reaching 6-4.
PUTTING ON A SHOW! 🤩
Zheng is in a battle against Sakkari in Nottingham. #NottinghamOpen pic.twitter. com/aEYlQTfsUO— wta (@WTA) June 15, 2026
The second set rolled with the two opponents being very effective in serving them and not being threatened, with the sole exception of the 8th Game, where Sakkari was found back 15–40, but was able to react and eventually win it and tie it to 4–4.
In Tai-break the Chinese dominated completely, lost just one point and 7-1 sent the match to a third and decisive set.
Second set
Zheng takes the second set 7-6(1) over Sakkari and forces a third in Nottingham. #NottinghamOpen pic.twitter. com/wp7ItdojrO— wta (@WTA) June 15, 2026
There, Zheng seemed to have more powers, continued to keep her serve easily and was searching for the break. He had a first chance at 3–3, without using it, but at 9th Game he preceded 0–40.
Sakkari remained "live" and even got an advantage by earning four successive points, but she was unable to "close" the game and eventually the Chinese woman did the break and then easily finished the match on her serve.