By Richard Pagliaro Saturday, January 17, 2026
Image source: Australian Open Facebook
Maria Sakkari In one of the craziest shots on the first day of the Australian Open, she defied her imagination.
Chasing a big serve, Sakkari surprised her by sending a brilliant forehand return round the net post.
“I’ve never played in my life, like I’m 30 now and I’ve been playing tennis for 25 years,” Sakkari said. “I never imagined I could hit a return like that. You see it when Roger hits the ball, Carlos hits the ball, and then I hit the ball myself.
“I was like ah, you know I’m pretty sure it’s probably going to be one of the best shots of the tournament.”
Sakkari nominates himself for best score on day one – something we love to see 👌@wwos • @espn • @tntsports • @Wowowtennis • #AO26 pic.twitter.com/kb5q33PHOY
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 18, 2026
Sakari’s shot swept the French women’s football team 6-4, 6-2 Leolia Jean at Margaret Court Arena.
Sakkari will play Eighth seed Mira AndreevaJust won the Adelaide Championship or donna wacki In the second round.
