However, what truly stole the spotlight was not just her victory or her comeback from 0–3 in the first set, but an extraordinary shot she produced in the second set to win one of the most spectacular points of the tournament.

With the score at 4–2 in her favor, Sakkari not only responded brilliantly to her opponent’s serve but also managed to thread the ball past the net at the last possible moment, just before it bounced, sealing an incredible point.

“This is your cue to pick your jaw off the floor after THAT stunning Sakkari return,” wrote the Australian Open’s official account on X, sharing the video of the moment.

After the match, the Greek tennis star was still in disbelief:
“I’ve never hit a shot like this in my life. I’m 30 years old, I’ve been playing tennis for 25 years, and I never imagined I could do something like that. You’ve seen it from Roger (Federer) and Carlos (Alcaraz), and now from me. I think this could be a contender for the point of the tournament,” Sakkari said, with the interviewer agreeing: “I think so too.”

In the second round, Sakkari will face the winner of the match between Mirra Andreeva and Donna Vekić, fighting for a place in the third round.

She Found Her Rhythm and Won the Set with Five Straight Games

The first set started ideally for Leolia Jeanjean. The French player held serve to open the match (1–0) and then broke Sakkari to take a 2–0 lead. Sakkari had a chance to break back in the following game but failed to convert, allowing Jeanjean to extend her lead to 3–0.

Sakkari held her serve in the fourth game (3–1), but Jeanjean responded with another hold (4–1). From that point on, the Greek player, ranked No. 52 in the world, raised her level significantly. Winning five consecutive games, Sakkari completely turned the set around, closing it 6–4 to take the lead in the match.

Another Streak Secured the Win

In the second set, both players initially held their serves comfortably. Jeanjean served first, followed by Sakkari, with each holding twice. Then the Greek player struck again.

With a break in the fifth game, the 30-year-old took control of the set and consolidated her advantage with a comfortable hold (4–2). The same pattern followed once more, allowing Sakkari to clinch the set 6–2 and seal the victory, earning her place in the second round of the Australian Open.