Sakkari fires up over opponent’s screams

Maria Sakkari took three sets to book her place in the third round of the Australian Open on Wednesday, but threatened to call the match referee on her opponent Diana Shnaider if she didn’t cool her celebrations.

Serving at 4-5 in the second set, the Russian came from 0-40 down to advantage and celebrated with a loud fist pump and a long “Yeah!”.

When the next point went in Shnaider’s favour, more shouting followed.

Sakkari took up the matter with the chair umpire, making it clear that she wasn’t happy and wouldn’t tolerate much more.

“If she screams one more time in my face, I’m going to call the referee,” Sakkari said.

Sakkari held serve and went on to take the second set, before taking the third and the match.

Sakkari will face the winner of the clash between Jil Teichmann and Zhu Lin in the third round.

Peter Rowe

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