Maria Sakkari through to German Open third round in Berlin after overcoming Alize Cornet, avenging Nottingham loss

Maria Sakkari progressed to the third round of the German Open with a 6-4 6-2 victory over Alize Cornet, gaining revenge for a surprise second-round defeat to the same opponent at Nottingham. Having lost 6-1 6-4 just a week ago, world No. 8 Sakkari made relatively light work of Cornet on this occasion to seal a place in the next round.

Ad She will next face either Victoria Azarenka or Aliaksandra Sasnovich. WTA BerlinRybakina is 'best grass player in the world' and Wimbledon favourite — Roddick3 HOURS AGO Cornet claimed the first game on her serve with a hold to 15, and Sakkari staved off three break points to level things up on her service. The Greek was finding her flow with an impressive range of shots playing largely from the baseline, and broke Cornet for the first time to move 2-1 ahead.

The aggressive and physical nature of Sakkari's play was really coming to the fore, and after holding the next game, she broke Cornet again to move 4-1 up after finishing things off with a well-executed backhand. Cornet was forced into a medical timeout before Sakkari claimed the sixth game on her serve. Alcaraz 'imitating' Murray and Federer in bid to improve on grass Rybakina is 'best grass player in the world' and Wimbledon favourite — Roddick 'I expect to get stronger' — Boulter reflects on tough turnaround after defeat to Zhu in Birmingham From 5-1 behind, Cornet reduced the deficit to 5-4 as Sakkari continued to falter with the accuracy in her return game, leaving the first set in the balance.

A topsy-turvy 10th game saw unforced errors galore and Sakkari save four break points. Sakkari’s relief was clearly evident after finally taking the set with a forehand strike. From that point onwards, Sakkari motored on and moved 2-0