A compelling third-round clash awaits at Indian Wells as American sensation Coco Gauff faces Greece’s Maria Sakkari, a rivalry steeped in history and complicated by off-court dynamics. Their head-to-head record, with Sakkari leading 5-3, sets the stage for a tense encounter, echoing their three-set battle at last year’s Indian Wells.
The relationship between Gauff and Sakkari is a complex tapestry. While Sakkari has publicly praised Gauff and even cited her as an inspiration, a lingering tension exists. This stems from a heated exchange between Sakkari and Gauff’s close friend, Danielle Collins, during the 2023 Canadian Open.
The incident saw Collins take offense to a ball Sakkari spiked towards the stands, despite Sakkari’s immediate apology. Collins’ frustration escalated, leading to a heated exchange where she twice told Sakkari to “shut your mouth.” Despite this, Sakkari maintained that the ball hadn’t hit anyone.
Interestingly, despite that clash with Gauff’s friend, Sakkari has consistently spoken highly of Gauff. Even after defeating her at last year’s Indian Wells, Sakkari emphasized her respect for Gauff, calling her an “incredible” and “amazing” opponent. Furthermore, Sakkari credited Gauff’s post-US Open remarks about perspective for fueling her own victory at the 2023 Guadalajara WTA 1000 title. This adds a layer of intrigue to their upcoming match, leaving fans wondering how their history and the Collins incident will impact their on-court dynamic.
