Tennis-Relief for Sakkari after horror Grand Slam streak snapped

Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia - January 14, 2024 Greece's Maria Sakkari reacts at her first round match against Japan's Nao Hibino REUTERS/Issei Kato

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - After first-round exits at the last three Grand Slams, Maria Sakkari said she was relieved to win her opening match at the Australian Open on Sunday, the Greek eighth seed advancing with a 6-4 6-1 victory over Japan's Nao Hibino.

Sakkari has consistently been ranked in the top 10 in recent years but failed to shine at the majors. Reaching the third round at Melbourne Park was the highlight of her Grand Slam appearances last year.