MARIA SAKKARI is set to face Emma Raducanu on Friday in a repeat of their 2021 US Open semi-final.
Sakkari, 28, went in as the favourite on that occasion, but was blown away by Raducanu on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This time around, the Greek star is keen to play the role of underdog, having quietly negotiated the first two rounds – beating McCartney Kessler and Arantxa Rus over on Court 12.
While her matches have been low key, Sakkari will be delighted with her progress – having previously won just once in her last five Grand Slams.
The ninth seed has not received big court assignment so far at this year’s Championships.
But fans that have sought her matches out have loved her performances, and her Adidas attire.
Last year, Sakkari wore a “bra outfit” as she was beaten by Marta Kostyuk in round one.
On this occasion she has gone for a more conventional dress, which has received great reviews online.
Posting about it on social media, one fan wrote: “I actually like Sakkari’s kit, Adidas did a nice job.”
While a second commented: “Maria Sakkari has a fun kit, very her.”
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A third gushed: “Sakkari looks very lovely in her outfit! Well done, Adidas!”
And another added: “I’m obsessed with Sakkari outfit.”
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Next up, Sakkari is set to take centre stage, as she battles Raducanu.
On the prospect, she said: “I’ve never played on Centre, so it’s going to be amazing.
“I’ve played in big courts. I played on Arthur Ashe. I played in Indian Wells, which is the second biggest court.
“Obviously, here it’s different because of the Royal Box and everything and the people that come to watch you.
“I don’t feel like it’s something new for me. I’ve been a top-10 player for the last three years or even more, so I’ve played in big courts.
“It’s not like I’m just coming into this and it’s my first time.”
PRIZE MONEY for the 2024 Wimbledon Championships is a new record – and puts the grass-court Slam at the top of the tree.
The All England Club will dish out £50million across all the events – an increase of £5.3m and 11.9 per cent on last year, where singles champions Carlos Alcaraz and Marketa Vondrousova picked up £2.35m each.
However, the king and queen of grass this July will collect an extra £350,000 – taking the winner’s earnings to £2.7m.
Here is the breakdown for the 2024 Wimbledon singles prize money:
