Rabat Grand Prix: Greece's Maria Sakkari rallies from a set down against Johanna Konta to lift first WTA title

Greek Maria Sakkari rallied from a set and a break down to beat British number one Johanna Konta 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 and lift her first WTA title at the Rabat Grand Prix in Morocco on Saturday. [caption id=“attachment_6393361” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Maria Sakkari in action. Reuters[/caption] Konta, playing in her first WTA final since June last year, did not face a single break point as she surged ahead to claim the opening set before the unforced errors crept into her game. The world number 47 was leading 3-2 in the second set before Sakkari drew level at 4-4.

Sixth seed Sakkari reeled off the next two games to force a decider before claiming the victory with a forehand winner, guaranteeing a surge into the WTA’s top 50 when the new rankings are released on Monday.

The 23-year-old fell on her back on the red clay and went on to kiss the surface in celebration after being congratulated at the net by Konta. It was also a positive week for Konta’s French Open preparations as her four victories this week are the first time she has claimed more than two WTA main draw wins in a row on clay in her career.