The world number 33 reeled off four straight games to take the first set, then dropped just one game in the second against the world number 177. Both players were making their first appearance in Singapore. It was their second career meeting after Sakkari won their first 6-4, 6-2 in the second round in Beijing in 2023.
Sakkari thanked the crowd for staying late and said he wanted to make the most of his week in town.
“I really want to study, I really want to play as many matches as possible in front of you guys,” he said on the court. “You’re a very rowdy crowd, and thanks for sticking with me. I know the kids are still in school here, so I’m so thankful you brought your kids today. It’s a special place to play. It’s an amazing country, so I’m very, very pleased and very honored to play here.”
The Greek was pleased with how he turned his form into a result.
“You can play well in practice, but, you know, matches are different situations,” he said. “So I’m very happy with how I played and how I executed my game. So no complaints from today.”
Fruhvirtova, playing in only the fourth WTA 500 main draw of her career, is still waiting to reach the top 16 for the first time at that level.
Next up, Sakkari will face Japan’s Nao Hibino, and he has a fight ahead of him. “Every match is difficult. You have to be careful and play your best game to beat those players,” he said. “Because, regardless of their ranking, everyone will play well today. It’s going to be a tough match and I’m ready for another battle.”