The final Grand Slam of the season has only just got underway and already a shock defeat has happened, as Maria Sakkari fell in straight sets.
Maria Sakkari shock exit
The Greek went into the tournament as the eighth seed, so was expected to at least make the second week. Although her form has not been the best coming into the Slam, Sakkari would have been favorite to beat Rebeka Masarova. The Spaniard didn’t even make the main draw in Cincinnati but made the quarterfinal in Chicago Challenger. Sakkari was runner-up at the Citi Open and then lost early in the next two events played.
Although seeded the Greek hasn’t had a very good year. Consistently entering WTA main tour events, but not progressing far. Hard courts do appear to generally OK for the Greek, and better than clay or grass. However, Masarova is equally at home at on all surfaces.
Sakkari and Masarova have already met this year, back in April at the Madrid Open. The Spaniard got the first set, before the Greek took the next two to move into the fourth round. Masarova today, obviously remembered that and used what she knew from that match.
Revenge in America
A different surface, but the same opponent. Masarova stunned the eighth seed in straight sets on one of the biggest stages. The Spaniard only needed one break of serve overall in each set to dump out Sakkari and equal her best performance to date at Flushing Meadows.
With this win, the Spaniard now has the task of following this up. Sometimes this doesn’t happen. Masarova will face a non seeded player next, so there is at least a chance for her to move further than ever before at the US Open. What an opportunity for the Spaniard and if this half of the draw opens up more? well who knows.
As for Maria Sakkari, this defeat will hurt and she will drop points from last year. The Greek made the second round last year, but has been dumped out in the first round this time. Since making two grand slam semi finals in 2021, Sakkari has really struggled to replicate these on the big stages. Sakkari needs to look long and hard at what is happening with her game, something needs to change.
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
