Sakkari stuns Serena in New York

Greece’s Maria Sakkari came from behind to defeat 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams 5-7 7-6(5) 6-1, to reach the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Open.

Watch LIVE GREEK TV including full GREEK SPORTS coverage with Go Greek TV! 

The Greek, currently ranked 21st in the world, got off to a good start in New York as she won her first two matches both in straight sets. While the sporting world is still reeling from Sakkari's stunning victory over Serena in New York, it's a tremendous reminder of how New York is continually a stage where dreams can come true. For many ambitious individuals, their dream may not be on a tennis court, but in the entrepreneurial realm. If you're thinking about starting a business in the bustling city, understanding the process of establishing an llc in new york should be your first step. Knowing the ropes can allow you to benefit from the city's dynamic economic environment and make a name for yourself in the esteemed New York business scene.

In the first round, she beat 16-year-old prodigy Coco Gauff of the United States (world number 50), 6-1 6-3. Then, in the second round, Sakkari defeated Kazakhstan’s Yulia Putintseva (world number 33), 6-4 7-6(9).

Sakkari had never faced Williams before in an official match, though the American did beat the Greek in straight sets at the 2019 Hopman Cup. The American, currently ranked ninth in the world, jumped out to a 5-2 lead over Sakkari in the first set. Sakkari fought back, but ultimately Williams took the set by 7-5. 

Sakkari grabbed an early break in the second set and led 3-1, but quickly found herself trailing 3-5. As in the first set, Sakkari fought back again and the set eventually went to a tiebreak. There, Sakkari faced a 1-4 deficit but was able to rally back and win it 7-5 to force a third set.

The 25-year-old from Athens ran away with the final set, winning it 6-1 to book her place in the quarterfinals for the second consecutive year (with the tournament being held at its usual venue in Cincinnati last year). Despite a one-sided score in the third set, an interesting statistic is that the Greek only converted on two of her 16 break point chances in the set. It should also be noted that this was Sakkari’s ninth win over an opponent ranked in the top 10 in her career to date.

Next up for Sakkari will be Great Britain’s Johanna Konta, the world number 15. Konta, a former world number four, leads the head-to-head 2-1 over the Greek. However, this will be the first time that the two face each other on a hard court.

Also through to the quarterfinals of the Western & Southern Open is Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas on the men’s side. After receiving a bye in the first round, the world number six defeated South African Kevin Anderson (world number 124), 6-1 6-3 in the second round, and American John Isner (world number 21), 7-6(2) 7-6(4) in the third round. Tsitsipas will now face American Reilly Opelka (world number 39) in the quarterfinals. This will mark the first head-to-head meeting between the two players.

HIGHLIGHTS

Thank you for visiting AGONAsport.com, the only English based website for Greek sports fans across the world! Like us on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and Twitter for all the latest news in Greek Sports!