Maria Sakkari produced an emphatic performance to open her US Open campaign, defeating Germany’s Tatjana Maria (world No. 42) 6-3, 6-2 in just 85 minutes.
The 30-year-old, ranked No. 64, showcased confidence and composure – qualities that have eluded her in recent Slam debuts – to secure her first victory at Flushing Meadows since 2022.
Sakkari struck 37 winners and impressed at the net, winning 16 of 19 points when moving forward. Despite losing her serve in the opening game, she quickly recovered with two breaks to go 3-1 ahead and comfortably closed out the first set.
In the second, she raced to a 4-1 lead, briefly allowed Maria back into the contest, but responded with another break before sealing the match on serve.
Her victory sets up a clash in the round of 64 against either Anna Bondar or Elina Svitolina. Even if she faces the higher-ranked Ukrainian next, Sakkari’s form suggests she could be a serious contender in New York.
Meanwhile, fellow Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas begins his US Open campaign tonight (26 August) against Frenchman Alexandre Muller.
