US Open Shocker: Sakkari Out After One Set
The US Open has suffered a major upset on its opening day, with ninth seed Maria Sakkari forced to withdraw from her first-round match against China's Wang Yafan.
The Greek star, who reached the semi-finals of both the US Open and French Open in 2021, retired after just one set, dropping it 6-2. Sakkari was visibly struggling with an apparent injury, receiving treatment on her neck and shoulder during a medical timeout.
This early exit marks a disappointing continuation of a recent trend for Sakkari. She has struggled in Grand Slams since her 2021 successes, suffering five first-round defeats in the process. Since reaching the fourth round at the 2022 Australian Open, she had failed to progress beyond the third round in her last eleven Grand Slam appearances.
Adding to her recent woes, Sakkari represented Greece at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where she was knocked out in the Round of 16 by Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk.
This early exit will undoubtedly be a blow to Sakkari's confidence and hopes for the tournament. It also creates an opportunity for Wang Yafan, who advances to the second round and will be hoping to capitalize on this unexpected opening.
