US Open 2023: Rebeka Masarova knocks out Maria Sakkari
Spain's Rebeka Masarova stunned eighth seed Maria Sakkari in the first round of the 2023 US Open on August 28. The former claimed a 6-4, 6-4 win to produce the first major upset at this year's hard-court Grand Slam. While Masarova secured her second win at the US Open, Sakkari continues to struggle across majors. Here are the key stats.
Key stats from the match
Masarova won a total of 67 points and 22 winners in the match. She struck more aces (4) than Sakkari (3). The former had a win percentage of 67 and 63 in the first and second serves, respectively. She converted each of her three break points. Notably, Masarova (21) had more unforced errors than Sakkari (18). Sakkari registered the match's only double fault.
Sakkari has lost her last four major matches
Sakkari has been in a downward spiral of late. The Greek star had a first-round exit at the French Open, Wimbledon, and now the US Open. She has lost her last four matches at Grand Slams. Sakkari's last major win came at the 2023 Australian Open when she reached the third round. However, she was knocked out by Zhu Lin.
Will Masarova go past the second round?
On the other hand, Masarova has reached the second round at Grand Slams for the third time (also at 2023 Wimbledon and 2021 US Open). However, she is yet to go past this round.
A look at other notable stats
Masarova, the world number 71, was 0-4 against the Top 10 players, coming into the US Open. She has broken the deadlock with a one-sided win against Sakkari, the two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist. It is worth noting that Masarova was 4-1 behind in the first against Sakkari. However, the Spanish player reeled off the next five games to take the lead.
