An intense showdown of skills and talent at the Miami Open 2021 . The latest milestone in an impressive 2021 campaign and a surprising turn of events as Greek born Maria Sakkari beat Naomi Osaka with full straight sets to clinch her semi-final spot in the Miami Open.

Osaka has been unbeaten since February 2020, winning the Australian Open earlier in February which took her to four grand slam titles. Osaka led 40-0 in the opening game, but Sakkari fought back and sealed her victory. In the second set Osaka placed an immense amount of pressure on Osaka, with a riveting five game succession which placed her in the top four.

She wins five consecutive points to break Osaka’s run. Sakkari’s ability to apply pressure on Osaka’s second serve won her the match.

Maria Sakkari is a Greek professional tennis player who reached her career-high singles rankings of No.20 on 24 February 2020. Her best WTA double ranking was No.169, achieved in 2019.

Tennis Stats:
US Open: 4R (2020)
Australian Open: 4R (2020)
French Open: 3R ( 2018, 2020)
Plays: Right-handed

Advancing to the semi-final is American Jessica Pegulia who will be up against Elina Svitolvia .
In the men’s draw, the Quarter Final includes World No.2 and Top Seed Daniil Medvedev they will face Seventh Seed Roberto Bautista Agut for a place in the knockout round.

Source: Fatima Said