Sakkari – Vekic 0-2: Average performance and disqualification

Maria Sakkari’s presence in San Diego proved short-lived as the Greek champion (world No. 7) lost 2-0 sets (6-7, 1-6) to Donna Vekic. In a strange game with several breaks, Sakkari didn’t avoid mistakes and paid for it with a loss.

The match

Vekic came into the match strong and broke Sakkari’s serve, but Maria reacted immediately and made it 2-2. The two gymnasts had no opportunity to hold their serve.

After the fifth game (Sakkari led 3-2), Sakkari and Vekic each had two breaks in the next four service games (5-4). Balance was then restored as the two tennis players went into a tiebreak in which Vekic prevailed 7-3 to win the set.

In the second set, Vekic continued in the same pattern. She held at love in the first game and broke Maria’s first serve (2-0). The same happened in Sakkari’s second service game in the set as Vekic made it 4-0, capitalizing on Maria’s double fault at the crucial point.

Sakkari, who played a poor second set, was only able to win the sixth game and reduce to 5-1. Sakkari fought for a break in the seventh game but to no avail, Vekic won 6-1.