After taking out Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk in the first round of the US Open, 6-4, 6-3 on Wednesday, Maria Sakkari made her way to the Grandstand to take on Katerina Siniakova.
The pair’s rivalry dates back to 2017.
The tennis stars have completed a Grand Slam full set, which started in Wimbledon four years ago. This time, Sakkari was able to even the score at 2-2 after taking out the Czech, 6-4, 6-2 in the second round.
This was the Greek 17th seed’s fourth encounter with Siniakova. The last two matches did not see Sakkari come out as the victor, losing to the Czech in haphazard sets including the first round of the 2018 Australian Open and second round of Roland Garros 2019.
Sakkari will face 10th seeded Petra Kvitová, also from the Czech Republic on Saturday.
SAKKARI SUPPORTS TSITSIPAS IN HIS SWEATY DEBACLE
It was almost inevitable that the 26-year-old would be asked what she thinks about her close friend Stefanos Tsitsipas’ lengthy breaks at this year’s US Open.
After qualifying for the second round, Sakkari was asked by media her thoughts on Andy Murray’s accusations.
“I know Stefanos very well and I know that he sweats a lot. I played with him in Tokyo and he was sweating a lot. I know he needs to go change and that’s why he goes to the toilet. It is not possible to change his shorts and underwear on the court,”
Sakkari responded.
“It may take him longer than other players, but I do not think he deliberately goes to the locker room and sits there doing nothing just to irritate his opponent or cut the pace. It takes him a lot of time because he has to change a lot of things … I don’t think he does it on purpose.”