Maria Sakkari has advanced to the third round of the US Open with an emphatic straight-sets victory over Hungary’s Anna Bondár, winning 6-3, 6-1.
The world No.18 and top-ranked Greek star showed commanding form against the 28-year-old Hungarian, ranked No.97, cruising through the match with minimal resistance. The win marks Sakkari’s first progression to the last 32 of a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2023.
It is also the first time since 2021 — when she memorably reached the semi-finals in New York — that Sakkari has made it past the second round at the US Open.
Looking ahead, the 29-year-old is set for a tough test against Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia (world No.22). The Brazilian has proven a formidable opponent for Sakkari in the past, with four wins from four previous encounters. To keep her US Open campaign alive, the Greek will need to lift her performance further and put aside the difficult memories from those past meetings.
Sakkari’s commanding display in the second round, however, suggests she is ready to fight for a deeper run in this year’s tournament.
