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Sakkari Downs Ailing Osaka at United Cup as Tsitsipas Seals Greece's Tie

The four-time major winner said an illness since Christmas left her below par, with recovery her focus before the Australian Open.

Overview

  • Maria Sakkari beat Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2 in Perth to give Greece a 1-0 lead over Japan.
  • Osaka was seen coughing during the match and opened with serving troubles, including three double faults and three failed tosses.
  • She said she has been sick since the holiday period and described herself as not operating at her preferred level.
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas followed with a 6-3, 6-4 win over Shintaro Mochizuki to secure the tie for Greece.
  • Ties at the United Cup feature one men’s singles, one women’s singles, and a mixed doubles, with group winners and the best runner-up reaching the quarter-finals.