Cincinnati Open 2020: Maria Sakkari vs Serena Williams Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Cincinnati Open 2020: Maria Sakkari vs Serena Williams Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Maria Sakkari Serena Williams 2

Maria Sakkari (left) and Serena Williams

To secure a place in the quarterfinals of the Cincinnati Open 2020, Serena Williams will have to battle it out against 13th-seeded Maria Sakkari in the Round of 16 encounter. The match promises to be an intense affair, with both women looking towards the win.

Talking about the performance of Sakkari, the Greek stunned everyone when she demolished teenage American sensation Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-3 in the first round. The Round of 32 was relatively difficult for the 25-year old Greek, though, she managed to close out the game in straight sets. The World No.21 defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-4, 7-6 to progress to pre-quarters.

On the other hand, World No.9 Serena got a first-round bye. However, in the next round the No.3 seeded American looked out of sorts and was so close of becoming a victim of a major upset. The 38-year old had to fight tooth and nail before overcoming Dutch Arantxa Rus 7-6, 3-6, 7-6 in a marathon encounter. It was her longest match since 2012!

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Maria Sakkari vs Serena Williams: Head-to-head

Maria Sakkari and Serena Williams are yet to face each other on the WTA Tour. However, they have played against each other once prior to this meeting. It was in 2018 in Hopman Cup, when the 23-time Grand Slam champion emerged victorious.

Maria Sakkari vs Serena Williams: Prediction

Serena Williams

Williams has not played the best of her tennis since returning after a long break. Her performance at Lexington Open was just satisfactory and in New York also, the local favourite has not started on a strong note. Though, Sakkari is looking in good form and this match has all the potential to go down to the wire. Merely on her vast experience, Serena might be able to pull this out but not before Sakkari gives her a tough time on the court.

Match Prediction: Serena Williams defeats Maria Sakkari in a three-setter.

Also Read: Cincinnati Open 2020: Serena Williams wins marathon match against Arantxa Rus

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