Miami Open: Naomi Osaka loses to Maria Sakkari in quarter-finalson March 31, 2021 at 6:41 pm

- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Naomi Osaka’s 23-match winning streak comes to an end as Greek 23rd seed Maria Sakkari produced an inspired display to reach the Miami Open semi-finals.

Maria Sakkari celebrates winning at the Miami Open

Japan’s Osaka was stunned by the Greek 23rd seed’s aggressive start, making 12 unforced errors and not landing one winner in a 21-minute opening set.

Osaka, 23, hid under a towel as she tried to compose herself and fought back to lead 3-0 in the second set.

But Sakkari, from 4-1 down, broke twice to win five games in a row for victory.

Sakkari, 25, celebrated with a loud roar as she earned the biggest win of her career, triumphantly hugging her team after beating a player ranked in the world’s top three for the first time.

The world number 25 will play either Canadian eighth seed Bianca Andreescu or unseeded Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo in the last four.

“I’m so excited, I’m super happy. I have no words,” said Sakkari, who set up the meeting with Osaka after fighting off six match points against American Jessica Pegula in the last 16.

“Winning a match like that, where I faced six match points, helped me a lot today. I have made a lot of comebacks and that is probably my trademark.”

Osaka’s defeat means she will not be able to regain the world number one ranking from Australia’s Ashleigh Barty, who faces Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina in the other semi-final.

Around the BBC - SoundsAround the BBC footer - Sounds

- Advertisement -

Discover

Sponsor

Latest

Covid-19: Care home visitors and ambulance delay ‘victims’on February 20, 2021 at 7:22 am

Five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this Saturday.Here are five things you need to know about the coronavirus pandemic this...

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey has been the talk of the town. Her influence in the world is felt, not only by those who use her as...

Morocco earthquake: Baby starts life in tent as quake victims await aidon September 11, 2023 at 3:53 am

There is growing anger at the little help reaching towns and villages in the Atlas Mountains.There is growing anger at the little help reaching...

Royals didn’t understand need to protect Meghan, says Harryon December 8, 2022 at 12:43 pm

The first three episodes of the Netflix series cover racism, press intrusion and life in the Royal Family.Image source, NetflixBy Francesca GillettBBC NewsThe Duke...

Venezuelans on spiritual mountain retreat reported missingon September 7, 2022 at 10:43 am

A group on a spiritual retreat in the Andes has not been heard from for more than two weeks.Image source, Getty ImagesEmergency workers are...