Sakkari, Tsitsipas Lead Greece to Victory Over Japan at United Cup

Maria Sakkari led Greece to a strong start at the 2026 United Cup in Perth, securing a straight-sets victory over Naomi Osaka. This marked her first match against the four-time Grand Slam champion in almost five years. Sakkari’s win helped Greece take an early lead in their Group E matchup against Japan and Great Britain.

Match Overview

In a decisive performance, Sakkari won against Osaka with a score of 6-4, 6-2, taking just 1 hour and 38 minutes. She noted the mental preparedness as key to her success, stating, “I really forced myself not to think like that. I think that was the key.” Sakkari’s tactical play was evident as she quickly gained a 2-0 advantage in the first set.

• First Set: Sakkari established momentum with an early break.
• Second Set: She maintained control, breaking Osaka again to lead 3-1.
• Match Duration: 1 hour and 38 minutes.

Players’ Reflections

Osaka acknowledged her recovery from an aggressive cold, expressing the need to be more aggressive with her returns. She highlighted her learning curve, saying, “I’m learning not to be afraid of mistakes.”

Shortly after Sakkari’s match, Stefanos Tsitsipas took to the court, defeating Shintaro Mochizuki 6-3, 6-4. Tsitsipas expressed gratitude for his performance after overcoming a back injury that sidelined him for several months. He stated, “It’s been a rough few months for me.”

Tsitsipas’ Comeback

This match marked Tsitsipas’s return to competitive tennis since September. After a challenging previous season, he regained his form against Mochizuki, the World No. 99. Tsitsipas, currently ranked No. 36, aims to reclaim his place as a top contender in major tournaments.

• Previous Rankings: Dropped outside the Top 20 for the first time since August 2018.
• Career Goals: Aims to return to a major final in 2026.

Mixed-Doubles Victory

To cap off a successful day for Greece, Sakkari and Tsitsipas competed in mixed doubles against Nao Hibino and Yasutaka Uchiyama. The duo won the match comfortably with a score of 6-2, 6-3, securing a comprehensive 3-0 sweep for Greece in the tie.

With this performance, Greece showcased their strength in the United Cup, setting a positive tone for the matches ahead.