Sakkari ousted from Rome tournament by world No. 2 Rybakina

The Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome saw a disappointing exit for Greece's top tennis player, Maria Sakkari. Facing the formidable Elena Rybakina, ranked second in the world, Sakkari was defeated in straight sets, 6-4, 6-1, in a match that lasted just 75 minutes. This loss marks another chapter in Rybakina's dominance over Sakkari, with the Kazakhstani player now holding a commanding 6-1 advantage in their career meetings.

From the outset, Rybakina asserted her authority, securing an early break in the first set. While Sakkari showed resilience, managing to level the score, Rybakina quickly regained control, capitalizing on Sakkari's service inconsistencies to clinch the set. The second set proved even more challenging for the Greek star, who faced severe difficulties holding her serve, ultimately succumbing to Rybakina's aggressive play and consistent performance.

This defeat is particularly disheartening for Sakkari and her supporters, especially given the high expectations placed upon her. While Rybakina's powerful game was on full display, Sakkari's inability to maintain consistency, particularly on her serve, proved to be her undoing. As reported by Ta Nea, the focus now shifts to how Sakkari will regroup and prepare for future tournaments, with the hope that she can overcome these challenging matchups and regain her top form.