Maria Sakkari of Greece rallied from a set and a break down to defeat a fatigued Serena Williams 5-7 7-6(5) 6-1 in the third round of the Western & Southern Open.
In the previous round against Arantxa Rus, the third-seeded Williams showed poor movement and low energy level but managed to squeeze past the Dutch despite being two points from defeat. In Tuesday’s third round, Williams served for the match in the second set, but when the 13th-seeded Sakkari forced the decider, Williams’ chances were diminished by tiredness and cramps.