Sakkari Overpowers Osaka as Greece Dominates United Cup Opener

PERTH: Team Greece has made a resounding statement at the opening of the 2026 United Cup, securing a flawless 3-0 victory over Japan on Friday night.

The highlight of the evening was a resurgent Maria Sakkari, who looked back to her clinical best as she dispatched former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka 6-4, 6-2.

After a challenging 2025 season that saw her slip outside the top 50, Sakkari’s performance in Perth signaled a potential return to the form that once saw her ranked as high as No. 3 in the world. Sakkari took control of the match early, but it was the second set that truly stunned the crowd. In a blitz that lasted just 30 minutes, the Greek star overpowered Osaka, who struggled to find her rhythm despite a strong 2025 campaign following her maternity leave.

“Playing the best players in the world straight off the bat is a privilege,” Osaka said prior to the match, acknowledging the difficulty of the United Cup draw.

Following Sakkari’s lead, Stefanos Tsitsipas secured the tie for Greece with a straight-sets victory over Shintaro Mochizuki. The win was a milestone for the Greek talisman, who recently admitted he had contemplated retirement due to chronic back issues.

“There were times I considered quitting the sport,” Tsitsipas confessed ahead of the tournament. However, his movement and serve appeared unhindered as he dismantled Mochizuki’s defense.

The duo later teamed up to put the finishing touches on the sweep, winning the mixed doubles rubber in straight sets to send Greece to the top of the group standings.