Maria Sakkari eliminated from Tokyo WTA 500 tournament

Maria Sakkari has been eliminated in her opening match at the WTA 500 tournament in Tokyo. The Greek tennis player lost to Yulia Putintseva in a three-set match lasting two hours and 26 minutes, with a final score of 6-4, 3-6, 6-1.

Sakkari initially took control of the first set, leading 2-0 before Putintseva secured a 6-4 victory. Sakkari responded strongly in the second set, winning it 6-3. However, Putintseva dominated the deciding third set, winning 6-1 after an early 4-0 lead. Sakkari recorded 39 unforced errors during the match.

Putintseva, who entered the main draw through the qualifying rounds, will advance to face Elena Rybakina in the round of 16.