[Associated Press]
Maria Sakkari defeated Emma Raducanu 3–6, 6–3, 6–1 at RAC Arena in Perth to give Greece a 2–0 lead over Great Britain in the United Cup, sealing qualification for the quarterfinals as winners of Group 5.
The victory marked Sakkari’s first career win over Raducanu. Since their meeting in the semifinals of the 2021 US Open, the Greek had been winless against the British star, losing all four encounters without taking a set (0–4, 0–8 in sets).
Greece has now returned to the United Cup knockout stage for the first time in two years and remains unbeaten in the tournament, boasting a perfect 5–0 record.
Next, Greece will face Switzerland, led by Belinda Bencic and Stan Wawrinka, on Wednesday, with a place in the semifinals at stake.
The United Cup features 18 national teams divided into six groups of three. In each tie, teams contest three matches: one men’s singles, one women’s singles, and one mixed doubles.
