Overthrown by Niemeier, Sakkari sinks into crisis!
Maria Sakkari can't take it anymore. The Greek, ranked 9th in the world, has just suffered her 4th consecutive defeat. Her last victory came in the 3rd round of the Rome tournament in May (against Kalinina, 7-6, 6-0).
Indeed, despite being seeded number 1 at this week's Bad Homburg tournament, she failed to take advantage of the opportunity to reassure herself. Opposed to Jule Niemeier (96th and rescued from the qualifiers), she didn't shine. Despite winning the first set quickly, Sakkari quickly fell back into her old ways, showing a worrying lack of precision and nervousness.
Finally beaten in just over 2 hours of duel (2-6, 6-2, 7-6), she will arrive at Wimbledon with her confidence more than shaken.
For her part, Niemeier will be looking to continue her adventure on home soil against a certain Paula Badosa.