Can Maria Sakkari Advance Further at the DC Open?

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Can Maria Sakkari Advance Further at the DC Open?

Synopsis

In an exciting turn of events at the DC Open, Maria Sakkari's impressive win over Emma Navarro has propelled her into the quarterfinals, while Venus Williams' doubles journey concludes. Can Sakkari continue her quest for history? Discover all the thrilling updates from Washington!

Key Takeaways

  • Maria Sakkari advances to the quarterfinals after defeating Emma Navarro.
  • Venus Williams' journey in doubles ends with a close match against Townsend and Zhang.
  • At 45, Venus continues to break records in women's tennis.
  • Elena Rybakina also moves forward in the tournament.
  • Sakkari aims to emulate past wild card champions.

Washington, July 24 (NationPress) Maria Sakkari achieved a remarkable victory, defeating Emma Navarro with scores of 7-5, 7-6 (1) to secure her spot in the quarterfinals of the DC Open. After receiving a wild card to enter the main draw, Sakkari has now emerged victorious in three of her four career encounters against the 24-year-old American.

Her next challenge will be against the winner of Thursday's showdown between Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu on Friday.

This season has proven challenging for Sakkari, as she had faced setbacks, losing 11 of her last 13 matches against seeded players in 2025. She aims to make history by following in the footsteps of Paula Badosa (2024) and Nadia Petrova (2011), both of whom clinched the title as wild card entrants. According to the WTA.

Meanwhile, in her tournament debut, No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina triumphed over teenage wild card Victoria Mboko, winning 6-3, 7-5, and advancing to the quarterfinals.

In the women's doubles event, No. 2 seeds Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai narrowly defeated wild cards Hailey Baptiste and Venus Williams to progress to the DC Open doubles quarterfinals.

After a successful doubles match on Monday and a singles win on Tuesday night, Venus faced a tough match as Townsend and Zheng emerged victorious with a score of 6-4, 3-6, (10-6) against Venus and Baptiste.

The match was thrilling in front of a packed house on John Harris Court, with the winner asserting dominance in the final moments. A lunging volley from Townsend helped them convert their second match point.

Earlier, Venus, who accepted a wild card for the main draw singles, made headlines as she became the second oldest woman ever to win a tour-level singles match at 45 years old, decisively defeating Peyton Stearns with scores of 6-3, 6-4, and advancing to a second-round match against No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech.

Venus's remarkable achievement makes her the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since 47-year-old Martina Navratilova defeated Catalina Castano at Wimbledon in 2004, more than 21 years ago.

Point of View

We view the DC Open as more than just a series of matches; it is a testament to the resilience and skill of the athletes involved. Maria Sakkari's advancement showcases her determination amidst a challenging season, while Venus Williams continues to inspire as one of the sport's enduring legends. Our commitment is to provide comprehensive coverage of these exciting moments in women's tennis.
NationPress
26/07/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the match between Sakkari and Navarro?
Maria Sakkari won the match against Emma Navarro with scores of 7-5, 7-6 (1).
What is the significance of Venus Williams' age in her recent matches?
At 45 years old, Venus Williams became the second oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, showcasing her incredible longevity and talent in the sport.
Who will Sakkari face next in the tournament?
Maria Sakkari will face the winner of the match between Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu in the quarterfinals.