Sakkari's Late-Night Grind: A Test of Resilience at the US Open
New York, August 31, 2025 – The electric atmosphere of the US Open often extends well past primetime, and last night was no exception. As the clock edged towards midnight, the final match on Louis Armstrong Stadium was just beginning. In a contest that was delayed for hours by an epic men's match, Maria Sakkari, the Greek star, finally took the court against Brazil's Beatriz Haddad Maia at 11:28 p.m. The late start was a testament to the unpredictable nature of Grand Slam tennis, where schedules are a guideline, and the drama unfolds at its own pace. For Sakkari, currently ranked No. 64 in the world, the match was more than just a battle for a spot in the next round; it was a chance to build on the momentum she has been slowly gathering and prove she is ready to climb back up the rankings.
The Road to New York: A Season of Highs and Lows
Sakkari’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster of emotions and results. After a difficult stretch in 2024 where she struggled with a shoulder injury and saw her ranking plummet, she has been on a determined quest to rediscover the form that saw her reach a career-high No. 3 in 2022. The beginning of 2025 saw her part ways with her long-time coach, Tom Hill, only to reunite with him in April. This reunion, she has stated, brought a new sense of balance and happiness to her game.
The signs of a resurgence were visible during the clay-court and indoor seasons. At the Mutua Madrid Open, Sakkari showed flashes of her old brilliance, advancing to the fourth round and pushing some of the top players. Her performance was a significant improvement from her early-round exits at other majors in the past year. Following Madrid, she continued to build confidence at the Linz Open, a tournament where she once again demonstrated her formidable power and fighting spirit, reaching the quarterfinals. These runs, while not titles, were crucial stepping stones, showing that her game was moving in the right direction. They were a necessary tonic after a tough stretch and helped her re-enter the top 75, setting the stage for a strong showing at the US Open.
The Late-Night Crucible
Late-night matches at the US Open are legendary, a crucible where physical and mental endurance are pushed to their limits. The atmosphere, a mix of dedicated fans and late-night revelers, is unlike any other in tennis.
The delay, a result of a four-hour men's singles match between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Zverev, added another layer of complexity. Players must find a way to stay focused and warm, managing their energy levels as they wait for their turn under the lights. Sakkari, a veteran on the tour, is well-versed in these kinds of challenges. She and her coach, Tom Hill, likely used the time to recalibrate and mentally prepare for a late-night battle, knowing that the match would be a test of willpower as much as skill.
The Match and What’s at Stake
When Sakkari and Haddad Maia finally stepped onto the court, the air was thick with anticipation. Both players were eager to get the match started and put the long wait behind them. For Sakkari, the stakes were clear. A win would not only propel her into the fourth round but also provide a significant boost to her ranking, a critical step in her mission to return to the sport's elite. Her first and second round wins at the US Open against Tatjana Maria and Anna Bondar had already marked her best performance at the tournament since 2021, a clear indication of her renewed focus and determination.
She and her coach, Tom Hill, have been diligently working on refining her game, with a particular focus on her serve and net play. These adjustments were evident in her earlier matches at the US Open, where she showed more aggression and a willingness to come forward and finish points. Sakkari's confidence was growing with each victory, and she was visibly enjoying her time on and off the court, a sentiment she has been vocal about throughout the tournament.
The Sakkari-Haddad Maia match was expected to be a hard-hitting affair, with both players looking to dictate from the baseline. Sakkari’s explosive forehand and athleticism were pitted against Haddad Maia’s powerful groundstrokes and tactical intelligence. The winner would not only advance but also carry the momentum of a hard-fought victory into the next round, a crucial advantage at this stage of a major tournament. As the match got underway, the crowd, despite the late hour, was fully engaged, a testament to the enduring appeal of high-stakes tennis in New York City. The late start was inconvenient for fans and players alike, but for those who stayed, it was a chance to witness a raw display of athletic determination and passion.
The Broader Picture: Late-Night Tennis Debate
The late start of the Sakkari-Haddad Maia match also reignited the debate about late-night scheduling at Grand Slams. The US Open, in particular, is known for its post-midnight finishes.
For players like Sakkari, managing a late-night schedule is part of the job. It requires a unique blend of physical conditioning, mental fortitude, and a disciplined approach to recovery. A win in these conditions is a significant achievement, proving not only a player's skill but also their resilience. The match against Haddad Maia, regardless of the outcome, was another step in Sakkari’s ongoing journey to return to the top of the sport. It was a test of her renewed mindset and a chance to show the world that the fighter who once reached the semifinals of a major is still very much in the game
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