A first-round match at the WTA 250 Athens Open between Sapfo Sakellaridi and Miriana Tona has sparked online backlash over its level of play. Fans described the contest as resembling lower-tier events rather than main-tour tennis.
The match featured a 21-shot defensive rally filled with moon balls on a hard court. Sakellaridi, a Greek wildcard ranked outside the top 400, saved a set point before Tona’s forehand slice went long.
Tona, an Italian lucky loser ranked outside the top 300, won the opening set and ultimately prevailed in three sets. Both players have stronger records in doubles than singles.
Viewers on social media compared the encounter to W50-level tennis and noted the combined 32 break points created during the match. One fan remarked that the players appeared to be “doing nothing in this rally.”
Tona will next face top seed Clara Tauson in the second round.
