Netflix curse strikes again as Sakkari loses at Australian Open; only 1 player left
WTA
Maria Sakkari lost already in the third round of the 2023 Australian Open, seemingly falling to the popular "Neflix curse."
The Netflix curse is probably the most fascinating term in the world of tennis these days, and the phenomenon gets even more interesting with every match played.
For those unfamiliar with what is the Netflix Curse, it focuses on players who appeared in the new Netflix series called Break Point. Paradoxically, only one out of ten players who participated in the series are still competing at the 2023 Australian Open, with no more players from the series left in the women's draw.
It all started even before the event began. Paula Badosa, Nick Kyrgios, and Ajla Tomljanovic all withdrew from the tournament, so three of the stars from the Break Point did not even appear at the event.
Then, Matteo Berrettini lost in the first round, and while the other players advanced into the second round, and some even stated that they didn't believe such a thing as a Netflix curse, all but one lost.
Taylor Fritz fell to Alexei Popyrin, Ons Jabeur was eliminated by Marketa Vondrousova, Thanasi Kokkinakis lost a grueling battle against Andy Murray, Casper Ruud was beaten by Jenson Brooksby, and also Maria Sakkari lost her match.
The sixth-seeded Greek took on Lin Zhu from China, ranked as World No. 87. After losing the first set in a tie-break, Sakkari regrouped in the second to dominantly win it 6-1.
However, she then lost a 4-3 lead in the third set, to eventually lose the match 6-7(3), 6-1, 4-6, ending her journey in Melbourne this year already in the third round.
Now, only one player from those who appeared in the Netflix series still participates in the event. Felix Auger-Aliassime defeated Francisco Cerundolo in the third round and set up a fourth-round clash with Jiri Lehecka.
