Former World No. 3 Maria Sakkari Suffers Shocking Straight-Sets Rout at Guadalajara Open

Maria Sakkari Suffers Heavy Defeat at Guadalajara Open 2025

Former world number three Maria Sakkari experienced a tough return to the Guadalajara Open 2025, suffering her heaviest defeat since 2023 in a match against Elsa Jacquemot. This setback comes shortly after the conclusion of the US Open.

While top players like Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka, the US Open champions, are likely taking a break, others are seeking to gain valuable ranking points as the 2025 season progresses.

Sakkari, aiming to climb back up the WTA rankings after a dip earlier in the year, was hoping to capitalize on this opportunity. She had reunited with her former coach Tom Hill and shown improved results, including reaching the third round of the US Open, which helped her rise to world number 55.

Photo by Simon Barber/Getty Images

Sakkari's Disappointing Return to Guadalajara

However, Sakkari's return to Guadalajara, a tournament she won in 2023 when it was a WTA 1000 level event, proved to be disheartening. She was defeated 6-2, 6-0 by world number 83 Elsa Jacquemot in just over an hour. This was only the 10th main tour match win for the 22-year-old Jacquemot.

The last time Sakkari suffered such a decisive loss was at the 2023 WTA Finals against Aryna Sabalenka. This defeat in Guadalajara marks a significant setback for Sakkari's aspirations to further improve her ranking.

Looking Ahead: Sakkari's Next Steps

Despite the disappointing result, Sakkari has reason to remain optimistic. Due to a shoulder injury that forced her to end her season early last year, she has no ranking points to defend until 2026. This provides her with the freedom to play without the pressure of protecting previous results.

While the loss will not significantly impact her ranking, Sakkari will now focus on the China Open in Beijing, which begins on Wednesday, September 24, to seek redemption and continue her climb up the WTA rankings.

Elise Mertens vs. Elsa Jacquemot: WTA Guadalajara Open 2025 Preview

Top seed Elise Mertens is set to face Elsa Jacquemot in the Round of 16 at the WTA Guadalajara Open 2025. Mertens, ranked No. 22, received a bye in Round-1, while Jacquemot is coming off a dominant victory over Maria Sakkari.

Jul 6, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Elise Mertens of Belgium reacts to a point during her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day seven at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Mertens' Season So Far

Elise Mertens has secured two singles titles in 2025, at the Singapore Tennis Open and the Libema Open. She also reached the final in Hobart and the quarterfinals in Stuttgart and Monterrey. Mertens boasts a 67% winning ratio this year, including a 74% service games won percentage.

NO WAY @elise_mertens WON THIS MATCH

11 MATCH POINTS SAVED🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/4p6hj4LbrP
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) June 14, 2025

Jacquemot's Rising Star

Elsa Jacquemot, despite not having won a title on tour, has achieved career-best performances at three of the four Grand Slams in 2025. She reached the final of the WTA-125 event in Contrexeville and the Round of 32 at Roland Garros. Her victory over Maria Sakkari demonstrates her potential.

Dream debut in Guadalajara 💫

Elsa Jacquemot knocks out Sakkari 6-2, 6-0 to move into round two.#GDLOpenAKRONxSantander pic.twitter.com/MEiG9mO7AI
— wta (@WTA) September 9, 2025

The head-to-head record between Mertens and Jacquemot is 0-0, marking their first encounter on the WTA Tour.

Career Comparison

Category	Elise Mertens	Elsa Jacquemot
Current Ranking	22	83
Career W-L Record	476-279	198-168
YTD W-L Record	34-17	44-27
Career Titles	10	0
YTD Titles	2	0
Grand Slams	0	0

Prediction and Betting Odds

Mertens is favored to win the match, leveraging her experience on hard courts. Jacquemot will need to disrupt Mertens' rhythm and prevent her from dictating the rallies. However, Mertens' strong serve gives her an edge.

Prediction: Elise Mertens in straight sets.

According to BetMGM, Mertens has a 78% chance of winning.