Russia’s Ekaterina Makarova pulled off the biggest upset so far of the US Open 2013 tournament, eliminating world number four and third seed Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland to earn her place in the quarterfinals.
Radwanska had a 3-0 head to head series lead over Makarova but the Russian was determined not to let her opponent’s winning streak against her continue with a resounding 6-4, 6-4 victory.
Trailing 0-4 in the first set, Makarova went on to win eight consecutive games to seal the lead at 6-4, 2-0 before Radwanska staged a mini-comeback of her own but Makarova went on to serve for the match and at love.
“I started well, but I think she was just nervous in the beginning and started to play better and better,” Radwanska said. “She was hitting the ball very well, and I didn’t do anything to win that first set.”
Makarova is no longer new when it comes to upsetting the world’s top five players. In fact, this is her fifth top five win and her notable victories against the upper echelons of women’s tennis include Victoria Azarenka in Madrid earlier this year, Sara Errani at the New Haven Open and Angelique Kerber at the Australian Open. Makarova also posted wins against Serena Williams in the past.
Makarova will next face Li Na of China in the quarterfinals. Li Na has a 3-0 head to head record against Makarova, the same record Radwanska had prior to their encounter. Can Makarova stage another upset?
