Maria Sakkari ‘very, very happy’ after winning rollercoaster match against Aryna Sabalenka at WTA Finals
Maria Sakkari claimed the final semi-final spot at the WTA Finals after winning a three-set tussle against top seed Aryna Sabalenka.
Having lost her previous four matches against the Belarusian, Sakkari finally got the better of the world No 2 as she secured a 7-6 (7-1), 6-7 (6-8), 6-3 victory in a match just 13 minutes shy of three hours.
UNBELIEVABLE🌟
🇬🇷 @mariasakkari fights her way into the semifinals after an incredible match. She defeats the world No.2 Sabalenka 7-6(1), 6-7(6), 6-3👏 #AKRONWTAFinals pic.twitter.com/byzs9mWErs
— wta (@WTA) November 16, 2021
The opening set was a mixed affair as four breaks were shared before Sakkari dominated the tie-breaker and it was a similar theme in the second set, but this time Sabalenka edged the tie-breaker.
The Greek started the third set with a break, but soon found herself behind as the top seed broke twice to lead 1-3, however Sakkari won the final five games – including three breaks – to earn the win.
Next up is Anett Kontaveit, who finished top of Group Teotihuacán, in the semi-final.
“It was a rollercoaster match from both of us,” Sakkari said.
“I was up a break, then she was up a break. It was just a matter of who took the chances. I think at the end I just played with my heart and fought well, just turned things around.”
In the other match in Group Chichén Itzá, 2020 French Open champion Iga Swiatek finished her campaign with a 7–5, 6–4 victory over Paula Badosa.
Spaniard Badosa will meet compatriot Garbine Muguruza in the other semi-final.
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