SportsSakkari Defeats Defending Champion Badosa To Reach Indian Wells Final

Sakkari Defeats Defending Champion Badosa To Reach Indian Wells Final

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March 19, (THEWILL) – Maria Sakkari has advanced to the Indian Wells final, after defeating defending champion Paula Badosa.

The emotional and physical strain of defeating the Spaniard 6-2 4-6 6-1 was clear when the world No. 6 broke down in tears. Sakkari dominated Badosa in the first set, winning it in 37 minutes after hitting 11 winners and won 75% of her second serve return points.

In the second set, however, Badosa’s serving improved, with more power and precision, and she was able to create a 4-2 lead before winning her service game to force a deciding set.

Glo

Sakkari got off to a quick start in the third, breaking for a 2-0 advantage. Even though Badosa grabbed a break back, the reigning champion was unable to cope with the Greek’s tenacity from the baseline, and she won the match in one hour and 48 minutes.

Sakkari will face Iga Swiatek in the final on Sunday after Swiatek defeated Simona Halep in straight sets in the other semi-final.

Sakkari has a 3-1 head-to-head record against Swiatek, but the Pole, who beat Sakkari 6-4 6-3 en route to the Doha title three weeks ago, is expecting a tough challenge. The victor of the final on Sunday will be ranked number two in the world.

“I was very concerned before the match because Paula is playing very different compared to all the other girls,” Sakkari said in her post-match remarks.

“She has a very heavy game, and she obviously loves this tournament because she won this tournament six months ago, but I just had full faith and I believed in myself every single moment.”

Of her next opponent, she said: “She’s not the Iga that was a year ago. She has been playing very, very aggressive and I was actually very surprised with that change when I played her in Doha.

“I really respect her and I really like her because she’s a lovely girl and she’s very nice, and whatever she has achieved she really deserves it. But on the other hand, I just have full faith and a lot of confidence in my game and in myself right now.”

About the Author

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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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