NEW DELHI: world number two Aryna Sabalenka defeated Greece Maria Sakkari 6-2 6-3 to set up a possible Indian Wells Final against world number one Iga Swiatek. Swiatek will face Elena Rybakina in Friday’s other semifinal.
The Australian Open champion wasn’t at her best but kept her cool even when her old nemesis – the double fault – reared her ugly head on a sunny day in the Southern California desert .
“In the past, I’ve lost so many matches like this after some not-so-smart mistakes,” Sabalenka said.
“I was reminding myself that it’s okay to make mistakes. I’m not a robot, I’m human. I can miss those shots, and that’s probably why I was able to keep fighting and trying. “
After the start of the match was delayed over 30 minutes to resolve an audio issue with the electronic line-calling system, Sabalenka scored an ace to start the match.
She broke Sakkari for the third time on an errant forehand from Sakkari to capture the first set, but the Belarusian’s frustration began to mount in the second when two double faults gave Sakkari a glimpse of break points at 2 -2.
Sabalenka regrouped to hold 3-2 and broke Sakkari in a long two-man game for a 4-2 advantage she wouldn’t give up, leaping on a short serve return on match point and burying the ball with a emphatic reverse.
First time indian goods Runner-up Sabalenka will next face defending champion Swiatek or Wimbledon champion Rybakina for the title on Sunday.
(With contributions from Reuters)
The Australian Open champion wasn’t at her best but kept her cool even when her old nemesis – the double fault – reared her ugly head on a sunny day in the Southern California desert .
“In the past, I’ve lost so many matches like this after some not-so-smart mistakes,” Sabalenka said.
“I was reminding myself that it’s okay to make mistakes. I’m not a robot, I’m human. I can miss those shots, and that’s probably why I was able to keep fighting and trying. “
After the start of the match was delayed over 30 minutes to resolve an audio issue with the electronic line-calling system, Sabalenka scored an ace to start the match.
She broke Sakkari for the third time on an errant forehand from Sakkari to capture the first set, but the Belarusian’s frustration began to mount in the second when two double faults gave Sakkari a glimpse of break points at 2 -2.
Sabalenka regrouped to hold 3-2 and broke Sakkari in a long two-man game for a 4-2 advantage she wouldn’t give up, leaping on a short serve return on match point and burying the ball with a emphatic reverse.
First time indian goods Runner-up Sabalenka will next face defending champion Swiatek or Wimbledon champion Rybakina for the title on Sunday.
(With contributions from Reuters)
