Sakkariová – Sabalenková 6: 2, 6: 4, Sakkariová will play the semi-finals at the Tournament of Champions

Last year, Sakkari became the first Greek woman in history to enter the top four of the Tournament of Champions, and this year she repeated the success. At the same time, the 27-year-old tennis player qualified last at the prestigious event. She gained confidence two weeks ago when she reached the tournament final in Guadalajara, Mexico.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve beaten such a player without losing a set. It’s something new to me. But at the same time, I’m more confident and can be even better,” Sakkari said.

The Greek entered better in the match against Sabalenková and won the first set after thirty-nine minutes thanks to two breaks. Although she lost the 3: 0 lead in the second set and Belarus turned the tables with four straight games, the Athens native regained the lead and didn’t lose a single 3: 4 game. Sakkari defeated Sabalenka for the third time in her career, currently holding a 3: 4 record.

“I had the feeling that I hadn’t got anything wrong from the 3-0 score. But the opponent started winning more balls and stopped making mistakes. So I said to myself: stay calm, continue your game and the possibility will come come “Sakkariová added.

28-year-old Džábirová did not get off to a good start against Pegula. She lost the first set after twenty-six minutes and was unable to recover in the second. She only from 3-3 she won three games in a row to force a decisive set.

In it, the Tunisian decided in the eighth game, when she broke the opponent’s serve and immediately served the duel with success. In her first appearance at the Tournament of Champions, Džábirová became the fourth African woman in history to claim victory in the prestigious competition.

“Jessica played very well in the first set. She served low and strong balls. I know she likes to play like that. I had to change the pace and force her play,” said Džábirová, who lost to Sabalenkova in the opening match. “I’m usually depressed two days after a defeat, but I didn’t have much time for that here,” added the Tunisian after her 47th win of the season.

Despite the two defeats, Pegulaová remains in the game for promotion, and Sabalenková awaits him in the last game of the group. To advance, she needs to win without losing a set and rely on Džabirová’s 0-2 defeat to Sakkari.

“Am I still in the game? I don’t know myself. I take back what I said that the format doesn’t matter. When you lose four games in three days, it definitely upsets you more than when you have ten days to restart,” said Pegulaová, who is not even succeeded in the double with compatriot Cori Gauffová.

The American couple lost to the couple Desirae Krawczyková, Demi Schuursová 6: 3, 0: 6, 5:10, and before the final duel of the group with Barbora Krejčíková and Kateřina Siniaková, they have no hope of progressing.

The singles program continues today with duels in Tracy Austin’s group. World number one Iga Šwiateková from Poland will challenge France’s Caroline Garcia in a match to maintain her unbeaten streak, while Gauff will face Russia’s Darya Kasatkina.