US Open 2021 - Day Eleven Women’s Singles semi finals
US Open - a Grand Slam tournament, on Hard, in New York City, New York, USA, 30 August - 12 September 2021.
Defending champion:
Naomi Osaka (4) who defeated Victoria Azarenka 1-6 6-3 6-3
Semi final 2:
Qualifier Emma Raducanu (Great Britain) v Maria Sakkari (17) (Greece)
This was the first meeting between the pair, and also the first semi final at a Grand Slam tournament for Raducanu.
Sakkari would be appearing in a second major semi final, following her performance at Roland Garros earlier this year.
Coming into this match Sakkari had one WTA title to her credit, Morocco in May 2019.
Raducanu had one WTA 125 series title, Chicago last month, in addition to 3 ITF circuit titles.
Raducanu served first and was attacked by a series of powerful Sakkari ground strokes. An ace wasn’t enough to prevent two break points arriving. One was saved, and the second also, with a cross court backhand winner. Serve was held after a third break point saved.
Sakkari also had a scratchy start, and couldn’t save break points. Raducanu led 2-0.
A forehand winner from Sakkari put Raducanu down 0-30. 0-40 after an unforced error. All three break points were saved, plus another, and it was 3-0.
For the fourth game in a row, break points were available, and Raducanu converted the second, to take a 4-0 advantage.
Raducanu continued to capitalise on Sakkari mistakes, held serve comfortably and 5-0 was the bewildering scoreline.
A backhand winner from Raducanu received an ace and forehand winner in reply. Sakkari finally won a game, but Raducanu would serve for the set.
The qualifier served it out efficiently 6-1.
Sakkari served first in set two, and it was better than the opening set, a love game.
But at 1-1, the 17th seed faltered, and Raducanu broke for 2-1. Straightforward service hold and Raducanu was strolling her way to victory.
Two more break points on the Sakkari serve - both saved with confidence. An ace helped Sakkari to game point, and she held for 2-3.
A love game from Raducanu and she led 4-2.
Errors from Sakkari and 0-40. One break point saved. An ace saved another. A terrific rally, finished with a Sakkari put away, saved a third break point.
A fourth break chance emerged, and Sakkari saved it with a winner at the net. Break point #5 disappeared with a Greek backhand winner. Sakkari held serve, a fighting effort. 3-4 and still a chance.
Raducanu held and was a game away from the final. Sakkari held and forced Raducanu to serve for the match at 5-4.
A forehand winner took Raducanu to 30-15. Two match points after a Sakkari backhand error. A put away at the net and Raducanu won the match 6-1 6-4.
An 18 year old qualifier into the final. Incredible.
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