Sakkari wins Indian Wells 2nd semi

Semi final day in Indian Wells.

2024 BNP Paribas Open, a WTA 1000 tournament, on Hard Outdoor, Indian Wells, California, USA, 6-17 March 2024

Defending champion:

Elena Rybakina (10) who defeated Aryna Sabalenka (2) 7-6(11) 6-4

Semi final 2:

CoCo Gauff (3) v Maria Sakkari (9)

Sakkari won four of the seven previous matches between the players.

Gauff won the two most recent:

Washington D.C. final August 2023

Beijing quarter final October 2023

Gauff served first and apart from a double fault held easily.

A,love game from Sakkari, highlighted by a backhand winner, and 1-1.

Down 0-30:through unforced errors, Gauff served her way out of trouble.

2-1.

Another easy hold for Sakkari, and another great backhand winner, 2-2.

An ace from Gauff began what would be a love game and she led 3-2.

Sakkari levelled at 3-3, then Gauff was first to be taken to deuce.

It was a brief stay before holding serve.

4-3 then a rain delay,

When returning from the rain, Sakkari once again levelled to be 4-4.

Serving at 4-4, Gauff found herself down 0-40 and facing the first break points of the match.

These three break points were saved, along with another, and Gauff failed to convert a game point.

Sakkari converted a fifth break point to lead 5-4.

Despite only landing one first serve, Sakkari managed to serve out the set 6-4,

Rain again with Gauff serving at 15-15 in set two.

Almost two hours later, Gauff resumed, and held for 1-0.

Sakkari held and then broke the Gauff serve to lead 2-1.

Sakkari saved two break points before consolidating at 3-1

4-2 after a love game beginning with a forehand winner and ending with a backhand winner.

Two unforced errors and two double faults from Gauff and she was broken for a second time in the set.

Sakkari led 5-2.

Serving for the match, Sakkari was broken and the lead reduced to 5-3.

Serving for the match for a second time at 5-4, Sakkari was down 15-40 and facing two break points.

These were saved, and then Gauff saved three match points.

Another break point arrived and Sakkari was unable to save this one.

Gauff had levelled at 5-5.

A love game on serve amazingly put Gauff ahead 6-5.

Serving now to stay in the set, on her third game point Sakkari held serve forcing a tie break.

Gauff won the tie break and the set 7-6(5).

The pair exchanged service breaks in the opening two games of the decider.

Sakkari saved two break points in the third game and converted her third game point to lead 2-1.

Sakkari broke Gauff in the fourth game and led 3-1.

She then saved a break point before holding for 4-1.

Gauff served at 1-4 and Sakkari with two fabulous backhands reached break point.

Gauff saved it and won the game.

Sakkari was taken to deuce twice in game seven but the serve was held ultimately with a stunning backhand.

5-2.

Serving to stay in the match, Gauff hit a backhand winner for 15-15.

Her next backhand was netted. 15-30.

A sensational forehand winner from Sakkari gave her two match points.

Gauff sent a forehand long and the match was over.

Maria Sakkari won 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2.

Second Indian Wells final for Sakkari, where she will meet the same opponent she had in the 2022 IW final.

Final will between:

Iga Swiatek (1) (Poland) v Maria Sakkari (9) (Greece)