Maria Sakkari has set up a rematch of the 2022 Indian Wells final with Iga Swiatek after defeating Coco Gauff 6-4 6-7(5) 6-2.
The Greek had match points in the second set and had to overcome a rain delay in order to progress in California.
Despite a late comeback from Gauff in the second set, Sakkari was too strong as she reached her second Indian Wells final.
Speaking after he match Sakkari admitted she is proud of herself for holding her nerve and spoke about the key to victory, “I knew from the beginning it was going to be very tough,” Sakkari told the WTA website.
“You know, a lot of things happened today. Rain delays, obviously, that second set could have been different. But I was thinking of that finish line too much, and then I was just thinking too much on how to close out the match.
“That didn’t really help me. It freaked me out a little bit. I was too nervous. But, you know, I’m very proud of myself that I kept my nerves, and then I just fought hard in that third set.”
It’s been a rollercoaster season for Sakkari so far who departed from long-time coach Tom Hill and hiring former coach of Jessica Pegula, David Witt to her team.
However the new partnership seems to be working well as Sakkari is into her second Indian Wells final overcoming some tough tests on the way.
Adding perspective to her achievement, Sakkari spoke about the challenges of this season and how results can change quickly in the sport, “We always say in tennis one day can change everything, but a month ago I was in Abu Dhabi, I couldn’t hit a ball over the net, and now I’m just here in one of the biggest tournaments playing another final,” Sakkari explained.
“Those are lessons and those are things that you have to just accept the more you’re on the tour that you’re going to have some bad times, and then things can really change in a week.”
This week is a landmark week for Sakkari who has won five consecutive matches for the first time since Guadalajara last October where she won the title.
The next challenge for Sakkari will be world number one Iga Swiatek in a repeat of the 2022 Indian Wells final which Swiatek won.
