Guadalajara open: Sakkari books WTA Finals spot

Fourth seed Maria Sakkari overcame Veronika Kudermetova 6-1 5-7 6-4 to reach the Guadalajara Open semifinals to earn the eighth and final spot at the year-ending WTA Finals. Sakkari saved 14 of 15 break points on the night to outclass her determined opponent and will join Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Caroline […]

Fourth seed Maria Sakkari overcame Veronika Kudermetova 6-1 5-7 6-4 to reach the Guadalajara Open semifinals to earn the eighth and final spot at the year-ending WTA Finals.

Sakkari saved 14 of 15 break points on the night to outclass her determined opponent and will join Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Caroline Garcia, Aryna Sabalenka and Daria Kasatkina at the season finale.

“Without fire you cannot win these matches,” said Sakkari, whose victory denied her opponent a debut singles appearance at the tournament.

The WTA Finals, featuring the world’s top eight singles players and doubles teams, will start in Fort Worth, Texas on October 31.