WTA Finals line-up complete after Maria Sakkari Veronika Kudermetova thriller

Maria Sakkari has qualified for the WTA Finals for a second consecutive year after defeating Veronika Kudermetova to reach the semi-finals in Guadalajara. 

The Greek star came through 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 and make it to the last four at the WTA 1000 event. Sakkari is now into her second WTA 1000 semi-final of the season after reaching the final of Indian Wells in March. The match with Kudermetova was a straight play-off for the last remaining spot at the WTA Finals in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Without fire you cannot win these matches,” she said as the victory sank in. “Without heart, without courage, without just going for it and being brave.

“My heart and my fighting spirit. These are the two things that I’m most proud about. My tennis is there. Everyone here plays good. It’s not like someone plays better. It’s just who is a little bit more catching the big moments. I felt like today I just went for it.”

 

 

Sakkari joins Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, Jessica Pegula, Coco Gauff, Caroline Garcia, Aryna Sabalenka and Daria Kasatkina in the WTA Finals singles draw beginning 31st October.

Before that she will take on Marie Bouzkova for a place in the championship match in Guadalajara. No doubt the Mexican crowd will buoy the Greek to perform her best as she aims for a fourth final of her season.

“You guys make me feel like a superstar,” she added addressing the gathered fans. “As I told you I want to stay here until Sunday and just celebrate with you guys as much as I can.”

Whilst Kudermetova did not make it to Texas in singles, she will compete there in doubles alongside partner Elise Mertens.

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