Porsche Tennis Grand Prix: Laura Siegemund in the quarterfinals - opponent Sakkari has to give up
Laura Siegemund (WTA No. 231) reached the quarterfinals at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 2022. After winning the first set, she benefited from the surrender of her opponent Maria Sakkari.
by Florian Goosman from Stuttgart
last edit: Apr 21, 2022, 07:13 pm
Siegemund led 6: 4 and 3: 1 when Maria Sakkari gave the sign: It's no longer possible. It became clear how much the Greek felt her task when she left the Porsche Arena on the verge of tears to the applause of the Stuttgart spectators.
By then, Siegemund had played strongly again and continued their great first appearance on Wednesday evening. The first indication that Sakkari, currently fourth in the world rankings, was ailing was only during the break when she asked about the physio and a doctor. Siegemund also explained in the on-court interview that he only noticed here that Sakkari had been struck. "It's a shame because I thought it was a good match," said Siegemund.
Siegemund: "Like yesterday played very focused"
The winner from 2017 is currently on a comeback path, once again. Last summer she had to undergo another operation on her left knee, probably also a result of her serious injury in 2017, which probably also entailed a longer rehabilitation phase.
Siegemund is in the main draw at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix thanks to a wildcard, and she has once again justified it.
"Like yesterday, I played very focused and knew I had to step it up against them," explained Siegemund. Of course it was stupid that the victory came about like this, but Siegemund also admitted that he was happy to advance.
Especially since the round of the last eight does not have to be the end for the 34-year-old: Here she meets Liudmila Samsonova, currently number 31 in the world.