WTA Abu Dhabi: Sakkari knocks out Kenin, Sabalenka continues, Svitolina
Maria Sakkari put in another strong match at the WTA tournament in Abu Dhabi and defeated the top seed Sofia Kenin.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 11, 2021, 04:43 pm
In the end, Sakkari turned the match confidently, winning 2: 6, 6: 2, 6: 0 over the reigning Australian Open winner. The Greek had already presented herself in strong form at her games , when she won against Cori Gauff and Garbine Muguruza.
A secret from Sakkari in 2021? The new "controlled power", as she explained after the match. "I have a lot of power and now use it well. I couldn't control it until last year, I had to slow down because I played too hard and therefore played a lot. I've now found a new way, my right pace. "
Sabalenka now with 13 wins in a row
In the semifinals, Sakkari meets Aryna Sabalenka, who previously won against Elena Rybakina and has expanded her winning streak of 13 matches without defeat (from the previous year). In the end it was 6: 4, 4: 6, 6: 3 for the Belarusian, who was satisfied and knew that she had to arm herself for the fast blows of her opponent. And wanted to wait for a little break-in. "If she plays well I have to do something, show her that I will fight no matter what. And give her one more ball to hit."
Next surprise: Kudermetova takes Svitolina out
Veronika Kudermetova and Marta Kostyuk contest the second semi-final. Kudermetova, world number 46, surprisingly won the last game of the day against the two seeded Elina Svitolina with 5: 7, 6: 3 and 7: 6 (3), Kostyuk had against Sara Sorribes Tormo after a false start with 0: 6 , 6: 1, 6: 4 won.
Laura Siegemund is also doing well in doubles: with partner Vera Zvonareva, with whom Siegemund won the US Open 2020, she won over Jennifer Brady and Garbine Muguruza with 6: 7 (7), 6: 1, 10: 8 and is also standing in the semifinals.