Dubai: In an epic encounter lasting over three hours, Czech Barbora Krejcikova; eventually saw off Greece’s Maria Sakkari 7-5 4-6 9-7 to set up a final clash against; Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Saturday.
Also, long hail as a doubles specialist having won two Grand Slam titles in doubles with Katerina Siniakova – the French Open and Wimbledon in 2018 – she now advances to her first Grand Slam final.
Sakkari – who ends defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek’s 11-match winning streak at Roland Garros; in the quarterfinals – was a wild-eye, winning one moment and self-destructing the next.
During the tense third set, the smart money was on Czech Barbora Krejcikova who could sense Sakkari was frustrated. She was happy to bide her time in an increasingly long rallies.
he 17th seed Greek was also left frustrated with a fan repeatedly shouting out at her midway through the crucial second set. “Someone is screaming at me!” she protested to the umpire as she failed to hold her nerve.
In a highly unpredictable match full of twists and turns, 25-year-old Krejcikova was second best for much of the contest but somehow came through what turned into a Roland Garros classic.
After failing to convert her match point in the ninth game of the decider, Greek 17th seed Sakkari lost her nerve and failed to serve out for a place in the final.
That allowed Krejcikova, who had not played at her best level previously, to regain her composure in the decisive moments.
Czech Barbora becomes the new gem among tennis stars.
Beats Greece’s Maria Sakkari to set up clash against Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.