Kontaveit battles past Sakkari to reach final in Guadalajara

The final of the WTA Finals has been set, with Anett Kontaveit putting on a stunning performance to defeat Maria Sakkari and reach the last stage in Guadalajara.

Kontaveit prevailed in a 6-1 3-6 6-3 victory on Tuesday night, overcoming a resilient comeback from Sakkari to advance after two hours. The Estonian raced through the opening set without facing a break point, capitalizing on her opponent's weak second serve to claim the first set.

However, Sakkari's weakness turned into her weapon in the second, as she hit six aces and saved all three break points faced. Furthermore, her confident play enabled her to break the World No.8, forcing the match to a decider.

The final set saw both ladies trade breaks to level the score at 3-3, before Sakkari finally faltered and allowed her opponent to dictate play, gifting her the crucial break. With her fortune in her hands, Kontaveit never looked back as she served out the match to book her spot in the final.

This victory saw the Estonian No.1 notch her 48th victory this season, which leads all players on tour. Kontaveit will face two-time Grand Slam champion Garbine Muguruza in the final, with both ladies vying for their first year-ending championship.